Leighford
Woden Road/Hobgate
The successor to Fordley Park was Leighford, another fictitious layout, this time based on BR (ER & LMR) operations in Yorkshire. Although Leighford appeared to be a continuous run layout it was actually formed as a 'dumbbell' folded on itself. Unfortunately, this design proved to have weaknesses in that trains were off-scene for about two thirds of each lap and that any problem arising in one direction quickly escalated over the whole layout causing all trains to stop. This original format was initially designed as the first phase of a very adventurous and three phase project. The final layout would have been approximately 60' x 20', comprising of the original section plus extensions
modelling a sizable goods/marshalling yard, a loco shed and a substantial city terminus station. However, experience of operating the layout at its first few exhibitions revealed some serious short comings which needed remedial treatment: while decreasing the gradient at the rear of the layout, scenery was added to this section, thereby reducing the off-scene time of each train to under a half. However, the planned extensions were quickly abandoned. Despite this, Leighford enjoyed a reasonably successful exhibition life. However, by the early 1990s its reliability and the wear and tear began to cause concern, so in 1993 the decision was made to dispose of it, before it let us down at an exhibition. After completing its existing exhibition commitments, Leighford was sold in 1995.