I was in Hallbankgate earlier this week on a "family history mission," with my dad. I'm hugely impressed to see your layout capturing the old Co-op building, but more importantly (to me) the small cottage and engine shed. My grandparents along with my mam and aunt as kids, holidayed in that cottage because a relative of ours lived there who I think was married to one of the engine drivers. My mam always told me how close the steam engine ran to the house. Sad the lines aren't there but great that you can easily see the route the lines took. My dad got a shot of the engine shed the day before they demolished it, I would think back in the 70s. I only ever once walked the railway line from Hallbankgate to back to Halton-Le-Gate and that would be 30 years ago. Thanks to your post I will be doing it again soon. Great layout.
