BenW

Bearing in mind that the Major has a history degree as opposed to being an electrical engineer, I think the main function of his visit will be to drink said beer and use blurred vision to make the trackwork look kink-free... Reversing a 10 coach set at full speed is certainly too brave for my money, but the sppedlink wagons are the ones to be really concerned about. I reckon that as long as a train of them will traverse most of the layout you'll be looking good.

The other option would be to distribute ipads to everyone following the thread... On a modeling note, is the electric stabling going to be part of the visible bit of the layout, or is it on the off-stage bit on the far side of the overall roof? Also, remember that curved shed roads will mean a curved shed

Anyone else got a sore neck/broken computer screen?

Progress looking bloomin' good, how's the wiring coming along? Going to be a bit of a sod with that many frog polarities to switch over, so I hope droppers have been installed during track laying. I don't suppose the Powercab will be in (with additional handset??) by early October will it? With over 200m of narrow gauge to learn I'm keen to get started. What on earth happened with ballastgate? You can't just refer to something that sounds like a "major" incident in passing and not enlighten us on the details. From my experience in building a selection of layouts (several in 00!) you'll want to paint the sides of the rails and weather the sleepers before moving to ballasting as it just gets in the way otherwise. Been a year since I did anything but if you want me to work for my liquid supper next time just say. Anyway, can't spend too much time on here, I've got medals to polish...

I believe the phrase is "oosh", or something similar. Shout when it's tracklaying time. Glad to see the foam & copydex-a-like idea being used too; where did you go for more information to dissuade you from cork?

Several of the better-composed shots were a little like our vision later in the evening. Blurred...

Should be a bl**dy picture or two there You need to imagine that the Metcalfe station is a row of terraces, that the coaching inn is a corner shop and that the brick arch bridge is a girder. And that the road goes all the way to the backscene, and that there's a backscene. Gonna be 'the' shot of this layout when it's done though

I recently inspected the work of Mr 61656, finding baseboards and planning for the scenic section to be at an advanced stage. Following the consumption of several pints of a liquid which bore no resemblance to the 'tea' I'd gone round for, we stopped the inspection and started playing with the scenics around the road overbridge under the station throat... Tantalising or what?

I'm sure I didn't say "30 seconds"... Maybe a compromise in the pointwork would be to buy in most and just hand-build the tricky crossover bits?

I too am planning on using the old Hornby kit on my GWR BLT 'Kilve'. My plans revolve around embossed plasticard, an interior and a different canopy to try and make it obvious that it isn't meant to be Dunster! Would be interested in anyone with a thread about mods to that kit. Gary, once again being local I can take some photos of Dunster or Minehead station as they stand if you like. The photos of the 'new shed' at Minehead are all done; if there's a kind soul who can talk me through the uploading process I'd be very grateful. Please use the cardboard big print version with pictures as I'm a bit of a simpleton around my PC! B

Ok Gary, that shouldn't be a problem. I'm next down on Tuesday afternoon so will try to get something taken then. Failing that (if I forget, or the camera breaks or there's some crisis or other) I'm down there a fair bit at the end of the month so I'll get something done then. B

Hi Gary, I'm a volunteer on the MPD at Minehead - let me know what angles you'd like of which buildings and I can take some photos for you without too much trouble. Should warn you though that the back of the shed hosts some rather ugly-looking Portakabins! I'll also do a quick whip through wood store/oil store/coal pile etc if you're interested? I did a 'train set' for my D of E bronze & silver so very supportive of this one! Hope the exams go well. Regards, Ben

Thanks for the tutorial John, I'll let you know how I get on - the stuff arrived fine thanks. B

Thanks Nick, that's much clearer now; I hadn't realised that the softwood rested over the top of the brackets and kept looking for your more complicated solution! Great piece of work, really nicely made and a great example of K.I.S.S. in action - with permission I'll probably be pinching the idea . Looking at the videos from earlier the lighting seems to be doing its job pretty well. Many thanks once again, B

Good stuff David, from memory something similar was removed from the platforms at Bridgnorth on the Severn Valley a few years ago. Woodstowe is a cracking layout - a real source of inspiration. By which of course I mean ideas that I can pinch! B

Does look good doesn't it, especially when propelling - now that's a test of skill!

That's bonkers John, but for my part it would be fun to watch you build Clapham! Formation's looking good, will be fantastic to see it finished . B

Hi Nick, The main thing I haven't got from your previous posts is how the wooden bars holding the strip lights at the back of the assembly go together; any quick snaps you can takw while sorting out your errant point will be much appreciated. Hope you get that problemette sorted by the way, would be a shame to greet the punters with smoke and swearing! Ben

A vast improvement already; I wouldn't worry too much about the number of spokes. Instead of rigging it up, why not have it stripped down for maintenance - workmen, ladders, lengths of chain on the ground etc?

Hi Nick, smashing layout you've built yourself here - very much enjoyed seeing it in the magazine after following it on here for some time (I'm one of the silent watching types....). On the subject of your backscenes, have you thought about using photographic ones? I was dubious until a few weeks ago when I saw some in use at the club I've just joined and if they're blended in right they can really add depth to the scene. Keeping the bubbles out is still a problem though! On other topics, I really like your lighting rig & I'm considering 'borrowing' (OK stealing...) the design for my own mid-50s GWR BLT based in West Somerset. I reckon that I just about get how it all fits together, but is there any chance of a bit more explanation on how it is assembled please? I presume it's something like uprights>brackets>fronts>rear carriers>sides but I'm just not sure. Some photos of the rear bearers unattached would be useful too; I know it's a pain to ask this but as I work weekends at the moment there's only a small chance I'll actually be able to come and see MM in the flesh. Once again thanks for creating and showing off an inspirational piece of modelling! Ben