The inspiration for this layout came from a competition by the Modern Image group of the N Gauge Society for a modern N gauge layout; as well as the fact that both Stuart and Tim owned two Kato Eurostar sets (plus add on sets) so that the potential existed to run two prototype length Eurostars (two power cars plus 18 passenger cars); and also two visits to the area modelled.
Inspiration was taken from the area where the High Speed One line comes to the surface at Dagenham out of the tunnel from Stratford. This is close to the Ford Motor Company works and beside Dagenham Dock station on the Tilbury line. The lines above the High Speed One line are not modelled on the real ones, and the cement works and distribution depot are not modelled on the ones at Rainham and Dagenham. The principle is to give an impression of the area but using modellers license to the full. As far as we know there is nowhere called Choates Lane although the Choates name does exist in the area.Viewers of the layout are (as it were) standing on Dagenham Dock station looking towards the Thames with St Pancras, Dagenham and Stratford on their right and the Ford Motor Company, Dartford and the Channel Tunnel on their left.
Somewhere in the East of London the HS1 line briefly emerges above ground whilst above and behind it are are a number of factories, warehouses, and a cement works with a container depot out of sight off scene together with other freight destinations, and all the other urban paraphernalia of industrial East London. This is all serviced by a single track remnant of 50s and 60s railway closures. There is even an occasional "parliamentary" DMU wending its way awaiting route rejuvenation or even redoubling. Above all this is a an urban through road route connecting the M25 with central London.
This is a small cement works that supplies London and the South East, and is part of the Castle Cement Group owned by Heidelberg Cement Group. It has a one kiln that can be fired by a variety of fuels, mainly recycled material. These include CemFuel, ProFuel, and of course coal. Coal, CemFuel1 and some of the ProFuel2 are delivered by rail and the cement is also taken away by rail. On this site you will find the pre-heater tower, chimney, raw mills, cement mills, rail silo, coal unloading facilities and CemFuel unloading and storage facilities.
A relic from the 70's, Greekmouth Power Station is slightly smaller than Drax Power Station in Yorkshire. Built in the same style it is just out of sight, but supplied with coal via a rail link.
Again out of sight to the east of the cement works lays one of the biggest container docks in England. Recently built to meet the growing demands of London, it rivals Felixstowe in size, but it can take the new Super Ship like the MV Emma Maersk. On the right lies the junction to this dock where numerous Freightliner locomotives can be seen entering and exiting the yard.
Following London's successful bid to host the 2012 Olympics, aggregates traffic has increased. A new terminal at Temple Mills has been opened to accept this and can take either box or hopper wagons. Concrete products are required for the new stadium and some of the contracts have been awarded to Plasmor. Plasmor has been a great supporter of rail transportation. The amount of concrete that needs to be poured has also prompted British Industrial Sand (B.I.S.) to send trains to Temple Mills. As the Olympic project is near at hand, Castle Cement have also won some of the contracts to supply cement to Stratford. This will entail a step up in production. Some older wagons have been brought back into service to cope with this traffic.
Since the BAA debacle of Terminal 5, inter-European rail travel has increased 10 fold. This has prompted the government, in conjunction with Network Rail, to commence works on the approach lines to the proposed HS2. This means an occasional Network Rail train can seen.
To supply the ever increasing demand of the motorist and industry, oil is imported to Gallions Reach. Being the major refinery in the area, Gallions Reach has its only rail loading facilities. The refinery supplies nearly 68% of the petrol and 90% of the Diesel for the South East, as well as other specialist petrochemicals.
To supply the Urban Youth with tasteful and functional clothing, and bling, Chavland Fashion has just moved into a previously derelict building. However, the company is facing prosecution, as they used the near by working railway as a back drop for a fashion shoot. Obviously this is very dangerous and the British Transport Police are on scene to interview all those concerned.
Ballast (fresh and spoil) and other departmental traffic can still be seen. These trains are only operated when required, and can be very varied in length.