Playing Trains At Glenauchter

Showing 'em how to do it the great Weston way.

I don't have a layout of my own so I often have to make do with a length of track in the attic. This is fine for testing, but not so much for 'playing trains'. I do intend to build a layout of my own at some point in the future - it's just a matter of time, resources and a healthy dose of confidence!

Fortunately, I can afford to be a bit lazy due to the fact that I'm a member of the Bo'ness Gauge O Group (or BOGOG for short). The group layout is called 'Glenauchter' and is set during the mid 30s on the LMS. I believe that it's heavily based on Gleneagles (though I couldn't say for certain as I've never seen the station). This doesn't mean we can't run 'funny trains' though. In fact, most of the stock I've seen running on the layout doesn't really fit into the area or period - though isn't that all part of the fun? I've seen Southern electrics, tiny 1840s engines and even a HUGE German...thing (is that the correct term?).

There's always a nice variety of stock on pre-grouping days.

On the weekends the layout is open to the public and there's always something nice trundling through the station. I don't think I've ever had a bad day operating the layout though there's been a few derailments and the occasional crash but that's all part of the experience! I've not operated many layouts, but Glenauchter has been a lot easier to figure out than anything else I've played with and though some aspects can be a bit fiddly but there are always members willing to help out. This is another thing I really like about the group. Everyone is happy to share their invaluable knowledge and advice - I've learned more tips and tricks as a member of this group than from any model railway magazine!

WC&PR Railcar No. 5 arrives at Glenauchter.

As well as pre-grouping, 50s, diesel days and various other themed days, we also have the obligatory 'Day Out With Thomas' weekends. These days can be a great excuse to be very, very silly. Especially when you have more faces than engines...

Doris the DMU and Patrick the Patriot pause for a photograph the Tuesday before 'Day Out With Thomas'.

So why not come down to the Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway for the weekend and watch the trains go by in 1:1 and 1:43 scale? You can find us in the Norwegian coaches on the way to the museum. 


Stuart