Graeme Lewis

Martin This looks like a really interesting project - will it be an exhibition layout? I grew up on Sydney's northern beaches but found it was too hard to model the NSWGR 4-5 decades ago, so I model the Midland Railway in 7mm scale. Nowadays modelling NSWGR in 7mm seems a lot more achievable, but I imagine it is still hard work, so well done for having a go. I often visit Glenn at Model O Kits - it is a terrific shop, and I have fallen pray to the charms of the Minerva Manning Wardle. A lovely model that responds well to a bit of titivating. I am in the process of building some private sidings on one of my layouts to justify its existence! Do you intend to hand build the track? Personally, I think this is well worth doing. If you do so, it is worth thinking about 31.5mm gauge, as that will tighten up the flange ways and give smoother running. I was a little surprised at the 1m long baseboards - wouldn't ~1.3m be better - this eliminates one baseboard joint? It may mean that a baseboard joint occurs through a turnout, but as long as it doesn't go through the crossing or switch blades then it will work just as well as a joint through plain track. I attach a photo that shows a joint going through a single slip, diamond, turnout and various other tracks. It works well, but looking at the photo shows that one rail needs a little bit of fettling. One day I will do the point rodding! Regards Graeme