Four box files were no longer needed at SCRP’s offices in Lewes. Instead of them going for recycling or landfill, Marshlink line officer Paul Bromley had the idea of using them to create a model railway layout to showcase the work of Community Rail.
The aim was to provide a unique display of Community Rail activity which would engage, delight, inform and entertain people. The layout could also be used at Railway 200 events throughout 2025.
Paul worked with fellow members of Eastbourne Model Railway Society (EMRS) to create the layout within the box files. EMRS was a new partner comprising train enthusiasts including members of Southern Railway staff working on the Marshlink line. They compiled a list of current and recent activities to be represented within the boxes.
Over a period of three months they laid the track, built the individual scenes, tested trains, wired the electrics and painted backscenes.
The layout included elements of the Marshlink line and surrounding area such as Rye station, children’s artwork at Ore station, Bodiam Castle and Eastbourne RNLI museum.
Funding for some of the materials came from a Railway 200 grant from Southern Railway. In total, the layout cost less than £200 and involved about 200 volunteer hours.
The completed layout was displayed for the first time at the Ashford Festival of Modelling over two days in April 2025. The box files were transported to the venue by train.
Dozens of visitors to the festival viewed the layout and found out more information about the work of the Community Rail Partnership. Visitors were asked to provide feedback via a specially printed form in the shape of a train ticket.
Click here for more visitor feedback and comments.
EMRS compiled a behind-the-scenes video to show the progress over the weeks in building and testing the layout. Click here to view the video.
Press coverage included Sussex World online and a full page in the printed Eastbourne Herald. Click here.
“Very effective exhibit – each box segment expressed a great deal within a minute space”
“Told a lot in a small space about the story of community involvement in the railways”