bill badger

That's going to be labour of love, but should look just the job.

Nice shot. I know there's no real alternative (expensive CJM or even more inaccurate old Farish), but how are you 'getting on' with it as a model of a Grid, given it's case of 'Tubbyduff-itus'? Do you find the issue jars when it's out on the tracks, or are the viewing angles such that you don't really notice?

Looking like its all coming together very nicely. Can I ask what ballast you've used?

Just come across this layout thread whilst looking for N / 2mm inspiration. I only hope I can do something this good!

Nice idea. A couple of thoughts spring to mind: any scope for using the goods yard and in-laid section as a larger MPD? The arrangement for accessing siding 1 seems a bit tricky, would this siding be better as a stabling point or coach siding (along with the former shed line)?

Another satisfied customer. First order with with the Track Shack: a Farish Blue 31; ordered on Tuesday evening, delivered today and at the best price by far. Lovely model and great service.

Thanks for posting this - interested to see how you get on. When you get up and running I'd be interested to know how you get on with the belt-driven system in terms of accuracy & repeatability and if you have any issues with backlash etc.

In that case, I'll try to arrange a trip over the hills in December...

Been following this thread for a while now and I have to say the skill being displayed in the track building is staggering; you do have to keep reminding yourself that this is 2mm. This thread, along with the Millersdale and Burton builds, have changed my mind about N gauge / 2mm. My two main modelling interests are 1930 LMS (purely for the historical interest) and mid 80's to the end of BR (when I was small boy with a notebook on the south end of Preston station). I have a small OO shelf layout in development to act as a test / photo plank with a good collection of LMS locos and stock and I had started acquiring some OO 1980's stock too. I've now decided to sell the BR stock and have taken the plunge with N for a 80s/90s vintage layout. I have to say the detail level on the few items I've acquired is really quite something (Farish blue 47, a few Mk1s, a Dapol 26 and some bargain bin PCAs) and nothing like the 70's/80's models I remember from years ago. The running quality of the 47 and the 26 are incredible, even at dead-slow across a loosely joined set-track test loop. The draw of being able to run longer trains is a strong factor, even on a 4 metre long board. So anyway, thanks for the inspiration and I look forward to seeing the competed Euston at a show sometime soon(ish).

Surely the appropriate date would be a month and a day later...

My Dad managed to chat to several of the 'team' and mentioned this morning that this is exactly what he was told. The black is effectively an undercoat with the final colour to come after it's been tested, though they didn't say what colour. I daresay this has been mentioned elsewhere, but Robson Green was also on the train with a film crew; apparently there is a documentary being made covering the rebuild. I don't know any other details though. Anyone?

Here's one that we managed to snap

Took an excited 3 year old and a equally excited 70 year old on the 9am from Bury this morning. Awful weather: cold & rain showers and an hour late setting off, apparently due to a failed brake pump on the assisting Black 5 (meaning a 31446(?) had to step in), but no one seemed bothered. I suspect Bury Bolton Road hasn't been this busy (ever?). Huge turnout at Ramsbottom, Rawtenstall and Heywood to see her too. Didn't manage any pics due to the weather, crowds and having to wrangle a 3 year old. I think everyone was having a great time. I know it is fashionable in some circle to knock the Scotsman as a 'celebrity engine', but I for one am pleased to see her back.

That is looking very nice. Your previous layout and a few others have given me a nudge to explore N gauge and accept that my available space isn't really suited to much more than a shunting plank in 4mm. Can I ask about the vertical spacing on your helix and how you constructed the lower circuit?

Very useful, thank you. I think I just need to practice a bit more!

If you do get a chance to post some pictures that would be very interesting. I'd like to see just how much opening up other folk can get away with. I think taking way too much away. I have some MJT compensated rockers to try and I know many folk say the gap isn't that obvious. Can I ask who your supplier of choice is for axle boxes (generally - I appreciate it might vary depending on the model)? I've had some trouble getting MJT unit to fit with Bill Bedford w-irons and have messed a few up try to file them down (not that I'd expect them to be completely compatible of course).

An interesting read so far. I'm targeting a slightly later time period - late 20's to late 30's LMS, if only avoid be too much in a straight-jacket and keep the option of earlier, pre-grouping stock or later Big 4 depending on the mood for a given session. It is nice to have to rely on developing skills to get a good variety of stock. From what I've built so far I have noticed that, even with 9 ft wheel bases, suspended wagons are noticeably smoother, even on good track. 'Bill Bedford sprung W-irons' is the only system I've tried so far. I do find them a bit of a fiddle. Can I ask what method you use to accommodate the suspension movement in the axle boxes?

Those bushes & trees, as well as the general undergrowth, look as good as any I've seen whilst browsing for inspiration for my own efforts. 'Greenery' is the one thing which, to my eyes, can make or break a layout. Looking forward to a 'how to' if you do get a chance.

Is one way round the 'pre-order date reset issue' to simply order each loco separately?

All sounds very familiar - I keep several projects on the go and tend to cycle through them to keep the interest going in all of them; some are weather dependent so tend to get the lion's share during the summer; to me the long, cold winter nights always seem to be the right time for a few hours modelling of an evening.

A good start. How many issues are there in the series?

What a good choice. Will definitely be having one (or two perhaps, if a LNWR livery is done - just like I did with the L&Y 2-4-2t). If I listen carefully I can hear my wallet sobbing quietly.... let's see: Inspection Saloon, 1F, Stanier Mogul and now this one! The only consolation is that it'll probably be at least 2 years before anything bobs across from China

Has anyone had any sniff yet on when the LMS livery version will be sent out?

First view of this topic tonight; that sign for the coal merchants is inspired. Definitely going to enjoy tracking through your thread from the start over a cup of tea at some point tomorrow.

Exactly the question that I was going to ask - do you use a matt varnish or something else to seal in the powders? The 37 looks great - hard to tell the scale which is the mark of success for me.