Pavilion End
'0' gauge fine scale
Newport MRC
Pavilion End is set in an industrial area, probably South Wales The GWR and LNWR were competing for traffic and had met in an end on junction somewhere further along the line. This was operated as a through route until rationalisation became necessary, when it was cut back to Pavilion End. The station, with staggered halts, became the terminus, and with the reduction to single line working only one platform was needed. The rationalisation meant the up line became a loop and a new crossover was needed at the end of the halt, along with a water column.
The nearby colliery produced high quality coal so provided enough traffic to justify the line's continuation, along with the metal works behind the halt. The local coal merchants made such a fuss about all the changes that a coal siding was provided. So the branch has a regular passenger service operated by a pushpull set or loco and a couple of coaches. Freight serves the colliery and also the metal works, taking material in and products out. The works has its own shunting loco, which often helps with the transfer of wagons.
Operation of the branch is made interesting as the off-scene colliery inlet is on the steepest part of the line. So, for safe operation, full coal trains are short and propelled up into the station keeping the locomotive on the downhill side of the wagons, with the loco running around on the level before setting off down the line. However, empties are delivered direct to the colliery.
Stock is largely kit built by various members of the club who have also contributed greatly to the scenery and lineside features. Dingham autocouplers are used, as on our other club layouts. Control is by DCC with components from various sources.
Please feel free to take pictures and ask the operators any question you have.