Have you thought about 009?

Imagine modelling a narrow-gauge Welsh slate quarry, or perhaps the Welsh Highland or Lynton & Barnstaple Railway, past or present. Such projects are becoming possible for many more modellers with the recent resurgence of ready-to-run 009-scale locomotives and rolling stock, writes Pete Kelly.   

Now and again, it’s inevitable that some modellers will grow tired of their pre-grouping, ‘Big Four’, period British Railways or post-nationalisation layouts and start thinking about something fresh and original instead.

Some might decide on a change of era; others a change of modelling gauge while still reflecting the real-life British mainland standard gauge of 4ft 8½in. 

Of course with OO-scale industrial locomotives such as the newly tooled Peckett B2 Class 0-6-0 saddle-tanks and Ruston and Hornsby diesel shunters from Hornby, which will both be available in a plethora of bright liveries this year, a standard-gauge switch to industrial scenes is perfectly feasible, but a more radical way forward – turning your thoughts to narrow gauge – allows more compact layouts with previously unimagined scenic opportunities, plenty of scope for freelance initiative, and lots of fun into the bargain.

Few readers will have failed to notice the recent surge of interest in small industrial or preserved narrow-gauge tourist line locomotives, and if you are thinking of making such a switch, the 009 Society is waiting to welcome you to its ranks.

It caters for every aspect of small-scale narrow-gauge railway modelling for beginners and experienced modellers alike, whether they prefer to scratch-build, kit-build or simply enjoy the increasing number of ready-to-run locomotives and rolling stock items.

As its website ‘Welcome’ page puts it: “From African Garratts to Welsh Quarry Hunslets, from sleek Swiss efficiency to ramshackle railways, the 009 Society caters for all aspects of small-scale, narrow-gauge railway modelling in 009, HOe, OOn3 and many other combinations. “

For the full article and to view more images, see the March 2019 edition of Modelling – available now!

For a complete list of stockists and how to get your copy, visit: www.railwaymagazinemodelling.co.uk/distributors

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