Irmaston is the newest layout in the club. It is DCC-operated, and members are invited to run their stock whenever they wish.
The layout is still under construction, and several changes have been made to the original design. The concept behind the layout is deliberately flexible, meaning that almost anything can be run. Whether it’s your Flirt or a Rocket, there’s a place for it here. The buildings, however, are generally set in the period around 1970 to 1980.
At one end of the layout is the preserved railway. As its name suggests, this area features steam locomotives, carriage works, and heritage operations. Excursion trains run from Irmaston Holt to the main line station at New Irmaston. The local allotments can also be found in this section.
The main boards accommodate New Irmaston, the principal station on the layout. It features three main line platforms and a fourth platform serving the preserved railway. The station building spans the platforms, creating an impressive focal point. Beyond the station lies the town centre, situated just before the tunnel entrance and the fiddle yard, which provides storage for rolling stock.
There is no fixed timetable for normal running, although an operating schedule may be used during open days. The main, inner, and outer loops are typically operated by two members, while a third member controls the preserved railway. Operations are coordinated by the “Fat Controller” using a spreadsheet.
The aim is to keep both the up and down lines busy with a variety of traffic, while the preserved railway transports tourists between its three stopping points, creating a lively and realistic operating environment.
