I've decided on Cheslyn as a name for my fictitious GWR branch terminus. Here are some latest pics of progress to date.

The ballast, point rodding and signal box have been completed. I tried the method for ballasting as prescribed by Andy Y's article, but came a right cropper when cutting out the webbing - the flexi track just twisted completely out of shape despite glueing all the tie bars and going carefully. The webbing was left in place thereafter and was disguised by the fine ballast. The track was painted in Humbrol rust and given a black wash - this works well I think. The ballast was also given a black wash to emulate oil and coal stains - I want to achieve that slightly run down feel.

The point rodding was from MSE and is really fiddly to put down, but with much patience it went in okay and quite looks the part.

Had a right old game last Saturday afternoon when cleaning up the track after ballasting and painting. One point was really difficult to get working again and I nearly pulled it up before realizing that it was the actual motor that was binding. It seems that one of the brass collars on one side of the magnet draw bar has come loose and is preventing the motor from throwing evenly - has anyone else encountered this problem and is it best to just junk it and replace?

The signal box is a modified Scalescenes one and I'm quite pleased with the way it has turned out. Take no notice of the slight shine - the matt varnish hadn't dried by the time I took the photos - couldn't wait!

Finally a small you tube video of the Bachmann GWR pannier in action. This really is a superb little model, very highly detailed and a really great little runner.