Our Friends' Layouts

Friston Dean is Mike's latest 009 layout.

009, 1950s East Sussex

Size 2'10" X 2'0" - suitable for 360 degree viewing or one end against a wall projecting

Nunber of operators; 2

Power requirements; 1 socket for extension, via his own RCD

Tables required - 1 for layout on stand, and a small table for stock, and cups of tea

Insurance required; layout £500, stock £1500

Transport; 1 car

Friston Dean is an exercise in minimum space modelling, using material that was to hand after a eureka moment on Christmas morning. Construction is of A1 10mm foamboard glued together with construction adhesive. The central spine adds strength and provides for 2 diferent scenes to be displayed. Control can be either DC or DCC as the simple track plan allows for both. Point control is manual or in other words, once a year, as all points are within reach and are part of the simple ethic of the layout.

Friston Dean is set in the mid 1950's on the Balham, Seaford and Cuckmere light railway in East Sussex. It is a cold and frosty Christmas Eve morning. People are returning home after last minute shopping, and personnel from RAF Friston are going on leave. The workers at the timber yard are just waiting for the word to go home