rodshaw

The Tomy train set I got my kids when they were little was just about perfect - a figure of eight, a separate oval, a spur, lots of points, a station, a loco wash and a goods shed. Not to mention the incline and the tunnel. I got it out over Christmas (for my granddaughter, you understand) and was disappointed that the engine had stopped working. Must have a proper look one day - and take some pictures. Looking online to see if I could find a spare engine, and all I can find are ones from Thomas. Having said that, the set is over 20 years old.

No, no accent required!

I find the idea that Rugby doesn't have a city centre funny enough.

I like the way you've done the non-loop version because you can serve CT without being blocked by cars at DW. Plus there's two less turnouts! Having said that, this version doesn't look any more 'open', but that's because you seem to be allocating more space to buildings.

Interesting about run-round loops. I incorporated one into my layout Yorkford, PA (see link below) thinking it was a must. But while operating, including at a recent exhibition, I've found that I only use it to move a tanker from one industry to another. All other operations (and the tanker move, in fact) could be done quite comfortably, and in fewer moves, by pushing or pulling from the fiddle yard. So my next layout may be even more basic and not have a run-round - I can go down to 3 turnouts instead of 5!

I suppose having the option to pull cars onto the layout as well as push might provide operational interest, but I'd be inclined to get rid of the run-round loop and push all cars from the fiddle yard, especially as cars spotted at Consolidated Typewriter would block the turnout at that end of the loop.

David Would your system be adaptable at all to link to an onboard sound module? I know it's not DCC - just wondering if there are other ways to skin a cat.

...which leads me to wonder - presumably there are people who put modern engines in old cars, or is it too difficult?

My Moggie van in 1980, on the day I sold it. Old cars are nice to look at, but when I hear one grumbling and clanking away I'm glad for modern technology.

I note also that Sheffield Wednesday made their appearance in the league (Division 1) in 1892 but for many years were simply called The Wednesday.

Here's a live one.

Some of you may be interested in my photos taken at the NRM in Port Adelaide, and at Victor Harbor, in 2009. http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/newsforyou/austrains.htm

This may be old hat but there's a feature about BPRC in the May Model Railroader, though more directed at HO. They briefly review two commercial systems available for HO in the US, S-Cab and Tam Valley 'Dead Rail'. It sounds as if BPRC is about at the stage DCC was at say 10 years ago. But that's not to say it will take another 10 years to become mainstream, I don't think it will.

Have you listened to the calls wood pigeons and collared doves make? One says, 'Yer b***ard! Yer b***ard!' and the other says, 'Yer stupid b***er! Yer stupid b***er!' Can't remember which is which though.

Yes! A couple of blue tits have decided to populate the bird box hanging on our shed. I put it up last year but there was no sign of life. This couple have obviously decided it will do! I see them flying in and out at various times, presumably making a nest.

York - where I live in the UK, and having a namesake in Pennsylvania.

I have lettered some of my 3mm scale kit-built locos and wagons with BYR for the Bradford-York Railway. To justify the continuous run of my first layout, I had it running round a fictitious double-track loop connecting various towns in Yorkshire. My father has lettered some of his kit-built wagons WRU for West Riding Union. The US magazine Model Railroader has its own fictitious MRT railroad - Milwaukee, Racine & Troy. When I build a wagon, I usually letter it with a weight of, say, 50 Grams. I know what you mean though, there is something of a compulsion to 'grow up' and do it proper.

Sorry, I must have fallen asleep while this stuff became widely available and prices plummeted.

Well thanks for doing the maths for me. So DCC and RC - a double whammy. And even more expensive with sound. I think I'll stick to my world of second-hand DC locos at £35 a time!

Say someone was starting from scratch, do we have an estimate of the comparative costs of RC and DCC?

The buildings must be rare, they are by that little-known firm Metclaff Models.

Some excellent work in this thread. I've only been on this forum for a year or so and have only just picked up on it. I remember Gallows Close appearing in Model Rail in early 2000 and it was such a good article I cut it out and kept it - still have it in fact. It was one of the layouts which inspired me to have a go myself.

Not to mention the cord anchoring spring.

I had an eclectic mix of Tillig/Berliner Bahnen - see http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/newsforyou/lightwood.htm They all ran beautifully. I sold it all to the 3mm Society (who, incidentally, stock a reasonable amount of this stuff second hand at very affordable prices, but you have to join).