Small Gauge, big on atmosphere

[LesTindall]

When you are working in the narrower gauges, there is still so much opportunity for an atmospheric diorama.  Take the attached photo - the well known Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway on the south coast in the UK (15" gauge).

Les Tindall

[finescalerr]

The vast majority of hobbyists simply finds industrial lines of absolutely no interest yet, as your photo shows, they are among the most wonderful of all. -- Russ

[Lawton Maner]

Russ:
     Having ridden the R,H, & D I can testify that it is anything but an "industrial line". The 15" gauge line was built nearly a century ago to mainline standards and prior to WWII was double tracked from end to end.  It still operates a daily timetable service along its entire route.  To best appreciate the line it should be visited during its steam extravaganza weekend when the entire stable of 1/3 size steam locomotives is fired up and service is running on 15 minute intervals along the line.

     At one time the RR had a contract to carry the Royal Mail and to this day still carries commuters, school children, shoppers, and people traveling to their sea side weekend retreats.

     During WWII there was an armored train which had a confirmed kill of a German fighter plane.

[finescalerr]

I didn't realize the photo was of that line. My recollection is that the right-of-way looks like a Class 1 railroad (except for gauge) so the rust rails and very wide tie spacing along with the boat and shack made me think I was looking at a very different railroad. Thanks for pointing that out. -- Russ

[LesTindall]

The section in the photo is at Dungeness and not part of the regular running track. This part used to be used for moving fishing equipment and other bits around, usually with hand propelled wagons.  Most of it is now derelict. The whole area is full of atmosphere with wooden shacks and rusty winches dominated by a lighthouse and nuclear power station!   (Has anyone ever modelled a nuclear power station!)

Les

[Hauk]

(Has anyone ever modelled a nuclear power station!)

Yes: https://www.custommodelrailroads.com/cmr-train-power-plant.html

[LesTindall]

Well there we go, there is a model for everything!

Les