Rowlands Lodge is our fully scenic portable 16mm scale layout that makes appearances at several exhibitions and events each year. It is exhibited and maintained by a small group of our members and is capable of providing a showcase for the spectacle that is 16mm scale narrow-gauge modeling. Click on the diagram to see some views of it.

Over the last ten years it has been heavily altered, including extensive re-scenic-ing, several extensions and the inclusion of full layout lighting.  Rowlands Lodge is one of the biggest 16mm scale portable layouts in the country when we utilise all our baseboards, although we can also present it as a much smaller unit. The layout has facilities for running live-steam and battery locos and constant entertainment can be found on the branch line which runs across the front.

The far side of this diagram is what we consider to be the best viewing side; this is where most of the action is. However, at many shows, organisers take advantage of the fact that the whole layout is fully sceniced and so can be viewed from any side. The branchline runs from the canal wing, along the length of the layout, to the station/museum wing. We try to ensure that there is always something running here. In typical branchline fashion this is usually a short goods train with a small diesel loco at the front. Train movements on the branch are controlled by two operators who communicate using miniature block instruments and bells. Towards athe end of an operating session increasingly bizarre loads are often seen running up and down the branch!

Both wings of the layout can be removed to make the layout smaller. In addition to this, the main circle of the layout can conceivably be made both narrower and shorter, although this is very rarely done. 

The layout features several cameos, including a wood yard, a cottage and garden (complete with sit-on railway), an industrial railway museum, a main station, an engine shed with welder, a pub, four warehouses, a brewery, canal basin and a level crossing; quite a bit to fit in!

The layout is a regular crowd-puller at the shows it visits and can keep some children amused for ages. It has received 'Best in Show' awards at several recent exhibitions. We try to ensure that there is always live-steam running on the main circle and shunting going on up and down the branch line so that there is always something to see.

The only way that this layout can really be appreciated is by seeing it for yourself. Alternatively, why not check out the gallery page for some views of it. The Events page has a complete listing of what shows Rowlands Lodge will be attending over the coming months, so why not come and see us?

If you would like further information about Rowlands Lodge, or would like to book it for your show, please email the layout secretary at lodge@nw-16millers.org

Send mail to web@nw-16millers.org with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: 10 February 2008

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