OK. Martin Wales has convinced me that EM gauge is the correct way to go and, having looked at the EMGS, I must agree with him. As only a couple of steam engines are required for the period modelled - 14xx, Pannier and possibly a 73xx Mogul, then the conversion outlay will not be too great. Combined with the fact I have all the coaches (B set and Autocoaches) needed, along with most of the wagons seen on the line, it's only a matter of converting the coaches and wagons to 18mm gauge.

Research of the area is a bit more difficult, as most of it doesen't exist these days. As I said before, the houses in Caia Road are still there, but modernised, but that's not a problem, it's just a matter of building them with the old style sash windows and 'proper' roofs. The goods yard is now sheltered accommodation, the wood yard on the other side has been cleared. The abutments to the bridge have been removed and the access to the old trackbed has been landscaped/smoothed out.

Viewing the area from Newton Street, at the top of 'the bank' as we knew it, the railway embankment can no longer be seen as it's obscured by large trees and McDermott's scrapyard now has a few flats on it. McDermott's house is still there though. As the light was fading, I didn't bother to investigate further, but I'm sure some detective work along Rivulet Road may unearth some of the original 'steam period' buildings along there. So, I'll return in daytime next week to record things properly. And we have three days to do it! (Sorry, but it's getting more like Time Team the more I research!).

I've promised a colleague that I'd build a 009 layout for him (based on a scrapyard!!!), so I may well utilise the track plan of Caia Road Goods, then I can see the full exhibition potential of that plan (or not!).