Gilbert

Good Morning Layout is 2 boards of 4' each Main board is from 15" to 18" wide Fiddle yard board is 15" wide with about 6" used for the scenic section Chris

OK Chaps I'm on the case - and thanks for the kind comments This photo shows the layout during construction and happily shows part of the track plan for Marc! All the visible tracks on the right converge in the main fiddle yard and the track on the left feeds the cement terminal at Twigg Street. I'm actually working on a small extension of the fiddle yard to help at shows and make operating from the front at home a possibility. There's another "staging" track (as our colonial chums) would say beyond the stone bridge. Chris

Following the excellent show at Yate Marc Smith suggested I might post some photos so I've had a quick look in my archives and here's a quick taster. The layout is a based on but not a model of areas around the Bristol to Bath mainline in Keynsham. The photo I've attached shows the extremely small goods yard and a bit of the Squaregrip Reinforcement warehouse and siding. It was a photo of the actual siding being shunted by a Class 14 on a trip working from Bristol that set me off on this project rather than my normal New England projects. The photo is quite old and other bits of scenery have been added since this was done. Chris .

Any more news on this? Chris

I can't help with the Brake Van but I made up a couple of Prestwins and they came our really well indeed - they were Dapol versions and came with (if I remember correctly) bearings and decent wheel sets. I substituted brass wire were I could but the original transfers worked out well. Buffers seemed fine although I'm sure there are better ones around for the brake van. Overall the mouldings were very good but your may be better if its an early Airfix kit (masters should be less worn?) I have been tempted by a brake van kit..... Chris

As always very nice Marc. Chris

Don't forget to include ventilation in your plans Chris

I'm looking into a DJH 7mm 02 and will definitiely want to install sound Chris

I do hope so... Chris

1. When you've just spent the weekend with your layout at a "big" show with a group of modelling mates who humour you (for about 48 hours), do anything you ask to make the show successful and ridicule you mercilessly. 2. You get a lot of "thank you - I really like your layout"s from a very wide range of visitors who stand and watch you play trains as well as lots of gratitude for the advice and help you can offer. 3. Oh...and the crowds are three deep in front of your fiddle yard watching others who have "made it" playing in the sand on Fen End Pit - the rather excellent layout next door... That'll do me. Chris

Les - we'll definitely meet as my US layout is directly behind Lime Street at AP Chris

As a resident of Liverpool as a "lad" and regular user of services into Lime Street in the 70s - particularly for gigs at the Liverpool Empire next door - I have been following this thread for some time. Finally I've cracked and just have to compliment the builders on all aspects of the build but the colours and tones - particularly on those mundane over-bridge walls - always just too high to see over - are awesome. Personally as a child of the very late 50s who did his spotting in the very early 70s I'd just like see the catenary going in and hear those 86's following their coaches out of the London platform - it was 9 I think? I shall enjoy seeing this at AP - I'm there myself with my US HO layout and will be taking the opportunity to have a good long look. Chris

I'd have an 'O' gauge one....just add sound.. Chris

I had to check - I have this on order from Kernow - weathered - D6323 in BR Green livery with small yellow panel - which seems to be accurate. Next problem - will there be acceptable sound chips available? Chris

Likewise... Chris

A P22 Herring would go down very well with those of us modelling the Forest of Dean/Whitecliffe Quarry. Pity about all the Dogfish/Catfish stand-ins I've built though..... Chris

I thought the green ones at Manchester - seen in the flesh - were a bit iffy colourwise. Chris

I was about to congratulate you on a splendid wind-up...and then I checked the TV guide.. does it get any better?

Cheers Steve I read the Model Rail article after I posted and its a good one Chris

Steve You might want to get hold of a copy of current Model Rail - 4mm layout plan and article on RB Chris

Good luck with this Steve I was a "regular" at your Dad's shop (nice break from work and much missed) and I've now moved up to 7mm too with the intention of building something small and shuntable based around Gloucester - possibly dock-related. Chris

It may also be worth trying to swap the NEM pocket with one off another wagon - the fishtail mounting can be levered out with a small flat screwdriver Chris

Ian Although I too have adjusted the coupler trip pin on various errant couplers I would stress its better if possible to get the whole coupler adjusted correctly then there is a better chance of them operating properly and not coming apart from couplers that are the correct height. cheers Chris

A small thin shim of styrene strip in the NEM below the coupling may help. I think you can also "bend" the NEM mounting up a little as well. Chris

TCS MC2P worked well on mine - and it comes "wrapped" so no short or insulation issues and the wires are quite short so there is not a bundle of wiring to deal with under the hood -it does cost a bit more than the Hornby though. Chris