[Could I plan the layout better?]

No, just a doodle. I think drawing track plans is a sort of sub hobby for me. 

 

[Could I plan the layout better?]

I'm not sure whether this will help but here is a doodle for Bodmin & Boscarne in 00 at 21ft by 2ft. Obviously compromises have been made to fit everything in but I think it would make a nice layout.

[Signalling: Why?]

I always run to the signals on my layout and I think it adds a lot to the pleasure of running trains. I tried running with bell codes just the once; it just became hard work and the enjoyment went. There is a lot of dinging for each train manoeuvre and it became too much. Mine is a through station which of course doubles the number of bells.

 

This isn't 100% correct but its not too far off.

 

[Due to actions by the RMWeb team, who decided to support the toxicity of @woodenhead and "punish" me by deleting all the images I've uploaded, this content has been redacted.]

I reckon models of China clay works are very popular and that’s good. Yes they may understate the size and complexity of the real thing but that applies to pretty much any type of installation on most model railways. My N gauge layout is in Devon so is restricted to the clayliner. Ok I haven’t modified the axle boxes to roller bearings but it’s close enough for me.

Having said that I’m thinking clay hoods may have been seen in south Devon - there were certainly some at Exeter Riverside from time to time.

[Bakewell photos]

Wow.