Littledene Sidings

Littledene Sidings is an NZ120 (TTn3.5) layout based upon the classic British “shunting puzzle” Inglenook Sidings. Whilst the Inglenook trackplan is deceptively simple, it just does not conform to the New Zealand prototype. The solution to designing a distinctly New Zealand Railways configured Inglenook was suggested by Alan Cox when he observed that the ubiquitous loop with siding (backshunt) arrangement is the equivalent of a complete Inglenook. (Small Layout Scrapbook #69.) Further correspondence with “Creating Micro Layouts” author Carl Arendt helped clarify particular design principles and operational procedures.



Littledene is a mythical rural community created by H.C.D. Somerset and features in several of his monographs: "Littledene; A New Zealand Rural Community" (1938), and “Littledene; Patterns of Change” (1974).

Littledene Siding is a shelf or tabletop layout measuring 1260mm by 300mm. Framing is seasoned 22mm by 42mm dressed rimu topped with a sheet of 11mm Pinex Soft Board. An MDF scenic backboard and front modesty panel are yet to be attached. I am still undecided if scenic end boards will be added.

Track is N gauge Peco Streamline Code 55 Universal Fine, wooden sleeper type which looks correct with respect to track height, although sleeper length and spacing are incorrect. However, when ballasted it should look acceptable.

Points are Peco Streamline N Universal Fine Small Radius Electrofrog. In keeping with the 1950s theme, points are thrown manually.

The layout portrays a slice of rural life somewhere on a typical 1950s Cantabrian branch line.

Operationally, Littledene is run as an Inglenook “shunting puzzle”. Motive power is a Wf Class 2-6-4 Tank locomotive and rolling stock consists of an assortment of kitbashed L, La, and K wagons.

Buildings are scratchbuilt from Art Card.