Built by Richard Barton to see if a viable S Scale layout could be built within 6' 6". Arcadia was inspired by the Rother Valley Railway 1900-1904, which then became the Kent and East Sussex Railway. The station is Bodiam and the backscene, a gift, was painted by Ivy Bevis-Smith some 40 years ago.(Photos by Andy Nicholls)

Hawthorn Leslie “Northiam” with a mixed train with the two early GER coaches, Nos 9 and 10, which were acquired in 1901. “Northiam” had an eventful life spending time on both the EKR and the WCPR, before starring in the Will Hay film “O Mr Porter”. On shed is “Bodiam”, purchased from the LBSCR in 1901 for £500 and still in service at Tenterden.

Terrier “Bodiam” shunting dumb buffered P O wagons “Parry” and “Corrall and Co”.

Rother Valley Brake Van No 7, scratch built from Plastikard.

Pickering Steam Railcar ordered in 1904 but modelled in 1907 condition, using a 3D printed body. It was a pioneering but unsuccessful attempt to reduce running costs on rural branch lines.

An aerial view taken during Arcadia's first exhibition at Ludlow in August 2019, showing all 4' 2½" of the station area.

The exit to the fiddle yard is masked at the normal viewing height by the loco and carriage sheds. To save space both are accessed only from the fiddle yard.

Track plan