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THE ISLAND OF SODOR
This layout (currently under going a
period of reconstruction) is loosely based
on the popular stories by the late Rev W
Awdry.
In the current incarnation of this layout,
the base boards, wiring and track laying
were built by Dennis Bladen, although it
is operated and sceniced by Sarah Padam,
who is also the club treasurer.
The sole aim of this layout is to entertain
the children (and of course, it’s operator),
being at a lower than usual height and makes
the attempt to “tell” as many of the original
stories as possible.
The previous layout was 7 by 8 feet in
size and was originally constructed by Sarah
and her father Dev (club president) in 2000.
It was demolished following the club open
day in July 2004 as it size was felt to
be too restrictive for the larger locomotives,
such as Gordon and the Flying Scotsman,
as well as being unsuitable to take to exhibitions.
The new layout is 10 foot square and has
been constructed in a sectional manner,
such that it could be easily transported.
As you may be aware the original Island
of Sodor, as depicted by the Rev Awdry is
a fictional island situation between the
Isle of Mann and mainland Britain. As such
it was considered to be part of the Great
Western Region and was based in the
period just prior and just after centralisation.
This layout is set in the same era and region.
However, there are a number of “visiting
locos” such as Hogwarts Express and the
Flying Scotsman.
As one of our founder members,
Sarah’s interest in railways could be considered
as somewhat unusual. Her interest
was inherited from her mother who used to
delight in playing with her brother’s “train
set” and spent hours watching engines such
as the Mallard and Scotsman flashing past
her bedroom window.
Sarah’s ancestry include the company
secretary of LNER and Dr Beeching’s Secretary!
Sarah and her family travel widely in
their pursuit of their railway interests.
Visits include the National Railway Museum
in New Delhi, India, which can be highly
recommended.
Island of Sodor
is one of many layouts owned by members
of “The Phoenix Model Railway Club” and
any prospective new members are more than
welcome to come along and see us at our
spacious clubroom on the Quedgley trading
estate Naas Lane Glos, Click
here for map. Contact us on
01452 501765, or click
here to send us an e-mail. |
