AndyG

I've had a couple of these and found them to be frustrating runners; better bunker-first running seems to be a trait in these models, as I also discovered. Someone suggested it's to do with the way the rear wheels are sprung and offered a fix. If I could only remember where I read it!

This is such a popular model for smaller layouts, especially the ubiquitous GWR BLT, that I reckon it's long past time for Hornby to seriously think about tooling-up for a new example. A decent autocoach wouldn't go amiss either-the old Airfix one is looking very tired these days.

Fabulous! I had no idea there was a kit of an example of Emmett's extraordinary imagination available. If you don't already have it I recommend 'The Early Morning Milk Train', a lovely collection of his work.

I love the shed.

All best,

Andy

Excellent. My pathway to my current layout status follows yours pretty much exactly. Inglenooks are a lot of fun to operate and mine (still in the planning stage) is similar to yours, although I have the luxury of an 'L' shaped 11', giving me a decent run from my fiddle-yard to the puzzle area itself.

Operating I envisage something like this; a main-line loco (Class 15 or 20) brings in the freight. The train engine runs onto an isolated section where the wagons are uncoupled. An 03 or 08 then detaches the wagons and shunts them into a siding, releasing the train engine which then goes off-site for servicing, enabling the shunter to shunt the puzzle.

My layout is narrow (only 13" maximum), so any buildings will be low-relief industrial. I also intend to operate a twice-daily single coach workmen's train into a short platform. This will be my Standard Class 3MT tank; I'm modelling the BR green era around 1965-ish.

I like the idea of using Kadee couplings-they're so much neater than even the small tension-locks, but I have fashioned a spade-like shunting pole which levers-up the couplings for relatively speedy operation.

At the moment I'm considering the classic 5-3-3 arrangement of wagon accomodation for the puzzle but I have enough room to expand this somewhat.

I like your idea of a layout within a cabinet but I can foresee a couple of potential issues-the inevitable occasional derailment, irritating reflections in the glass front and track cleaning and maintenance. If it were mine I'd consider a sort of 'TV' front.

Nice project. Have fun and keep us posted as to developements.

Cheers.