The New Dorchester Railway.

Well I have finally achieved the reopening of the Dorchester Railway, a railway that is known locally as the switchback railway because it goes through so many changes. However this last change was forced on me (honestly) because of the chief planning officer’s plan to extend the house.

Earlier rambles have described some of the trials and tribulations of this drastic rebuild of the Dorchester Line. But I have picked up some inspiration from the forum and the shows. Although when I have seen some of the fantastic modelling that some people can achieve my heart sank.

I would be totally lost without superglue and no more nails. Even then I end up sticking myself to the model. But the fun is in the attempt and satisfaction when it  succeeds. Total despair is when it fails and ends up in the bin. However I usually retrieve it the next day and have another go. It is amazing what twenty four hours and a commiserating cuddle from the wife can do. That is until she finds out what that heap in the bin cost.

As the final piece of railway’s jigsaw slots into place I can at last see my idea come alive. To see the Carodoc steam across the new bridge brings a tear to my eye as the Dorchester line is  now truly open. The bridge was custom made by “Bridge that Gap”.

This line is a much simpler design than its predecessor and in theory should mean that all the railway will be used. Although I have dropped from three independent circuits to two.

I have to admit to some pretty steep gradients this time round but as I tend to run short trains this has not been a problem. The outer circuit is more level and  has changed to radius five so  I needed a large engine to set it off and run a full rake of carriages. Needless to say guess who came up with an offer I could not refuse. “The boss”  himself. I only hope the engine is better than the cars he has offloaded onto me.

I have included a couple of pictures in this ramble, just to show off my computer skills. I hope to have some video footage to include in the G Scale Mad DVD if my camera crew gets on with the job. A new  web page is also on the cards. That is a bit beyond me!

There is still along way to go and now that the basic layout seem to work I can add more of the bits and bobs  I have purchased this year and before that are  all waiting to painted and completed. I cannot use the excuse of waiting for a rainy day following the last few weeks.

I must say that this hobby has meant that I have met some great characters and friendly people all sharing a common aim to build a railway but then all producing such a great diversity of ideas and models. I have seen large railways, small ones, American, European, ground level and raised. Each one being the pride and joy of its builder  and they have invited fellow enthusiasts into their homes and  gardens and made everyone welcome. What other pastime gives so much pleasure and fun. I have enjoyed the road I started on years ago with a starter set from GRS in Princes Risborough,  the help and advice  from fellow enthusiasts, one in particular now sadly missed, and my son who never fails to encourage me to spend my money.

Finally a salute  to all those good ladies who turn a blind eye to our reckless spending, try to look adoringly at our latest purchase, and think we are only “playing trains”. But who always come up trumps on open days with the teas and refreshments and treat us all as long lost friends. Thank you.

Hopefully now I can begin to bring my attention to all those little jobs that need doing. Now where did I put the plans for the house extension?

Rambling Roger - July 2007.