Southern Highlands
Guildford Model Railway Group were selected by Clarendon Homes to construct a model train layout for one of their display homes. In what is to believed to be the first of its kind in the world, this display home layout is on permanent exhibition in the loft of the 'Bowral' home design, positioned near the Main South railway line at Braemar in the Southern Highlands. The display home is located on the former site of a well-known model train shop, with historical artefacts from the New South Wales (NSW) railways remaining in place.
A snippet from the Clarendon Homes promotional video which showcases the Southern Highlands layout
We want the Southern Highlands model train layout to inspire people to play with imaginative uses for the spacious, light-filled Bowral loft.
We chose GMRG because of the exceptional quality of their model work and their enthusiasm for this unique project.
- Martin Campbell, Building Compliance Manager, Clarendon Homes
"Southern Highlands" the display layout is based on the picturesque region located approximately 130 kilometres (80 miles) south of Sydney. The layout is modelled to represent the 1950s-1960s time period. Guildford Model Railway Group have aimed to capture the look and feel of the area, with key features based on historical buildings and infrastructure located nearby.
The layout can be viewed in person in the loft of the Clarendon Homes 'Bowral' display home located at 68-72 Old Hume Highway, Braemar, NSW 2575, Australia.
Construction and Galleries
Construction
Image Gallery
Video Gallery
Conceptual Plans
Conceptual plan of GMRG's Clarendon Homes HO scale display layout 'Southern Highlands'
Conceptual plan of GMRG's Clarendon Homes HO scale display layout 'Southern Highlands'
Conceptual plan of GMRG's Clarendon Homes HO scale display layout 'Southern Highlands'
Specifications
- Scale: HO (1:87)
- Location: The Southern Highlands of New South Wales, approximately 130 kilometres (80 miles) from Sydney
- Period: 1950s-1960s time period, trains represent typical workings during this time
- Layout type: Continuous double track mainline with automated operation
- Layout size: 5.2 metres (17 feet) by 2 metres (6.5 feet)
- Baseboard: Dressed dimensional pine, plywood
- Track: Peco code 100 flex track and electrofrog points
- Train and Layout Control: Digital Command Control (DCC)
- Lighting: LED lighting in overhead valence
- Scenery: Plaster over lightweight foam and topped with coloured scatter material, with a mix of proprietary and hand-made scenery items
- Structures: Scratchbuilt and modified kits based on plans and photos
- Locomotives and rolling stock: Modified ready-to-run NSW and Australian prototypes