Model railway delivered to Network Rail promotes safety

Basingstoke Model Railway Club has handed over a community safety layout to the Network Rail Community Safety Manager Wessex Route – Marcia Burnet at Network Rail's Basingstoke Rail Operating Centre (ROC).

The layout was designed to highlight dangers associated with railways specifically for school children, youth groups and Scouts/Guide associations. The model is expected to tour schools, clubs and communities in the Wessex Region as part of Network Rail's safety campaigns led by Marcia Burnett and her team.

Constructed to a modular design, the layout features two lines, each with a third rail, station scene, level crossing, foot crossing and landscaped features, all incorporating typical network rail scenics and equipment, with figures depicted in 'at-risk' or in dangerous scenarios.

The level crossing has sound, working lights and barriers and is sequenced correctly in line with current operational standards. Marcia Burnet said, "I gave the level crossing a test run in the office and it got a lot on interest! It's safely stored away from the 'big kids' so that children get a chance to see it in action! Thank you all – it is perfect in every way."

Pictured in the handover above from left to right: Adam Neale, Peter Thorpe, Ian Morgan and B&NHMRS Chairman, Robin Gilchrist. Missing from the image are Rob Score and John Smerdon who also helped with the layout build.

To find out more about the Basingstoke & North Hants Model Railway Society, visit its website.