Portable Layout - 32mm/45mm
Custodian - Ian Armstrong
The portable layout was built by five members (joint owners) of the ER & W group in 2006 as a test track to demonstrate 16mm/ft live steam at local public events to generate interest in the newly formed local group. The following year we managed to secure an invitation to exhibit at the local Hull MRS annual show, here is a photo of us enjoying ourselves:
After the show the layout was extended by 4 feet to the length and in 2008 exhibited at "The Country Day" charity event in aid of "the Friends of Martin House". After this the layout was dismantled and parts put into storage in separate locations. There it remained whilst the search for better storage and erection facilities were sought. Late in 2010 storage was obtained at Burstwick village hall by Ian, the pieces were all re-united, and were left over the winter.
An invitation to exhibit again for "The Country Day" in September 2011 was received. We confirmed the intention to run and organised a session to erect the track boards and see if it still went together, and loco's run round without coming to grief. Success - we had a complete working layout again.
We have held some maintenance sessions to add ballasting and a little scenery in the yard area, ready for the charity event in September at Swanland. Some scenery and buildings are still required, all removable of course, to increase the visual impact of the layout. Later in the year, during the winter months we intend to offer 2 or 3 private running sessions to the ER & W members who would like attend. We will have to hire the hall so a small charge per person will have to be levied, however there is rather a nice pub a short stroll down the road with which we can avail ourselves of the catering facilities.
The charity event held on 24th September at Swanland Village Hall went very well and the layout attracted quite an audience. I had to wait until later in the afternoon when the crush thinned out to be able to get some photos. The extra boards inserted last year has improved the working area to allow 4 or 5 operators to work together.
The yard area has been used for scenic experimentation, and Alan kindly loaned his stationbuilding for the platform.
Plenty of loco and stock storage for viewing.
Even as most stalls were packing up we still got an audience, and I managed to get a long shot of the yard area.
