Lower Tyldsley is a rural station situated in the region of the Derbyshire coal field. The railway modelled is London Midland Scottish and the period is the 1960’s. The national decline of the railways under the axe of Dr Beeching, together with the increased popularity of motor car transport, has seen passengers’ numbers falling steadily over the last few years.

 

The area’s coal industry is also in decline together with that of freight traffic. The station has seen its passenger service and facilities also decline as evidenced by the cattle dock which has not been in use for several years. Traces of a much earlier and now overgrown pony track to the pit head can be seen passing under a bridge. Similarly, the coal staithes and coal yard are no longer as busy as they once were.
 

The layout is n-gauge analogue using ready to run stock, designed for one locomotive to be running at any one time on the main track with another loco shunting in the goods yard. Track isolation is controlled by the points. Features also include lighting in the various buildings associated with the local coal industry and a colliery working at the point of imminent closure. A row of mine workers cottages with the outbuildings and gardens can be seen at the front of the layout. An atmosphere of approaching decline is evidenced by the scrub and vegetation which takes over a landscape of a country in industrial decline. It is a time of transition for railways and British industry.

 

The layout measures 8ft x 2ft, requires an operating space of 8ft x 6ft and a small table for stock. One 13 amp socket and two operators with transport in one car.