Thanks, Mikkel. Not sure I would claim it is a 'proper' layout but I've taken the opportunity to experiment with building a light weight wooden base using 4mm birch ply. I've used a method that I've seen mentioned several times in which the bracing along the edges and underneath is made up of beams using softwood blocks sandwiched between two layers of ply. I'm quite pleased with the result as the two boards are very light whilst still reasonably stiff.

As to the stock, it is a collection Austrian/German/Italian RTR mostly acquired in the last few months since I started on this layout. Most of it has come from ebay. It is very much a collection of things I like the look of rather than anything that might be expected to be seen together. Though, looking at the photos in the recent thread on the 175 year Dampspektakal, maybe it won't be too unrealistic

Nick

...I've had a superficial interest in Bavarian railways for some time now (yep, very GWR-ish!), but I dare not start buying any stock as I'm fearful where it will take me!

Here's a taste of things to come, a Bavarian BBII 0-4-4-0 Mallet built by Maffei in about 1903 brings a short test train around the curve before entering Nirgendwo station. Meanwhile, a Krauss U class heads up the bank into the narrow gauge station which is at a slightly higher level than the 'main' line. A photo taken whilst testing the clearances on the proposed line layout. This area will be in a deep cutting, perhaps with a short tunnel.

I don't know about GWR-ish, but the BBII is green and the date matches our other interests You're wise to be wary of buying stock New and used prices are so much higher than UK RTR and once you start it is a really slippery slope.

This is a large proportion of my Bavarian stock, I also have one 4-wheel coach, a Glaskasten and a couple of 1920s electric locos. The early coaches and wagons (all Trix) are difficult to find at reasonable prices Ex Prussian stock seems to be more readily available.

Yes, the raised line will run along a ledge on a near-vertical cliff, interspersed with retaining walls. This line goes all along the back of the layout, eventually returning after reversing at the far end, and descending to reach its own the station area a little above the main line. At least, that is the plan...

I wouldn't say no to one of those, too In the meantime, we can drool over this list of other versions of the B VI http://www.modellbau-wiki.de/wiki/BR_34, not to mention pretty much every German model loco made in recent years. It's a site that will come in very handy when you win the lottery as well as for working out exactly what an ebay listing really is. The Wikipedia Bavarian locos page is also very interesting.