BR(S)

As a fellow NSE fan, this is a nice pack to celebrate the era.  It is correct for a 2-EPB not to have a headlight as they didn't receive these until later on.  The latest Bachmann release of the 2-EPB (in blue/grey livery as well) is the earlier version, without headlight.  Here's 6406 in NSE livery without a headlight: https://flic.kr/p/5r8pP9

I don't personally want the whole pack, but would consider an NSE liveried unit.  I'll wait and see if anyone splits the packs.

This sort of thing is a great way of practising modelling skills without spending lots of money.  And as with your fence, if you do break something or scratch the paint job on your shiny loco, it's probably like that in real life and adds some interest. 

There's an 08 from the Brighton Pullman Shed rusting in a filed in Leavening.  It can either be modelled on a piece of track or up on the railway equivalent of bricks!:

D3255 by CHIEF ANORAK, on Flickr

Forgotten? D3255 at a farm in Leavening- 09.08.15 by 51C Monkey Madness, on Flickr

Welcome to DCC!  I always used the Bachmann 36-553 decoder with my Lima locos and very slow running was possible.  They will need to be hardwired and there are websites out there to help you, such as http://www.bromsgrovemodels.co.uk/decoderinstallation4mm.htm (Lima loco instructions near bottom of page).

I used to get annoyed about causing minor damage to a new model (perhaps a screwdriver slipped as I was removing a body).  However, as the real railway isn't perfect, my rule now is to bear in mind that any accidental blemishes you make on your models will no doubt mimic the prototype.  So if for example you scratch the paintwork, don't fret; it happens to full scale trains! 

And of course we see some really bashed-up models now with weathering techniques, where "blemishes" have been added on purpose.

A well-timed blog for me as it's something I've just added to my layout.  I'll be trying some wiring but as I model the 1980s, I can thankfully get away with just one piece of wire!  Yours do look excellent and I'll try some EZ-line myself.

I always liked these units in this livery and think Bratchell have done a good job with this kit.  Lights will definitely improve the look.  Regarding the formation, the DTS goes next to the ATS and the DTC with the first class area goes next to the PMS.  The DTS is the B end, so that end of the formation next to the ATS spells BATS!  As you have done, the toilet is always next to the pantograph.