Hornby Lyddle End CanalCanal.jpg (58418 bytes)

The inclusion of cold cast models in the Skaldale series last year, for a canal, came as quite a surprise. This year they are also available in the Lyddle End 2mm scale range. The canal will take up quite a large area on the layout and requires a change in surface level. Those who persevere with this feature will not be disappointed as together the parts make an attractive and interesting feature. The parts come as follows:

Lock Chamber (N8647) - This is the largest item and measures 200mm long. It is the lock tank with gates at both ends, capstans and areas of paving to be fixed to the made-up surface beside the lower lock gates. While the upper gate is part of the casting as the water level in the tank is at the lowest level, the lower gates are loose. The 'water' is an olive green and has a gloss finish which is quite convincing. A nice feature is the iron ladder, with a recess behind it, set on one wall giving access to the bottom of the tank. Another separate item which comes with the lock chamber is a small footbridge which is laid across the two walls of the lock at the lower end to provide pedestrian access between the two sides of the chamber.

Lower Lock Adapter (N8651) - This is another quite major item and essential to provide the lower brick-built entrance to the lock tank. It caters with the change in land levels and is a buttress to the higher land on which the lock gates are worked. It includes a flight of steps down the embankment. The 'water' fans out to the full with of the canal ready to connect with the canal sections.

Top Lock Adapter (N8650) - This is one of the smallest pieces as there is no height difference. It is simply a canal section which converts the width from that of the lock tank to that of the wider canal.

Canal Straight (N8648) - this is one flat section of canal measuring 84mm in length. The width of the canal is 40mm within the raised edge wall. The sections of canal simply plug together.

Canal Bend (N8649) - This is similar to N8648 (above) but is curved.

Canal Bridge - The bridge comes in three packs: the bridge itself (N8572), The base with canal section and towpath (N8574) and a pair of road ramps (N8573). The bridge is a single casting with the road over the top pinched to a single lane by the walls of the bridge. The sides of the road are grass verges. The arch is low as befits a canal bridge and the towpath that passes under the bridge for walking the horse through in the days when horses hauled the barges. The bridge sits centrally on the long base section and the two ramps plug into place at either end of it. The road is bordered by grass verges and a brown wooden two-rail fence on either side.

Canal Boats - This time, from the start, there are two boats and not one. One (N8656) is a typical commercial canal long boat, in this case in the ownership of Ludensian Ltd of Lyddle End. It is No.1 in their fleet. The other boat is shorter and looks like holiday hire narrow boat. The boat (N8746) is 'Luda Times' and looks to be a pleasure boat of the type most frequently found on Britain's canals today. It is red and dark blue with yellow lining and comes with a holiday maker to steer it.

The canal series is excellent with plenty of character and much added interest. The models are of a good quality and, if it proves successful, hopefully other boats will be produced and some canal personnel will be added.

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