Allt-y-Graban Road 
Bernard Baker P4 gauge 4mm scale
Allt-y-Graban Road represents an alternative existence for the bottom end of the Central Wales Line. The 1964 closure from Pontardulais to Swansea Victoria did not happen and a new colliery off a Ministry of Defence branch was opened. The junction ground frame was upgraded with a modern track circuited single lead junction complete with a new signal box - a Western Region type 37 “Plywood Wonder”.
Control is by NCE Powercab and Procab. CT Elektronik and Zimo decoders are becoming standard. Points are worked by Cobalt motors via an NCE switch-8.
The layout was not built using usual methods. The baseboards have no structural frames, the plywood exists only to protect the extruded foam slabs.
Track is Exactoscale Fastrack laid on Woodland Scenics foam underlay fixed with Johnson's Klear, as is the ballast.
This is a first attempt at a P4 layout and the opportunity has been taken to see how many model railway conventions, clinches and habits can be ignored. This iconoclasm has undoubtedly led to "too many knobs being twiddled at the same time" and I will find out the hard way how few will have to be reinstated.
Exceptional thanks to the late John "Ruyton Road" Spencer for the signal box, bridge and generous practical help and advice. Thanks also to Rod "Llanastr" Hall for the Templot plan.
