Whetstone Bridge

Thanks to everyone contributing to this discussion. It’s been really helpful when planning my own TMD. Quick question - should a TMD have a specific loco washing area? I don’t have room for the ubiquitous Scenecraft coach washing plant. What are the other options?

Some great advice . Thanks. I’ve got everything I need so I’ll have a go. Probably going to take a few attempts to get it perfect. WB

Hello, Has anyone routed slots in a sheet of mdf to stick in rails in order to simulate track in hardstanding? I’ve found layering board over sleepers to bring it level a bit of a faff. Don’t want to use the polyfilla method. Thanks, WB

Thanks for all your comments. Some really good advice to follow up. Sounds like (genuine) Spur shelving will take the load of ply frame baseboard modules so I’ll drop the foam board idea. WB

I’ve seen another thread mention foamcore board as a lightweight option. Could go wider with the baseboard then.

Twin Slot Brackets? Has anyone got much experience with using twin slot brackets for supporting a shelf layout? Any tips or tricks would help. Particular issues: I'm thinking of using 470mm brackets with a 485mm base baseboard. Is this going to be too much of a load? I'm assuming tall uprights so that I can get more fixings into the wall. Does the height of the upright make much difference? Not sure if I need extra cross bracing. Is there a way to hide the bracket so it looks like a true 'floating' shelf? I don't want any supports underneath because I've got another layout going there. It's this system that I'm planning to use (loads of it sitting spare in the garage): Thanks, WB

Thanks. Valuable feedback. The idea partly comes from experience taking my son to exhibitions. Youngsters seem to expect more than just a well presented layout. Also a conversation opener for other modellers. (I would probably have to be ready to be challenged and tested by more knowledgeable people).

I’ve started a separate discussion about exhibition layout design but I have an early decision to make: Should I integrate an AV screen into the layout structure to explain the ‘what if’ story? The screen would play a slide show with maps, images, video, animations etc. explaining why the station was saved in favour of another. Subtitles would take the viewer through the story. The aims would be to get punters interested in the layout, spark conversation and give the impression that I knew what I was on about. I’ve only seen it done once before so I don’t want to waste hours on something that won’t get any attention. Any thoughts?

Thanks everyone. Some really interesting comments and all sorts of things that hadn’t crossed my mind. Top things seem to be: - have a (novel) viable story - have the knowledge and enthusiasm to talk about the story when asked/challenged - think about entertaining non-enthusiasts - make it robust/manoeuvrable/small enough to go in a car - quality of finish & reliability over detail - go to a local club first then make contacts to go further afield - it’s worth trying to get a magazine feature I’m currently considering ideas around the summer ‘Skeggy Express’ services from the East Midlands to the Lincolnshire coast in the 1980s. It would be a good story to talk about and allow a crazy mix of rolling stock. I probably need to find a stretch of track with interesting infrastructure and build around that.

I’m planning a new N gauge layout for the garage. Rather than have it fixed and use the whole space, I’m thinking of a long, modular option. Is it worth planning to exhibit it? What makes a good exhibition layout? Importantly, how do you get an invitation to exhibit?

Thanks everyone. Some great photos and helpful advice. Another slice of my wages off to Accurascale it is then…

I’m looking for justification to buy a Class 50 in NSE livery but my layout is based on Buxton TMD. Is there any evidence that NSE locos ever visited Buxton? I know that it’s up to me in the end, but it would be good to know.

It was a general question in the first instance, but great to learn some more about ferry wagons and their use. WB

Thanks everyone. It’s the N Gauge models (e.g. Dapol 2F-022-008) that I’m collecting. They’re still reasonably good value so I can afford a decent sized rake.

I’m collecting the Dapol ferry wagons. Anyone know the prototypical rake size? A photo would be really helpful. WB