Bodiam & Camber Sands

EXHIBITION DETAILS

Scale: 7mm to 1 foot
Gauge: 32mm
Dimensions: 34 feet long 4 foot deep
Space required: 35 feet long
6 feet deep
Contact: BHMRC e-mail address as per HOME page

Travel Requires long w/b van.


LAYOUT DESCRIPTION

Based on the Kent & East Sussex Railway, once managed by Colonel HF Stephens, the layout includes a model of the real Bodiam Station. It has recently been extended to an imaginary terminus at Camber Sands, with a junction to an off-scene harbour and a new turntable to speed operations.

The main station layout closely represents Bodiam but the passing siding of the original has been converted into a loop to allow greater operational flexibility. The River Rother meanders in the foreground and is crossed by a rather flimsy bridge behind the loco shed. The new terminus board includes hidden storage sidings behind.

The era is the late 1950's, though considerable licence is exercised to allow a variety of rolling stock and locomotives to run. These range between Manning Wardle tank engines and early diesels with a Drewry railcar and various former Southern Railway and LMS locos also in evidence.

The layout operates an intensive service quite unlike the original. With the passing loop and goods yard, a two road loco shed based on Rolvenden, the terminus, two storage yards and some 20 feet of main line, up to four operators can be kept employed.
The 8 ft sections are built of plywood with the scenic shell itself contributing to the strength. As a result two people easily lift them. The trestle and bearer support system speeds the construction process at exhibitions and reduces the manpower needed. The hidden sidings include sector plates to save length.