Chairman Tony Wright gives an update on Mount Dowd.
The Future of Mount Dowd.
At the 2025 AGM we had an open forum to discuss the Yorkshire Group and our future direction. One discussion point was Mount Dowd and whether it remained suitable for our needs. Since then things have moved forward and now proposal for a replacement layout has been made.
I’d like to set out the current position and our reasoning in replacing Mount Dowd.
Mount Dowd – the problems;
Size – MD is a big layout, even with the reduced size alternative layout it’s still a big layout. This limits its usefulness as an exhibition layout.
Age – the layout is now begining to show its age. The points which where adapted to fit a full crossover on one board were compromised and suffer because of this.
Operation – MD has three circuits which at full capacity require six runners every half hour. At recent exhibitions we have struggled to get the number of runners to achieve this. MD is a running layout but there is insufficient siding space to handle prepping and disposal of locos.
Spectacle – as an exhibition layout MD offers nothing to the visitor if there is nothing running.
Proposed Replacement
Size – the proposed layout would be more adaptable, basically it’s four corners with add on boards in the sides giving seven versions starting at 5.4m x 5.4m up to 5.4 x 12.7m
Track – there would be two circuits for continuous running with 5ft 6in and 6ft radius curves. There would be more sidings and refuge lines for prep, servicing and disposal of locos.
Spectacle – the additional sidings would allow locos to remain the layout giving visitors something to look if there is a lull in moving trains.
Visual impact – it is proposed the new layout would have scenic elements incorporated into it to give more value to the exhibition visitor.
So what happens next? We’d like to know what you think on how we proceed, please give us your thoughts.
Tony Wright
Chairman.
