Loch Syd, 4mm/OO
Loch Syd Originally started life out as a test bench for the NCE DCC system that I bought. The aim was to help us practice and learn from the system for a larger project, But Loch Syd grew as things tend to into a small layout with scenery etc.
The baseboards are laser cut modular baseboards from Grainge & Hodder Ltd which proved easy to put together following the instructions provided and more than made up for my joinery skills. The track work is PECO code 100 flexi track. We originally used the point blades for electric connection but this was on reliable and we have since fitted Tortoise point motors which has resulted in much better reliability and ease of operation.
The rolling stock is mixture of ready to run (mostly Bachmann) and some kits (Parkside Dundas) with all locomotive fitted with DCC sound chips. They say that a layout is never finished. We have just fitted new LED lights to assist in presentation of the layout and future plans that already include getting stock for different era’s….Pre-grouping steam, British rail steam, 1970’s BR and post privatisation. So there is plenty to keep us busy.
The name of the layout is attributed to my faithful four-legged companion Sydney that accompanied me for many years to many railways and the inspiration for modelling Loch Syd comes from my childhood holidays and regular trips to the Highlands in Mk1 Corridor coaches pulled by class 27’s and 37’s to far flung places like Kyle of Lochalsh.
Loch Syd Represents a small out of the way station in the Western Highlands of Scotland and the period that we are modelling today is 1975-1990’s and mostly BR blue and grey. But the arrival of a Scottish rail class 68 to the layout fleet may stretch it beyond the 1990s!
Loch Syd is my first exhibition layout and please feel free to ask any questions about the layout. Remember model railways are fun!
