The track we have is 5" gauge ground level made of steel which is completely jig welded. A track gauge is located on the turntable to which all locos and stock  must pass through before being allowed on the layout.

  We also have a 3.5 and 2.5 raised track (end to end) of a short distance, giving a test track for the smaller locos.

Our layout basically consists of two circular loops with  6 colour light and 11 semaphore type signals with 6 motorized points, the average ride consists of going round the layout twice though the tunnel before returning back to the station, giving a approximate mileage of just under one third of a mile.

Below is the track diagram

The signalling system uses the track circuit block method, the basic principle of allowing only one train in one section at a time.

Most of the layout now has track circuits so the signalman can see where all the trains are on the diagram.

 As the track is all welded together we cannot use the common method for track circuits (insulated joints), so we use reed switches and magnets to operate the automated signalling system.

 We decided that our signalling system needed some improvements, so during the winter months of 2003/04 the layout would receive some attention so that it will last for many more years to come. Our whole layout has now been re-wired using cable that was redundant from a railway contractor. The new layout was designed by two of our members who currently are signallers within Network Rail.

 Some track layout changes were made to improve train running, and in doing so has increased the number of trains we can run at any one time, we also added seven more signalling sections so that the trains have a more continuous flow following the train in front, so the drivers may not just be running on green aspects all the time and can sometimes approach the odd signal at danger.

 Most of the colour light signals are 3 aspects and the semaphore signals have distant arms, therefore making the drivers work much easier as he can then read ahead from the signal and regulate his train speed accordingly.

Our signal box diagram as seen below is unusual in the manner of it being circular rather than normal railway diagrams that go from left to right, so that our diagram represents our site allowing the members to understand it much easier.

Below is a picture of the track diagram that we use to locate the trains