Holland Bank
"Holland Bank" represents a small chemical works with its' own railway system. The interchange between British Rail and the works, is central to the layout, which only measures eight by two feet. The time period is 1969-1973 and by swapping the BR locomotives I can represent any region within that timescale. For example, a class 14 and "Hymek" will depict 1969 Western region and a class 02 and 25 will portray the Liverpool area in 1972. I have deliberately chosen the 1969-1973 period as it will satisfy my interest in the changeover from green to blue livery before the advent of TOPS numbering. A huge amount of reference material is available for this period, especially from the Bradford Barton "Diesels in Action" series and also lately from David Larkin's excellent "Working Wagons". A little story about the BB books - I was exhibiting at the Hazel Grove show a few years ago and on the second hand stall was a collection of some of the books. There were 15 in all at £2 each. With a little bartering, I picked up the lot for £25 - the best book buy I have ever made!
Currently the layout is still being built - the track is laid, wired and tested. Ballasting of the track and construction of the buildings is progressing slowly, but due to family commitments this progression is very slow.
Holland Bank is the old name of the works were I am currently employed and it is a chemical works also!