GRAND REOPENING - Coronations Herald Layout Comeback on Neville Grove

In March 2023 the Neville Grove layout was cut up and dismantled for an impending house move. Tracks were severed, rolling stock and locos were mothballed, and a 2 year filming hiatus commenced.

We lived in a caravan for several months whilst we renovated our new abode, and the enormity of the project meant that we didn't have a functioning kitchen or bathroom until May 2024. Rebuilding the layout was therefore not high on the family agenda.

Rebuilding was a mammoth task. Even bigger than I had dreaded as it was a stay at home layout that was never meant to be transported. However, I'm much indebted to Ben who made the seemingly impossible possible and we got it dismantled and shipped across the county in a day. Without his help I'm not sure trains would ever run again on Neville Grove as the layout would likely still be at our old house. So a big shout out to him and do check out his modelling antics with Bob on their legendary ⁨‪@BlufferstoBuffers‬ channel.

Exactly 2 years since they were cut, the mainlines have now been reconnected and trains are running at pace again.

There is still much repair work to be done, pending electrical tasks are coming out of my ears, and a few layout upgrades will ensue over time, but trains running again is a major milestone and what better way to celebrate than with TWO of Hornby's recent, and exquisite LNER Coronation sets.

On the down service is Johan's De Cramer's 4491 'Commonwealth of Australia' hauling his full set complete with an iconic Beavertail observation car. The whole consist has recently been weathered in the Neville Grove Weathering Studio (rest assured, work has continued in there throughout the upheaval).

On the corresponding southbound service is another full Coronation set, this time weathered for Luke Jackson and hauled by a very able substitute in the form of world speed record holder; 4468 'Mallard'. The loco is the first Dapol Black Label A4 to visit and a very lovely bit of kit it is too - look out for the smoke! This will soon be weathered for Matthew Mellalieu and is bound to feature in another video. Watch this space...

Another first through the studio was an LNER Green 4494 'Osprey' which makes an extremely fine sight on the upgraded Gresley teaks from the home fleet. This was also weathered for Luke.

Thanks fellas for sending your prize possessions and for letting me run them for the video.

Unless otherwise stated, all models featured are ‪@HornbyModelRailways‬​