yelrow

surely in a room with the door shut, new dust, is at a minimum. I have a 20x12 room with 5 layouts, none appear particularly affected, from i day to the next. I have a Dapol track cleaning wagon, that regularly does the rounds, but tis fair to say, it collects very little. Track stays fairly clean.

If you use it continually, it wont have a chance to settle, but i know what you mean.

James, hi again. Do you know anything about the Gaugemaster SS-! Super Shuttle. Would this be a better bet. john

Dont see how locos come into it, with respect. It is Dublo, 3 rail. James, hi, that was my view, but wanted re assurance, thanks. Will look at The marklin one, if still available. john

Hi, am building 50 foot 3 rail double track, around 3 sides of room. Would like loco to return using a shuttle. Have a 2 rail one, and a Tam Valley DCC one. Does anyone have any idea on how to convert either for 3 rail use. thanks

Looks like the Hornby annual stock clear out, which Hattons do every year on their behalf.

Wigwamcan, hi, tiny brass domed headed ones, bought by box of 200, from local Hardware shop. I enlarge the sleeper hole, then make a tiny starter hole in baseboard. Screws about 1cm long. So much easier than pins or glue. Use serface mounted point motors, secured by 2 of these. Been modelling for 50 years. Never used anything else. Makes adjustments, so simpls

Many like me. use screws, as your first attempt at layout, often ends up, in a re design. Far easier to take up, and adjust, this way.

hi, await more info, but in the meantime, does he have track/ controller. I run sizeable 3 rail layout, and normal prob with stored locos, is simply needing careful oil/ service. If you can see the oil, you have used too much. 9 volt battery , with 2 wires, will prove motor turns. Dirty track, / unused, will also be a cause. I have 20 plus locos, and there is little to go wrong. These were built, in those days to resist problems, and usually, just getting the com to spin, will get them moving. john.

Hornby (Arnold) N gauge, do a good starter set, as do Bachmann. john

Another vote for Morley. With both remotes extended with their kit, they cover the whole layout. john

BM, hi, having done all the work, i fail to see the need to put it on a computer.. Why not just start playing with some track. Thats what 90 % of us do. To my mind, thats the beauty of the hobby. Trial and error. john

Green Diesel, Hi, as you live in canada, have a look at MTH, locos. They run on DC, as well as DCC, with sound. john

I have several Hornby TTS sound locos, its ok, for the price. Have a locksound, much better. Then you hear the MTH, and you know, you have the best, at a price. john

dunsignalling, all mine are HO, not o gauge. And worth listening to before you condem sound in principal, superb. john

Might i suggest you go on line and listen to a MTH loco, with Cab Chatter. Totally changed how sound is conceived. I have 2 of these locos. Not cheap, but incredible. john

hi, i would be talking to your house contents insurance company claiming for accidental damage. TT can then be replaced, or professional repairs paid for. john

Morley, excellent,well worth a look. You can also buy extentions. I have used both, and prefer Morley. john

I must admit, i am the same, i just use whichever iron is nearest at the time. Twas good enough for my dad. I have a temp controlled one, but rarely used.

I have the one they sold that feeds the solder, also their previous solder station. Both excellent, never needed spares. 3 year warranty. john

Are you able to reveal annual cost/ value. As this cover is not cheap. John

Its one thing to get it covered for a figure that you think represents your time, but totally another, when the claim is progressed. High premiums, paid over many years with no claims, are fine for peace of mind. happen you can afford the cover. . Down to personal choice/ income. If it helps you sleep better at night, thinking your insurer will cover 1000 hours of labour, so be it. john

It would be interesting to get the Insurance companies view, or hear from anyone who has had a payout, as i still think many are in for a nasty shock. john

I have never heard of burglars targetting model rail layouts. New stock in a model shop, perhaps. No self respecting burglar, would want secondhand locos, etc. Would be good to be a fly on the wall, when you tell your insurer, you want cover for £40,000, for your layout. Mine wanted a list of everything, when new, plus ages, and photos. Secondhand layouts, go begging on ebay, nobody wants them. You get more by selling bits off. I agree, cover is needed, but not whilst wearing rose tinted glasses. No insurer, will give betterment. john

Any Household name company will not only cover garage, but allow you to set your upper limits. Worked with a major company, myself. There may well be an increased premium, but you are always better to have your house and buildings with same company. £20-40k, sounds very excessive to me. They need photos, and a expert valuation, to reach theses levels.