Kimble is a 7mm scale continuous run layout which is powered by ZTC DCC control. The layout measures 40' x 16' and is designed to represent British Railways in the period 1955-65 with Great Central features.

Development of the scenic side is on-going, the resin stone cladding to the recently completed viaduct has used around 15 kilos of resin and the grassed areas are made with 'static grass’ dispensed from a home-made electrostatic gun. Trees and buildings are being made by members and it is intended to infill much of the end sections of the layout to give a more realistic representation of the railway running through open countryside. Currently work on a tunnel, two bridges and extensive station buildings will further enhance the overall appearance. The station structures are the next major project and will be in typical Great Central style with public access from an over-bridge to the platform.

The layout has been developed to cater for a wide range of stock from pre-grouping to modern and railways from all parts of the country. We have intentionally made the style of the scenery non-specific as the aim is to run a wide variety of trains as prototypically as possible. We are aiming to provide continuous activity to engage the spectator and create the illusion of ‘being there’.

The main features of the layout are the engine shed, the station and the spectacular viaduct. The layout is set higher than other layouts to improve the field of vision for the viewer, this avoids the looking from on high aspect so often seen at exhibitions.

With the arrival of sound decoders members are including these in their locomotives, this brings an added dimension to the scene as whistles and escaping steam provide added realism. Eventually the sounds to he heard on the layout will be enhanced by the addition of 'ambient sound' which will replicate the background noises often heard around a real railway.

The layout takes around an hour to erect and the full running service is manned by four people, two are required to drive the trains, one as signaller and shedmaster and another to look after the 'fiddle yard’ sidings. The layout can accommodate up to twelve trains with four running at any time.

The flexibility of digital control allows simultaneous movement of multiple trains without the need for isolation switches as used on conventional DC layouts although we have adapted one running line to allow DC locos to run as not everyone has DCC equipped locos. The route setting functionality available with digital control allows the operator to change a range of points and signals with one command, in this way pre-defined routes may be set up simply and quickly, our signals are powered by small servo, motors and display,the characteristic 'bounce' when returned to normal.

We try to have many trains in motion providing the viewer with variety and interest and to recreate the railway scene as it was fifty years ago.

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