johnjch2

May I ask a quick question or two: I think you said you use the Metcalfe kits.  I assume the above is a viaduct - however do you cut the height to suit your level.  Also how do you do the interior elements shops - do you use red brick sheets initially and cut to shape and glue from the back?

One quick question, where is best to get a look sound decoder pre programmed?

I'm not sure on the new livery. Just seen it in the Bachmann 2016 list. I'd like to get a fleet of either colas or freighliner (or both) classes although I don't like the look of the 70s - damned ugly. I'm going to get a sound chip at some point for the 66. Not even tried my Northern 150/2 as yet - but purchased it as it's now out of stock/discontinued.

Working on getting the pendalino shortly - does it have to be chipped front and rear?

thanks I just got myself a Bachmann Class 66 - Colas; great loco - only a basic Bachmann decoder in it at present. Love the Cab lighting - which apparently the new freightliner model wont have!

I like your compliment of trains; I live over nr stockport, so nr the west coast mainline.  Was looking at what freight trains actually came through - I've seen Freighliner but not sure on Colas and EWS but I'm starting to purchase trains that run on the line. I've picked up the Bachmann, Class 150/2 Northern and will get the Pendalino shortly but want  to get a couple of freight trains from the current era - preferably two of the same livery.  What would you recommend ?

Great, thanks for the above, done a few tests today, my new engines go up no problem, a little slippage on my old one. The incline goes up to 4 inch. I'm aiming to reduce this to 3 half inch probably.

I'll update my own page shortly with progress. Ps what tunnel make are you using, I'm trying to find a double track one that's fairly narrow with not much height to it as the trains will go under a second tier,

Been reading with interest on your work so far. I've had a small delay over xmas but I've started to progress myself with the basic track layed, however I'm now looking at the incline.  I've gone for the 4% Woodland scenic version of yours because I'm not doing two tiers. However I am interested for more info on how you shape the inclines correctly and glue them in the curve (without gluing to the board initially); I think you mentioned that PVA won't work - and you would have to pin somehow or other anyway to keep the shape?

Could you explain a little more how you did yours. Once I've got the curve / gradient tested, I'll glue mine to the board (painted ply) again how do u glue to the base board? I've got foam thereafter to cut / shape and place around to make the hills.

Great topic; I've just started again after 30+ years (I'm 42) and built my base board 8x4 in my garage last week and entered the attic to rescue all my old stock - which works - just!

I've been looking at lots of layouts and this one is right up there as one of the best however I'm not too sure of my skills to make a 3 tier layout as yet. I have a few questions about it if I may:

1. Will you be going DCC?

2. If DCC; do you need Electrofrog points; which then brings the debate of Peco (or Hornby) streamline or settrack. I was going to use Peco personally so be interesting on your preference

3. Where will you store your passenger trains - this is something my daughter will want (4-5 carriage on the mainline) and no doubt will need a bigger siding; is it possible to tweak the layout for an outer siding possibly

4. Will the layout accommodate a small 2nd station somewhere - maybe on a hill inset?

I'm using anyrail 5 - is it possible to have a copy of your design; I don't (not looked at Scarm) as yet.