I have been interested in Model Railways since I was 5 years old when I was given a
Hornby '0' gauge clockwork trainset for Christmas. The set was expanded over the years by the addition of Christmas
and Birthday presents until I was 12. About that time my Hornby '0' gauge collection filled two large
tea chests and my Mother sold it to the milkman for the princely sum of £5. (I often wonder what it would be worth today?)
With the proceeds from the sale of the Hornby '0' Gauge, I acquired a '00'
Gauge, Triang 0-6-0 'Jinty', some goods wagons and an oval of track which, was mounted on a 6' x 4" board
kept in the spare bedroom. I still have the 'Jinty' although it has been detailed and repainted several
times. It is now retired from active duty, but it still runs, if a little noisily. Over the years
the colllection was gradually added to, and various layouts were constructed in the garage, spare bedroom or shed of
our various homes.
My first 'true'exhibition layout called, 'Horton Parva' was constucted
in the early 1970's, when I joined my local model railway club, and exhibited many times in and around the home counties.
Several other small exhibition layouts based on L.M.S. practice followed, including, 'Oakbridge', 'Abney',
and 'Dagnall' (Mark 1.) A mark 4 version is currently on the exhibition
circuit.
'WYKE' was conceived and built as a 'minimum space' layout and
to maintain momentum whilst my large, continuous run, permanent layout, 'FULFORD REGIS' is currently
under construction!
I am always pleased to hear from fellow modellers, particularly those interested
in the London Midland & Scottish Railway, during the period 1935 -1948 and early British Railways up to
1955.
I am also happy to answer questions concerning 'WYKE', its
construction and operation.
So if you see me at an exhibition please do make yourself known.
Thank you for visiting my web site.
John A. Page