Lowleigh - the end of the line
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- Опубліковано 28 гру 2022
- This is our last visit to Lowleigh Station. It's 1964 and much has changed since our first video set in 1957 - 'A Day at Lowleigh Station'. Lowleigh is situated about halfway down the fictitious branch which runs between Kidderminster and Brombury in Worcestershire.The model is to the scale of 4mm:foot, track gauge '00'. 'Lowleigh' was featured in MRJ numbers 241 & 242 and several shorter articles have been published in Railway Modeller.
We hope that you will be able to make a contribution to the Railway Children Charity which 'fights for street children in Africa, India and in the UK'
www.railwaychildren.org.uk
I can only concur with previous comments, everything about the series has been enchanting. The models, videoing and of course the superb narration. I am so pleased we will have another story to enjoy soon.
Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words. I am looking forward to some new videos featuring Ashcombe my new layout but progress is slow! Best wishes, Peter
To all subscribers
Thank you all for subscribing to my channel and for all of your helpful and encouraging comments. It makes such a difference to know that our videos seem to give pleasure and are of interest to fellow enthusiasts. The decision to abandon Lowleigh was not easy. Although a layout is ‘never finished’ it was finished (if you see what I mean!). There were so many things I wanted to improve, including a move to EM gauge, lighting and relay control of turnouts and signals, it seemed easier to ‘start again’. The new layout is ‘Ashcombe’ and is set further south in Somerset. Not all of Lowleigh was scrapped and various buildings, bridges, fixtures and fittings, locos and stock will appear again on Ashcombe.
Please spare a thought for the Railway Children charity and make a donation if you can. Julia and I visited the boys’ hostel and station refuge in Delhi and saw for ourselves what valuable work the charity does. Railway Children is expanding its work in the UK where, sad to report, many distressed children are arriving alone at our major stations and are being supported by the charity.
I wish you all a happy and healthy 2023 with time to enjoy our very special hobby.
Peter
www.railwaychildren.org.uk
I share the expressions of joy and appreciation expressed in the earlier comments. So sad to say goodbye to Lowleigh but happy to know that this is not the end. As a 79yr old Australian I can still appreciate an “escape to the country”
Good to hear from 'downunder'. Best wishes, Peter
This is railway modelling at it's best. Inspirational, you bet it is. A superb example of portraying a bygone era in miniature. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much Chris. It was a difficult decision to scrap Lowleigh but space is at a premium and I was keen to change to EM. Slow but steady progress on 'Ashcombe' to report. Best wishes, Peter
@@peterharrison6230 I hope you did not break the layout up completely, and sold it instead to someone who could carry on enjoying it.
Brilliant storytelling. Thank you for the visits!
Thank you so much. Best wishes, Peter
What a superb project. Totally captures the atmosphere of a rural branch in the middle of the last century. I know, I was there!
Thank you for your kind comments. I wish I had memories of the old rural branchlines but my railway background is of pits, shipbuilding, J27s, Q6s and rattling coal trains! Best wishes, Peter
For me one of the finest model railways ever. Yes, there are bigger more complicated layouts but what you have achieved is atmosphere in bucket loads. Realistically simple yet entertaining and enthralling. It just seemed so like the branch lines of the 50/60’s. The production was also superb. So, with a tear in my eye, farewell Lowleigh and bring on its replacement. Happy new year to you all.
You're too kind Phil. I scrapped Lowleigh with great regret but progress on Ashcombe is slow but steady! All the best, Peter
It is so nice to sit back and watch these videos, being transported back in time. Yet another superb video with excellent narrative.
Thanks Kevin, we've enjoyed making the videos and its pleasing to note they are well received. Happy days, long gone! Best wishes, Peter
I actually felt quite sad when a friend emailed to say that Lowleigh was coming to an end, it has been an absolute pleasure to sit and watch, and I can only ask that Lowleigh remains on UA-cam, or is made available on DVD. Lowleigh is actually therapeutic, calm and peaceful, and takes the viewer back to those easy days long before the so called “progress “ took over our lives.
Well, like many of the other Lowleigh viewers, I have my coat on, a ten Bob note in my hand, and eagerly await for the ticket office to open at Ashcombe.......
Thanks Phil. It's so encouraging to hear that our videos are enjoyed. We.ve certainly had fun making them and have no plans to remove them from UA-cam (not even sure i know how to do that anyway!). The new layout is coming on well - getting to grips with EM and with relays etc and all the buildings and bridges etc from Lowleigh have been rebuilt (!) at Ashcombe. Signals bouncing merrily and points changing with no Peco point motor 'bang'. Lowleigh's locos are being converted to EM (easier said than done) and running on extortionately expensive Ultrascale wheels. Passengers enjoyng the comfort of an ex-GWR railcar from Heljan and neat lamps from Gaugemaster lighting up the platform. Hopefully the first Ashcombe video will follow soon. With very best wishes, Peter
Lowleigh took on a life of its own, and for me, it will be missed just like the closure of a real railway branch. I do think these small branch lines are much more interesting to get to know than the huge American-like "basement pacifics". And you did so well, both of you in this series that I'll gladly return to all these films in the future.
I am happy though that this is not the end - perhaps not even the end of the beginning!
Thanks John. Hopefully 'Ashcombe' will rise from the ashes of 'Lowleigh'. I've changed to EM gauge so everything takes a bit longer. Best wishes, Peter
Always a joy to see another episode appear. Beutiful storytelling too.
Thank you so much. Best wishes, Peter
What can I say. It’s almost like I am sat on the platform as a youngster train spotting again. Short pants a tank top a bottle of pop and my sandwiches wrapped up in grease proof paper. “Happy days long gone but never forgotten” just a super representation thanks both for sharing the moment in time again👍
Too kind but thank you so much. Keep quaffing the Tizer! Best wishes, Peter
I just happened across your video this afternoon and I thoroughly enjoyed it. May be you could model in a run down state as I so remember all those wonderful buildings, signals and other railway infrastructure removed, partially dismantled and vandalised! I'm sure a lot of people remember those days from the mid-sixties to early seventies where diesel trains came and dismantled our beloved railways.I'm going to stop now, I feel a nostalgia trip coming on.
Thanks Vernon. I didn't want to model too much dereliction - I'm re-using the buildings etc on my new layout! Best wishes, Peter
Utterly superb for the first few minutes I thought I was watching John Bejetman Film.
Voiceover Scenes and music superb.
Iam so glad you ended when it didn't want see smashed station derelict rails weed strewn embankment.
Of course you could continue as the line opens as Lowleigh Valley Railway with pretty stations with gardens Tea shop and happy smiling tourist and exited children.
I visited Swanage Railway with my cousin who is a train buff, I wasn't, but enjoyed every minute
Stayed in Corfe for 1 night went to Swanage by steam took boat trip round harbour past sandbanks etc .
What a superb asset the preserved railway is to the local economy..
As such huge numbers enjoying g steam and Vjntage Diesels and of all ages...
Thank you Chris. All reversible and the buildings etc have re-appeared on my latest model 'Ashcombe'. Julia and I enjoyed a couple of days on the Swanage branch...pity the connection to Wareham is so underused. Best wishes, Peter
Awesome presentation. Superb modelling of a bygone era.
Thanks for your kind words. Happier days in the earlier 'Lowleigh' videos beginning with 'A Day at Lowleigh Station'. Best wishes, Peter
Amazing layout and models- lifelike (I aspire to produce similar). Fantastic film production and narration on this series too. I look forward to the next series.
Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words. Pleased to report slow but steady progress on my new layout, Ashcombe,. Best wishes, Peter
Looking forward to the next layout !
Thank you...slow but steady progress! Best wishes, Peter
Hi Peter, hope all is well. Eagerly anticipating the next series.
Thanks Rich. Slow but steady progress and getting to grips with tortoise point motors and the mysteries of relays!. All the best, Peter
As always a joy to watch; sadly this was a very important piece of our railway history - beautifully illustrated and described in this video - thank you.
Thank you for your kind words Pete. Best wishes, Peter
Thoroughly enjoyed that, a clever twist on the usually endless summer days of a branchline model. Perhaps the line may be lucky and the preservation movement will choose it as a prospect, or perhaps there are not men of sufficient faith in Brombury...
Thank you Andrew. Pleased to hear you enjoyed the video. Unfortunately no interest in Brombury or Kidderminster to preserve the line. Maybe they already had another line in mind to rescue?! However, buildings, bridges, locos and stock will all appear again on Ashcombe! Best wishes, Peter
Absolutely stunning, a masterpiece in both modelling and presentation as a part of the exhibition team at Stafford UK I would book it without hesitation. However perhaps transportation costs etc prohibit it. Thank you for sharing it with us. Terry
Thanks for your kind words Terry. Sadly Lowleigh is no more but my small EM layout Brombury Loco is going strong. Forthcoming article in Railway Modeller and subject of previous video, search 'Brombury Loco' on UA-cam. Best wishes, Peter
Such an inspiring layout and video production. Looking forward your next project
Thank you so much. Best wishes, Peter
Hooray For Ashcombe... Very exciting and looking forward to the first visit to another beautifully bucolic branchline 😊🎉
Slow but steady progress to report! Best wishes, Peter
I thought for a minute the title meant the end of Lowleigh the model! An interesting period in railway history not often referred to in model form but your story has conveyed the mood beautifully. Beautiful model, prototypical operation and filmed for the most part from eye level. I was watching over the fence as it were. Editing, narration and sounds hit the spot for me. Thank you for creating and posting. Yours. Inspired R😊B.
It would also be possible to do a Beeching Era themed model. Demolition of stations, scrapping steam locos etc etc. Great stuff! Beeching was a genius who should be celebrated.
Thank you for your kind and encouraging comments Rob. Indeed Lowleigh is no more but buildings, bridges, locos and stock etc will appear on Ashcombe. Best wishes, Peter
Very moving , superb diction , being blessed with fertile imaginations helps . Sincere best wishes to you both , THANK YOU .
Thank you so much Laurence. Pleased to report slow but steady progress on the new layout, Ashcombe,.With best wishes, Peter
A fantastically filmed, edited and narrated "moment in time" of a beautifully made layout, operated very smoothly. I've enjoyed the whole series and am sad to know this is the last in the series. I hope this does not mean lowly is being broken up like so many amazing layouts do. I am looking forward to seeing what is coming though.
Thank you for your kind comments. Lowleigh is indeed no more but the buildings, bridges, signals, locos and stock will all be used again on Ashcombe my new layout. Truthfully my appalling woodwork and chaotic wiring made it impossible to sell Lowleigh as a complete layout. Will try harder with the new layout! Best wishes, Peter
I have absolutely adored your Lowleigh videos; the modelling, narration and (I think) Richard Weigall’s exquisite oboe playing. Very sad to say goodbye to Lowleigh but looking forward to Ashcombe!
Thank you so much. Best wishes, Peter
Thank you for such a lovely film.
Thank you for your kind comment. I hope you enjoy the other films in the 'Lowleigh' series. With best wishes, Peter
Happy Modelling and best wishes to all for 2024.
The Lowleigh series of videos are excellent. I have really enjoyed watching them all.
Thank you John. All the best, Peter
Excellent production and editing, giving an almost BTF feel and quality. Well narrated and a great watch.
Thanks that's an interesting thought. I sometimes get a whiff of the old Railway Roundabout' programmes, especially in 'Sunday Special'. Best wishes, Peter
@@peterharrison6230 Yes railway roundabout as well, there was a feel of professional production throughout, especially the opening b/w section.
A brilliant model with a craftsmanship many aspire to but rarely reach. Thank you
Thanks for your kind and encouraging words Peter. Best wishes, Peter
Thank you Peter, for another excellent film - very sad though! Looking forward to seeing the first Ashcombe story!
Thank you Paul
Very well put together.
Thank you, Peter
A sorry tale indeed! Fantastic presentation, most enjoyable - well done all.
Indeed. Thanks for your kind words and pleased to report slow but steady progress on my new layout, Ashcombe. Best wishes, Peter
The video, and the commentary moreso, are so believable that they actually made me feel quite sad at the passing of an era.
Well done, however!
Eric
Thanks for your comments Eric - happy days long gone! Best wishes, Peter
This was well put together!
Thanks Kev. All the best, Peter
Peter
As a Canadian modelling British steam, Lowleigh has alway been a great inspiration to me. It exemplified what great work can be accomplished in a small space.
Thanks for the entertainment and..
Cheers from Canada
Bob
Thanks Bob that's so encouraging. All the very best and hoping you are surviving the big freeze! Peter
Thanks for the reply Peter, and one question if I may.. wasn’t there a video about how you built Brombury shed? Or have I just lost my mind altogether? Lol
Cheers
Bob
That was so good ,but sad in that lowleigh has gone ,. When one page closes a new one opens & look forward to the new project ,if it’s anything like lowleigh your have no problem .Julia’s voice is clear & photography excellent ..Happy & healthy New Year ,looking forward to your new layout .😊
Thank you so much Steven. It was a difficult decision to scrap Lowleigh but space is at a premium and I was keen to change to EM. Slow but steady progress on 'Ashcombe' to report. Best wishes, Peter
A sad but lovingly compliled end to Lowleigh. I'll enjoy watching the videos again and again and again
Thank you so much James. Best wishes, Peter
Wonderful !
Thank you so much, Peter
Wonderful! 🥰
Thank you
A beautiful video love to see some more
Thank you Michael, there are 6 'Lowleigh' videos beginning with 'A Day at Lowleigh Station'. Best wishes, Peter
Absolutely brilliant and inspirational
Too kind but many thanks. Best wishes, Peter
Beautiful details, I’ve subscribed
Fantástico video. Una maqueta muy hermosa que hace viajar en el tiempo. Me encantó. Gracias por compartir
Muchas gracias for your kind words. Feliz ano nuevo!
So sad to learn that Lowleigh has fallen victim to the Beeching axe. Very much looking forward to your next project Peter and Julia. So atmospheric and absorbing. Thanks so much. M.
Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words. Best wishes, Peter
That was fantastic 👍💯👍 I've just found your channel buddy 👍 💯
Thanks Dylan. Hope you enjoy the earlier videos. Cheers, Peter
Amazingly realistic and a lovely atmosphere
Thank you for your kind and encouraging words Raymond. I hope you have enjoyed the previous 5 videos in the series beginning with 'A Day at Lowleigh Station'. Best wishes, Peter
Julia and Peter, It reminds me of the song by Georges Harrison: "All things must pass". Sad to say goodbye to a time when life was maybe harder but less stressful and less complicated and when human values where more dominant than greed, materialism and égocentrisme. But your layout is a bright point of light in our darkening world and I hope you continue the fine work and joy you bring by doing so. I wish you a happy 2023 and success with your plans. Cheers from France, Filip
Thank you again Filip and all thye best for 2023. Slow but steady progress to report on Ascombe, Lowleigh's replacement. Best wishes, Peter
@@peterharrison6230 Interesting news Peter. Do you plan to share a video on the build of 'Ascombe' ? Success ! Filip
A really wonderful and inspirational series of videos. Thank you very much indeed. I think perhaps there should be a small epilogue to explain what the station looked like by the time the dreadful Ernest Marples skipped the country on a night ferry to avoid paying tax on his ill-gotten gains.
Thanks Tim but I didn't want to go that far - I'm using the buildings on my new layout! Best wishes, Peter
Wonderful video, so carefully and well put together… a fantastic ending! I advise all viewers to wait until the end 😉.
Thanks again! And happy new year.
Thanks for your kind words Rich. All the very best, Peter
This series has been magic, thoroughly enjoyed the lowleigh series,
one the best on here
But when will we see more of your next project ?
That's so kind of you.
@peterharrison6230
0 seconds ago
The problem is it's easier to make a video than it is to make a model worth filming! Best wishes, Peter
Quaint. More videos please.
Thanks Dai. I hope you have been able to watch the other videos in the 'Lowleigh' series beginning with 'A Day at Lowleigh Station'. My new layout is under way but it'll be a while before it's ready to be videoed...it's a time (and money) consuming hobby! All the best, Peter
Superb!!
Thank you
Quite the most exquisite, atmospheric and poignant 00 gauge layout on UA-cam, now with its buildings and lineside furniture rising from their weed-sprouting foundations.
Too kind Rick but thanks for the encouragement. Best wishes, Peter
As someone who has enjoyed watching Lowleigh and particularly like the detail that you have worked into the whole layout I am sorry that I will not be able to visit it again - it is almost a real place. I am looking forward to learning about Ashcombe but will miss Lowleigh greatly - couldn't a preservation society take the line over?
You're very kind! The buildings, bridges, locos and stock have been 'preserved' and will appear on Ashcombe. Best wishes, Peter
Lovely atmospheric!
Thank you Michael.
Awesome channel just subscribed 👍
Keep safe and well
Andy
Thanks Andy. All the best, Peter
Brilliant!
Thank you, Peter
Hi Peter, yet another stunning video so wonderfully filmed.
If this is to sadly be the end for Lowleigh.. have you been working on another layout, soon to be revealed.. or is it you are taking a very well-deserved break to enjoy all your hard works with Lowleigh and enjoy many winter evenings running sessions?.
I will treasure the Lowleigh videos and i would also like to thank you for inspiring me to build my model railway.
Take care, keep safe and Happy Modelling 😉👍
Such kind and encouraging words Ron . Sadly Lowleigh is no more but the buildings, bridges, locos and stock etc will appear on my new project, Ashcombe. Best wushes, Peter
I always enjoyed a visit to Lowleigh ☹
brilliant
Thank you
Great little branch with a good story
Thank you. Best wishes, Peter
Such a sad sorry story we miss your voice of greatness and wonder
Thank you Tony. All the Lowleigh buildings, bridges, locos and stock will be back on the new layout 'Ashcombe'! Best wishes, Peter
The End of an Era, and a way of life, for so many involved in the running of Rural Stations across our once Great Britain 😢
Happy, long gone days! Best wishes, Peter
Okay that's me convinced I'm building a GWR/Southern micro terminus next!
Look forward to the video! Good luck, Peter
Model Railways at it's best
Thank you - kind and encouraging words. Best wishes, Peter
Fantastic models and layout was just wanting to ask what the music playing at 3.51is called is its very in fitting with the scene thank you
Thank you for your kind words Charles. The music is 'The Watermill' by Ronald Binge. I hope you enjoy the other Lowleigh videos on my channel. Best wishes, Peter
The word that sent fear into the most ardent spotter…… ‘Beeching’ 😳
(see evil nasty man’s photo @ 2:37, print it out and throw darts at it)
Great sad production guys of a bygone lost era 😢
Hi, Peter, and a Happy new Year to you. I really enjoyed " end of the line ". Does this mean the layout is to be dismantled? Looking forward to the next video from you. All the best? Dave Barnes. From Southend on sea.
Thanks for your greeting Dave. Lowleigh is no more but buildings, locos, stock etc will appear on my new layout Ashcombe. All the best, Peter
What a monster beaching was...
Indeed!
Love watching your videos of a cracking layout. How did you model the stone platform faces? Dasclay?
Thanks for your kind words Jac. Nothing as fancy as Das - just 1/8 card from 'The Range' cut into rectangles and weathered. All the best, Peter
Always a pleasure these videos, superb in all regards😊💜✌️👍
I note that it wasn't mentioned how Beeching and his cohorts used and abused the Pareto 80/20 theory (shoddily applied to railway operations). How on, Eg, the S&D and elsewhere they "surveyed" certain stations at their known quietest times - then designated such for closure. Nor how Beeching (and his second in command, plus spouses) had undeclared affiliations with the RHA.
I worked under an ex ICI man in the railways, he was as myopic (or should read greedy) and as inept as Beeching. Although too late for BR, the best business mind to come from ICI was Sir John Harvey-Jones, imho.
Yes the railways of the era needed reorganisation, but Beeching's cuts were often cruel, immoral and myopic (but made him lots of money - the highest paid 'railway man' [sic] in the railways up to and at that time🤕🤕).
Our model railways are history in 3D and a synergistic sum of their parts. They help keep memories and facts alive. I hope that we may see a new railway arise from you soon?🤞🤞😊😊🤔
Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to one and all🥂🍻✨😊💜😇
Thanks but didn't want to get too political! Best wishes, Peter
More videos please
The problem is it's easier to make a video than it is to make a model worth filming! Best wishes, Peter
Amazing the attention to detail… a very sad time for the railways haveing been born a few years before the end of steam my only recollections were of so many disused railways and stations mostly ripped apart with just the odd platform or building remaining and perhaps the odd bit of track.
Deliberate vandalism by politicians bribed into helping road transport to flourish and retard the activity of the railway and any investment yes the country was in dire straits financially but I’m sure more could have been done to reduce the inevitability of so many lines closing. But what a wonderful project.
Thank you for your comments. Maybe closing the lines was right at the time but destroying and building over the trackbed was short sighted. There's a push to re-open our local line (York-Hull) but there are so many obstacles on the trackbed. Hey ho. Have you watched the earlier videos in the series beginning with 'A Day at Lowleigh Station'? - they're more cheerful! Best wishes, Peter
@@peterharrison6230 yes have seen that it’s good thank you. It was the first video I watched
Hello Peter
Just rewatching your videos and was wondering are you still working on models, any content coming in the future?
Cheers from Canada
Bob
Good to hear from you Bob. There is a short 'trailor' for the new layout 'Ashcombe' at the end of the 'End of the Line' video. It's slow going...EM is not as easy as the Society makes out! and I've a 20' x 10' loft (Lowleigh was 10x8). Also work keeps getting in the way of modelling! All the best, Peter
End of an era...
Thanks David. I think I get the message! Peter
I can't seem to find a track plan for Lowleigh. Has anyone seen one?
Thanks for your query Craig. No plan but it's based on Crowcombe Heathfield. I'ts a simple passing loop with a siding leading off to the goods shed. From this siding a mileage siding branches off. 4 turnouts in all. Best wishes, Peter
Please Sir, can we have a demolition train class 22 with bogie salmons and a 48ds a la cp boocock and the demise of the S&D ? Gwan gwan gwan!
Tempting but I'm cracking on with 'Ashcombe' - still Great Western (BR) but in happier times! Peter
Sorry but only just found you, all I can say is Fan-Tas-Tic.
Thank you, Peter
Love that moody monochrome. 🙂
Thanks Chris - good to hear that worked. Best wishes, Peter
Due to govt cutbacks the light at the end of the tunnel has been switched off...
Indeed!
We won't be meeting again on the slow train
Regretfully not Des. Best wishes, Peter
Very poignant. A reminder of everything that we have lost. Hopefully Beeching is toasting his toes down below.
Thanks Anthony. Closing so many lines was bad enough but building on the trackbed was arguably worse...it's certainly making re-opening our local line a problem (York-Hull). Happier days in the earlier 'Lowleigh' videos beginning with 'A Day at Lowleigh Station'. Best wishes, Peter
Could you not transform this layout into a preservation line ? It is far too great a layout to be dismantled or abandoned Beeching style.
Good idea but Lowleigh is no more! The buildings, locos and stock will re-appear on my current project 'Ashcombe', Peter
@@peterharrison6230 I very much look forward to seeing Ashcombe then 🙂