Hello and welcome to forthvalleyrailway.com
The site looks at the "Forth Valley Heritage Railway", a 1:76 (OO gauge) model railway, which is currently being constructed.
The OO gauge and layout configuration was chosen so that the trains can be seen reasonably well from a seated position, with the layout being roughly 7ft up from the floor.
It is not intended to model a specific area or time, although it is based around older UK stock. The layout has amassed an eclectic collection of locos and rolling stock (see the inventory), most of the real-life versions of which will have at least passed through Scotland at one time or other. Think of it as a model museum collection.
The models are mainly vintage Hornby and Lima items, and their relatively low cost and reasonable accuracy allow for a variety of iconic locos to be purchased, that, from 5 to 6 feet away, will be perfectly acceptable to the intended audience.
As the layout will consist of two loops and one end-to-end track, DC operation of the layout can be achieved without the need for regular user input, something that can happen with a lower-level layout if that is needed. The use of DIY electronic circuits will feature as part of the build.
Come back to see the layout progress through time and development.
Progress:
November 2026
High level trackbed completed, final cork laid.
Middle loop cork install continued, two corners left.
Fourth paint visit for the 'mine pit head' model.
October 2026
Layout frame completed with the installation and painting of the frame facings.
High level rear trackbed installed with the exception of the two corner pieces, which have been cut and painted.
Most of the cork laid for the high level trackbed.
Cork started on the middle loop, measurements have changed station location plans.
Third paint visit for the 'mine pit head' model - slightly less brown, slightly more colour.
Further stock purchases.
Project Kirdon 'Super Seven' DC controller brought back into working order.
September 2026
Cork laid for outer track (nearest board edge).
Further stock purchases.
Progress on projects.
Begun high level rear trackbed construction.
Started painting the 'mine pit head' model, below shows second coat of acrylic. The railings were removed from the model to more closely resemble local vintage pit head gear, although these were usually not incorporated into buildings.
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August 2026
Further progress was made on the layout frame, the underside covers were painted and fitted.
Starting to understand which of the purchases were worth it and which were less so (don't buy used track online).
Built test track for rolling stock test and maintenance.
First electronic circuits laid out.
Further stock purchases.
July 2026
Steady progress was made to the room, with the frame and baseboards put in position.
Cables were added through the layout frame.
Track locations have been partially marked out to check on spacing, views and clearance.
Further stock purchases.
June 2026
The first purchases were made regarding rolling stock and controls (see the inventory page for a full list) and the room was decorated in readiness for the layout frame.
