Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Leeds Sovereign Street & Clarence Dock - a UK based layout

43472 views
397 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 11:43 AM

NorthBrit
Empty parcel vans passing Leeds Sovereign Street Station on their way to York.

That picture makes me want to work on my own mail train.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    October 2020
  • 3,604 posts
Posted by NorthBrit on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 10:13 AM

 

 

Empty parcel vans passing Leeds Sovereign Street Station on their way to York.

 

 

Passing Roseville Station.  37026 Glencairn  in charge.  The vans were weathered in January 21 with some old make-up powders Dawn was 'throwing away'.

 

 

Behind the trees and bushes.

 

 

David

To the world you are someone.    To someone you are the world

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

  • Member since
    October 2020
  • 3,604 posts
Posted by NorthBrit on Sunday, July 18, 2021 12:17 PM

The 45t crane has been 'dirtied' up a little to knock the plastic look.

Compare to above

 

 

A little running of trains.   Class 121 on its way to Seacroft  passing the signal to the Junction.

 

 

Thanks for looking

 

David

To the world you are someone.    To someone you are the world

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

  • Member since
    October 2020
  • 3,604 posts
Posted by NorthBrit on Saturday, July 17, 2021 9:55 AM

When researching a route for the route the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway took to Leeds Sovereign Street part of the way was using the East & West Yorkshire Union Railway line.

The real line is now abandoned.  Here is an introduction to the E&WYUR.  Note the little four wheeled carriages  (at 8.00)    typical at the time.

 

Thanks for following.

 

David

To the world you are someone.    To someone you are the world

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

  • Member since
    October 2020
  • 3,604 posts
Posted by NorthBrit on Saturday, July 17, 2021 9:39 AM

Thank you once again, Douglas for your kind words.  They are much appreciated.

As I have mentioned previously, I wrote a list of what must be included on the layout.  Surprisingly the layout was then easy  to build.   Now the grandchildren and daughter bring things and 'have to be included'.   They search around to find the items.  Sometimes they ask me where items are  and I forget where they are.  Embarrassed   We do find them eventually. Thumbs Up

I let the grandchildren  operate the running of trains  when they visit.  I just operate the turnouts.

As for the size of the layout,  I assure you it is 11ft by 8ft (give an inch either way).

 

David

To the world you are someone.    To someone you are the world

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

  • Member since
    January 2013
  • 1,034 posts
Posted by PM Railfan on Saturday, July 17, 2021 2:05 AM

David:

Im with Kevin, that other crane has ALOT of charactor to it. Much like your layout. So much clutter - I love it. Every pic has so much detail to pick out and look at. It really belies that fact your only 11'x8' and to me, gives the impression of a much bigger railroad than your letting on.

 

Douglas

  • Member since
    October 2020
  • 3,604 posts
Posted by NorthBrit on Friday, July 16, 2021 8:02 AM

'Newish items'.

A new garden shed from my elder granddaughter.

 

 

Royal Mail has a new Commer van

 

 

Not so new 45t  crane  still in German markings

 

 

David

To the world you are someone.    To someone you are the world

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

  • Member since
    October 2020
  • 3,604 posts
Posted by NorthBrit on Sunday, July 11, 2021 12:07 PM

Clarence Dock.

The entrance to Clarence Dock.   The buildings on the backscene  are actually of the area and are still standing (just). Hyde Park Picture House (Cinema) is far right. There is a plan in situ to save the  Picture House.

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyde_Park_Picture_House

 

 

 

Early morning.

 

 

The small goods yard

 

 

The puddles are still there.  A thick layer of varnish with a thin piece of plastic over.  If and when it gets dusty,  a wipe with a corner of a damp cloth.  The damp patches are simply coatings of varnish,  more 'coats' in places giving the impression some areas drying quicker than others.

 

 

 

There we have it.  A simple, easy to operate layout by one person, or two, or three, four maximum.

Next - The rolling stock.

 

Thanks for looking.

 

David

 

David

To the world you are someone.    To someone you are the world

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

  • Member since
    October 2020
  • 3,604 posts
Posted by NorthBrit on Thursday, July 8, 2021 11:50 AM

Arriving at Roseville Station we find it is actually a one platform 'halt'.    Only local trains stop here.  A busy station nontheless.

 

 

Roseville Station is the nearest station to St James' Hospital.  Sister Sandra Brown is on her way to Hospital.

 

 

 

The stormy weather has caused some damage.   A fence is being repaired.

Actually one of those 'happy accidents' where the fence would not 'stand properly'.  I gave up and put two workmen fixing it.   They are slow workers.  They have been there neary two years.

 

 

The local train continues its journey to Seacroft.   A bird can be seen on Charlie Marston's roof.

The trees and large bushes are dried twigs with flock glued on.

 

Looking towards the junction  where trains then pass Canal Corner  and Wyndham Farm again.  A scene I like  where I just look at the scenery and relax.   Often I change things.  Trees grow bigger.  New plants 'grow' as others 'die'.

 

 

Next I shall show Clarence Dock  after rainfall.

 

Thanks for following

 

David

To the world you are someone.    To someone you are the world

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

  • Member since
    October 2020
  • 3,604 posts
Posted by NorthBrit on Wednesday, July 7, 2021 2:34 PM

The journey continues North East.

As we depart Leeds Sovereign Street we take the left fork at The Calls Junction.   On our right we see a red Heavy Woollen District bus  number 1A to Leeds.

As a young lad traveling to Earlsheaton the bus to travel on was Number 1 to Dewsbury.   Then travel on another bus to Earlsheaton.   I could save a little money if I traveled on the 1A  because it went to Earlsheaton first.

A member on a UK Forum offered me the model of the bus at a good price.

As can be seen the bus is passing Amelia's Fashions.  Amelia is my elder granddaughter.   (Getting the grandchildren involved. Smile)

 

 

Also at The Calls is some  small businesses.   I see the trash is being taken away.  Done by hand in 1970.  No mechanical aids then.

 

 

As the train passes behind Roseville Road  we see typical businesses of the  time.

Different color on the road due to roadwork repairs.

 

 

The pathway is breaking up with vehicles on them.

I have three W A Glendinning lorries.   

 

 

The train is now behind Roseville School.    The model is of one seen in Earlsheaton in brickwork and not stone as the real one.   The railing is sandwiched between two pieces of card brickwork.  As a young lad in Earlsheaton I would stand on the stomework holding the railing.    The Royal Mail Commer Van is typical of the time.

 

 

More to follow.

Thanks for looking.

 

David

 

To the world you are someone.    To someone you are the world

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

  • Member since
    October 2020
  • 3,604 posts
Posted by NorthBrit on Wednesday, July 7, 2021 5:36 AM

Lastspikemike.   Sorry I missed your last comment.  Yes the coaching inns were the forerunners to the postal service.    There is a book  'Masters of the Post,  History of the Royal Mail'  by  Duncan Campbell-Smith.  A very interesting book (imo).

 

Dave & Kevin.   Thank you for such kind words.     

 Over the years I have seen layouts either in magazines or at shows  most seem the same.   The same backscene pictures, same buildings  etc.   With Leeds Sovereign Street & Clarence Dock  I wanted a railway running thru scenery.  After all the scenery was there first.

Showing this layout 'over the pond'  is not about 'how I did it'.   Far from it.  My modeling skills are poor, (but improving Smile).   What I want to show is things that are not normally modeled.   Add things to the layout that have nothing to do with railroads.   Little scenes we see every day  yet give little thought.  

Father loading a automobile,  son helping. "Are they going on holiday?"  "Where to?"  Mother at the front door,  handbag,  another bag on the floor.  "Is the door locked?"    No they are not going on holiday, they have just returned.

Just one scene with two scenarios.

Then there are dogs and cats.  The different scenes  we see them in.   The wildlife all around us.

The weather.   It is not always sunshine.   Try modeling rainfall, puddles of water.

See what you see and not what you thought you saw.      Dare to be different.   It is easier than being in the crowd.

 

David

To the world you are someone.    To someone you are the world

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 9:18 PM

hon30critter
I've said this before but it deserves repeating. Each of your buildings and your scenes is enthralling! I could spend hours studying your work even without trains running. There is so much character.

David's layout pictures are the proof-positive for me of my belief that only the layout builder should photograph their own layout. 

It looks like he is able to bring out the love of modeling in his pictures in a way I never could if I took the photographs of his work.

Every picture is wonderful.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 8:52 PM

Hi David,

I've said this before but it deserves repeating. Each of your buildings and your scenes is enthralling! I could spend hours studying your work even without trains running. There is so much character.

I look forward to every one of your layout posts.

Cheers!!

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

  • Member since
    October 2020
  • 3,604 posts
Posted by NorthBrit on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 12:01 PM

The journey has arrived at Leeds Sovereign Street.   There is no train yet, so let's take a look around.

There is a light snowfall.   Something I am trying out, just to be different. Smile

 

Fairburn Lawson's.   In both wars they switched production to arms manufacturing, so have place on the layout.

 

 

Hey & Humphreys bottling plant.     As a young lad of 9 to 11 years of age,  to earn some money, I used to put empty H & H bottles in crates to return to them. 

Some barrels of ale have arrived to be bottled.

 

 

Smith & Butler's printer.  It was here I started my first (official) job.  They taught me so much.

 

 

Town Tailors.   My dear Grandmother was a (very good) tailoress. Working from home,  every week suit material would arrive at her house and by the end of the week a number of suits would be made.  Family members gave her little business the nickname of Town Tailors.   

That was on top of running a house and feeding the family.  She also made clothes for the family.   We always wore good clothes.   Grandmother is no longer with us, but at family get togethers  we youngsters'   still mention Town Tailors.

Cases of uniforms ready for despatch on the dock.

 

T&J Harrison.  Small Arms & Ammunition.   Still going and trading well.

The loading dock is full waiting despatch to the south.

 

 

Hudson Ward Flour Millers.   Like Archbolds & Glendinning's  another Haulage Company  dear to my heart.   What I learnt stood me great stead thruout my life.

 

 

More to follow.

 

Thanks for following.

 

David

To the world you are someone.    To someone you are the world

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

  • Member since
    October 2020
  • 3,604 posts
Posted by NorthBrit on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 5:09 AM

SeeYou190

 The weathering on the scrap locomotives is remarkable.

Great scene.

Iave collected a lot of models of WW2 German equipment to populate my eventual scrap yard.

-Kevin

 
 
Thank you once again Kevin.    I just played around with colors of paint until I got what I wanted.
 
I like your idea of  a  WW2 German equipment for a scrap yard.  Be different to others.  People notice  and remember.
 
--------------------------------------------------------------
 
 
A  Leeds City Corporation bus is turning to go up Swinegate. The Crown & Anchor  must be open as a young couple are entering.   A train must be about to leave Leeds Sovereign Street Station as the signal  is at go.
 
 
 
David

To the world you are someone.    To someone you are the world

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Monday, July 5, 2021 5:12 PM

NorthBrit
I wanted a 'scrap yard'.    I saw part of this at a train show.   I parted with the equivalent of $25.00.    I added other scrap locomotives.   A scrap yard with a difference.   At the time I had never seen any other  locomotive scrap yard,  but I know some modelers are now building one.

 

 

The weathering on the scrap locomotives is remarkable.

Great scene.

I have collected a lot of models of WW2 German equipment to populate my eventual scrap yard.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    October 2020
  • 3,604 posts
Posted by NorthBrit on Monday, July 5, 2021 3:50 PM

The journey onwards.

 

56036  is at Crown Point Junction.  Behind is  Ash Farm Fields and 'the lake'. 

New track is required here and ballasting down.

 

 

J H Thompson  Timber Merchants.   When I saw models of timber merchants they were all the same.  I wanted mine to be different and with little people working there.

 

 

 

56036 at the locomotive fuelling yard.    To the left is John King.   He has a Yard Pass  giving him permission to take photographs.   Michael Caine  in  'The Ipcress File'  is being shown at the Forum Cinema.

 

 

A scene on Crown Point Road.   The blue buses are in Samuel (Sammy)  Ledgard colors.   I was a regular passenger on the real ones to Otley or Castleford.  The cream colored one at the rear is a Wallace Arnold touring bus.  Another Company bus  we traveled on.

 

 

More to Follow.

Thanks for reading.

 

David

To the world you are someone.    To someone you are the world

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

  • Member since
    October 2020
  • 3,604 posts
Posted by NorthBrit on Sunday, July 4, 2021 9:48 AM

Kevin.   Thank you for your comment.  It is much appreciated.

 

The journey continues.

 

Road haulage has always been huge in my life;  from being taken to Liverpool or Hull, to spending 31 years  in the business, then afterwards.   Two Companies that became part of my life were Archbolds Storage & Distribution of Gildersome (near Leeds),   and W.A. Glendinning of Shotley Bridge, County Durham.  Both Companies are no longer there now;  although Archbolds have premisis in the Birmingham area.

I have combined both Companies into one  -  Archbold's and Glendinning's.

Here is D.K.  (Archbold)  having a word before leaving.

 

 

Scenes around the small Industrial Park.  My eldest grandson likes this area and often gets his vehicles out and plays here.  'Life goes on'  with the little people oblivious to any trains.

 

 

 

 

The Class 56 locomotive is now at the junction.  A picture of my son on the quad bike is seen  'rounding up the sheep'.   On his days off work he is often seen on a family farm at 'Longstruther'  Northumberland.  His picture is on the backscene.  The sheep are not.  A bird is on the fence.

 

 

Looking at the scene from the control area.  The roof of the locomotive can just be seen.   I dislike the 'prim and proper' look.  

 

 

I wanted a 'scrap yard'.    I saw part of this at a train show.   I parted with the equivalent of $25.00.    I added other scrap locomotives.   A scrap yard with a difference.   At the time I had never seen any other  locomotive scrap yard,  but I know some modelers are now building one.

 

 

Still at the back of Marston's Scrap Yard.   Trees hug the backscene. 

 

 

More to follow.

Thanks for looking.

 

David

To the world you are someone.    To someone you are the world

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Sunday, July 4, 2021 9:23 AM

NorthBrit

In the box from a family member was a beat-up crane.

That is a great model. I love all the character it has.

Nice find.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Saturday, July 3, 2021 1:04 PM

NorthBrit
A journey around the layout.

Thanks for the great tour David.

I will be back for more.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    October 2020
  • 3,604 posts
Posted by NorthBrit on Saturday, July 3, 2021 10:08 AM

A journey around the layout.

Class 56  56035  has arrived on the scene from Balm Road Quarry Sidings  on its way to Crown Point Yard to refuel.

It is behind the Coach & Horses Inn a 18th Century coaching inn.  In days gone teams of horses would be changed here.  A meal would be provided for stagecoach passengers.

Being interested in the Postal Service of days gone, when I saw the model (ready built)  it was a must have.   I gave the model a distressed look reminding me of the one I saw in Yorkshire.

The small Hunt scene of huntsmen and dogs once again a scene seen every New Years Day in our village.

 

 

The other side of the Coach and Horses Inn.  A regular scene before the technology of Sat-Navs.    A man is giving directions to the lorry driver.     Mildred Murray is on a visit to someone.

 

 

Across the road from the Coach and Horses is Albert Vinnerd's Garage.  An old plastic kit that has been altered slightly.  It is in need of a new nameboard.   To the right is Anne's Cafe.  Must be good food there as a queue is forming.   The obligatory  red post box and telephone box.

 

 

Not seen from viewing areas.   The rear of Anne's cafe.   The building is made up of 'odds and ends' from the plastics box.   Things are not perfect in life.   The broken guttering was not deliberate, but it has been like that for over four years.

 

 

Another view not seen from the viewing areas.    Wyndham Farm and 'Clarice' the canal boat.   Dawn saw the building of Wyndham Farm in our local Model Store.   It reminded her so much of the real Wyndham Farm in Cumbria,  her family owned.  I wanted a canal boat.  Seeing  'Clarice'  was a must buy.

In the picture is horses, hares, badger, and 'Suki' the cat.  Suki is on the fence.  Her black and white kitten is near the railway line.  He is difficult to see.  I shall have to move him.

 

 

More to follow.

 

Thanks for following.

 

David

To the world you are someone.    To someone you are the world

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

  • Member since
    October 2020
  • 3,604 posts
Posted by NorthBrit on Wednesday, June 30, 2021 9:12 AM

The running of steam  trains  (when the grandchildren are not here.  I have five now all wanting to run trains.  Three boys and two girls.)   set in the timeframe is more relaxed.  I run what I like when I like.   

Freight to Barnbow and Blackburn's.   

Companies at Sovereign Street to supply  --

T&J Harrison,  Small Arms & Ammunition

Fairbairn Lawson,  Ammunition

Town Tailors,   Military Uniforms

Smith & Butler's,  Printing Literature

Hudson Ward,   Flour Millers

Hey & Humphreys,   Bottlers of Ale

 

The coal trains

Troop Trains

Other Freight Trains

 

Then we have the local passenger trains.

Getting staff  (mainly women) to work on time.  Getting the return journey home.

 

When I have the 'crew' here and they want to 'get serious',  then we also run trains to Clarence Dock.

 

So there it is.  Two Railroads  in the same place on one layout set some 55 years apart.   Both are great fun to operate.  It has taken just over five years  to build. Family (mainly the womenfolk)  buy me things that have to be added.   So i guess the layout will not be finished.  Big Smile 

The grandchildren  and I shall continue to have fun.  At least Dawn knows where we are.  Laugh

 

A freight train passing Leeds Sovereign Street Station.  It originally started its journey in the land of the North British Railway and is going to Leeds LNWR Goods Yard.  It wil be remarshalled and sent South.

 

 

Thanks for following.

 

David

To the world you are someone.    To someone you are the world

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

  • Member since
    October 2020
  • 3,604 posts
Posted by NorthBrit on Wednesday, June 30, 2021 4:35 AM

The above post explains (hopefully) how the operation of diesel trains and locomotives are run.

How did the running of little steam locomotives come about?   My grandsons' (then 4&5 year old)   wanted to run trains.  I had a small number of little 0.4.0 locomotives collected in a job lot purchase.   A few small four-wheeled wagons and all was well.   The rolling stock was easy to handle and the granchildren could 'join in'.

I also enjoyed the sessions with anything goes.  So much so I began planning how to run the steam locomotives when the grandchildren were not here. 

When I lived in Leeds  was told by my teachers about how the City was a 'large  war manufacturing  machine'  during the Second World War.  I began to wonder what did Leeds do during the Great War.  

The building of The National Filling Number 1  Factory at Barnbow.

Blackburn' Aircraft Factory near Oakwood.

Kirkstall Forge  &   Leeds Forge   Factories.

Fairbairn Lawson's   and many other Companies switched to making Arms and Ammunition.

A timetable of 1914 to 1919 was settled on.

 

More to follow.

Thanks for reading.

 

David

To the world you are someone.    To someone you are the world

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

  • Member since
    October 2020
  • 3,604 posts
Posted by NorthBrit on Tuesday, June 29, 2021 11:47 AM

 

When running diesel locomotives in 1970  the lines have become secondary  and the trains seen are mainly 'local ones'.   Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs)  run  from Leeds Central north to Wetherby four times a day (and return), and south to  Dewsbury Market Place and Wakefield Kirkgate (both three times daily (and return)).   A Class 121  (Single Diesel Unit.)  runs from Leeds Central to Seacroft and return every two hours

A diesel locomotive and two carriages travels from Leeds Central to ROF Barnbow and return to connect with starting/finishing times at the factory.  (Three journies.)

A locomotive with two carriages travel from York to Leeds and return  twice a day.

A similar service is operated from Castleford (South of Leeds)  to Leeds Central twice a day.

The main operation on the layout is locomotives arriving on the Main Lines from all regions,  Refueling at Crown Point Yard.  Locomotives required  (details  taken from  1967 timetable)

The following  ----  thruout the day.

Six to London  Kings Cross -     Six return

Nine from Liverpool or Manchester  --   Nine return

Nine to Newcastle   -    Nine return

One Thames/Clyde  London  St Pancras to Leeds  -  One return

One Thames/Clyde  Leeds to Glasgow   -  One return

One Thames/Forth  London St Pancras to Leeds  -  One return

One Thames/Forth  Leeds to Edinburgh  -  One return

One Leeds to Plymouth   -  One return   (Devonian)

One Leeds to Cardiff   -   One return      

One Leeds to Edinburgh  -  One return  (North Briton)

Plus   Six locomotives from Stourton Freightliner Yard  and six locomotives from Balm Road Quarry Sidings   to refuel

 

Then there are Steam Specials  and diverted traffic when I feel like it.

 

A small layout with a lot going on.  Big Smile

 

A view from the control area.

A Castleford to Leeds Central two carriage train, Class 47  47487 in charge  passing Marston's Yard.

 

 

Thanks for following

 

David

To the world you are someone.    To someone you are the world

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

  • Member since
    October 2020
  • 3,604 posts
Posted by NorthBrit on Tuesday, June 29, 2021 6:56 AM

Now I had the plan of the layout  and had included all I wanted in it,  how it all comes together in operation?

Here in the UK we have what is called fiddle yards.  Basically they mean the rest of the rail network not modeled.   Here rolling stock can be lifted off the track and other stock put in its place.

Looking at the plan the bridge is the fiddleyard.   

Trains leaving Sovereign Street on to the bridge are going to either Leeds New/Central Station for passengers  or LNWR Goods Yard for goods traffic.

At the other end of Sovereign Street Station, trains taking the right turnout and passing Crown Point Yard are going to Dewsbury or south towards London.  Mention of locomotives to Stourton Freightliner Depot  or Balm Road Quarry Sidings;  both places although not far away in reality are found in the fiddle yard.

Taking the left turnout past Roseville Station those trains are going to Wetherby or Seacroft/Barnbow  northbound to Newcastle or Edinburgh.

It can be seen that both north and south lines join just after Marston's Scrap Yard  then go to the bridge.   That section brings a little variety as trains may have to wait for clearance whilst another train is in the section.

 

More to follow.   Thanks for reading.

 

David

To the world you are someone.    To someone you are the world

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

  • Member since
    October 2020
  • 3,604 posts
Posted by NorthBrit on Monday, June 28, 2021 10:14 AM

For some reason I was unable to post anything until now.

 

Thank you LSM  for your comments.  Not so long ago I looked to see if I could improve the track plan in any way on a paper exercise.   Whatever I did I came up with the same one;  no matter where I put Sovereign Street etc.   

 

Mark.  Thank you also for your comments.  Having the backstory  and staying true to it,  gives the lines  credibility etc.  and can stand the test of time  (imo).

 

Next I shall explain how the working of trains are done.

 

Thank you for reading.

 

David

To the world you are someone.    To someone you are the world

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

  • Member since
    February 2001
  • From: Wyoming, where men are men, and sheep are nervous!
  • 3,392 posts
Posted by Pruitt on Sunday, June 27, 2021 9:56 AM

Nice explanation of the layout's backstory, David. Thanks!

  • Member since
    October 2020
  • 3,604 posts
Posted by NorthBrit on Sunday, June 27, 2021 7:23 AM

The Building of Leeds Sovereign Street & Clarence Dock

List of what had to be on the layout before a piece of track was to be layed

A)   Able to be operated by one person.   I would be the sole operator when others are not there

B)   Fun to operate  when the grandchildren visit.  They would be able to run what they like (within reason.   I have special items that I run.)

C)  If they break anything  do not get upset.  'Do not get upset over small stuff'.  A funny rule that, as it is only me that has broken things. Whistling

 

What must be included on the layout.

 

I have many interests other than railroads  and they have to be included.

1)  A Dock.   I love ships and shipping and really is my main interest.  The City of Leeds is a long way from the coast,  so Clarence Dock is the next best thing.

2)  A Canal.   A quiet canal scene for 'Clarice' the canal boat.  (I am a member of Boat & Canals  in the UK.)

3)  An Industrial Park.   I have a small number of industrial Units  for my road transport vehicles.   I have been heavily involved and been around road transport for over 65 years.

4)  Farms.   Dawn's family are farmers in Cumbria and Northumberland.

5)  A Scrap Yard.    Pictures of scrap yards  fascinate me.  Unkempt, filthy and messy.  Yet everything has a place.

6)  A Street Scene.   Little cameos of street life that have nothing to do with railroads.

 

The Railroad Scenes

a)  Steam & Diesel.  Able to run Steam and Diesel locomotives in different timeframes

b)  A Locomotive Depot/Shed.   I have a large number of locomotives (I like) mostly from an old layout.  

c)  Scenes Typical of Leeds.  I wanted to have the feel of 'being in Leeds'.

d)  Buildings & Rolling Stock the Grandchildren Could Identify With.   As it says.  The grandchildren like to see their trucks going round the layout and arriving/departing their buildings.

e)    A Realistic Timetable.   Locomotives and trains all having a reason to be where they are on the layout when I am the operator.

 

There we are.  A simple set of rules  that are  adhered to.

 

To put that together in a room 11ft by 8ft a lot of compression was required.

Looking back through the original building of the lines by the Calder Railway, Leeds Scarcroft & Wetherby Railway  and Kirkstall & East Seacroft Railway  Leeds Sovereign Street Station is a must.

Crown Point Locomotive Yard has to be included.   As must Clarence Dock.

 

Plan of the layout.

A - Timber Yard

B, C & D Farms

E - Signal Box to Clarence Dock

F,G,H,J,K   -  Industrial Units

1,2,3,4,5 & 6  -  Business buildings at Sovereign Street.

 

More to follow

 

Thanks for reading.

 

David

 

To the world you are someone.    To someone you are the world

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

  • Member since
    October 2020
  • 3,604 posts
Posted by NorthBrit on Saturday, June 26, 2021 7:23 AM

The line from Leeds Sovereign Street Station to Wetherby.

I did try to find a  map of the route of the line, but not successful.

Therefore the route in words.

 

As mentioned previously the aim of the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway  (L&Y) and Great Northern Railway (GNR)  was to have a route to York.   With the advent of The Light Railways Act 1896  the two Companies financed the building of the line - first to Wetherby  with plans to build to York.

A new Company , The Leeds, Scarcroft & Wetherby Railway was formed.

The line would leave Leeds Sovereign Street Station and head north.   Stations were to be built at the (then)  little villages of Oakwood,  Shadwell,   Scarcroft,  Bardsey West,  East Keswick,  Linton arriving at Wetherby.  A distance of 13.8 miles.

A boost to the line was the opening of Blackburn's Aircraft Factory.  Blackburn Aircraft was founded by Robert Blackburn and Jessy Blackburn, who built his first aircraft in Leeds in 1908 with the company's Olympia Works at Roundhay opening in 1914.   Olympia Works was just before arriving at Oakwood.

On building  of the line it was felt neccessary to open another station at Roseville Road.

The plans to extend to York was put on hold as it was feared war was imminent   and as it turned out the extension was not built.

Kirkstall & East Seacroft Railway (K&ESR)

The L&Y became aware of the building of a new factory near Seacroft (6.1 miles from Sovereign Street.)

A rail line was built from the LS&WR line just before the Aircraft Factory site, at (what became)  Harehills Junction and headed towards Seacroft & Barnbow. (The site of the new factory.)   The L&Y already had a line running past Leeds Foundry and Kirkstall Foundry.   The K&ESR  was born. 

Although the lines were built via the Light Railways Act, they were built to main line standards;  yet run with 'little locomotives'.    

That is the history of the line.   Next will be about the section of model layout actually built.

Thanks for following.

 

David

 

To the world you are someone.    To someone you are the world

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

  • Member since
    October 2020
  • 3,604 posts
Posted by NorthBrit on Friday, June 25, 2021 9:23 AM

Hi LSM.

Thank you for your kind comments.  They are much appreciated.

The Light Railways Act.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light_Railways_Act_1896

 

The line to Leeds Sovereign Street was built to main line standards, but ran with the use of 0.4.0 and 0.6.0   like a light railway.    The same with the Leeds, Scarcroft & Wetherby Railway (LS&WR)  (which I will deal with later.).

In 1922 the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway  amalgamated with the London & North Western Railway (LNWR).

They in turn became part of the London Midland & Scottish Railway (LMSR) in 1923

The line to Leeds Sovereign Street became a secondary route  remaining open as already mentioned.   Staying open well into the diesel era.  Big Smile

Thereby depending how I feel,  I can run 'old'  little steam engines  1914/1919 style.

Run diesels 1970s time.

When the grandchildren are here,  they run whatever. Laugh

Sovereign Street can be operated  on its own.

Clarence Dock  likewise.

Crown Point Yard  as a separate  identity.

All with a time and reason and still correct (to a point).  Smile

 

I have in essence five individual layouts in one.  All run properly and to a timetable.   No chance of being bored of the same old thing.  Cool

 

David

 

To the world you are someone.    To someone you are the world

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!