Grange Lane 7mm O
Size; 16’ x 2’
Scale; O
Gauge; 32mm
Control; DCC
Genre; 1970’s run down freight depot in the Sheffield area
Description;
As with all the layouts we have built, Grange Lane’s concept started with the purchase of a particular locomotive – in this case a Dapol 08. Having previously built small/microlayouts, the challenge was to see what we could fit into a ‘compact’ O gaugelayout. Obviously main line trains are out of the question, so we have come up with the concept of a small yard on the edge of an industrial area, served by trip freights from the nearby marshalling yard. The track plan is based on the well documented principle of an ‘Inglenook’ but with the addition of a station platform and run-round loop for operation interest.
The scene presented is of a yard in the 1970’s that is nearing the end of its useful life, the weeds are taking over, but traffic is still handled for the large engineering works that forms the backdrop. The semi-disused station platform still handles a small amount of smaller consignments from nearby industry and the remains of a passenger service, but this too is shortly to disappear and the former through route it sits on will close.
Trackwork is hand built from C&L components apart from the Peco double-slip in the centre which is a great space saver. The large factory complex along the rear is made from components from the Skytrex range. All locos are DCC sound fitted, and driven by a Merg DCC system. O gauge is receiving much more trade support, but most of the small goods stock are Parkside/Slaters kits, and are heavily weathered to suit their role. Some even have and have real rust!