Memories In Our Layouts

[dannyboy]

I wonder how many of us incorporate memories into our layouts. My previous layout Averingcliffe incorporated many references to my relatives, some currently alive and some, sadly, no longer with us. Some examples from Averingcliffe - my late Dad worked for the Royal Mail and there is a Royal Mail depot. Many of my relatives are mentioned, either directly or indirectly. My Mother, two sisters, (Diane not with us any more), brother and others get a mention, either in the buildings or 'Code 3' rolling stock. They also featured often in the back story, along with events from my past.. How many others have done similar? I sometimes regret dismantling Averingcliffe, but I spent many happy hours building the layout and have my photographs and videos - along with the actual build thread of course.

[crewearpley40]

That's a nice thought David

My layout has shades of Ditton,  Widnes, Warrington Bank Quay,  Arpley, Crewe North Junction, Crewe, Allerton. Happy memories of my late Grandparents. I was a small lad after a serious childhood operation and it was Grandfather who brought me my first train set Plus encouraged me onto the railways as he owned the news stands and stalls at Crewe and Warrington plus Widnes back in the day. Plus my late Uncle who worked at Crossfields and Wilson Patten Street if one turned right out of Bank Quay overlooking the old Area Managers ' Office and Stutchers Lane. Memories of all manner of diesels and Fiddlers Ferry HAAs, Speedlinks, coal heading for Bickershaw and the Preston/ Stanlow tanks.

[Nbodger]

Well David, an interesting discussion. Hillsden comes into that category.

Most of the road names are based on Mytholmroyd and Sunnybank was were my mother was born, later moving to Midgley Road which is also in Hillsden.

[Skyline2uk]

A nice theme for a thread.

Filton TMD (in long term storage) has very recent memories of the area and physical memories in the form of a signal box that was built for me by my friends dad many many years ago.

Said chap was the reason I took up N gauge in the first place.

When (eventually) Filton is refurbished, the signal box will remain.

Skyline2uk

[Shropshire Lad]

Great idea for a thread!
My railway is called Milburn Central after it's station. As a little un I heard many a tale about 'Wor Jackie' from my grandad so a North Eastern station couldn't be called anything else for me.

[Graham]

Echo those thoughts, I model modern (post 2000) which for someone of my era may seem a bit strange, but I still have a number of "rule 1" purchases or souvenirs which I run, as it is mine and I'll run what I like.
Blue Pullman, I remember seeing this a very small child whilst helping my grandfather on his allotment which backed onto the MML just south of Bedford.
A Blue Duchess and rake of blood and custard Mk1's, my first purchase, 2nd hand after joining the N Beds N gauge group in the very early 80's.
A J94 which was my leaving present from the group as I left for Aussie in 87.
Incidentally all 3 ran over the Kings birthday weekend on a club layout at our show.



Not a good pic, as it was taken to show off the poster for next years layout currently under construction

[Trainfish]

My layout has a few memories of Pink Floyd for those who didn't know. The Mason's Arms, Barrett Bridge, Gilmour Grange, Roger Waters, Wright Way. Some songs are also referenced with Eugene (who had his axe confiscated) running the White Horse, Grantchester Meadows and a few more.

One thing I really need to do is to name an area as mentioned 7 years ago after my parents. My latest thought is to name my 2nd station either Kenlinda or Lindaken. I'll make my mind up one day, I promise.

[Newportnobby]

No mention of your piéce de resistance - Ummagumma Junction?

[Trainfish]

No mention of your piéce de resistance - Ummagumma Junction?

Good point although I did say there were other references. I also forgot to mention the tribute band, N Floyd

[Newportnobby]

A double slip, then

[Trainfish]

4 double slips actually