midlandmike

Sounds like my layout Wheatley in the garage running mostly on old kitchen cupboards any old board in between been in there 20 years no problems to speak off - mind you Im very basic minimal wiring runs fine for me !!

OK moved down from yorkshire to norfolk 20 years ago only place for the layout was the double length stone built garage bit cold in winter bit hot in summer but its ok no problems with the layout metcalf/card kits unaffected - do keep most of my locos in the house.

Just to add my sixpennorth (Im an oldie) got 2 mainline jubilees (leander/orion)  bought new for about £15 must be over 50 years ago still running smoothly and pulling well just had occasional oiling maybe not as quiet as new locos but good enough for me - although I could afford it I begrude paying over £100 for a loco after all its only a hobby.  As an aside I bought a brand new loco from a well known boxshifter ran once round my layout and seized up they replaced it no problem but you just have to make your own choice.

Cant agree with Mersey, have this fairly modern 4F which was a very iffy runner - cut the traction tyres off and it runs lovely and pulls a dozen wagons with no problem.

Hi:  Lived in Settle as a young lad used to see the Thames Clyde and Waverley go through most days in 1959/60 - big groans

from us spotters as the usual suspects headed the train - Scot The Duke of Wellingtons Regt or Britannia Earl Haig.