PMP

When they are fixed down the loose element will be negated. The pin throw on the point motor can be adjusted with the sliding adjuster bar, this then holds the blades tight to the stockrails. Looking closer at that slip there’s another thing that needs adjustment. The fish plate at this joint needs reconnecting to the rail, that will help with the blade positioning, and prevent derailments.

Parkside already do an excellent kit (PC53) of the Dia.800 with both types of axle boxes as options within.

Typical rivet counters spoiling a good story!

There weren’t many, one of the better know was the Cambridge Buffet express on a Friday evening. That had one of the last Gresley buffet cars in blue grey in the consist. February 78 was the end of through passenger services (at the time) to Cambridge. 31’s were also used on Peterborough commuter trains which were mainly Mk1 stock, until the electrification programme reached there.

Vallejo Resin filler 70400 will work well for that, and Sankey do signage that’s worth considering https://www.sankeyscenics.co.uk/oo-4mm-grouping-railways?lightbox=dataItem-kxc8cjmb

If you’re sticking with 1977, you’re firmly in BR Blue/Grey electric era. Hertford Loop and ECML inner suburban would be 313 units, with 312’s on outer suburban as far north as Hitchin. 312’s were less common on the Hertford Loop line. HST’s were initially used in March 1978, in 77 the core diet were 55’s and 47’s on ECML express work with 31’s on some Cambridge services, and a few 40/45/46’s. In the early 80’s on my daily commute Bounds Green stabled Mk1 and Mk2 coaching stock, and also housed sleeper Mk3’s. By early 1980’s HST’s were prevalent, the last regular loco hauled intercity service was culled in late 82. Winding the clock back DMU operations were well established in the early 1960’s, the 105 being the predominant type. Steam Suburban traffic was L1 and N2 powered with a small amount of N7’s in br days.

When we developed the system we used acrylic gloss floor polish, however gloss enamel or acrylic paint varnish works as well run around the perimeter, and flashed into any gaps for capillary action to work.

Creases are always a risk and you won’t be able to 100% prevent them. If you crease this sort of material it’s likely to be permanently damaged. The only thing you can do is handle it carefully, store it and transport it with the same care. 11 years on, mine is still as good as new.

That’s one reason I always try to have either a full run round loop, or all the core operations fully visible. That obviously means compromise and choosing an appropriate prototype. My Shelfie and Albion Yard layouts are all compromised, however to get happy with those designs I do spend a large amount of time ensuring the design really works by operating them before final track fix.

I used a digitally printed backscene on Albion Yard. It will do pretty much everything you require, subject to finding a suitable image. The biggest issue is finding a Matt material, and a printer that understands that you do not want vibrant hyper colors! https://albionyard.com/2013/11/22/warley-the-digital-backscene/

I can’t see any point in putting a link onto a Dingham. If you want to try it just bend the end of the magnetic wire into the shape of a loop. Far simpler.

As far as I’m aware the Tortoise isn’t being replaced, it’s still a standard Circuitron product. As Jol points out the Smail is DCC ready, but can also be used on DC. The Cobalt point motors have a good reputation in both DC/DCC versions and are smaller. I’ve yet to try one though.

The Scalefour society now sell the 4mm Dinghams, you can get them at shows. It may be possible to buy them directly, as they’re not gauge specific an email to them might be useful. I’ve used Dinghams in OO with a high 90 percentile serviceability. They take a little setting up and aren’t as fragile as AJ’s, see link for my results. https://albionyard.com/2018/12/29/notes-from-the-man-cave-getting-to-grips-with-dinghams/ Videos here of them in use.