We have three model layouts, two indoors and an outdoor garden layout.
Indoor layouts are located through our cafe coach, just follow the signs.
Our 00 gauge layout features one analogue running line and two DCC lines. There is a variety of locomotives, coaches and rolling stock from several eras.
KR models double decker running on our DCC line.
(Copyright Kevin Smith)
For a while a full size double decker was resident at NIRT. 13004 seen here en route to Kent to the Bulleid 4DD group where 13004 will join 13003.
(Copyright NIRT)
Our 0 gauge layout was purchased by one of our members after being seen offered for sale at one of the autumn Winchester O-Gauge American and Continental Shows. The history of the layout is interesting in that it had been exhibited before as a an “Add-On” to the French “Allo ‘Allo” layout which had a circular footprint.
In its current form there are 4 boards, and it is a transportable layout.
The first board is the station end, complete with a small turntable.
The next board has all the point work, with some rather tight curves .
The next board is a rather attractive scenic section.
The last board consists of a sector plate and small manual turntable.
The layout is constrained to operating only 4 wheel or short wheelbase 6 wheel locos.
Points are mechanically operated from a lever frame and microswitches provide live frog switching.
The layout has been used in a shunting puzzle mode. All locos and wagons are allocated cards or numbers which are then shuffled/jumbled. The operator is left head-scratching to arrange the rolling stock into its required positions defined by the cards. (Tetris by rail?!).
Our outside garden layout is located near the cafe in the garden and play area. Our Garden Railway section is run by a friendly group of mostly retired railway enthusiasts, together with a handful of younger members – including some college students – who bring fresh energy and ideas to the team. The outdoor layout (often called our “Garden Tabletop” track) operates as a battery-powered “dead rail” system. Locomotives are controlled by rechargeable internal batteries and radio control – there are no plans to introduce overhead electrification in the future.
(Copyright Dave Jones)
We run a delightful mix of scales and gauges to suit different tastes among the group:
– G Scale (1:22.5) on 45 mm gauge track (originally planned around LGB / Lehmann-Gross-Bahn standards)
– 16 mm scale narrow-gauge models on 32 mm gauge track
– O Gauge (1:43.5 scale)
– Gauge 1 fine-scale models on 45 mm gauge track (1:32 scale)
Some of our locomotives are ready-to-run commercial models, while others have been carefully modified or detailed by our talented team members. Weather permitting, the Garden Railway is in operation and open for viewing whenever our main standard-gauge ironstone locomotives are running for public passenger services. Come along, enjoy the sight of these charming little trains winding through the garden, and chat with the team if you’d like to know more! Feel free to drop by during one of our open days – it’s a great spot to relax and watch the trains go by.