Gilbert

Good call - I do so and can then experiment with ballast etc.

In terms of "other suggestions" for track I am yet to try the camouflage colours now being sold by Halfords although I have used them for other things. I think the dark brown and khaki may have a role. https://www.halfords.com/search?q=camouflage I currently use Precision weathered sleepers as my base colour but I've also used Humbrol #29 "Dark Brown" in a can - I think it used to be called Dark Earth.

There's quite a bit in the Peco BH thread. Try Page 52 I really like the BH points but with two 31s on the roster and no replacement wheels currently evident and with a desire for a shorter layout they were not the choice for this layout. Chris

I often do a light over spray of a track dirt shade after ballasting etc is done so if you do that you can blend it all together anyway. My observation is that from many angles real track does lose its definition. The whole issue also seems very important at the moment but once you move on to other stages of the project it will probably not!

I'm pretty sure when I've seen it used it is usually with other colours - probably a bit stark on its own http://nevardmedia.blogspot.com/2011/03/earth-and-sky.html

In my defence I would offer the following evidence: I have Cobalts on a number of layouts and have had no problems - I think they have a good reputation. CS is a very simple layout to maintain or repair. It can be flipped over in no time at all and stood on its rigid backscene once the plug in lighting rig is removed. I take spare PMs to a show so it should be easy to replace. The 90 degree adapter and operating wire can be transplanted easily. Removing one of the locating screws would allow the new PM to be aligned fairly easily. The only thing that would improve things would be to make the wiring connection a male female plug in chocolate block connector. Going to the trouble of doing this will guarantee the PMs never need replacing - obviously. In any case I will not be under a layout with a torch fighting gravity... Just answering.....

She was young and she needed the money......

I do hope so...

I prefer Moussaka...just saying...

I was minded to try the Scalescenes arches but although the trial piece turned out OK I couldn't face all that cutting of the cardboard. Since then I understand some one is providing laser cut card parts and I've discovered self adhesive matt photo paper for printing in my High Street computer shop...maybe next time - its nice stuff.

This is the underneath of the FY with the integral point control panel. As previously suggested I may review this arrangement.

Now its getting serious...

A bit of testing...I suspect this loco is a bit early for the Cement siding but Rule 1 may apply..its got sound and stay alive by Digitrains and its a gem.

Track down and droppers in place

I've been experimenting with Modeltech board joiners and I'm very pleased ( I event sent him some US Code 83 which I think means he's now added those to his range)

and a bit more testing...

I pre-wired the track once it was cut to size.

As I have not really had a good look at mine and having seen this post I have dug them out and tried mine on Peco normal Code 75 short radius on my Cropper Street layout and even when roughly pushed they are fine. I've installed Kadees couplings if that make any difference. May be short radius C100 turnouts could be a compromise if space is tight?

I think the skirted versions have a simplified motion..

I've PM'd his Sheepness as I've rather coincidentally got a similar issue which is currently having a slight impact on my modelling mojo and dexterity . I wish him well and I'm sure things will improve for both of us. I just wanted to add that although I do have concerns once you've sat in the Outpatient waiting area for a neuro surgery set up you soon realise you're actually quite well off.... C

Submit an invoice then drive to Barnard Castle....sorry...

I mix two methods - glue then ballast on the shoulders followed by dry ballast and the wet water by fine spray and matt medium by dropper on the material around the sleepers. BTW I do the cess first of all.

FWIW Digitrains did one for me with sound and stay alive (in the cab IIRC but any visual issue is outweighed by splendid running)

Full size plan out again to sort out wiring and PMs. The inputs for point motors and DCC are located at the rear. The NCE PCP panel will go in the front fascia. A lesson learnt - the Point Controls will be in a small panel set into the Fiddle Yard. This is easy too use but also means the layout PMs etc can't be tested without attaching the FY. On Dock Street I used a small tethered box which could be connected to the layout if required for testing etc. but was normally "permanently" attached to the shunting track. I think this is actually the best solution for my configuration and I may modify Cropper Street accordingly.

I have got some of the brass axles and agree they are a major improvement. Interesting to see how you cut the magnets with a knife. Hadn't thought nof that!