MANSTON AIRPORT finescale 00 by Andy Hopper
Sir Herbert Walker was a forward looking General Manager of the Southern Railway who pressed ahead
with electrification and the development of Southampton Docks, both of which brought substantial traffic to
the Southern. My little bit of make believe is that he also decided to back air transport and developed the
existing aerodrome at Manston in East Kent for long distance passenger, mail and freight. There had been a
branch to the aerodrome when it was built, and the new line would have followed the same route, coming
from the coastal line just to the west of Birchington.
This proposition has allowed me to build a small station, as the aircraft of the time carried passengers
counted in dozens rather than hundreds, but with some rather pretentious art deco buildings to set the scene
for a prestigious traffic. It's just the excuse for me to run the small ex SE&CR locos that I like, and short
trains. My favourite loco, the preserved Wainwright D class 737 makes frequent appearances as in the
1950's these preserved locos had to earn their keep in commercial traffic. The USAAF had a strong
presence at Manston after the last war, and so don't be surprised to see one of their locos now and again
(another excuse for something different).
The buildings are all scratchbuilt from plastic sheet and strip. The stock is mostly from kits, with a few
scratch built items starting to appear. There is still a lot of finishing off to be done.
I like talking, so feel free to ask questions at any time (as long as I'm not having a crisis).
For the Exhibition Manager
Owner Andy Hopper, 10 Somner Close, Canterbury, Kent CT2 8LJ. Phone 01227 760289 (evenings).
E-mail: thehoppers@hotmail.com
Layout End to end, 12 feet long by 3 feet 3 inches deep, and I really need another 4 feet behind it at least
so that I can wield the cassettes for the stock. I need a table for the cassettes. If you can provide barriers
that would be helpful - there are models close to the front of the layout.
Power One power socket is ample, there is lighting with a maximum of 400 watts which is the only
significant power use.
Expenses There are two to four operators who travel in one or two cars with the layout. The only cost is
petrol.
Insurance Insurance value £5000