All sorts of complications in the last few weeks arising from the (right) decision to lengthen the platform roads. The worst moment was realising that I would need an 18" radius curve on the mainline and it would still only be an inch or so from the edge of the baseboard - which would make plausible scenic treatment impossible. To cut a long story short, I juggled the radii and eventually arrived at a compromise I can live with, albeit a small modification to the track plan. The photo here shows the Northern exit from Newport looking towards Cowes with the sidings to the right of the mainline. They are much more curved than the real thing of course., but my priority has always been to capture the essence of operation at Newport in preference to visual replication. Now I can start building and laying the track for the carriage-washing siding! the engine shed and depot. And I am pretty certain I WILL build a cut down representation of Medina Wharf........

Chris