Callowland  (BR 1985-95)



The layout is available for exhibition. For details regarding exhibition availability, please contact Tony Sheffield in the first instance.



Callowland is based on the section of the ex-L&NWR Watford Junction to St Albans Abbey branch between Watford North station and the overbridge carrying the A41 trunk road. It is assumed that the sidings (now no longer used on the real thing) are still in use serving the local industries. Originally it was set in 1990s but now covers the period loosely from 1985 to 1995.

The scenic area covers two boards with a fiddle yard at each end with an overall length of 16' (4.9m).

The layout was built by members of the Watford & District Model Railway Club who rose to a challenge set by the organisers of Scaleforum 1999 to construct a layout as a demonstration of building a layout to P4 standards, and it returned to Scaleforum 2000 as an operating layout though much subsequent work was carried to complete it to full exhibition standard.

Traffic reflects the industrial nature of the northern outskirts of Watford and the intermittent passenger service to and from St Albans Abbey on the single-line branch. It has been assumed that the electrification that occurred around 1990 was delayed and the line continued as diesel powered. The passenger service therefore is provided by 'Heritage' DMUs and perhaps a modern 'Pacer' and the freight service is largely in the hands of Class 31's and the local 08 shunter. The models are DC powered.

All buildings are based on local structures and although there is some 'modellers licence' regarding their positioning (mainly to screen the fiddle yard), they are accurate depictions of the properties. Although built by members of the Watford Club it is now in the care of the NLG and we are always keen to recruit new operators and members interested in this period, so please feel free to introduce yourself if this is something that might interest you.

All buildings are based on local structures and although there is some modellers' licence regarding their positioning (mainly to screen the fiddle yard), they are accurate depictions of the properties. Although built by members of the Watford Club, it is now in the care of the NLG and we are always keen to recruit new operators and members interested in this period, so please feel free to introduce yourself if this is something that might interest you.

A selection of pictures and a track plan is given below.