colin@gorleston

Edwardian. I just stumbled upon your magnificent scratch built Norfolk cottages and pub/coaching house on another thread. Would you be offended if I blatantly copied some of your awesome models to incorporate into my new Great Eastern layout? Nothing screams Norfolk as loud as those beautiful creations! Colin@gorleston

I have 9ft x20” scenic area available for the scenic section leading to a 3 ft traverser. Obviously it’s Eastern region, late transition for East Anglia and all modeled in N . The photograph illustrates the kind of effect I’m wanting to achieve.

What seems like an age has passed since Gorleston Mk1 was scrapped. I feel that now is the time for a new layout to be started, and so I turn to the folks here to ask how best to modify the Gorleston track plan. Ideally I would like to build it as a branch line terminus, single track , token operated but still keep the nicely flowing track layout. Suggestions on a postcard would be appreciated... Stay safe colin

Excellent job of conveying the look and feel of that location.......I know it well, as I lived right across the street in Sydney close whilst the tramway was still operational and also had the good fortune to ride the footplate of a class 3 along the quayside on 1 occasion. colin

Another couple of hours at the computer today working with Silhouette saw a huge improvement in my designing abilities. Snap to grid makes things way easier . Hopefully tomorrow I can get a bit more time in and start trying layers. Thanks to all who have contributed to this topic, your skills and dedication are surely appreciated by the less tech savvy like myself, for all the pointers and helpful answers to questions on the subject.

At last I've managed to get a little time with my new toy, it took a few tries, but eventually I was able to cobble together the side and end of a building (trial version) I didn't get this to go the same route as most of the folks on here as I'm not into scratchbuilding stock. I mostly want it for making buildings on the layout.

Just had a chance to watch the first episode here in the States..........is Chris Evans capable of talking in a normal voice? His constant shouting was so annoying from start to finish. Get rid of him, bring in more of Sabrina and it might have a chance. Granted it is still the same tired formula, but for all that I personally still enjoy seeing the super cars and stupid races.

After re-locating back to Massachusetts, SWMBO has graciously given me a room to dedicate for my trains. I have potentially 12' x12', but will probably reduce that to 12'x8'. Baseboard construction has begun, with the first two almost complete. I have a section of track in mind to model that would give the opportunity to run express and goods service and would also entail the use of a banking locomotive......nothing unusual about that you might say, except that the location is firmly in East Anglia. To be precise, the Waveny valley. Buried somewhere amongst the stuff still left to unpack is a book with a stunning photograph of double headed B 17's storming out of St Olaves heading up the bank heading for the swing bridge over the Waveny river. I'm not sure if I will include the river and bridge at this time as photos of this section are rather rare and I'm also not sure if I will stick religiously to the track plan......I'm thinking of adding refuge sidings on both the up and down lines just to add more interest to running operations

Hi Bob You might want to consider putting your entries in the layout section. I found it easier to solicit ideas/suggestions/ information by having a continuous thread running. Good luck with the new project..... Colin

A really late reply, but in reference to a cheap forest, I saw a layout here in the States that had a heavily wooded scene and they had used cheap synthetic sponges cut/torn to a rough shape, painted and then covered with woodlands scenic scatters............very convincing if viewed from 3 feet Forgot to add that they had placed just a few "proper" trees at the front of the wooded section

I think that everybody that ventures into dcc gets that sound, but, as you said it does get easier...... Regards Colin

Sorry Chris, I guess I've been over here for so long that I'd forgotten the difference between UK and US wire sizes. Your best bet for the bus wires would be the solid conductor type of wire found in twin flat cable that is used in houshold wiring. The 13 amp flexible wire would be perfect for your droppers ( if I remember correctly that should equate very closely to the 16 gauge I mentioned in my last post) Regards Colin

Hi Chris, long time...... I would suggest for the bus wire using 14 gauge wire and for the droppers 18 gauge providing you put them at all the rail joints. Hope this helps. Colin

And no wonder with modelling of the calibre that you produce Missy! As Mike said, it's good to see an up-date on Highclere........aspiring to reach the dizzying heights of your modelling skills( and many others here on RM) is what keeps me trying. Keep up the great work. Regards Colin@Gorleston

Well I guess that explains the GWR theme to your layout........ I'd love to take you up on that offer of a meet with your group, maybe next time I get back to the UK (I live in the USA) Regards Colin

There is at least one more...........Yarmouth born and bred and spent many happy summers either larking about at Woodbastwick or in Tacolston/Forncett. One question that has to be asked though " Why oh why is a Norfolk boy modelling the Greasy Wet and Rusty region instead of MGN or GE?" Great looking layout....even if it is the wrong side of the country Ragards Colin

Hi Chris I have had much better results when ballasting by wetting the ballast with iosopropyl alcohol and then applying the glue, even where I've used the thinnest of layers. It breaks down all of the surface tension in the material being used and just allows the scatter/ballast to suck up the glue. Hope this helps

OMG!!!! That has to be the most amazing lay-out I have ever seen........... Almost makes me think I should give it all up because I'll never live long enough to reach those dizzy heights of modelling expertise. Awesome, awesome, awesome Regards Colin

Absolutely stunning work! One day I hope that my modelling skills come somewhere close to yours. Keep up the great work. Regards Colin

Hi Gareth Any chance of Graham Farish class 04 shunter with hardwire and a GF class 37 with correct lighting using a 4 function decoder (also hard wired) Regards Colin