The layout exhibited in 2025 was the third iteration of my Parsley Hay themed layout shown at Chapel en le Frith, the previous two concentrating more on the military aspects where as the current version attempts to recreate Parsley Hay as accurately as possible. We are often criticised for running south bound trains on the right hand track and north bound on the left track. This actually reflects PHJ workings as although it appears to be a double track layout it is actually two single tracks running in parallel Cromford and High Peak Railway on the left and LNWR Buxton Uttoxeter on the right both operating bidirectionally. The real PHJ had station platforms 10 coaches long and a goods yard capable of marshalling 25 wagon trains, unfortunately to achieve this the layout would be 24m long so it has been shortened to 3 coaches and 8 wagons to fit our spare bedroom.
Parsley Hay was originally an 1824 built station on the Cromford and High Peak Railway / Tramway situated on the highest point of the line above the Hurdlow incline. Between 1899 and 1909 new owners the LNWR straightened the canal builders' route and incorporated tunnels, cuttings and embankments to bypass the inclines. They also created a new route from Parsley Hay to Uttoxeter via Ashbourne which was intended to be double line working though only a single line was completed. The C&HPH Curve at Parley Hay was retained and sidings added to allow 2 and 3 wagon trains from Middleton Top to be marshalled into mainline trains. In 1942 the adjacent fields were taken over by the War Office to create a temporary Vehicle sub-depot when we vacated the main depot at Sudbury for use by the Americans. Then after VE day the site became a temporary munitions sub-depot to RAF Harpur Hill while surplus German and Allied bombs and shells were recycled at the main site.
The 2026 show will have PHJ in the 1948/50 bomb depot configuration and also a new extension to show quarry workings north of the Hurdlow tunnel and all being well working narrow gauge and munitions lorries (Faller Car System).
