Jan W

Ian, In case it doesn't work out, could you perhaps extend the headshunts a little outside the scenic area? This would give some space to ease the curves and still run a Terrier with two wagons. Jan

It is very well possible to build a terminus station on a footprint of 4x1 ft. But you must try to keep it simple. When choosing the right prototype it is even possible to build an actual location without too much compromises. I have an example for you. Just took some pictures of my n gauge layout, a model of Blagdon station (GWR branch line terminus). Only compression is approx. 80% in length, everything else is according to the prototype. I put my 1' ruler across the tracks, 12" mark exactly on the edge of the layout. Layout is 4' long. All turnouts are B7, radius of the rear siding is 2' About the choice between n gauge or 2mm scale: you know you want 2mm scale, you have asked the question too often on another forum and VAG. But let me speak for myself: my choice to build Blagdon to n gauge was a big mistake. Originally the layout was built with 2mm easitrac. It was my first attempt at trackbuilding and it was not very good. Track was not completely level, turnouts not everywhere to the right gauge and running was mediocre. So I ripped off all track and started again with n gauge track to nmra standards so I could run stock right out of the box. Not... lots of modern British n gauge stock have flanges thicker than rp25 specs. So I'm still looking for rp25 spoked wagon wheels but I haven't found any. And then I started building a new 2mm scale layout for the diamond jubilee layout challenge. Never had such a smooth running layout. Seems I've learnt from my mistakes. Would always choose 2mm scale now! About the conversion of the pannier tank: why don't you buy an etched 57xx chassis kit from the association with bearings, muffs, wheels and gears? Motor can be added later if you succeed in building the chassis. It is a replacement for the existing chassis so nothing is lost (except for the expenses for the chassis of course) if you don't succeed. But at least you have tried it then! Have you already watched the videos on chassis building on the association website? Jan Edit: forgot to add that the 57xx chassis was not designed for the Dapol body so possibly some modification is necessary to match it to the Dapol body.

It is extremely supple compared to normal fishing line. I never used this very thin line so I'm afraid I don't know how that behaves.

Would braided dyneema fishing line be a solution? I found some in grey or black (or fluorescent green ) with diameters from 0,08mm https://www.amazon.co.uk/6lbs-100lbs-Hercules-Dyneema-Fishing-Strands/dp/B072NZCW3C/ref=lp_454697031_1_20/257-3985896-3245446?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1556285226&sr=1-20&th=1&psc=1

Phil, I found a nice YouTube tutorial for you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_QLcKZ5fbc Can't give you any advice for a decoder because my layout is N gauge. Jan

If you will attend the diamond jubilee expo I hope that I can show the birdcage coaches in the setting you describe. A bit earlier perhaps... I'm building Allhallows as a DJLC entry. Jan

I don't know where you live but if you're near Rotterdam I could give you some insight. At the moment I'm building a small 2mm scale layout for the Diamond Jubilee of the 2mm scale Association and I just ordered the chassis components for an etched loco kit. Jan

That seems logical. And thinking a bit further, a new number would fix the operating period of the loco to 1931/1932. Using the A prefix gives an operating period of 1923 (if it was renumbered and repainted immediately after grouping...) to 1932. Choice is obvious I think. Jan

Does anyone know if all sr locos were renumbered in 1931 or was this done slowly in a number of years? The reason I ask is that I'm building an O class loco which was withdrawn in 1932. Would it have received the 1 or is it likely that it retained the A until withdrawal? Layout will be set in 1932. Jan

I found a video of the wakefield show on youtube. CF part starts at 12 min. Jan

Tramfabriek will have 7 and 8mm 12V coreless motors with two shafts available soon. I ordered some and expect to pick them up at Eurospoor (Netherlands) on november 10. https://tramfabriek.nl/12v2.html Not cheap but there is nothing similar on the market I think. Jan

My intention is to build one of the original WD locos numbered 501-510. These were class 11 locos if I'm not mistaken and this is also catered for in the kit. It is very well possible that the later series (ordered new from EE) had a different roof shape but that would not have been the case on the original ones. I want the version with the oil lanterns: https://perspoor.wordpress.com/2017/09/15/de-ns-dieselserie-500600700/

Working on a Dutch themed layout where a class 11 would be the most appropriate shunter: https://nl.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/NS_500#/media/Bestand%3ASGB_521_in_Goes.jpg Approx. ten of them were bought from the war department after ww2 and it became the standard shunter here in Holland. NS (Netherlands Railways) had 125 of them, all from English Electric. If the kit is not available I'll try to scratch build a class 200: https://nl.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sik_(locomotor)#/media/Bestand%3ALoc_NS_288.jpg

Can we expect similar news of a re-run of the 08 kit within the next year? I already expressed my interest. I'm planning a DLJC layout and if the 08 will be available in time I don't have to scratch build a loco for it. Jan

Why experiment with trackwork to your own standards?I use the nmra n gauge standards, with flangeways of 0.71mm: https://www.nmra.org/sites/default/files/standards/sandrp/pdf/s-3.2_2010.05.08.pdf But to be honest: not all modern rtr stock will run on it. Flanges are too wide on some of my stock. I have quite some wagons with finescale wheels and they do bump a bit whem passing through the crossing vee. But it is not really a problem, no derailments so far. Rp-25 wheels run smoother. If you already have 2mm stock, why not regauge a wagon, build a crossing v and test it before changing your diesels? Jan Edit: forgot to add that the btb of all rtr stock has to be adjusted if you want to use it on nmra trackwork....

I'm a bit late and I hope there is still a Dean Goods chassis available (PM sent..). What have you included on the tender chassis? Functional inside frames or a complete underframe? The latter would be very nice of course! Jan

This video was on the diamond jubilee dvd, I have watched it many times! Jan

Will it fit the Lima body as it is or can it also be adapted for a modified (backdated) Lima with tumblehomes on the ends, the N13?

Bergeon (swiss watchmaker lathe manufacturer) indicate that their collets fit the Boley lathes: http://shop.bergeon.ch/Catalogue/PDF/5040%20K_P_2.pdf Cousins sell the Bergeon lathe so they can probably order the collets for you: https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/bergeon-5412c-lathe Jan

You can find information and a good photo in the information screen of the "Easitrac "Pegged" Turnout parts" in the shop 1 list. Click on "link to 2017 article...." Jan

I'm one of the less experienced modellers you mention. A regular lurker on these pages but I do not have much to contribute. Started a 2mm scale layout a few years ago but in the end ripped off all easitrac and replaced it with pcb sleepered n gauge trackwork. But the DJLC has pulled me back to finescale and I have more or less decided to enter a FS160 layout in a Dutch setting. Don't worry that entering your design will put us 'beginners' off. I see it as a challenge to build a working layout and I don't have any thoughts about awards or anything. Too many brillant modellers among the 2mmSA members and I look forward to meeting some of you. I just hope the fellow modellers will appreciate my effort and understand it will not be perfect. Jan