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………………..