73A
At Scaleforum this year is the “1883 Challenge 20 years later”
Chris Challis had the idea to get more P4 layouts to exhibitions by setting a Challenge. After discussions in 2002, this approach was approved by the committee.
The 1883 Layout Challenge was to be no bigger than 18.83 sq feet including fiddleyards, and to fit in the owner’s vehicle with two operators. The Final was to be at Scaleforum 2005.
There were 25 layouts at the final.
The winner was Burntisland, as it was in 1883, with just the station. It has grown since as was intended; the
original plan was to add parts to the station to make it what it has become — it is expected to be at Scaleforum
in 2026 when the Jubilee Challenge comes to a conclusion.
Now 20 years on from the 1883 Challenge final in 2005, with other challenges since and the 50th Anniversary
Jubilee Layout and Diorama Challenge Finals next year, we have gathered together six of the layouts built 20 years
ago that are still close to their original form.
Canal Street (aka Nottingham Goods) – David Atkinson
Cheddar – Simon Challis
Forge Mill Sidings – Michael Prince
Coombe Wharf – Roger O’Neil
Hedleyhope – Colin Stevenson
Seaton – Simon Harris
Here are some photos of some of the “1883 Challenge 20 years later” layouts that will be at Scaleforum 2025.
