AngryMeerkat

Really liking the cassette idea with the copper tape providing power, simple yet reliable. Mark

I've been looking forward to an update for a while, really glad things are still progressing and to the highest standard. Can't wait to see this develop further. Just a note on inspection pit lighting which I've recently learned the hard way - light up the rest of the depot and get the brightness right before setting the brightness on the pits. I did my pits first and thought the brightness was just about right, then I added the building lighting and realised the pits are far too bright in comparison. Mark

We see plenty of depot layouts, but I'm yet to see a single loco with a red/white 'DO NOT MOVE' flag on the lamp bracket. Mark

Unfortunately there is nothing to update at the moment, just had the wedding and honeymoon, Xmas, the Alfa needs a new gearbox...... Is there anywhere that sells time, I just don't seem to have any at the moment!! Hopefully I'll get back into the modelling mood in the new year, until then you guys are providing my modelling fix haha. Mark

Making good progress Paul, I've finally caught up with the thread and it's coming on well. Mark

Don't know how you've got the patience to make the trunking!! I used the Ten Commandments trunking and found it excellent. It looks true to scale size and has some lids missing and separate with visible cables moulded in that really add some fine detail. I wasn't too happy with their line side electrical cabinets though, they are cast in plaster and took a lot of work to get right. Strangely I found the Hornby Skaledale cabinets were a better option, and will use them in future. Mark

I think it looks ok, very much as I remember the parts of the Liverpool railway that hadn't been re-ballasted by the 90s. If you're unsure then you can always use the airbrush to add patches of grey for patch repairs to the ballast, no need to bin it and start again. Alternatively mix small amounts of colour with matt varnish to create a wash and add colour variation, the exact colour doesn't matter as your brain sees different shades and light/dark more than it sees colour. Mark

Coming on well Paul, great progress. Mark

DO NOT FEED THE TRAINS! Really liking those catch points Paul, fantastic work! Mark

Here's the link http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/270919043170?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2648&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT He has a few different types depending on how many wires you want to connect, I got the 9 pin and 25 pin and they come as pairs so order 1x 9 pin and you get 18 pin if that makes sense? Mark

Hi Paul great work so far, Beasts excellent diagrams are really giving life to this layout! Just a note on your wiring for across the boards, I've just got some connectors of eBay, 25 wire and 9 wire male and female connectors. Cost under £10 for 2 pairs of each, so once wired they just plug in as needed. If you want the link to them let me know. Mark

Good start Paul, really liking the idea of banking and altering the track level. Don't see many layouts with this idea, but the real railway is banked at most curves so why do we not include it? Looking forward to watching this Mark

Looks good Paul, not a 'small' project but I can't wait to see it progress. Mark

I don't think the ban on laptops and tablets is anything to do with recording the match - mobile fones which have far better cameras, and indeed cameras themselves are still allowed during matches. As they have been very specific about which kinds of device are banned and indeed the dimensions of allowed devices, this is definitely a security measure. Mark

Almost got the decorating finished today, a few fittings for the bathroom then it's just a bedroom and the conservatory to go. The Mrs has got tomorrow off work (she was called in today) so we are planning a day out together instead of doing stuff in the house. She came up with the idea of going to Swanage for the day, and I was very happy to agree. Don't think she's quite realised why yet, there's gotta be some surprises between people, right? Hope today isn't too stressful for any 'A-level parents' in ER, or indeed anybody getting their results today. Remember, it's just a piece of paper and not the end of the world, don't feel pressured or stressed by a grade. Mark