Brighton Model Railway Club
HIGHCOMBE
4 mm scale 00 gauge
4.7 m x 2.7 m
Page last modified 05 April 2006.
Highcombe is a multi-level island layout, still under construction, representing the last two stations on a moderately important but single-line branch. Although we are building it as a GWR branch in the 1930s, we expect a lot of through running from other companies as befits a club layout.
Constructed in 9mm ply to keep the weight down, most baseboards are of open design with the track bed laid on to supports. Folding trestles support the layout as a whole.
The layout is designed to keep at least five operators on their toes as it incorporates a "twig" off the branch to a coal mine, an industrial complex and even a narrow gauge line, as well as the two stations. The branch is heavily industrialised and could be in S&D territory or, perhaps, the Forest of Dean - we haven't finished the scenic side yet! Most buildings will be scratchbuilt to fit the era and site.
The layout owes much of its operating appeal (as well as viewing appeal) to the unique design of its fiddle yard. This is really a triple yard together with an exclusive loop line right round the layout, designed so that the viewer will never know what train is next coming out of what tunnel. Sometimes the operators don't know either!
Highcombe made its exhibition debut, in a part-finished condition, at the Club's exhibition in November 2000. Some pictures taken at the show can be found below.
Latest news:- Under construction at the moment is an extension to Highcombe which can be operated as a self contained layout. This will allow us to replace Highcombe at exhibitions as it is a very difficult layout to move. Further details of the extension can be found here Little Telsleigh.
Track plan
Click on the thumbnails to enlarge.
Picture of Highcombe in the early days.
The following photo's were taken this year and show the progress made over the last 2 years on the layout.
Dave and Bob "working" on the layout. The coal mine is in the foreground. Note the clock is wrong, needs new batteries again!
The hand of God rerails a train, shurely some mistake! The coal mine winding gear is in the foreground.
A freight train passes the Engine Shed and turntable.
Deep in the undercroft something lurks ( a Bachmann Crab).
Peters Wisdom and White plus Big Dave108 "at work"!
The following photos were taken at our 2003 exhibition.
Back to layout page.
Back to home page.