Our group's main layout is known as 'Ridgmont', named after our first meeting location. It is constructed from 18 sections which when assembled are 33 feet long by 13 feet deep and has two 32 mm gauge track circuits thus allowing two trains to be run simultaneously. Over the past years the layout has undergone many 'makeovers', with the addition of new scenic sections with artificial grass, bushes and small trees to give the feel of a garden railway indoors.
The group also has a demonstration track which we call 'Papplewick Green'. This small line is easy to transport and erect in a number of configurations. It is used to publicise the group, and our society, at local events where 'Ridgmont' could not go. The materials used in the construction of this line were generously donated to our group by John Kinross.
Other 16mm scale exhibition layouts owned by Beds Group members are:-
'Chalkwood' and 'St Gennys 5', both layouts built and owned by Andrew Neal.
'Wags Wharf', owned by a group of our members, two rail electric operation featuring a steam operated beam engine.
'Prayle Grove', a non-scenic (32mm & 45mm) running line built and owned by Graham East.
'New Mexico Docks' / 'Docks, New Mexico', a small double sided layout built and owned by Nick Burton.
Visiting members of the 16mm Assiation are welcome to bring their 32mm gauge locos and/or stock to run on our layout. Our group policy on steam boiler and gas tank certification is aligned with the Association insurance requirements. This means that most will not have to show a current test certificate unless you have a home built loco or one of exceedingly large capacity. Please read the policy restrictions in the 16mm Exchange publication, or see the Assiation web site. All group members, and any visitors wishing to run steam locos, must be current 16mm Association members otherwise our public liability insurance would be invalidated. We offer a locomotive inspection and testing service, and can certificate boilers to 16mm Association or Southern Federation MES standards if required.
