Jester

Been running my Hunslet in and testing on a shunting layout I'm going to build. As you can see in the video it has no issues with used Peco ST-240/1 points on track that hasn't been fixed down yet. Slow running at the end also looks good to me. Running on DCC with a zimo MX618N18 non-sound chip (spare I had from the days you could still buy chips!)

This is something I can definitely see a use for. My layout is DCC and in the loft but i've been looking at making some small shunting layouts I can play with in winter when the loft is too cold. This solution removes the need to buy another dcc controller setup whist retaining compatability. There is huge potenital here but Hornby don't have a great track record with dcc so hopefully they've brought in some new people who actually know what there doing. The other thing i'd like to know is the compatability of these chips with coreless motors. I had problems getting a next18 chip to work with my Bachmann 94xx as many, particularly budget, decoders dont work with coreless motors.

The layout does act as a good excuse to run more locos. I have a background in static model making so having models that actually move is one of the main attractions to railway modelling. This week I have been using an 08 as a station pilot with a 94xx hauling the coaches. (the new Bachmann 94xx is a stunning little model)

Thanks for all the replies. I should probably claify my ideas bit: The concept of this side of the layout is modeling the fictional town of Leston. This town used to have a twin line cross county route towards Birmingham and a single track branch line to local villages and industries. In the 50s/60s the branch line was axed completely and Leston station closed and demolished. The cross country line stayed open but just for through trains. In the late 80s due to increased demand a new station was built on the site of the old Leston station, restoring cross country services. At the same time a preservation group had sought to reopen parts of the old brachline and built a new terminus called Leston North on the site of a former good sidings just outside Leston. The buildings here are recycled from other closed parts of the network or new builds with a 'period' style. Due to buliding this in my loft I have a few space constraints that limit what I can do. To fit a run-around in I would be limited to rakes of only 2 coaches with any engines bigger than an 0-6-0. I operate the terminus syle layout using multiple engines so as one train comes in, the loco is detached and another connects at the other end and drives the train back out. I do have a run-around at the other end where i have much more space. Pics show the progress so far.

Hi I'm after some advice. After years of waiting i've finally been able to build a layout. It consists of a modern loop and a heritage point to point track. Ive started work on detailing one end of the heritage line but need some advice on where to place the signal box and signals. The station consists of two terminus lines and a short shunting line. It is based in the GWR region and very loosely inspired by Staverton in Devon. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Cheers