Narrow Gauge North

2024

A 16mm scale layout by the Poppleton Community Railway Nursery
Scale 16mm/1 foot
Gauge 32mm
Size 6’6" x 2’6" plus a link section to the Ripon and district layout.

This model railway is designed to give the flavour of the prototype, the 2’ gauge railway at the former railway nursery at Poppleton near York. Certain areas on the model will be recognisable to those who know the nursery, or have seen photo’s. The stock is mostly items the builders have available but also includes models of our Lister “Loweco” and motorised wagon “Terry Stanhope”. It has been constructed by two volunteers at the Nursery as an attraction at sales, and gradually updated to reflect changes at the Nursery. The layout is unusual as it uses real potted plants and trees from the Nursery, placed in suitable holes in the baseboard, which means it never looks the same.

The nursery was built by the LNER in 1940, and the railway constructed in the 1980’s. It is now being restored by volunteers and community groups, after being closed in 2006 having been rundown for years before that. It is run by Poppleton Community Railway Nursery Ltd a Charity and not for profit company. It sells its plants from sales on the site and at other locations, as well as selling to several stations.

The railway was used to move materials round the site mainly by man power, but several locos were used on occasions. At present we have restored the two wagons left on the site, and several others have been given or purchased for a variety of uses. We have been given a motorised wagon built by Terry Stanhope, and the Lister Loco previously at Kirkstall Abbey railway is on loan from a member. The Line has been extended by volunteers over the last few years, and now serves more of the site, where it is regularly used for transporting plants and materials round the constricted Nursery.

Details of sales and open days at the nursery can be found on the website: www.poppletonrailwaynursery.co.uk

Visitors are welcome but please contact us first.

We are looking to increase sales so any contacts for future orders will be welcome.

Volunteers will always be welcome for many tasks, as we gradually return the Nursery to its former glory.