Shropshire Minerals Light Railways - O-16.5 gauge Modular Narrow Gauge Layout
The Shropshire Minerals Light Railway (SMLR) is a 2' 4" gauge railway somewhere in the 'Wilds' of Shropshire (which you may have guessed given the name!) It was formed when a group of optimistic industrialists/investors re-opened and abandoned line to extract the minerals in the area which were now in demand. As well as the mineral traffic, local passengers and freight were also transported.
Initially the passenger traffic was for the locals, but this was expanded and more 'luxurious' coaches acquired when it was realised that tourists could provide a valuable extra source of income. Locomotives and rolling stock were purchased from various sources to run the railways, hence the eclectic variety of equipment that can be seen on the line.
The SMLR layout is a modular 0-16.5 narrow gauge railway/tramway. The layout was originated by, and is owned by, the 7mm Narrow Gauge Association - West Midlands Area Group and its members. The group and members have amassed a variety of different modules, varying from stations and goods yards to scenic 'run-throughs', which can all be set up in numerous configurations depending on the event and space available. The 'Shropshire Minerals Light Railways' name was selected to be intentionally imprecise on its location so as to allow for greater flexibility of the modules options. It also happens to be the same as the lettering on one of the group member's rolling stock, hence it stuck!
To find out more information about the 7mm Narrow Gauge Association and 7mm narrow gauge railway modelling in general, please visit http://www.7mmnga.org.uk/
Initially the passenger traffic was for the locals, but this was expanded and more 'luxurious' coaches acquired when it was realised that tourists could provide a valuable extra source of income. Locomotives and rolling stock were purchased from various sources to run the railways, hence the eclectic variety of equipment that can be seen on the line.
The SMLR layout is a modular 0-16.5 narrow gauge railway/tramway. The layout was originated by, and is owned by, the 7mm Narrow Gauge Association - West Midlands Area Group and its members. The group and members have amassed a variety of different modules, varying from stations and goods yards to scenic 'run-throughs', which can all be set up in numerous configurations depending on the event and space available. The 'Shropshire Minerals Light Railways' name was selected to be intentionally imprecise on its location so as to allow for greater flexibility of the modules options. It also happens to be the same as the lettering on one of the group member's rolling stock, hence it stuck!
To find out more information about the 7mm Narrow Gauge Association and 7mm narrow gauge railway modelling in general, please visit http://www.7mmnga.org.uk/
