Having exhibited the original layout in it completed form it was decided to construct an extension to create more interest and permit a larger wharf/dock industrial area beyond the original wharf.

The building of a second extension for the opposite end of the original layout has now begun.

January 2008 Update   October 2006 Update   Original Update  

The new wharf extension to the original Exdale layout is virtually complete and has been commissioned. Our annual Club exhibition in February 2008 will be its first public outing in an operable condition.

Our group, still fired with enthusiasm, has now embarked on the building of a second extension for the opposite end of the original layout. This will comprise of an 8ft. scenic section through rising moor land, into a tunnel and ending in a new second fiddle yard. This time an open frame baseboard construction has been used and the ground formed from interlaced cardboard strips on formers with newspaper layered on top with diluted white glue.

This extension will considerable enhance the operating potential of the layout when complete. It will then be possible to run longer trains from end to end with trains crossing in the station. This will necessitate the construction of a second platform opposite the existing one. It was fortuitous that we left plenty of space for this. Not because it was planned but because we couldnt decide what to put there. Even with the new platform in place this area should not appear too cluttered. With more conflicting train movements envisaged the need for some signalling became apparent and three are under construction.

No alterations will be made to the original layout to accommodate the new extension yet awhile. This latest development when completed will also give Exdale four possible assembly configurations which will give exhibition managers more flexibility to accommodate the layout in one form or another.

Progress on the extension of the layout to the new wharf proceeds slowly but steadily, helped by the efforts of the Wednesday mornings working party. This may be seen from the recent photographs.

The painting of the river surface and waterfront area has been completed and this has allowed the railway bridge to be permanently fixed.

The integral control panel has now been wired in and tested. The back of the panel is hidden behind the timber warehouse and yard, yet to be completed.

More wiring work will be required to interface the extension with the existing layout. Also nearing completion is the foundry complex occupying the back left hand corner. Work proceeds on the scenic detailing and construction of the remaining buildings and accessories.

Two new baseboards are being added and a new riverside frontage being created. Baseboard construction and track laying is completed and the wiring virtually finished.

Various industrial buildings are under construction by assorted members and much scenic work and detailing remains to be done.

At present no work has been undertaken to interface the extension with the existing layout. This will not take place until a sufficient window of time exists between exhibition commitments and the extension is complete.