NEWCASTLE-BY-THE-WATER Alsager Railway Association 'N' Gauge : 25 Feet x 4 Feet Newcastle-by-the-water comprises a four track line which has dedicated passenger and freight lines.  The large railway station is the junction for a single line branch which weaves its way high across the valley on a level with an old castle which overlooks a caravan and camping site situated on the banks of the river (which is a real water feature).  From this site the road makes its way down into the town which has a provincial shopping centre and market.  At present, a Formula One racing car display is being held in the town to coincide with market day. The diesel depot above the main line, which is accessed from the branch, ensures that engines can refuel and perform their duties. The locomotives and stock run on the layout represent the modern era on a typical English mainline.  To the rear of the layout (behind the back scene) there is a twelve road fiddle yard (three for each track) to ensure a wide variety of stock can be run in sequence for the benefit of those viewing the layout. The latest addition to the layout is a series of coloured light signals in the station area.  These are controlled through relays by the switching of appropriate track points in this part of the layout. AWARDS Pendle Forest Exhibition 2001 - Best layout by judges                                               Best by public vote Southport 2002 - Best N gauge layout                          Best scenic layout Syston Railway Society Exhibition 2003 - Best Exhibition layout Southport 2004 - Best N Gauge layout Crewe 2004 - Best layout by judges Crewe 2004 - Best layout by public vote Bolton 2005 - Best layout by public vote Derby 2005 - Best layout by public vote