A MODEL RAILWAY
Hewish Gates, Sidings & Crewkerne Tunnel
A Scenic Fiddle Yard
This model railway layout sits on the opposite side of the oval from Misterton. It measures 12' x 1'. The objective was to provide a good stretch of line in open countryside to view trains in action and a place to assemble trains to run through Misterton, known in the hobby as a fiddle yard *. A survey along the line west from Crewkerne reveals the perfect location - Hewish Gates.
In reality Hewish is a hamlet to the west of Crewkerne and nearby is a level crossing known as Hewish Gates. In the 1960s a signal box, railway cottages, passing loop and goods siding existed there. Nowadays only a single track and half barrier crossing remain.
* Fiddle yards are usually hidden off stage to store rolling stock and make up train formations. Here, train formations are made up on the model railway and a tray at the front stores most of the rolling stock.
Crewkerne tunnel lies between Hewish and Crewkerne. On the model it was better placed to the west of Hewish Gates. It is an ideal exit off stage. The other end of the scenic break is disguised with a large tree.
Blog Posting
How I made the backscenes for Hewish Gates.
Hewish Gates Movie
The Meldon ballast passes Hewish Gates followed by a flyover of the area (before a backscene was added).
Crewkerne Tunnel Movie
Barnstaple 34005 on freight duties exits Crewkerne Tunnel with smoke effect.
Hewish Gates Model Railway Track Plan
| Crewkerne Tunnel | Hewish Gates Signal Box | Railway Cottages | |
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| Loading Gauge and Yard Crane | Hewish Sidings | ||
© Copyright 2008-2011: David Smith. All Rights Reserved.