Yatton – again – with Blagdon

Built by Tony Ford

Photos courtesy Trevor Pott


Tony Ford's first attempt at Yatton was built in the 1960s, appearing in Railway Modeller in 1965. The layout was subsequently taken on by the now defunct Bristol 4mm Group, and toured the exhibition circuit in the late 1960s/early 1970s.

The first Yatton layout was subsequently sold on, eventually taken over by Tom McKee. You can see Tom McKee's refurbished version of the first Yatton here.

Tony Ford later decided to make another Yatton in his loft, which did away with some of the compromises of the original layout. The pictures shown here depict the second version.

Many thanks to Trevor Pott for the photos and the above background information.





Empty milk churns are prepared for the Cheddar Valley train




Note the platform lamps, depicting a standard style




Busy platforms – looking towards Bristol




The ex. 7.55am Taunton to Paddington stops at Yatton




Down Main Starting Signal




A Down King hauled express passes




Coal merchants office, with weighbridge outside




Side entrance to the Down platform




Waiting for a visitor from a Down train




The Station Master's House




Groceries delivery? Discussing local politics? Or both?




The Station Hotel





Mail for the Station Hotel




The Newspaper man...






...doing his rounds.




The Railway Terrace...




...on a sunny day.




A railside cottage




The Bridge Inn




Then inn again, seen from the road




YA 6550




The ex.1.35am Crewe to Penzance...




...crosses the bridge...




...and approaches Yatton.


In 2005, the "Yatton" layout was extended to include the branch to Blagdon. Trains run from Yatton via the Cheddar line onto the Blagdon branch. The station is served by a 517 Class loco and three four-wheel coaches or a railmotor, as the real station was.



Overview of the station




Platform details




517 Class with coaches at the station