A bit of background
I have always been interested in narrow gauge railways. Originally 16mm in the garden, 2-rail electric and battery locos featured but the main love was live steam. The final version of the garden railway consisted of a continuous run of about one scale mile; with a lift out 6 foot long girder bridge (now at the garden railway at the Talyllyn) to allow access for the ride-on mower and a tunnel for pedestrian access. Alas, there was one move to many and I resolved to build railways that would move with me.
This was about the time Roy Link was pioneering 14mm gauge and I was hooked. The first project was a WW1 layout (and some locos and stock still exist from those days) but it wasn't long before the Ffestiniog influence crept in - and then took over.
There were many false starts, some sold or given away, some simply scraped and burnt. Rhyd was started in 2006, although a number of buildings predate that by about 10 years. It was started in Swansea, developed in the far North of Scotland and is now in its sixth home, back in Wales. I am glad I built something that can move with me!
It was always intended to be a 'home' layout. It was made to be transportable. I enjoy exhibiting but as I do not drive I do not enjoy getting it to exhibitions, it is simply too big for one person to manage. It has been to six, with its final outing being Model Rail Scotland in 2016.
This is what has prompted this website - so I still exhibit Rhyd, but from the comfort of my own home.
I hope you enjoy your look round and please feel free to contact me via the e-mail link above but please note any e-mails without a Subject will be deleted automatically without me ever seeing them.
