Association of Model Railway Clubs Wales & West of England

The mainline over Shap summit in the Cumbrian fells has been an irresistible draw for generations of railway enthusiasts. The layout attempts to recreate something of this atmosphere in the classic steam era, including a recreation of the banking arrangements that were employed to assist the heavier trains up the incline – the layout has been built on a gradient so that the trains really do have to climb the bank.The layout takes three places on the climb of Shap Bank and blends them into one continuous scenic presentation some 35 feet long. In the uphill direction, trains enter the scene under the Greenholme road bridge. This then transforms into the ‘classic’ location on the prolonged embankment at Shap Wells. The trains then enter a sizeable cutting before passing the sidings and signalbox at Shap summit itself. Here, any bankers employed ‘drop off’ the rear of their train, before crossing over to return down the bank towards Tebay.The scenic work attempts to capture the bleak open moorland setting, with plenty of drystone walls (51 feet to be exact) and few trees. A graduated, forced perspective approach has been applied behind the mainline to blend into the backscene. Working signals are installed, including the distinctive Intermediate Block colour light signal at Shap Wells.After a brief LMS curtain raiser, we are in the 1950s crimson & cream era, with the full range of the iconic ex-LMS Stanier steam fleet at work, with famous trains such as the Royal Scot, Midday Scot and the Caledonian featured. By the late 1950s, maroon-liveried stock is much in evidence with BR standard types also at work. Before long, the first diesel-hauled trains appear and the once-proud Stanier pacifics are relegated to freight duties. As the 1960s progress, the first sightings of blue and grey stock are seen and the remaining steam locomotives are in increasingly filthy condition. The first Freightliner trains are now running whilst some early restored steam locomotives can be seen working enthusiast railtours. Finally, a complete blue and grey rake headed by a brand new D400 type signifies the end of the sequence.We hope you enjoy your visit to Shap Fell and are transported back to the classic BR era railway scene at this most recognisable of locations.