GROGLEY - our new 4mm scale (00 gauge) layout
Here we're posting photos and updates on the new build layout, which we've called Grogley.
Whilst Grogley Woods exists as an area to the west of Bodmin, and there used to be a Grogley Halt on the old Bodmin & Wadebridge Railway line, the layout is entirely fictional.
Bought by the London and South Western Railway in 1847, the route between Bodmin and Padstow ran along the Camel river valley. Built from 1831 and opened in 1834, it was one of Britain's earliest and the first to be steam powered. Closed in 1967, the track bed is now part of the Camel Trail, an 18 mile walking and cycling route between Padstow and Wenfordbridge.
Plan of the proposed layout
26 Sept 2025
We've started on the construction of the 12 baseboards, each 1220 x 750mm. The final top surface will be a mix of levels and inclines, so will be 'open top' construction, where the board surface is set at track level, not necessarily at the top of the framework - all will become clear in due course!
The timber is 9mm ply with softwood corner bracings, all glued and screwed. The cross pieces have large holes drilled in them, to accommodate the wiring and to reduce weight. The tops have been put in place temporarily to keep the frames square while the glue dries.
The large corner blocks are where the folding legs will be fixed.
The timber is 9mm ply with softwood corner bracings, all glued and screwed. The cross pieces have large holes drilled in them, to accommodate the wiring and to reduce weight. The tops have been put in place temporarily to keep the frames square while the glue dries.
The large corner blocks are where the folding legs will be fixed.
26 Sept 2025
After a bit of experimentation we finally got the first board up on its legs and celebrated with a mug shot! :)
10 Oct 2025
Due to illness and absences, the last two weeks have resulted in only two more board frames being completed, but progress is progress!
Due to illness and absences, the last two weeks have resulted in only two more board frames being completed, but progress is progress!
17 Oct 2025
Another two boards completed this evening, as a few members missing again, but good results. We're now over half-way with the main structure of the boards.
24 Oct 2025
Lots of people this evening, so plenty got done.
Lots of people this evening, so plenty got done.
Only one and a bit of the frames left to make up.
Then comes the addition of the legs and assembly to make sure they all fit together!
3 May 2026
With apologies for the lack of posting, this update takes us from adding the legs to starting the track laying.
With apologies for the lack of posting, this update takes us from adding the legs to starting the track laying.
First up was fitting a few extra large blocks in the right place for the hinges.
Next we added the legs to those blocks using folding hinges. The middle board on each side of the layout has 4 legs, those connecting to them on the long sides will have 2 and the corner boards just 1 mounted on the outside corner.
The hinges latch into place and are released by the lever which can be seen in the lower image.
A trial assembly of the complete layout was then done - it's big! After a bit of fettling it was ready for the next step.
This comprised cutting various parts of the baseboard tops, to accommodate the gradients which will be supported at various heights from the baseboard cross pieces.
This image shows the fiddle yard with track being laid. The cut-out on the right will form the Grogley Incline scenic section. The fiddle yard will be hidden behind a vertical backscene.
This image shows the fiddle yard with track being laid. The cut-out on the right will form the Grogley Incline scenic section. The fiddle yard will be hidden behind a vertical backscene.
5 July 2026
The past few weeks have seen a continuation of the track-laying as it progresses around the boards.
The past few weeks have seen a continuation of the track-laying as it progresses around the boards.
This area is the location of Grogley Town Station.
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