Aberddu Yard is a compact shunting layout depicting a small maintenance yard somewhere in the Cardiff area in the late 1980s or 1990s. It is 4 feet wide by a little under 2 feet deep and is designed to be stored under a bed, meaning that the height of the layout is significantly constrained. However this does mean the layout can be used and stored in a modern compact flat without being in the way when not in use. It can work with or without a small single track ‘fiddle yard’ attached to the side.
The track plan is quite complex to allow for operational interest in such a small area. It is built around two 3-way points and a single slip which means that several shunting moves are required to move locos around the layout.
Track is Peco code 100. The layout is controlled via a Lenz DCC system and points are moved by standard SEEP motors controlled via a DCC Concepts Cobalt decoder. The underneath of the layout is shown below:
The scene is set in Cardiff through the selection of rolling stock, the ubiquitous ‘Brains Beers’ bridge to the right hand side and various other signage. The buildings are a mixture of different depot sheds, several of which are arranged in half-relief to give a greater sense of size. The backdrop is from the Gaugemaster range and is local being of the Port Talbot skyline.
The layout made its exhibition debut at the Spa Valley Railway model railway show in September 2021 where it hosted a ‘class 33 takeover’. Although not complete with a number of details still to be added the layout was well received.
After its first exhibition a number of extra details were added to the layout including a Cardiff bus to set the location, numerous small details, lighting and a class 37 being broken up. This has been modelled using an old Lima locomotive fitted with a representation of the engine block and with some roof panels cut away.
The layout was exhibited at Tonbridge in 2022 and is booked for the Cardiff exhibition in October 2024.
