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I simply could not resist those sweeping curves! One step at a time - I've not even thought about wheels yet

That is coming along nicely, the axleboxes look particularly good. Good luck with it. David

Trying not to start a new thread and this seems relevant. Two queries:- 1) I have a pack of what must be Mk1s bought two, even three, decades ago and not used due to (2) below. What is the difference between these and the Mk3s now being sold? 2) What is the minimum radius they can be used on? I had been told 3ft (which is why the set I bought ages ago have never been used) but recall seeing a recent note somewhere that a newer version exists for tighter radius curves. I have used them before when helping on other people's layouts so it is only the radius issue that is stopping me - no space for 3ft curves, hence the question.

I've been looking at this as a potential to model myself recently. Interested to know if you ever built this? The above info on steel traffic very useful in addition to what I'd already managed to gleen.

Once you start looking at the details, there's a great deal of variety. For example, although the tanks are shorter on Aurora, they are also wider and spread over the splashers.

Good choice Mike, jolie-laide indeed - thanks for adding to my vocabulary. The bunkers are very stylish. I look forward to seeing your creativity applied to the wheels. Three layers perhaps?

I like my B&ER Vulcan Foundry built 4-4-0ST's, but then on the other hand it's not as if I had to try and physically build one from sheet brass like I used to do when I was much younger back when I was modelling in finescale 'S'. I'll be very interested in seeing how you get on with building 'Aurora' since in time I might well need to see about some SDR saddle tanks for my presently stalled Cornwall project.

Hi Schooner, my experiences are exactly as Al's/Barry Ten's. I have also rolled them out to all wagons by now - also using the 3mm ones - and am happy with how they work. I haven't changed the way I fit them, as far as I remember. The only issue is that I struggle with fitting the 3-links sometimes. There's a post about that here, followed by some discussion: https://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/97672-pragmatic-pre-grouping-mikkels-workbench/&do=findComment&comment=3999700

thank you all for your comments and info, will soon post some pics of the items so far made for the layout. Regarding the VGA wagons your prob correct as i read somewhere that they worked with VAA ,VBA on the zinc block traffic to bloxwich so may look out for some cheap vans prob need about 5. happy modelling

You have chosen a great location, full of atmosphere. Whilst not in regular use, it serves as a diversion for traffic out of the Immingham Docks complex when the usual line to Brocklesby is not available, so you may also consider coal and tank traffic as well as what you have detailed above. If I remember rightly, there was also a weekly train from Grimsby Dock which ran for a time with a class 60 pulling vans (maybe VGA but I stand to be corrected!). There were also a number of stored hoppers in one of the outer sidings which spent years there before being cut up on site. Despite living about five minutes drive away, only recently managed to travel through there by train, on the Humber Sceptre railtour. Good luck with your project! Nigel.