“G” Scale Shunting Puzzle (photos appear below the article)

In October 2015, Irene was increasingly unable to undertake her numerous hobbies, many of which we had happily shared over the years.

Could we start something new together? Recollections from the past emerged. Years ago, we had built a model railway. Let's have a go at building another! But this time, Irene suggested we build to a particular design - based on something we had seen at an exhibition and which had left a great impression on her.

Some years earlier we had attended a Model Railway show in Torrington where we spent most of the time shunting wagons on a “G” scale layout. The challenge was to get the wagons into a particular order. No lifting of the the tracks!

We decided we would attempt to replicate that self same layout . Fortunately, we were able to contact the couple whose layout we had enjoyed at the Torrington show. They offered to bring their layout to a show not far from us in Launceston to help us get started. etc.

In early December we went to Launceston and met Diana and Alan who really helped us. Returning home that afternoon, Irene immediately started searching the Internet for Thomas the Tank engine sets. Within a week we had a wood base measuring 3.5 metres long and 1 metre wide made up and sitting on top of our dining table in our conservatory.

Our two daughters and son joined in. Track was then laid down and platforms made to fit. By Christmas Eve the layout was fully operational.

Of course there are always more items to add or improve. The layout became a wonderful lasting legacy, especially enjoyed by Irene’s youngest grandson.

In 2017 when selling our house, storing the layout became a real issue until I had the idea of fitting it into a caravan. The idea worked. For for 12 months the caravan and the shunting yard sat happily on a farm in Okehampton whilst I awaited the appropriate moment to move the caravan to my next home. Eventually I ended up residing in Camborne with the caravan in the front garden of my new bungalow home.

In 2018 someone drove into the garden - smashing my car, severely damaging the caravan and tearing up the garden . Since then it has taken several months to find a replacement caravan and convert it in order to re-install the layout.

Hopefully, this entertaining and challenging G scale shunting yard will be on show at The next Hornby Railway Collectors Association (Cornwall Group ) show at Heartlands in February 2020. I'm sure it will provide as much fun and pleasure as it has done for my family!

Hugh Brading (June 2019)

FOR FULL COLLECTION OF PICTURES PLEASE CLICK HERE