OO micro-layout project: 1970's Great Central Railway

1449 Views 8 Replies 3 Participants Last post by kristopher1805, 3 mo ago

gcbradford13

Discussion Starter · 8 mo ago

A oo layout that is loosely based on East Leake Station in South Nottinghamshire, East Locksley is my hypothetical impression of the Great Central Railway's London Extension, if it had continued into the 1970's.

Circuit component Electrical wiring Audio equipment Wood Cable

Small railway tunnel to be added here.

Train Rolling stock Track Railway Railroad car

I do admit that all four of my GCR station buildings are in pre-grouping colours (green & cream) though I like to think that this colour scheme might have revived at some stations at the time.

Wood Watercraft Naval architecture Boat Machine

I also know that Bachmann produce very good replica of a GCR signal yet I have chosen to semi-convert a default Hornby signal box to a similar appearance. Would it have still been painted cream & maroon beyond the 1960s?

I appreciate that there is more suitably accurate track available out there, yet I prefer to use my existing selection Hornby track to save money etc.

In terms of other things like signalling, track ballast and even station furniture, can anyone please help me create a best impression of a 1970s Great Central Railway?

Thanks

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John Webb

· #2 · 8 mo ago

Re the signal box colours - it seems that in the last half of the 1970s, BR must have bought a large quantity of white paint and many boxes were painted white all over. The preserved St Albans South box was treated this way in 1977 or 78, only to be closed in December 1979!
As to what boxes on the former GCR might have been painted, I am uncertain, as I cannot recall which BR Region was looking after it at closure. Maybe the present GCR as preserved might have some information?