south_tyne

Thanks for all the replies above. I'll pass the info on but it seems excellent value. Plenty of support for IP Engineering too! Definitely worth further investigation He wouldn't be wedded to 32mm gauge, I just automatically assumed that had most most bits and pieces available and (very selfishly!) it seemed to be the obvious choice for a more industrial setting which suits my interests I'll get him to look at the 45mm gauge options too though! Thanks again to everyone who has input. David

Thanks for your reply Paul and suggestions. Video is very helpful! I must admit I was obviously a bit naive regarding the scale/gauge issue but I think I know what I meant and suggested that 16mm scale and 32mm gauge would be the best option with plenty of commercial support. I cannot see it being finescale modelling, more just a broad representation of an industrial narrow gauge operation. Cheers!

Cheers Chris that is great. They do look nice and robust and perfect for the outdoor environment. I think he intends to install a simple loop around the garden with a couple of sidings and i think it will look great trundling some skips through the undergrowth!

Sorry As I said I have no experience at all of these larger scales and was asking on behalf of someone else. I intended to mean 16mm scale and 32mm gauge track... I've obviously opened a can of worms. Thanks for the other info. I'll look up IP Engineering and pass it on

Thanks Tim that is most helpful. I'll pass it on!

Hi all. Just after some advice if possible. My uncle (who has never previously been an active modeller) is interested in starting a garden railway but has asked for my help in getting things going. To be honest I have no experience at all of these larger scales but, having had an initial look, GRS seem to offer a relatively inexpensive battery diesel loco and some tipper wagons in SM32 scale: http://www.grsuk.com/32mm-Manual-Battery-Diesel-plus-4-Tippler-Wagon-Kit-M11812 Does anyone have experience of this set and, if so would they recommend it? It looks like a good option to get things moving and from my limited knowledge by noticing adverts in the modelling press, GRS seem to be a reputable and established business. Many thanks in advance for any help or advice, David

All makes sense Mark - yes there is always an exception to prove the rule as we can see through photographs! To be honest I always think the trams look a little ungainly without their sideplates... maybe it's a case of exposing the innards (for want of a better word) and making things public which are best left under wraps! Things are nice and tidy when in place. However I know many will disagree; it is definitely a case of horses for courses

Agreed that is a great photo and supports your explanation. Thank you for that! This should have allowed access for maintenance whilst in the W&U, but they would need to be quickly back in place for lawful running on the tramway (although we know there were exceptions to this rule!). When at Ipswich/Yarmouth/Colchester etc I would imagine the sideplates were more trouble than it was worth and removal allowed easy access for on going maintainance?

I am looking for a number of second hand O Gauge wagons to kickstart a proposed light railway project. Given the subject matter, all makes, railways and types considered - opens, vans etc. If anyone is having a clear out please let me know, particularly if I can take a job lot of your hands. Many thanks, David

Hi Neil, Appreciate this might be a slow burner but will be following with interest as this project develops. Looks like you have a fantastic space to work in now and, given your previous projects and layouts, I know it will be modelling of the highest quality. I have always been fascinated by the railways of York, particularly the Foss Islands branch and DVLR, as well as being interested in all the former NER branch lines in the wider area. Being just up the road I have been a regular visitor over the years and still really 'enjoy' mooching around the city at any opportunity. I loved Shell Island and some of your other layouts and cannot wait to see what you do here Is there any design at all at present or just a broad idea to develop a series of cameos based on the railways of the city? If you don't mind me asking, what size is the overall space? Now living in Wales is it a case of 'absence makes the heart grow fonder'! David

Interesting photos Paul. Does anyone know whether the removal/re-application of the sideplates was a relatively easy job? If so, they could have been taken on/off at regular intervals during a trams working life, depending on requirements and need? Or was it the case that those which has sideplates removed never had them reinstated once gone? David

Ditto! I saw it at Shipley exhibition when I was around 11/12 years old and was completely engrossed. I had always loved Toby and this helped confirm and develop a lifelong love of the W&U Thanks for the link Mark, I've never seen that video before so will have a peruse......

Hi agaun Rhys, Yes I will be following your progress, however fast (or slow!). Just take your time and enjoy it Not surprised that the trackplan has recieved such positive comments, it is excellent and great that it is a little different, particularly the use of the diamond crossing. As I said before, I love the L-shaped format too. Personally I would drop the loco servicing facilities and just use that as an extra siding location to increase operational scope but that is a very personal thing.

Any progress Mr Axlebox? (Either on the layout or pursuading Mr Fishwick to host another 'exhibition' in the pub? )

But the filling is less substantial than in the past whether the same is true for RM is for debate...

Thanks for sharing Paul, a lovely image. I think I am going to go for 68222 and then maybe 68223 (or possibly as 8233 in wartime NE livery...) if I can afford a second! (Gosh i was supposed to have left 4mm scale behind!!). Suits my preferred W&U setting around nationalisation and into the early '50s. As talked of above, it seems some of the trams kept the NE branding beyond 1948, which offers chance for more variety of liveries in very early BR days. One of my favourite ever layouts was Elmwell Village Depot, the revolving 'seasons' layout that modelled the tramway over the years. Maybe the chance to do something similar with a LNER, NE and BR example! and of course a GER version if one appears in the second batch....

Thanks Teaky, Chris and Jason for you replied, that is really useful to know. I will get my friend to ring up to order. Useful to know about the taking payment and then issuing a refund... could catch people out as you say if they don't realise the process and realise they need enough in the account to cover the full amount upfront! Cheers, David

Highlights the myriad of changes and subtle adaptions that were made over the years to both liveries and the physical condition of the trams (skirts/cow-catchers etc). The repair to BR colours would not have been immediate on nationalisation and many would have hung on to LNER branding well after 1948, one suspects especially if a loco was expected to be withdrawn in the near future (why spend any money if it is to be scrapped!). Fascinating photograph though and offers all sorts of possibilties with regard to modelling I could be tempted with a wartime NE one to run alongside a BR one, representing the tramway in the late '40s/early '50s. Obviously rule one applies but that photograph gives added weight to legitimacy of the scenario! Thanks for sharing, David

Chris, Apologies if explained elsewhere and I have missed it but,with regard to pre-orders, is the money taken straight away or only at the time of shipping? Also, I have a friend who doesn't do internet buying/shopping. Can he pay by any alternative means? By sending a cheque perhaps? Thanks very much, David

Sweeping statement! I wasn't around at the time, but I look at photos of this period and love it! For me it is the most fascinating period in railway history. Blue diesels (and some green ones!) but with steam age infrastructure. Plenty of traditional freight and loco hauled passenger services still in operation. I must admit I am drawn to the seedy, neglected and run down but it is a fascinating period for me. It is made all the more so due to there being relatively few photographs around - interest clearly waned following the end of steam, echoing Mr Broad's viewpoint. I may be in the minority but I think the early '70s offers a fantastic period for modelling. As noted above, it is the wonderful mix of first generation diesels and victorian steam age infrastructure (buildings, facilities, signalling, even traffic flows) which appeals to me. No doubt a very personal thing and i will be in the minority! I think it was also swayed by devouring a couple of my Dad's Bradford Barton photo albums as a teenager about diesels on the eastern region in the 1970s. Those Bradford Barton books (there a few 'in close up' and 'in focus' maybe?) are well worth a look if you can. They offer an excellent overview of the railway scene at that time and really would help with getting the setting right. Horses for courses but, after all, it would be a boring world if we were all the same.......... PS - you have a wonderful space for a layout there!

I had not found this topic but after reading the article in the RM have now tracked it down. All I can say is wow!! What an absolutely stunning model. The buildings, setting, stock and overall scene just come together wonderfully. The coloursand weathering are superb and paint a fantastic overall picture, so subtly blended. Without doubt the best layout I have seen in the modelling press this year. I have revelled in the article and catching up on here. Congratulations Dave on getting it in the RM and, once again, I am awestruck on the modelling talent and ability on show. David

Ha!

Looking forward to following this one! I was a huge fan od Enigma Enineering and also loved seeing Lower Pandy when it appeared in print (there was a write up in BRM if I remember rightly?). Impressive woodworking efforts on show (despite the small setback!). It all sounds like a fascinating project and industrial steam will always get the thumbs up from me. Thanks for sharing, David PS - is Enigma Engineering still in existence?

Hi Martin, Sorry to hear of your health problems but pleased that you are on the mend now. Nice to hear of your progress with stock - I understand he fascination with messing around with wagons, similarly I have very little interest in coaching stock. Hope the upcoming discussion around the garage proves fruitful. It will be interesting to hear of what direction you decide to take. It looks to be a fantastic space and whilst it is going to take some work to become habitable/comfortable, for both you and your railway, it will be worth the effort when complete Do keep us up to date! David

Looking good WD0-6-0. You've got a nice space there and have developed a very interesting design. I think the trackplan is refreshingly different and offers lots of operating potential. I've always liked L-shaped layouts and the thought of one has always appealed to me! Sounds like you've really got the bit between your teeth so keep up the good work! PS - my sympathy regarding he car windscreen but remember real life often gets in the way of progress. However it'll give a chance to fully develop your ideas and plans and make sure that you get things right. There is no need to rush andhe railway will always be there, as a release from annoyances such as needing to pay for repairs to the car!