The Princely Summerton Railway
Pete Chandler's 'Princely Summerton' garden railway had seen several changes over the years, until it was finally dismantled in 2021. The main reason for its abandonment was down to the continuous maintenance required versus the lack of actual use. In the end it was more convenient to pay more attention to running on the Woody Bay Garden Railway and reverse his back yard back to that of a...garden.
Originally the line was a ground level design installed around 2009. The place at that time had far less shrub presence than what eventually spread around the garden, making the track route less noticeable. This was more attractive, but the low level of operation became literally a pain and a revised waist high version had to eventually be built.
As a circuit for continuous running within the approximately 40 feet x 30 feet area it was ideal for occasional meetings. An extension allowed the line to end in the garage where some scenic treatment was easier to maintain, and storage of stock under cover was useful.
Originally the line was a ground level design installed around 2009. The place at that time had far less shrub presence than what eventually spread around the garden, making the track route less noticeable. This was more attractive, but the low level of operation became literally a pain and a revised waist high version had to eventually be built.
As a circuit for continuous running within the approximately 40 feet x 30 feet area it was ideal for occasional meetings. An extension allowed the line to end in the garage where some scenic treatment was easier to maintain, and storage of stock under cover was useful.
The video includes wit and wisdom of the late, and much missed, Jim Wild. His Bloodnok cyclist however remains available on special occasions through Pat Wild's generosity.
A feature of the railway in later years was a lineside funfair, a subject which has fascinated Pete for some years with its various moving rides. This added interest to an otherwise static scene - apart from the passing trains of course. Complications of some of the rides not running faultlessly for an entire meeting saw the fair gradually became less of a novelty and in any case needed too much time in necessary repairs or rebuilds. Once the whim of it was over the layout returned to a much less active scene, and therefore interest in the railway began to wain.
A feature of the railway in later years was a lineside funfair, a subject which has fascinated Pete for some years with its various moving rides. This added interest to an otherwise static scene - apart from the passing trains of course. Complications of some of the rides not running faultlessly for an entire meeting saw the fair gradually became less of a novelty and in any case needed too much time in necessary repairs or rebuilds. Once the whim of it was over the layout returned to a much less active scene, and therefore interest in the railway began to wain.
A Venerable Andel models Baldwin Gas Mechanical on slate duties
One of Pete's Jigstones buildings showing how effective the results can be.
