Stop two · Loading bay 2
Middleton Station
Middleton gave the layout its name. Its platform runs along the back of loading bay 2, beneath a painted backscene of hills and a river.
It is a busy place: passengers and luggage, a newsagent’s kiosk, a Fry’s Chocolate sign, a cinema bill, and the green Warship “Grenville” waiting in the station.
Gold markers point out small details. Select one to read about it.
MiddletonThe nameboard says MIDDLETON, and so does the timetable board along the wall: the main station of Grandad’s railway, and the name this site carries.1 of 4 details
Now showingThe cinema bill is pure 1950s: A Kid for Two Farthings this week, with Diana Dors and Celia Johnson, and Marlon Brando in The Wild One coming soon.2 of 4 details
A platform goodbyeBeneath the Fry’s sign a couple hold each other close by the bench, as though saying goodbye before the train comes in.3 of 4 details
58 001Closest to the camera stands 58 001, the very first of the Class 58 diesels, in Railfreight grey with big white BR arrows.4 of 4 details
MiddletonMiddleton, the main station, gives this site its name. Passengers gather with their bags beneath the board, by a Fry’s Chocolate enamel sign and a cinema bill.1 of 4 details
The vanishing roof postWhere a roof post comes up through the layout, he painted it with sky and fields so it melts into the backscene.2 of 4 details
Waiting for the next loadOutside the shed a little yellow forklift stands ready, as though its driver has just stepped away for a moment.3 of 4 details
On the beatA police car makes its rounds along the front road, blue lamp on the roof, keeping an eye on the lorries and vans.4 of 4 details
D820 GrenvilleIn the foreground stands Warship D820 ‘Grenville’, green with a yellow nose, her red nameplate mounted beneath the BR crest.1 of 3 details
Home on leaveAt the end of Middleton’s platform a sailor in white takes the bench while a soldier in khaki stands by him, as though both are home on leave.2 of 3 details
Off on an outingThree children in matching blue jackets stick close together near the station building, like a school party waiting for their train.3 of 3 details
Grenville
The green Warship D820 “Grenville” waits beside the platform with a rake of stone wagons, while passengers gather by the newsagent’s kiosk.
Look closer
The nameboard says MIDDLETON, and so does the timetable board along the wall: the main station of Grandad’s railway, and the name this site carries.