Langstead – Episode 17: Outer Oval Completion

Andy Carter Leave a comment

A quick update to detail the completion of the Outer Oval Extension from last episode.

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The new line is now fully operational. As you’ll notice in the above photo, not all the landscaping has been finished. This is first to allow for the level crossing to be extended (how this will work I’m not sure yet due to the height difference). Secondly, I’ve not decided how to model over the join in the two boards. Previously I’ve laid ballast first leaving the track to be placed on top. (This picture illustrates that).  This works but makes the track uneven in places so I may investigate other methods – perhaps painting and adding railings to create a faux bridge. Continue reading →

Side Tracked: Petite Ceinture

Andy Carter 1 Comment

It’s not just London with a whole host of abandoned rail infrastructure. The Petite Ceinture (or The Little Belt) was built in 1852 and was Paris’ version of The Circle Line connecting the cities main line termini. The 20 mile line was eventually closed when competition from The Paris Metro made it obsolete. It is now a facilitating hidden space within the city, and is being documented by Thomas Jorion.

Another great little insight into the line is featured here by from the BBC

Image by J.M. Schomburg

Side Tracked: BBC St. Mary’s Tube Station Tour

Andy Carter 1 Comment

I found this interesting short film from the BBC as part of a Radio 4 documentary back in 2010. David Leboff takes you on a short tour of the disused District Line station St. Mary’s.

St. Mary’s station became surplus to requirement in 1938 when Aldgate East was relocated further east. Some interesting features of the station still remain today…

[youtube.co.uk=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wa0VtPj036c]

Video by BBC