A tour of the hypothetical line

It is assumed that the main terminus of the line would be situated alongside the original mainline goods yard for Beeston Station on the Chester to Crewe Railway. The goods yard has long since disappeared and is now used for storage by a reclamation company. In addition to a small passenger station, there would be interchange goods sidings and a siding for transferring the ore from the tipper wagons to mainline trucks.

The site of Beeston Market Station (the former goods yard for the mainline station)
Note Beeston Castle and deer in background

The line then runs parallel to the mainline for a short distance before swinging away to the northwest under the shadow of Beeston Castle.

A view of the line from Beeston Castle (the crag)

 An aerial view showing the route of the railway through the village of Beeston

After about a mile comes Beeston Castle station, a short walk from the entrance to the castle.

The site of Beeston Castle Station viewed from the road leading to the castle

Crossing the road in the village the line runs parallel to the road from Beeston to Peckforton at the base of the Peckforton Hills.

A view of the line between Beeston Castle and Peckforton from Beeston Castle

Just outside Beeston by Willis's Wood

About half-way between Beeston and Peckforton (Peckforton Castle Gatehouse in the middle distance)

Shortly before entering Peckforton. The River Gowy running parallel to the railway

Peckforton Halt. The River Gowy runs at the foot of the 'valley'

Peckforton village is picture postcard fodder and would only warrant a halt.

The centre of Peckforton village

The Old Smithy

Peckforton cottage

The Mighty River Gowy!

The line then passes through pasture land (noted in the past for its production of high quality Cheshire cheese) before arriving at Bulkeley (pronounced locally as Bewklee).

Bulkeley station location

The station is situated near to Bulkeley Mill, which, according the the hypothetical history of the area, was converted to a steam-powered timber mill to process the timber grown on the Peckforton estate.

The line passing through the village of Bulkeley

Cutting through the village, the line crosses the A554 and passes behind the Red Lion (now renamed the Bickerton Poacher). The line originally terminated at the copper mines but local pressure succeeded in an extension being laid through to Bickerton village. Between Bulkeley and Bickerton the line divides, with a branch to the copper mines.

The line between Bulkeley and Bickerton, with the branch to the copper mine

Rising up to Gallantry Bank with another view of the copper mine branch
(the remains of the chimney for the pumping engine can be seen in the distance)

The line to Bickerton climbs up over Gallantry Bank (formerly known as Gallows Tree Bank) before descending into Bickerton station, the terminus for the line.

View of the line from the Sandstone Trail

The site of Bickerton station

How will the garden line be developed?

Having decided on the prototype, the next stage was to work out how the existing garden railway could be adapted to represent it. The model, in its present form, is a circuit with a through station and a spur to a terminus station (and storage sidings). The hypothetical prototype would, of course, be end-to-end with two termini (Beeston Market and Bickerton) and three intermediate stations (Beeston Castle, Peckforton and Bulkeley). So, back to the drawing board to see how much of the line could be represented, and how.

The last thing I wanted to do was drastically remodel the garden so my only option was to see if the existing layout could be adapted. It had always been my intention to run an extension down the left boundary, so this would provide an opportunity to add another terminus. As can be seen from the plan, by using the reverse loop link it is possible to run from one terminus to the other. The next decision was which terminus would be which.

I figured that by making the new terminus Beeston Market, I could create a new intermediate station to represent Beeston Castle (with space behind for a model of the castle) and a small halt for Peckforton. It would have been possible to add a short siding after Bulkeley station to link to the copper mine but I decided that by positioning the mine sidings near to Beeston Market station I could run loaded ore wagons in one direction and empties in the opposite direction.

So, following the track plan, a train would leave Beeston Market station and would pass by the copper mine as if it does not exist. It would then progress to Beeston Castle station and thence to Peckforton. Running beside nascent River Gowy (in reality little more than a brook), it ignores the spur to Bickerton before taking the reverse loop link. Just before entering Bulkeley station the line back towards Beeston Market could be taken to access the copper mine. From Bulkeley, normal passenger and goods trains would progress on to the terminus at Bickerton.

Copper ore trains would start from the mine and traverse the line. taking the loop link to return via Peckforton and Beeston Castle to Beeston Market. Where they would reverse on to the siding supposedly to offload to standard gauge wagons. In actuality, the wagons would be shunted back to the mine and exchanged for empties, thus leaving the loaded wagons for collection by the next mine train.
I've accumulated quite a few LGB tipplers to represent the two trains - one full, one empty. cosmetically, they will have to look identical apart from one being full and the other empty - and also be symmetrical as they will keep having to be reversed. I did investigate Bachmann "V" tipplers but have decided I prefer the "L" tipplers as these seem more in keeping with the rustic nature of the line. At present I have sufficient wagons for one (empty) train, just now need to match these for the other (loaded) train.

Progress Report 12 - The line gains an identity

Ever since its inception, the line has had no real identity. This weekend, after some deliberation and a little inspiration, the Peckforton Railway has been born.

It has been assumed that the copper mining industry which was located in the area became more lucrative, creating the need for the transportation of ore. In addition, the rise of the tourist trade seeking the health giving spa waters from the Peckforton Hills and visiting Beeston Castle led to the establishment of the railway. It was never highly profitable, but survived largely because it did not cost a great deal to build, its running costs were minimal, and the local landowners found it convenient to take them to the races.

The principal station for the Peckforton Railway is at Beeston Market beside the Chester and Crewe mainline Railway.

Beeston Castle and Tarporley mainline station.
Renamed Beeston Market & Tarporley on the opening of the Peckforton Railway

Interchange sidings are provided for transferring the copper ore and other goods. Now disused, a further siding ran to the canal.

After running beside the mainline for a short distance, the Peckforton Railway veers off towards Beeston Castle with a steady fradient to Beeston Castle station under the shadow of the castle itself and within easy walking distance of the village. A single goods siding is provided for local goods.

After crossing Peckforton Road via a level crossing, the railway runs parallel to the road. Passing beside Peckforton Mere and the entrance to Peckforton Castle, the line reaches the village of Peckforton where there is a halt.

The line continues through a cutting before a short branch runs off towards Peckforton Gap, originally to serve a non productive copper mine shaft, but later adopted by the Staffordshire Potteries Water Board to support the building and later maintenance of their reservoir and pumping station.

The railway then reaches Bulkeley station, where there are two sidings, one serving the local mill. Built originally as a corn mill, it was later converted to a timber mill, powered by steam and ultimately by electricity.

After crossing the A534 Wrexham Road, a further branch runs off to the copper mine complex and ore crushing plant. Fortunately, with the rising price of copper and the discovery of a series of rich seams in the area, the industry has survived to the present day, albeit as a low key industry.

The derelict copper mine at Bulkeley (in reality, the rich seam was not discovered)

The line continues through a further cutting to the terminus of the line at Bickerton Station where there a two goods sidings and a loop serve the local communities of Bickerton, Brown Knowl and Harthill. The local production of cheese still provides some regular traffic as does the tourism for those wishing to walk the Sandstone Trail and visit the maiden castle.

The model as it exists represents part of the line. The terminus station is a slightly cut-down model of the station at Beeston Market. The existing through station will be Beeston Castle. A new station will be built to represent Bulkeley and a branch will be added leading to the terminus of Bickerton.

See also A Tour of the Hypothetical Line

At first, a route was planned from the copper mine to Malpas Station, in the opposite direction.

However, the local landowners were keen for the line to run past their estates and the company realised that a connection to the mainline and a station beside Beeston Castle would attract tourist traffic.

For interest, here's a picture of cheese trains being loaded at Broxton Station

These two pictures 'borrowed' with thanks from Disused-Stations.org.uk

<< Go to Progress Report 11

Go to Progress Report 13 >>

Progress Report 11 - Spring has sprung!

Very little was done in the garden over the winter, though three more open wagons (see How I made the second batch of wagons) and a locomotive kit (see How I made the Peckett Locomotive) were constructed during the Christmas break. They were finished off during the Easter holidays. This brings the complement of goods stock to 4 open wagons, 2 vans (1 LGB, 1 Accucraft), 1 flat wagon (LGB) and a guard's van.

I also purchased another Bachmann bogie coach so I now have a matching pair, together with a Bachman baggage car. The intention is to convert these (one day) into coaches which more closely resemble British counterparts - such the the Pickering coaches of the Welshpool and Llanfair or maybe the balconied stock from the Cavan & Leitrim. But for now, imagination will suffice!

[Update February 2015 - these coaches (plus one more) were eventually bashed into a rake of coaches resembling those which ran on the Leek & Manifold Railway - see How I bashed some Bachmann Jackson Sharp coaches into Leek & Manifold coaches]

During the Easter vacation, a couple of days were spent re-taming the garden, cutting back the more vigorous plants and trimming back some of the undergrowth. I also took the opportunity to shape a couple of the lonicera bushes into more realistic tree-like shapes.


The tracks were cleaned and an operating session was held, to check the new stock and to see if anything had become damaged or dislodged over the winter. A couple more heathers, a dwarf conifer and a dwarf peris were planted.

The stream sump was cleaned out and refilled with fresh water. I disturbed a young frog who has taken up residence. No idea where they come from as, to my knowledge, there are no gardens nearby with ponds - but each year I find frogs and toads in the garden.

I've begun to realise that I need more storage. I already have more stock than space so at some point I will have to construct some shelving above the sidings to hold the spare stock.

 << Go to Progress Report 10

Go to Progress Report 12 >>

How I made the Peckett locomotive

The locomotive was made from a kit purchased from Garden Railway Specialists (GRS). The kit contains all the parts needed apart from the chassis which is needs to be pillaged from an 0-4-0 LGB starter set loco such as 'Rusty'. My 'Rusty' was purchased for £30.00 from eBay.

A fine cross-head screwdriver is needed to dismantle 'Rusty' until the chassis is revealed.
The instructions for the model are sketchy, particularly when it comes to the fine detailing of the cab controls. The whitemetal parts are beautifully finished, however, and needed only a minimum of filing to remove the flash.


The whitemetal parts were fixed in place with Rapid Araldite - which sets in ten minutes. There was a certain logic to the positioning of the controls, though I did try searching the internet for photos - none of which were particularly helpful in the end. My apologies to experts who may spot I have misplaced a dial or handle.

Once the cab was completed, I tackled the footplate and buffer beams. This fitted snugly over the chassis with very little adjustment needed. The styrene sheet was bonded with MekPak solvent adhesive.
Next, I tackled the saddle tank assembly. This is pre-formed and required very little adjustment to fit into place.

The saddle tank assembly was then attached to the footplate, making sure there was sufficient space for the cab to be added. Before the cab was constructed, I added lead to the saddle tank/boiler assembly. A piece of lead flashing was cut into suitably sized pieces to fit into the tank. On reflection, I would also have added lead to the firebox in the cab as the loco is now slightly front-heavy - the benefit of hindsight!


Finally the cab interior and cab were added, together with the whitemetal fittings such as the handrail knobs, spectacle surrounds, springs, sandboxes, chimney, etc.. Again, Araldite Rapid was used, though I had a few problems fixing the springs in place so Super Glue was used for this. The guard from the LGB starter-set was butchered slightly (I cut off his paddle) and glued in place as the driver. I may have to buy a fireman to keep him company, though.
A few gaps and blunders were filled with Milliput and then the whole model was smoothed over with fine wet and dry to remove any unwanted blobs of Araldite and disguise a few imperfections (mine, not the kit's).

Painting
Before paining, rivet detail was added to the buffer beams using Cambrian rivet heads carefully glued in place with solvent adhesive.

Firstly, the cab orifices were masking-taped over from the inside. I realised that I needed to remove the cab roof to achieve this so prised it off (I'd suggest making it removeable from the start). A couple of coats of Plasticote grey primer from a spray-can was followed by a a couple of thin coats of Brunswick Green acrylic spray from Humbrol. It may be me, but I found it very difficult to get an even finish with the Humbrol spray. The roof was spray painted black (much easier being removeable). The buffer beams were picked out in red Plasticote enamel. I tried Humbrol enamel initially but this took ages to dry. Plasticote brass paint was used for the fittings such as the spectacle surrounds and the top of the chimney.



I'm not entirely happy with the finish and so may have another go at it when the weather warms up a little (I'm banished to the conservatory and leave the doors open when spraying. The family (cat included) does not like the smell!). I will then do a little light weathering and seal it all with a couple of coats of satin varnish.

Just noticed that the cab steps need to be glued back in place. These were knocked off by the abutments of the viaduct - which needs to be tidied up anyway - another job for next Spring!

UPDATE: 

• Painting and lining
• Fitting a decoder
• Converting to battery power and radio control
  

How did I make the second batch of open wagons?

The basis for the wagon is the Hartland Locomotive Works flat wagon. These are bought in kit form and can be picked up for as little as £8.00 from garden railway fairs. The solebars (ie the chassis sides) and axle boxes simply click into place. The wheels and axles are a push-fit and the LGB style couplings are attached with self-tapping screws. A five minute job.

Sometimes, I have found that the solebars (ie the sides of the chassis) are slightly over-long and warp the wagon floor. This can be remedied by removing and filing a little off each end of each solebar before refitting them.

Now I have made a few wagons, I have found it easier to construct the chassis after the wagon body has been completed. This makes painting a lot less fiddly.

To turn the kit into an open wagon which has a passing resemblance to those found on the Southwold or Welshpool and Llanfair, two sides and two ends are cut from plasticard styrene sheet. I tend to use 40 thou (1mm), but for greater realism 60 thou (1.5 mm) would be better. The sides are 140mm x 30mm and the ends are 85mm x 30mm. Planks are scribed at 10mm intervals and I then scratch the surface with the blade of the craft knife to give a distressed wood grain effect. The example in the photos has curved ends (as found on the Southwold Railway). This was achieved by positioning the lid of a coffee jar strategically and drawing round it.

For detailing the wagon, a pack of open wagon strapping is needed (Part SG1123 - £3.85 from Garden Railway Specialists - http://www.grsuk.com/index.asp?docs/90.asp ).

Construction

Firstly, I attached the ends, using liquid styrene solvent such as MekPak. The sides are put into position and a paintbrush dipped in the solvent is run along the joint. Within a few seconds the joint is bonded.

Next, the sides are fixed in place. As in the prototype, these overlap the ends.

The strapping is then cut and filed. The packs contain only four hinges and so another two need to be made from other bits of strapping. The hinges are cut to 30mm, the side strapping (4 pieces) are 25mm and the end angle irons are 40mm. Two small pieces of strapping (7mm) are needed for the door catches.

In addition, two 140mm x 5mm pieces of 40 thou (1mm) styrene cut to be added to the sides of the chassis below the wagon sides for the base of the hinges.

The strapping is attached to the sides using solvent, as shown below.

Similarly, the angle irons are added to the end of the wagon.

Painting
As indicated above, I have since found it easier to paint the wagons before the solebars and couplings are attached. A spray of grey primer is sufficient for the base-coat. The strapping is then picked out in black acrylic and then comes the detailing and weathering.
Detailing
Coal wagons
Real coal was crushed to a suitable size and glued with PVA on to a sheet of balsa mounted on blocks to give the appearance of a loaded wagon.

Timber load
Strips of balsa were cut and stuck together with PVA, then tied down into the wagon with thread.
Tarpaulin cover
A piece of old bedsheet was cut to size and painted with a thin wash of acrylic paint, then hemmed and folded into position, with threads attached.