Modelling the Western Region

The Western Region of British Railways has always held a special appeal for railway modellers. Formed in 1948, the WR carried on the traditions of The Great Western Railway more or less unchallenged until the regions were abolished in the 1990s. Modelling the Western Region provides all the advice you need to model your own railway layout based on this fascinating region and era. This book considers the historical background of the Western Region; it reviews available ready-to-run and kit-built steam and diesel motive power; explains Western Region signalling practice; discusses rolling stock typically used on the Western Region and, finally, provides practical suggestions for branch and main line layouts.

John Emerson has had a lifelong interest in railways and railway modelling. In the 1980s he began writing articles for the model railway press, illustrated the regular 'Lineside Look' column in ModelRail for several years before beginning a seventeen-year association with British Railway Modelling, becoming that magazine's longest-serving editor. In between John found time to build Gifford Street, a large 0 gauge exhibition layout which remained on the show circuit until 2012. Using his experience gained over the years in business, building models, and from his editorial career he now divides his time between building his new Western Region Brimscombe layout, writing and running a model-making business in Lincolnshire.