DanielB

That track looks the business. If only I didn't already have about 45 metres of peco code 55.

That goods shed is superb! Lovely model and the layout is coming on nicely. Loads of potential.

That method works like a charm.

Looks good. I shall be following this with interest.

Now this is what a shelf layout should look like! Bravo!

I was going to go with painted MDF for the surface with 2x1 battons to support it, but I'm thinking it might be better going for this ply frame technique you have gone for - would be much lighter and more supportive as my roundy roundy is going to be on two layers. it's going to be a representation of Peak Forest, so being double layered means I can better represent the decent into Dove Holes tunnel, whilst also affording me the ability to make the whole top layer scenic. As I intend for it to be - essentially - circular, by hiding the descending tracks from the other exit from the scenic section inside the cliff edges to either side of the Dove Holes end, I could give myself another few feet for the scenic sections. Bit complex, but it should be doable. Just means a LOT more wood

Nice to see it progressing Cav. Impressive baseboards. Been out of the game a little due to my puppy sadly passing away, but seeing this is starting make me re-consider the planned baseboards for my big "roundy roundy" layout.

Liking the look of this layout. Very interesting indeed.

Weathering looks good, nice work. Lovely looking layout you have.

Glad to be of assistance, this is a truly epic undertaking and I wish you luck and many hours of fun and enjoyment.

A couple of friends of mine are quadcopter enthusiasts from North Wales and they have GoPro cameras attached to the underside to record what they get up to. They recently went to Conwy to film. They have footage on YouTube which might be useful to you. I can't link from my mobile but if you do a search for John Wilkinson and Arialvideo (Yes that's the correct spelling for the channel) and you should find them.

Really nice layout. Shows what can really be achieved in N. Looking forward to more.

Fantastic layout - just oozes atmosphere. Well done.

I'd go with Peco Code 55 personally, but then I've never actually hand built any track before. I suppose it boils down to the fact that you have waited this long to start the layout, and whether or not you wish to wait even longer if you are building your own track. On a different note - hopefully this website I found today might help you out in terms of freight stock: http://paul3715.tripod.com/

Oh wow. This is looking spectacular!

Just found this which might interest you Cav... http://paul3715.tripod.com/visiting.htm

Need to rename/renumber one of the 47's though, as it's two of the same loco. Still, for £102 brand new for the pair you can't sniff at that. Very nearly brought back another class 66 to go with my current one but I'm trying to stick to the late '80s, early '90s theme considering those are the days I remember from my childhood. Feels weird to think back at the Railfreight Sectors coming out as the "new" big thing. That lasted long, didn't it?

Picture as requested! 5 JGA's, 5 Seacows, 2 Sharks, 4 curved code 80 points, a Cargowaggon, a Snow Plough, 2 Class 47s, some replacement wheels for my poorly Class 37, a set of Tamiya weathering powders and a can of Rail Blue spray paint. Like I said, busy day!

And here it is again in the inspection siding! And again hiding behind a pair of Tugs...

Of what I bought or of the snow ploughs at Peak Forest? I'll get some photos of my haul shortly, but here are a couple of the snow plough for you. Might be worth investing in one for Millers Dale too - I'm sure it would have traveled that way had the line remained open. g

Regarding those N Gauge Society JGAs, I've just bought 5 from the trade stand at the York MRS and they are lovely. Much better looking than the Farish ones. Also managed to get 5 Seacows, 2 Sharks, a Limited Edition Cargowaggon, a BR snow plough as I've seen photos of one stabled at Peak Forest, and 2 Class 47s in Railfreight Distribution livery. All in all a productive day out!

Cav, if you figure out a cheap way of scratchbuilding the curved sided JGA's please let me know - £20 a pop for the current Farish one - the incorrect version for the time period I want to model - just isn't going to cut it for me! EDIT: Just to note, a kit that makes all three varients of the JGA hopper wagon is available from the N Gauge Society. I've just re-applied for membership for the first time in about... 14 years, so I'll be ordering a few once the membership is processed - my 37 needs something to pull, no?

Nice photos all round, still can't wait to see this layout start to take shape. I have a cut down version of Peak Forest I am starting the baseboards for, and I'd very much like to make it that little bit more interesting by keeping the station intact and functional - my logic is that if Millers Dale were to be kept open like in your plan, then surely passenger traffic through peak forest would continue as well, as the Millers Dale Triangle would no doubt remain open too.

Just went through the entire topic. A truly inspiring layout. I've always wanted to do an American layout but all my stock is British! I must resist the urge.

I find the trick is not to get closer to your model, but to up the photo quality setting on the camera and take the photo from a relative distance, then use photo editing software to crop it down to a suitable level. It's not a foolproof method, but it seems to produce decent results. Probably preaching to the choir of course, but just trying to be helpful.