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This page was last updated on 08/03/10

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Yardlea (OO Gauge)

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At our 2001 exhibition, we were commissioned by Virgin Trains to build a replacement layout for use on their stand at our 2002 exhibition.  The layout was required to run full length models of both the Pendolino and Voyager trains.  Located, as we are, near to Birmingham and the centre of Virgins cross country services, as well as their Euston to Wolverhampton line, a layout based on a West Midlands location was the obvious choice, logically between Woverhampton & Coventry, where there will be a mix of both types. 

It was decided to base the layout on 1500mm * 900mm boards constructed from mdf and over the Christmas period the necessary boards were built to produce a 4800mm * 3000mm layout, with half scenic and half fiddle yard.  The two "new" running lines would have no point-work in the scenic section, which if ever Railtrack get their act together will possibly be prototypical.  Super-elevation was to be used on the curves and track laying commenced.  By the time of our 2002 symposium, one circuit was in place and the second was completed during the event.  

Since then, Yardlea has been seen at a number of exhibitions, either where Virgin Trains have had a presence or otherwise under the Warley banner.  To fulfil another of the Virgin Trains requirements polycarbonate sheeting surrounds the layout which means that the viewers can get as close as possible.

It was normally run as a 2002/2003 layout and the whole spectrum of Virgin trains could be seen, together with a mix of other stock to be seen around the Birmingham area.  

At our 2004 exhibition Virgin Trains pensioned off the layout and it was donated to Warley MRC.  By now many real miles had been run and it has since undergone some necessary refurbishment including the super elevation and the overhead gantries.  It is now used within the club as a layout where members can run their own stock.

Stechford seemed to offer prospects, particularly as it has a junction, so will be able to offer some variety if required.  The problem with Stechford is that it is only twin track, whilst the preferred Virgin option was for 4 tracks.  So undaunted, we took the bold step of pre-empting the politicians and putting the necessary extra two tracks in.  A spot of judicial juggling of the existing track plan and voila Yardlea - Stechford being in the parish of Yardley.

The pictures below show it before rebuilding.

At our 2004 exhibition Virgin Trains pensioned off the layout and it was donated to Warley MRC.  By now many real miles had been run and it has since undergone some necessary refurbishment including removing the super elevation and overhead gantries.  It is now used within the club as a layout where members can run their own stock with a mix of analogue and DCC. 

In February 2010 it was once more "on the road", spending a week in The Public at West Bromwich where again it attracted much attention as a layout with plenty of activity.