Roy Jackson has been building an EM scale model of Retford in the 1950’s for some time. I first came across this amazing layout a number of years ago in Model Railway Journal. At the time trains were running but little was scenically developed. I understand that quite a lot has happened since then, and I’m really looking forward to seeing the progress for myself this evening.
I joined Bassetlaw Railway Society earlier this year, and one of the annual club events is a visit to see Roy’s layout. Regular readers will be aware of my love for all things East Coast Main Line, and naturally this annual trip was a major factor in deciding to pay my subscription and join the club.
The layout is “elusive” and rarely appears in print and Retford is massive and permanently fixed in Roy’s home, so it never goes on exhibition. so I’m looking forward to a real treat this evening and become one of the few to have actually seen it.
Full length East Coast expresses hauled by those fine ex LNER pacifics on one of the most extensive EM gauge layouts in existence. Retford modelled accurately as it was in the 1950’s before British Railways vandalised it, and with the crossing of the GNR main line by the GCR Lincoln – Sheffield line on the level still in place. Stuff of dreams.
I’ll report back later in the week………………..
I am surprised that, as, an LNER enthusiast, you are not more aware of Retford’s “appearances”.
Retford did appear at expoEM some years ago, but owing to it’s size, is really too large to transport. It was never intended for that anyway.
Articles about Retford do appear in MRJ (he is one of the “guest” editors) from time to time. A look through the online MRJ Index will show the appropriate issues. http://www.modelrailwayjournal.com/
Roy’s work also appears on Geoff Kent’s embryonic new layout “Black Lion Crossing”, which also appeared in MRJ and at expoEM.
Jol
Thanks, yes I did know about the Expo EM appearance, but that was very much, I believe, a one off
I’m not a regular reader of MRJ, and while Retford is in there, I have missed most of those issues. Unfortunately most of us that aren’t of the EM, S4 etc persuasion see MRJ as very much a minority publication. For all that it has excellent content I’m struggling to justify buying 4 railway magazines a month, a fifth might not go down too well with the domestic authorities!
I would love to visit Roy Jackson’s, to view ‘Retford’ as, I like many others used to sit on wall at Retford in the late 50’s, early 60’s waiting for the A4’s. Is it posible for me to contact Roy to arrange a visit sometime. I live in Grimsby, so it is not too far to travel. Thankyou.
Roger
I’ve got no idea how to contact Roy directly, but our club, Bassetlaw is visiting again this summer. Join the club, come along to a meeting or two in Retford and join us at Roy’s in the summer.
Kevin