Like a number of fellow model railway bloggers, my recent posts have become less frequent over the past few years. I can't point to any one reason but the gap between this and my most recent post has been due to a COVID postponed overseas trip which happened to include an encounter with a British steam icon.
However, this post is not about the Flying Scotsman, but rather, the next stage of Philip's Creek's refurbishment, in this instance the area between Singleton and the Hunter River. As I have mentioned previously, my two staging areas represent Singleton and Muswellbrook and the area in question is that portion of the layout immediately beyond the Singleton Staging area.
The actual area in question is shown on this small extract from Google maps. It is a flat flood plain area with little infrastructure. In the late 1960's, I understand there was a level crossing at John St which was subsequently replaced by the Putty Road overpass. I am using John St as the scenic break to disguise the entrance to the staging area. I am also working on the assumption, correct or otherwise, that in the late 1960's, there were few buildings north west of John St. The only significant building that I can identify close to the railway line is the Albion Hotel which may have been built in the 1920s. Waterworks Lane runs parallel to the track and Google Maps indicates that there is a former pumping station closer to the river.
The image below is my planning graphic as to how these features will incorporated in Philip's Creek.
The Albion Hotel does not fit on the eastern side of the railway as per the prototype so instead, it will be located on the west side of the tracks. I understand that the double track did not exist in the late 1960s. The line was duplicated when the Hunter River bridge was upgraded around 1974.
A lot more work to do and hopefully a few more posts if I can find time!
