Southern_Trains_Fan

Thanks for the replies. Although this topic is a year old now, the idea of a London based layout is definitely still playing around in my head. The idea of N gauge is seeming ever more tempting because there seems to be more modern SR stock available RTR than in 00 gauge. Pete the Elaner, thanks for taking the time to reply all of that! Yes, I think using different buildings taken from several parts of London all used in one place will really enhance the atmosphere. Actually thinking about it, I would be really interested in adding a tube line(s) within a layout, because I'm actually a bit of a tube nut! Only downside, as you mantioned, is that there are no appropriate LU models available, except from those at Metromodels which could work. I would also love to know more about this prototype layout of yours, sounds very interesting! bensanches43310, Yes, I think that modelling a station which is compact in reality would definitely be the way forward. Stations on the NLL have certainly been an option for me, and I plan to make a full journey from Clapham Junction-Highbury and Islington-Gospel Oak-Barking maybe some time this year if I can get down there, so I should be able to take some photos myself. Thanks for offering to take photos, but I wouldn't go to too much trouble grahame, those buildings look fantastic! I might be wrong, but is this layout Stoney Lane Depot? If so, then I have been spending a couple of years trying to find more photos of the layout, as I absolutely love it! Real inspiration for a London based layout. As I mentioned above, N gauge may be the way forward in my case, as I can run some decent length rolling stock, there is more stock available, and I'll be able to fit more suitable buildings in at a more realistic scale. Well done on those buildings though, they look right at home next to the third-rail and EMU

Getting better and better each time as always! I really love the LU platform, it says 'choob' all over Good luck with DEMU Showcase Cheers, Matt

Getting better and better. Still aiming to see it in person some day. Absolutely spot on modelling, keep it up! Cheers, Matt

James, Again your work has blown me away Really inspiring, and I'm extremely tempted to actually crack on with a layout of my own. Still planning to put those Electrostar cabs to use, but personal life and education, needless to say, has got in the way a bit . Great work again James, this layout just keeps going from strength to strength between updates Cheers, Matt

Shame, and nice S stock by the way. I'm so tempted to by it from the LTM online shop, but then I remember my paper thin wallet Hope to see the layout in the near future, and (under my breath) Peterborough is possibly on my radar if it happens Nice work on the layout, by far my favorite on the web and from what I've seen at exhibitions etc. Cheers, Matt

Nice to see you using the Bachmann S stock for the District line! Fantastic photo's again, I'm so sad I couldn't be at Warley to see it in action. One day, I'm sure I'll get to see the layout in the flesh. Really impressive work. That reminds me, I must start work on my Electrostar. Cheers, Matt

Jaw-dropping work once again James! The shops are just amazing, every little detail has been included! I look forward to future posts Cheers, Matt

The unit looks smashing! Shame you're unable to produce 3D Printed models in 00 gauge, because I'd be quick to snap up an electrostar or capitalstar for my layout of Denmark Hill! Amazing work, truly admirable! Cheers, Matt

Interesting. Thanks for the info Cheers, Matt

Ah, very interesting. This is news to me. I'm not actually too sure, myself, as to which services/trains will be replaced by the Hitachi units. All I know is that the 43's on the ECML, and a majority of the 91's, are for the chop. They're the only ones that I know to be 'endangered'. Cheers for the info, Matt

Looks great! Can't wait to see them applied to the loco! I travel on these units a lot (although I use the First Hull Trains services into Kings Cross), so it's great to finally see the 180 in model form! Excellent work, you should be very proud of yourself indeed! Cheers, Matt

I could genuinely stare at pictures of this layout all day long! Such an amazing layout, and in my opinion, the best I've ever seen! This layout has inspired me to begin work on another 00 gauge layout set in South London. Hopefully all goes well! Can't wait to see more images and updates of this layout in the future, and certainly hope to see it in the flesh one day!! Cheers, Matt

Hey sandwich, Yes, I have seen these on Shapeways and I was very delighted to see what was there. The Electrostar and Capitalstar would certainly be of interest to me, but sadly I don't think N gauge will quite cut it for me, after leaving the scale behind to return to 00 gauge. N gauge just wasn't my cup of tea. Cheers very much, Matt

Thanks very much. I'l probably still give it some thought, but it's something I'm looking forward it starting. Every since I started to ravel around London it's kind of been am ambition.

Ok guys, shoot me down in flames if you wish, but I have decided that I may start work on this dream layout sometime this year. I will probably start by working on a single 2x4' board, And, if worst comes to worst, it can all go away in storage or, God forbid, be gotten rid of without too much hassle if need be. I may only work on and maybe complete the first board, and then in the future if I still want to work on it more, I can move on and start work on the next board along. This way, I can get a bit of a taster and see if I enjoy trying to recreate this South London scene, whilst also kind of making a start on a portable layout. What do all you think? Cheers, Matt

Very interesting. Both the image and the kit may well come in handy as a nice background for the layout.

I'll take a look at these routes in Bing maps as soon as I can. Rolling stock may be an issue. Although the class 170 and soon to be class 319 (in the wrong livery ) are available from Bachmann, anything in terms of EMU's might be a bit tricky. The closest I can think of is the class 350, but they aren't typically seen running these lines at all as far as I'm aware. I shall keep thinking, Cheers, Matt Edit: That said, Bratchell Models could certainly come in handy!

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll more than likely have a look at these. Cheers, Matt

To be fair, I have been in the same boat a few years ago in terms of stock, and much like it did with you, this 'boat' sank horribly. Before doing anything major (little more than formulating a track plan) I want to know that it is a definite possibility and that it is definitely what I want. Cheers, Matt

Very true, all depends on the circumstances at the time. At least all I can do now is plan ahead so that if this layout does go ahead, I'm pretty much as prepared as I can be. Cheers, Matt

Here is an ideal picture portraying the type of house with the firebreak wall found in S.London. Cheers, Matt

I very much agree. By looking at Olympia observations on YouTube, there is certainly a heaving amount of fright being hauled through 'Kenny O'. Cheers, Matt

True. A very interesting station, and definitely a good level and variety of rolling stock. Cheers, Matt

Maybe, but in 00 gauge, space is very quickly/easily filled, and before you know it, there's no room for the required scenery that you needed to install. We shall see what sort of track plan I'm after in time anyway Cheers, Matt

This will certainly come in handy. This photo helps capture the necessary details both lineside and beyond. Cheers for this! Bing maps will also come in handy greatly for more shots like this. Matt