A Highworth mixed

Posted byTrevorPosted in7mm GWR equipment, Bydemill operations, Great Western Railway in 7mm scale, GWR Bydemill (Highworth), Influences, Layouts I have designed or built
In the early 1900s, an unknown photographer captured this mixed train behind a 517 Class locomotive as it approaches Highworth. This photo inspired me to explore running mixed trains on Bydemill. Note the two Brake-3rd coaches – one at each end of the train.

In response to my recent post about running a mixed train on Bydemill – my 7mm scale layout depicting the Great Western Railway in the Edwardian Era – a couple of people got in touch about the presence of a brake-3rd coach behind the goods wagons.

One pointed out that a traditional “Toad” – a GWR brake van used on goods trains – could also be used on a mixed. Another commented that marshalling the wagons between the coaches looked “weird” to him.

Since others might also be wondering about the choice, I offer up the photo that inspired me to explore running mixed trains on the layout.

Since my cutoff date for the layout is 1905, “early 1900s” is right in my era so I’ll continue to take inspiration from this photo.

Published by Trevor

Lifelong model railway enthusiast and retired amateur shepherd who trained a border collie to work sheep. Professional writer and editor, with some podcasting and Internet TV presenting work thrown in for good measure.