Plumpton
Green
Guest Layout;
P4 - Period 1910 - LBSCR
In the early 1900’s, Plumpton was a small settlement between Lewes and Ditchling in East Sussex. In 1843 the railway arrived, passing about 2 miles to the north of the village, when the link between Keymer Junction and Lewes was built by the London Brighton and South Coast Railway.
A station was eventually constructed in 1863 and Plumpton Racecourse was opened in 1886, immediately south of the station, which seems to have triggered significant improvements – a new signal cabin, with capstan operated crossing gates, and an enlarged goods yard. At either end of the station layby sidings were provided, each about 1000ft long, used primarily on race days to accommodate race specials.
The Keymer Junction-Lewes line remains an important link to London, and much of the 1863 station remains, although the goods yard has long gone. In its heyday it would have seen race specials, pick-up goods and the Newhaven boat service as well as stopping and through passenger trains.
Our model is very closely based on Plumpton as it was in the period 1900-1914. Inevitably some compromises have been made (hence the name ‘Plumpton Green’). The station limits have been shortened a little, and the layby sidings have been truncated, with most of the length of each siding ‘off-scene’. The only significant changes I have made to the facilities are the provision of the up bay to add some operational interest (principally intended for horse boxes), and the connection from a brickworks at the London end.
The layout is controlled by a fully interlocked mechanical lever frame, and miniature Tyer’s two-position block instruments.
More detail is available at http://www.lbscrmodels.co.uk/pg1.html