For this layout, the Ally Pally line existed beyond its final closure in the early 1970s (passenger trains ceased in the 1950s). The layout will be set in the late 1980s and the line now comes under the remit of Network SouthEast, but is undergoing gradual closure. Passenger trains now run from Stratford to Highgate High Level via Canonbury and Finsbury Park. They appear in the Wood Sidings to allow them to change from the up to the down line as there are no points at the High Level station for this purpose. All passenger trains are formed of first and second generation DMUs.
The Wood Sidings themselves are now used by BR as a storage area for engineering wagons that are used for engineering needs around London. This allows me to use my large collection of engineering wagons and also justifies the appearance of various loco types as they collect wagons to take back to their respective regions. The sidings are also used as a temporary stabling point for rolling stock going for scrap, so miscellaneous carriages, wagons and other items can appear (my SR stock can then appear with diesel haulage). A few Speedlink services also put in an appearance while picking up freight from local industry. Finally, a Red Star Parcels depot has also been established at the sidings, so an MLV can put in an appearance under battery power, together with the occasional mail train. A few BRUTEs sit around the depot for staff to use when loading and unloading these trains.
The non-electrified freight line from Bromley North will now be used as a headshunt for Tube trains shunting around Highgate Underground depot. I have a motorised EFE 1962 London Underground train; this uses two Tenshodo motors with a Bachmann 36-553 decoder hardwired to them.
This layout is a departure for me from modelling the Southern Region, but as it is only an interim project, I fancied doing something different for a change. The location has been chosen as it allows me to model somewhere real but with my own history (which I always try to do) and my Tube stock can put in an appearance. Using the existing track from Bromley North also makes this a much easier layout to build as all the track, ballasting and wiring is already in place.
Maps and Photos
Stratford to Highgate High Level route shown on this excellent map, with the old Alexandra Palace line showing: http://carto.metro.f...ro-tram-london/
History of the Alexandra Palace line and loads of pictures of the route on this website: http://www.disused-s...ace/index.shtml
The Wood Sidings that I am modelling:
https://www.flickr.c...M-iFQhGr-anj2d3
https://www.flickr.c...N05/6889147130/
Highgate High Level station, now the end of the line for passengers in Network SouthEast days: http://www.disused-s....uk/h/highgate/
Northern Heights Line website: http://overground.doeth.net/heights/
These photos show what's left from the Bromley North layout (oh, the humanity!!):
And the first piece of new scenery: a north London-style footbridge:
