Barrie describes a 40-year old large, transportable layout which is still in use today.

CASTLE JUNCTION is a finescale O Gauge layout measuring 44 x 24 ft built to exhibition standard by the late Mike Midgley in 1980 with the help of his fellow O Gauge enthusiast friends, including Richard Clark the current GOG Secretary. It has been exhibited many times over the years at GOG events at Bletchley and Woking and at many local Group shows throughout the South East. I first saw the layout at an exhibition at Shoreham-by- Sea in 1982 and was so impressed it inspired me to join the Guild and the West Sussex O Gauge Group. When Mike decided to move up to Gauge 1 he sold the layout to his local group, the West Sussex O Gauge Group, who continued to exhibit it regularly at Shoreham-by-Sea and Brighton Model World. Due to other commitments and the difficulty in maintaining and storing it they eventually decided to sell it.

So in the mid-1990s my wife Sue and I decided to buy it and then undertake some much needed refurbishment including the installation of new scale electric signalling. It is now restored to its former glory with some enhancements. Trains of most eras can be displayed and operated without looking out of place. Since we moved from Sussex to Dorset it has been exhibited under the banner of the West Wilts Gauge O Group at Woking, Warminster, Weymouth and Wimborne. The Group members are enthusiastic providers of assistance with assembly, dismantling and operating during events. They also come to participate in weekend running sessions at least twice a year, when all members can bring their stock and enjoy the facilities. The layout is now 40 years old but still proves popular with operators and the viewing public whenever it is on show. The original design and construction have certainly withstood the test of time.

Coaling drop, turntable, engine sheds and a station to one side of the layout. One of several control panels in use.

There is a second station on the other side.

All signals operate correctly.

Generous storage sidings ensure continuous and varied running.