During the restrictions associated with Covid19, Rotary Newton Aycliffe has continued to plan for future events though many will not actually be able to proceed. One of these has been the 2020 Model Railway Exhibition, cancelled in March. Our small team of enthusiasts have continued to develop their skills. This is the story of one of them, Rotarian Brian Winwood.
Christmas 2018 saw the birth of a new N Gauge layout based loosely on Darlington Station and the surrounding area. Brian told fellow enthusiast and Rotarian John Burrows, ‘the name of this was to be Dorlington, named after my great grandmother whose family, the Dorlings, were a Quaker family from Darlington. Initially the layout was to be 1600mm x 900mm allowing it to fit underneath a single bed when not in use. This quickly expanded and had to be split into two pieces each 1600mm x 900mm which can run independently or as one large layout. The second part was designed to show the rural past with a disused church and engine shed (complete with discarded class 31) showing how the countryside is being overrun with out of town shops and businesses’.
Brian explained that CAD (Computer Aided Design) played a big part in the design of the layout as combining this aspect with a 3D printer allowed reproduction of detailed sections of landscape and buildings that could be incorporated, adding to the realism. Shop fascias as well as landscape structures were accurately created for added realism. 3D printing was incorporated in many aspects including the creation of bespoke carriages as well as the construction of a replica 1959 underground train using a Kato 20m chassis.
Brian went on to say, ‘my favourite 3D produced items include Rocket which utilises a miniature powered chassis in the first carriage allowing the train to run on N Gauge and a monorail which was built from scratch on an elevated track, (as seen in one of the photos showing Rocket, the underground and the monorail). In addition to the layout, the 3D printing technology has been used to design and produce retail kits in 00 gauge, such as a replica Scottish station and a corrugated garage/shed. Both these items, when sold, have been raising funds for Rotary as well as the Highland Railway Society’.
Dorlington was due to be displayed at the Railway Exhibition at Newton Aycliffe Youth Centre which was unfortunately cancelled due to the pandemic. Concerns are growing for the 2021 exhibition; therefore, a virtual exhibition is being considered so that as many as possible can enjoy the event. (Sadly, Don Walkers fantastic bacon butties and other refreshments will not be available). For further information email John Burrows (Chair of Railway Committee) jandeburrows@gmail.com
