Hi Jon,
Found your thread through a link on someone else's layout topic - as I was looking for something to read at work. It has been a thoroughly enjoyable perusal of your work, from the early days with Marlingford up to the present day with Begbrooke. Your work on getting the signals right is commendable - and it looks as if your modelling skills are most definitely improving all the time. As someone else mentioned, the backscene and the embankments work well together - not too much of a contrast between either - so the eye is fooled. Will enjoy reading about further developments - even as an Eastern region follower, and modern image modeller!
Best Wishes....