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Aha, didn't realize they fitted together. It's such amazing work you've done on that.

I have gone for the other option, redrill and fill the holes

I’ve glued the roof on the wrong way round!

Agree with that. I think that any baseboard longer than around the 100cm mark is starting to get unwieldy. Saying that, it can be somewhat restrictive in 7mm scale, so is something I am currently grappling with in planning my new project.

I wouldn't let a drop of water spoil your fun Dave, after all its all about having fun !

Hi Dave, Just been catching up with the photos re a possible water tower location, as we were just discussing To my way of thinking, a water tower is such a railway-like structure, I would want one, if Sherton Abbas were my layout But placement of one, without detracting from the sense of spaciousness of the scene, is indeed a tricky thing.... Definitely don't put one at the far end of the platform. To me, it looks "wrong" somehow. I would expect to see one at the departure end of the layout Besides - it does compete with, and dominate the photo of the Abbey, and that works so very well just as it is I'd either opt for a low-relief WT, just beyond the overbridge, or more likely, a photograph of one in the distance, as Mike has demonstrated with his photo-trickery - where one would assume it is alongside the engine shed, coaling stage and ashpit. I think that works rather well, and suggests that more railway lies beyond the bridge nicely. If you have a suitable photo of a water tower you like, or would like to "adapt" - let me know & I'll sort it for you

Hi All, Thank you very much for your views, ideas and suggestions, all very thought provoking and useful. I'll respond to your comments one by one and then finish with an overall conclusion:-) I tend to agree with your thoughts, the prototype water tower at Abottsbury was alongside the engine shed away from the station building. I like the idea of a water crane on the platform, but don't really want to move the Home Starter signal! It was worth a try, but I think you are quite right! Hi Duncan, that could work, but might involve some judicious pruning of the trees:-) Hi Grahame, I certainly don't mind the intrusion, that is a truly splendid water tower! Have you documented it's build anywhere, I'd love to read more about it. I'm beginning to agree with Al's comments that any large structure that end of the layout would detract from the view down to the Abbey on the backscene, which is a shame because I would love a similar tower at Sherton Abbas! The Abbotsbury water tower mock up has a foot print of 120mm x 88mm, so really not much bigger than your lovely tower. I must admit I hadn't realised just how big water towers really were! Completely agree Duncan! I still think it might be a bit big for Sherton Abbas unfortunately. Thanks Al, the illusion of spaciousness was exactly what I was trying to achieve with the layout and the main reason that I chose to have 4 foot six inch deep baseboards. I love your description of "locos trundling quietly into the distance" and certainly don't want to compromise that! I think if I had a bit more space that scenario could work very well. I'm starting to think that anything added to that end of the layout might spoil things by "over egging the pudding" No it's very helpful Al! Your final comment is something I need to bear in mind. "I think people really like that sense of nothing much going on at that end of the layout, which really helps emphasize the bucolic atmosphere of an isolated branch terminus" Thanks Chris, glad you like the layout! the saying "Less is more" is probably very appropriate:-) It really is stunning! Hi Stubby, that could work, but I'm beginning to take the hint that I should leave well alone:-) I really like this idea of just having a water crane at this end of the layout. My only concern is whether they would have gone to the expense of piping the water right down to the end of the run round loop, rather than placing the water crane on the departure end of the platform. Any thoughts on this much appreciated!:-) Any prototype pictures of a water crane at the run around end of a terminus would be very handy! Really glad you are looking forward to seeing the layout, It should be a really good weekend:-) Lol!, No need for any apologies, I'd completely forgotten about that post and have just gone back and re-read it! Hi Dave, I'm definitely coming round to that way of thinking! I'm working on Mrs Wenlock with a view to being allowed to extend my workshop. If negotiations are successful you might well get your wish! The deal breaker at the moment is that her hot tub is in the way, some people have their priorities all wrong!:-) Now that's a much easier feature to incorporate and certainly wouldn't block the view to the Abbey!:-) Thanks Mike, that's a great bit of photo trickery:-) It actually works rather well and definitely suggests more going on the other side of the bridge. I need to give that idea more thought. At Abbotsbury the water tower was alongside the engine shed quite a way from the platform, as you say the prototype often has the answers we are looking for! Hmmm that would stop me using my Dean Goods and that would never do! Hi Pete, I beginning to agree, the tower does look out of place! Yes I'm not really a fan of the conical or flat topped type of towers, so don't want to go down that route. Thanks Mikkel, the consensus certainly appears to be nothing too large at that end of the layout! I don't think it would be unreasonable for Grahame to give me his water tower, as he says he hasn't built a layout yet:-) It might be just the incentive I need to model the "Other side of the bridge!" No there's a simple solution:-) Thanks Simon, I don't think I've got quite enough clearance to put a crane in the loop unfortunately.

One thing that's always struck me with Sherton is the spaciousness of the headshunt end of the layout, which to me is one of those features that lifts it above the competition; there's a real feeling of locos trundling quietly into the distance before they come back around the loop. I do think the mock-up somewhat undermines this, as well as detracting from the excellently effective view of the abbey on the backscene, which works really well as it stands, and as you know gets a lot of positive comments at exhibitions. I think people really like that sense of nothing much going on at that end of the layout, which really helps emphasize the bucolic atmosphere of an isolated branch terminus. I don't really have an alternative suggestion (so not very helpful really!) but I'd be wary of undoing the good work that's already there.