Brambles is an OO-gauge model railway layout set in the transition era between late steam and early diesel — the final, glorious chapter of steam on British Railways. Built and owned by Quentin, it lives in a purpose-built shed in Cornwall and has been growing steadily since the mid-2010s.
The Layout
The layout depicts a fictional Midlands location, dominated at the front by a long four-platform station, complete with loops on both the up and down fast lines so that express trains can pass through without stopping. Behind the station lies an automotive depot and goods yard.
The line enters tunnels at both ends of the layout. At the north end sits the village of Longnor, and at the south end, Hollinsclough — both named after villages in the Staffordshire Moorlands where Quentin grew up.
Scenic Features
- Four-platform station with fast-line passing loops
- Automotive depot and goods yard
- Longnor village (north tunnel)
- Hollinsclough village (south tunnel)
Rolling Stock
Quentin has assembled a large collection of locomotives and rolling stock covering all types of passenger and freight traffic from the late steam and early diesel era.
Hidden Details
Every element of the layout has been inspired by something in Quentin's past — right down to the roads, shops and vehicles. Look carefully and you'll spot vehicles that once belonged to family members, roads that echo real places, and countless other personal touches. The sheer depth of detail rewards close inspection.
About Quentin
Quentin grew up in the Staffordshire Moorlands during the final years of steam on British Railways — which perhaps explains why the era has such a hold on him. He spent the majority of his career in the rail industry, and for many years was a dedicated volunteer at the Severn Valley Railway, working his way up from the basics all the way through to fireman, driver and inspector.
He has a truly remarkable memory for dates, details and places, and it shows in every corner of Brambles: each road, shop, vehicle and view has a story behind it. Since retiring to Cornwall in the mid-2010s, he's channelled that passion and knowledge into the layout, and it has been evolving ever since.
Like the Forth Road Bridge, Brambles is never quite finished — track, points and motors keep needing attention, new ideas keep coming, and there's always something else to add. His family, spread all round the UK, are regular admirers of the result.