All change at Colcester...!!

Well Easter has seen some major changes for the layout.

First of all, lets begin with the trip taken on Easter Saturday to Great Eastern Models in Norwich in which a number of the older locomotive stock from Colcester was taken for appraisal and sale. The decision to do this was taken because I have a large number of locos dating to the 1990s which are difficult to fit DCC chips into, plus I really dont have the space to run all these locos anyway. With some newer DCC ready locos on the way soon - Bachmanns Class 90, Cavalex`s Class 91 and Hornby`s Class 800 Azuma - it was also a move aimed to create much needed space for these and keep Colcester`s rolling stock up to date.

Having traded them in, I used most of the money as store credit and got much needed scenic stock and three Sundeala Hobbyboards ready for the forthcoming changes...

Yes, changes...

Colcester has been running as a two level layout linked with gradients since its inception, however constant issues with the two inclines despite attempts to rectify them have left me frustrated at the operational problems they have caused. At present I couldn't run any of the Pendolino trains up them, I cannot get anymore than a three coach train up them and despite fitting DCC Powerbase metal plates under the tracks and magnets to the locos there are serious traction problems.

So, the decision has been made to remove the gradients completely and run Colcester as two separate levels, the lower level will run as a self contained commuter line with its own storage yard, whilst the upper level will have the viaduct loop and a brand new storage yard as well. This will enable the storage yard to hold Pendolino units and the new Class 800 Azuma too.

As well as these changes, two areas have had some additional scenic features added - the Access Stairs have been added to link the Colcester Lower Crossing to the Works Compound above, and the Powerfeed Station has had a new gantry mast fitted.

You can see the latest pictures in the GALLERY PAGE if you CLICK HERE

And view the latest update blog video in the VIDEO PAGE if you CLICK HERE

Meanwhile a few pictures here as a taster...