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Portland

Portland depicts a fictional branchline extension to the main South Western Mainline onwards from Weymouth in Network SouthEast days. Of course, the branch existed in reality until 1965, but evidence of its existence today has all but vanished. The fictional Portland receives NSE services from Bournemouth & Weymouth - being unelectrified the majority of these consist of loco hauled services - as well as services from Bristol, and the occasional Inter-Regional service.

Portland has a small servicing depot and associated yard to host a variety of freight operations, including Portland stone, sand, and Speedlink services. Oil is also delivered to the island from Fawley, to service the MPD but also other amenities close by. A recent addition to the layout is a small extension board, which has the station forecourt and a parcels depot.

Control is provided via NCE DCC systems with some Sound fitted locos utilised. Trackwork is a combination of C&L trackbases and handbuilt pointwork, built to 00-Finescale standards, providing smooth running for Ready To Run locos but offering a more finescale look. The layout is by no means complete, but shows a layout in progress working towards fully exhibitable standards.

Portland will next be exhibited at the Basingstoke Model Railway Exhibition on Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th March 2018.

Exhibition managers - if you are interested in having Portland appear at an exhibition then please contact Richard Sulzmann at richsulzmann (at) hotmail.co.uk.