Layout Description

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Bildeston Junction is set in the Suffolk countryside during the 1950’s and represents a ‘might-have-been’ branch line serving Bildeston village.

In 1901 a light railway linking Hadleigh and Long Melford through West Suffolk villages was proposed and surveyed by Colonel Stephens. Although the route did not pass through the village of Bildeston we have assumed that the latter's population objected and demanded to be included in a revised plan. We have also included a line from Bildeston to Stowmarket to give further impetus to developing the rural economy. Hence the layout name Bildeston Junction.

During the 1950's, by which time the Bildeston line had passed into nationalisation, early diesels have made their appearance alongside the traditional ex GER and LNER locos that have served the area for many years. However, it is not unusual for trains from other regions to make an appearance on the layout from time to time to add variety and interest at exhibitions.