Peter Crawford

Great model

I personally would steer well clear of 1st radius if I wanted to run any proper trains. 2nd is tight, but most R-T-R is ok with it. Just remember that kit/scratch built locos probably won't run. Also, setrack points/crossings don't go well with streamline. The curves and straights don't line up with streamline points etc., but are possible. I would avoid using setrack for anything other than certain straights and curves. You could build a 2/3 platform terminus that spirals down to a fiddle yard, spiralling further down, but that is VERY complicated and adds up to 2ft 6" to the height of the layout. I echo some of the other suggestions, in that cutting the board up could give up to 24' x 1' in space. If you're happy with a linear layout, even 36' by 8" could work.

Great model, even better with the new station.

I was at the MRC exhibition yesterday, and whilst waiting for my train, told the (surprised) staff at customer services about the layout. Perhaps dropping by would be an idea? It.could be for charity... (E.g. 'The biggest donor to (station-supported charity) gets a go at playing trains at the Clubrooms'.). That way, the charity gets money and the donor could develop a model rail interest.

Most plans you find will be in 00 gauge, but for 'N' gauge plans, double each dimension (e.g. a 10' x 5' layout will need approx. 20' x 10' in 00). Although not accurate, half the size of 'O' plans (this will make it slightly smaller than 00- HO, in fact). For example, 20' x 10' in O requires JUST OVER 10' x 5' in 00. It is probably around 12' by 6.5'

Found here: http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/130496-edwardian-splendour-handcross-february-2018/?hl=handcross

Even O is possible, but do remember, the bigger the scale, the more the compromises. In 00, there was the Ffarquhar (or similar) Branch of Rev. Awdry fame and its 21st century, RM-Feaured replica, Handcross

Scale is quite an important question and it would help if we knew.

Some info can be found here: http://www.freetrackplans.com

Railway reform would be helpful. Going back to Big Four style operation, with reasonably big regions owned and operated by private companies that also are responsible for track and train.

It's possible, but surely that's a sign? A mere re-lettering exercise won't help. Also, they'll have quite a challenge with bringing in ironing-board Class 800s (named in some quarters as the 'Train with The Leaking Pipes'. If they want iconic, then they should go the whole hog and turn them into: Apple Green, Garter Blue and Silver Link Silver.

Well, I don't see how HM Gov. will get it right. To start off with, its website is almost impossible to find with a google search of LNER. Not even on the second page of Google's results. Even small cottage industries selling loco lamps are higher up the list. And LNER is basically VTEC with Virgin replaced by LNER. None of that lovely Apple Green and Garter Blue...

I should hope I can make it.

Whilst the major manufacturers are doing a great job of making high-quality models, it's impossible that they will make models for just one or two consumers (e.g. freelance or specific prototype models). Personally, my lack of skills have stopped me from kit/scratch building models (except a Dapol BR Maroon 'Easy Kit'). I think it would be great if plastic pieces that can be easily glued together/snap-fit were to be made in various styles, so everyone can easily make models of OK detailing very quickly. I mean a product list that looks like this: Loco Chassis (with motor) Pacific 4-6-2(2 sizes: Large and Small) 4-4-0 4-6-0 0-4-0T 0-6-0T Bo-Bo Co-Co 1Co-Co1 Wagon Wheelbases: 9ft 10ft 11ft 15ft Bogie Coach/Wagon Chassis: 40' 50' 60' 70' 80' 90' 20m 25m 30m Various coach sides in At least one Intercity livery, popular/iconic post-privatisation liveries, BR Crimson+Cream, BR Maroon, Southern Green, GW Choc+Cream, LNER Teak. Various Coach Ends with NEMs Detail Parts and Gangways that snap onto the parts. Underfloor detailing (snap-on) Does anyone know a company that offers these things? If my ideas are actually any good (I doubt they are), please send me a private message for applicable permission to develop this into a product FOR COMMERCIAL GAIN. You can use these ideas to develop CAD drawings, etches etc., but they can't be sold.

I've got some rough sketches on a sheet of A4, which I'll try to scan over.

In any group of hobbyists, there will inevitably be different opinions, so let us agree to disagree.

No, I'm not a club member. I am simply a lone modeller and all my information comes from: Forums Wikipedia Photos available online Google Maps (Both 3D for rough visualisations and maps for track plans) Visits (occasionally) to France A ligne 'normale' is probably the way forwards, especially if incorporating speeds of 160 km/h+. You will notice my choice of 'ligne normale' instead of 'ligne Classique'- this is intentional as: I envisage a line similar to GPSO phase 2 (Dax to Spain), with 220kph operation and 160 km/h freight. The line, depuis Lyon takes a parallel route to the A43 up to Chambéry. The line then sweeps round into the Isère valley, heading towards Albertville, with a new underground station below the Olympic Stadium to eliminate the need to reverse. The trains then take a fully double-tracked and upgraded Chambéry - Bourg Saint Maurice line up to Aigueblanche, before entering a new tunnel with eased curves, emerging at Saint-Marcel (Due to gradients, goods trains still go via Moutiers). Trains now join a double-tracked Ligne Classique for the last 30/40kms into Bourg, where the new line continues to Aoste in Italy. From there, the line descends down towards Novare and eventually Milan, offering a new, faster transalpine route. Along the route, the Gare d'Aime (with mountain railway to the ski resort Plagne 1800 seems to appeal to me.

There is a book on the line featuring a former EWS 66 that you can buy here: https://trains.lrpresse.com/A-17810-st-jory-toulouse-capdenac-figeac-avec-la-classe-66224.aspx

I don't think so... But Preiser do this: https://www.preiser-figuren.de/preiser-20372-1:87-flamingos-preiser-20372,art-34317

Just a quick thought: I am thinking of modelling Valence TGV, with the TER/Intercités line on top of the TGV lines. Unfortunately, two relatively important compromises are necessary: 1. The angle of the crossing between the LGV and the Ligne Classique requires some flattening (the angle is too sharp). 2. I can't model the full length of the station, only from one end up to the station building. There's also a problem with the catenary as the Valence TGV catenary is quite unique: Yes, the messy scribbles are intentional.

No point loading up at a Calaisien supermarket when there's that massive Carrefour next to the TGV station in Lille... but then each to their own, I suppose.

Did you change at Courtrai or take the coach?

Please give me something to do while the media rant on about an over-rated event in the English county of Berkshire... Seriously, what layouts do you have attending?

You really ought to make this photo available to the guy doing the Capdenac-Gare article, and any others relevant for the branch- I'm sure he'd appreciate it

It is a seriously decent exhibition and I'd be well surprised if any corporate group could pull it off here. I should like to be present next year...