Photographs of a small finescale OO module I built in summer 2003 that I used test stock and hold impromptu operating sessions. Sadly it was sent to the tip when I moved on to EM later that year, maybe a replacement will be built some time soon.............

In this gallery you will find pictures of my new 'Micro' Finescale OO project called Messingham, the truncated terminus of a once prosperous fictional branch line off the Wisbech to Kings Lynn line that has hung on to cater for dwindling Agricultural and Coal Traffic. Two sidings remain in use to serve a small Agricultural Warehouse and Coal Merchants.

The scenic section of the layout measures a mere 900 by 240mm. All track is Peco Code 75, though originally EM gauge had been laid. Locomotives and turnouts are DCC controlled using a Lenz Set 90 and LS150 Decoder. Seep Point Motors are used for point actuation. Smiths Instanters with magnetic bottom links are used with a Lanarkshire Models Magnetic 'Shunting Pole' for uncoupling and coupling.

Messingham is visited on a daily basis by a March to Kings Lynn trip freight.

Motive power is provided by a pair of Brush Type 2s, D5533 and D5580. Both these locos were allocated to March Shed in the late 60's.

D5533 has been completed using a blue 31 from Hornby as a base. This loco has been backdated to 1969 condition with Full Yellow Ends and early BR Blue livery. Modifications have included the rendering of an unwelded nose doors, new bodyside beading, new bodyside steps, a new roof filler hatch and the fitting of a Shawplan roof grille. All work was done by fellow Derby modeller Dave Roome to an excellent standard. (Quotes for loco building, detailing, painting and weathering can be obtained from Dave via email: roomey999@fsmail.net). It is fitted with a Lenz Gold decoder.


D5580 has been completed using a blue 31 from Hornby as a base. This loco has been backdated to 1969 condition with Full Yellow Ends and Two Tone Green livery. Modifications have included the rendering of an unwelded nose doors, new bodyside steps, a new roof filler hatch and the fitting of a Shawplan roof grille. Again, all work was done by fellow Derby modeller Dave Roome to an excellent standard. It is fitted with a Lenz Gold decoder.

Freight stock will be made up of a selection of vacuum braked short wheelbase vans and opens, 16t unfitted coal wagons and a pair of 20T BR Brake Vans. This stock will be made up from a selection of Parkside, kits, or detailed RTR Bachmann stock.

Buildings will be a mixture of scratchbuilt or kitbashed structures. Other scenery will come from whatever is currently in my large store of unused bits and pieces.

Please check back for more updates..........