sammyboy

I am typing this whilst listening to radio commentary of the second half of the Man City v Arsenal match just after arriving back home in Chesterfield after spending Easter Sunday at the iconic York Model Railway Show. I have not been in attendance at this exhibition for a few years, and as usual, it did not disappoint me! I took loads of photos on my phone of many of the brilliant and rather inspirational layouts. I only bought a couple of things - three of the Peco track plan books (Originally written by C J Freezer) - to replace exactly the same ones that are now rather old and well worn, and also a N Gauge Class 150 Sprinter in Northern livery from the stall belonging to York's own wonderful Monk Bar Model Shop. I already own one of the same trains, but as I really like both the models and full size trains, I wanted another one so I could now run them together as a 4-car unit. Sam

On last Friday night I had a rather pleasant surprise when my new Revolution Trains Mk 5 TPE coaches arrived! I spent most of the weekend running them behind various locos (I hope to buy a TPE Class 68 soon) on my layout, and I loved the working lights! Sam

I like your layout, and will be following your progress. Sam

On Monday afternoon my team Sheffield Wednesday dramatically won the League One Play-Off Final 1-0 v Barnsley, as Josh Windass became an instant hero scoring the winning goal (Something that his father Dean Windass also did, but for Hull City in another Play-Off Final back in 2008) a diving header in the last few seconds of the last minute of Extra Time at Wembley. Cue wild celebrations from thousands and thousands of mad Wednesdayites both watching in North-West London and on TV back at home in Chesterfield (I couldn't get to the match because I was assigned to work a very busy Bank Holiday shift at B&Q - but negotiations with my boss let me leave work early to watch the match at home) with me and my Dad jumping around the front room like absolute loons! We're All Wednesday Aren't We? Sam

See you at Hillsborough next season, as Wednesday won't get promoted through the Play-Offs as we have bottled automatic promotion! Sam

You have a brilliant layout. As you own a LNER Azuma, GNER coaches, a Voyager and a Northern liveried Sprinter, I wonder if the town of 'Finnbrough' is set somewhere on the East Coast Mainline, maybe in either Yorkshire or the North East? Sam

I found and purchased this excellent book on somebody's trade stand at the Manchester Christmas exhibition, which I attended early in December, on a typically rainy Mancunian afternoon! I saw the book advertised either in a magazine or somewhere online, and had heard good reviews about it, so I felt the need to buy a copy. I do like the unusual landscape format, useful for reading on my lap whilst sat down on a full EMR 4-Car Class 158 'Sprinter' train rattling back through the dark and snowy Peak District, coming home from the show I bought the book from whilst trying to get back home to Chesterfield quickly in time for watching the England V France Football World Cup game. I read the book a lot throughout the rest of that weekend (Except for viewing Football matches!) and enjoyed it a lot. Sam

You have a nice layout with a good track plan. I have just selected the follow button after reading through this page. Sam

This is exciting stuff! I am already a N Gauge modeller (I have been for about 12 years after changing down from OO), but after seeing Hornby's hour long video on YouTube earlier tonight, I might just consider giving TT:120 a go. I'd like to build a 'Minories' terminus layout in this scale on a long shelf above my existing door sized 'roundy-roundy' N Gauge layout... Sam

Sounds interesting, but just whereabouts in this country (UK) is 'Pensnett'? Sam

The station on your layout reminds me a lot about changing trains in Birmingham New Street! Sam

This looks like a good exhibition, one which I have been to before and I have always had a good time there. If I do attend, this show will be one of the first I have been to since the Covid lockdowns. Sam

I also own the book and this one is clearly my favourite plan. One day in the future I want to build it! Sam

You have a fantastic layout. I've really enjoyed looking at your photos and being inspired! Sam

Hello! Been to my local model shop (A little plug for WD Models on Chatsworth Road in Chesterfield) today and spent loads of money (£150!) on a BR Blue class 37, a yellow Network Rail liveried track cleaner (Both items in N Gauge), and a copy of the latest Model Rail magazine. Sam

I've just seen your trackplan and it reminds me of the very similar one found on pages 58 & 59 of the 'Model Railway Planning and Design Handbook'? Sam

This is a good idea - looking forward to seeing more. I have a soft spot for small/micro layouts! Sam

I've just come across this layout on this forum and what a find it is - amazing atmosphere and detailing, it really feels like a modern Northern town! I wonder if you have any future plans to take it to a show at a exhibition or feature it in a magazine? Sam

Like many other modellers, I also truly love the Minories layout and would like to build a N Gauge version one day, set up north (Yorkshire) with a run-down station with Pacers, Sprinter units etc... Sam

I've just come across your layout on 'Layout Topics' and what a nice layout you have sir, especially the big terminus! I will be following your progress from now on. Sam

Could we see the full track plan of the entire layout above please? Sam

A great layout! I first heard about your project from watching videos on YouTube and it's great that you have put it up on here. Keep up the good work mate! Sam

If you had a N Gauge layout in that same space, you could have a Great Western main line!

A nice compact track plan. Good luck with the rest of your layout build! Sam

This is a lovely layout plan - which will be saved and on the list of my future N Gauge layouts to be built on a door! Sam