south_tyne

Looking forward to seeing the 03 arrive later in the year. Whilst I probably won't be able to afford or justify one I think it will be a great seller for Heljan given the recent boom im small 7mm scale layouts. Although the 03 is likely to be a much bigger seller, I would imagine the fall in price mentioned above for the 05 could be reflected in the 03 in due course once initial stocks have sold. It does make it more affordable and closer in line with competitor's products (Dapol, Minerva etc)

Mike, As with all your layouts this is superb. You really inspire is with limited space through your ingenuity and resourcefulness. Your attitude to modelling is so refreshing - after all this is supposed to be a hobby for enjoyment and fun! That terrace of houses is stunning. The build, colours and weathering just look so 'right' Keep up the good work and thanks for sharing. David

As a lover of industrial architecture I am really enjoying following. What an absolutely fascinating photograph! It will be a superb scenic feature and unique I would imagine! Do you have any plans to make it 'work' in any way? It would add to the interest as a cameo, although I understand it would be a very difficult thing to achieve (i wouldn't have the first idea how to begin!). David

Apologies I had forgotten about that one. I have read the Sentinel should be here by the end of the year too all being well

Totally agree. The days of saga around the 08 are definitely behind Dapol and their recent products have been superb and delivered relatively quickly. They have really turned things around in recent years and deserve to be congratulated. They have really opened up O gauge to the average modeller (of which I count myself as a very average one) with their affordable and high quality products. Lots to look forward to over the coming months!

Enjoying following this one Tim. The baseboards look superb - would you recommend them? Having had a look at Tim Horn's website they also look like excellent value for money. It is bizarre that we are normally willing to invest so much in stock but not on the foundation upon which our layout is based! Looks superb though. Fascinating prototype too. The Old Maps website is a good resource for OS maps over the years. I use this am awful lot in my professional life at work and it is a fantastic resource for 1:2500 historic maps: https://www.old-maps.co.uk/#/ Cheers, David

Hi Gordon, Some lovely work going on here, great start to the layout. There may have been a very slight setback but you have clearly addressed it and overcome it which must be rewarding. The handbuilt track looks superb. The Tim Horn baseboard also sets everything off very well. Would you recommend them? I presume it is simply a case of using wood glue to put it together. Looks like a high quality product and excellent value for money too. Cheers, David

Given Dapol's relatively quick delivery of recent projects (eg thinking of the Jinty) I cannot imagine it will be too long before release. I think(??) the Sentinel is next, so the 14xx is likely to follow that?

Neil, I love everything about this thread and your work - the 'prototype', the idea, vision, ingenuity, creativity, resourcefulness, the fun.... it reminds why I love railways and railway modelling!! I cannot really say any more than that really! Thank you for sharing and inspiring me. Keep the updates coming. All the best, David

I know don't remind me! It's likely to be one or the other mind. Given it's smaller size, the MW might be better suited to my very limited space. The Peckett is quite a big chunky beast after all (trying to convince himself it isn't a good idea!! )

Wow! Love the buildings and the setting!Keep up the good work, you're doing a cracking job and I am enjoying following progress. David

Ha ha yes, how could I forget! Pleased to hear of progress. I am similarly doing some 1:1 paper plannig for a small O gauge layout... it's good - roll it out on the dining room table, look at it, push some wagons around and then roll it away again... the ultimate in minimum space modelling

Yes please Mike!! Remains the best show I have ever done when I brought my 009 layout!

You are right, it is a lovely dilemma!! I love my H-C and am really tempted to pair it with a Peckett... just need to justify it with my wallet! Great progress with the buildings. They must be quite large and imposing given the scale! Keep up the good work, I am enjoying following and am also learning a lot from your techniques and skills. David

Hi Andrew, Just spent an enjoyable hour or so reading this topic from beginning to end and really enjoyed it. Excellent modelling and great 'real life' interest too! Really enjoying seeing the layout develop - it's right up my street as a fan of light and industrial railways. Shows what can be done in a relatively limited space, whilst still offering great operational capacity. I really love what you're doing. Keep up the good work, it's very inspiring to someone hopefully taking a first plunge into industrial 7mm scale! David PS - those 'fireman shovel eggs' look delicious!!

A belated thanks to all for your input. The expertise here on RM Web is simply second to none, you learn something new every day!

I think the advantages of Unifrog for some has been explained by a number of folk. You don't like them, that is plain to read - they obviously don't suit your needs. The simple solution is to go for something else

Still tempted by one of these and re-reading this thread isn't helping with my resolve! My wallet is cowering in the corner mind. It would probably make a good shed-mate for my Hudswell Clarke though.....

Hi Duncan. Pleased to track this one down. Fascinating project and I hope you're making progress. I love a bit of North East industrial action so will follow with interest. I am a massive fan of Croft Depot and if this compared in any way then it will be stunning and you'll be on to a winner!! David PS - I was that random gadgie who accosted you in The Bridge Hotel a few weeks ago when you were just trying to enjoy a quiet post-exhibition pint!! I do apologise... the beer obviously lowered my social inhibitions!!

Similar to some of my family roots, rural poverty in East Anglia was pretty horrific even in the 20th century. As with all these things, we remember the good/positive aspects. But hey, this is only railway modelling - for 99% of us it is escapism into an idealised time/setting/location. Back to the thread.... I remember seeing Elmwell Village Depot as a lad and being mesmerized! It was that well known W&U layout depicting four seasons and four eras from GER to BR. I am sure it will have been mentioned previously but it was so novel and different to anything I had seen before and still is pretty unique!

' Cheers and no rush at all. I've printed those turnout plans to have a play around. Certainly more compact than the streamline points... well suited to an industrial setting. ST

Love the idea, the concept and the developing layout. I'm a big fan of the Hudswell Clarke, I have one too which is the basis of my own embryonic industrial shunting layout. You're doing some excellent work with those buildings. A brewery provides a good varied flow of traffic and chance for a nice range of wagons and vans. Keep up the good work! David

Just stumbled upon this for the first time. Great stuff, your buildings are superb. Whitby is a fantastic prototype. Good variety od traffic flows, including the pick up goods into the '80s. I am sure you know this but the two volumes of 'Railways around Whitby' are invaluable resources. Ken Hoole's North Eastern Branch Line Termimi likewise. I've always wanted to do something based on the line in the late '70s. Metro Cammell DMUs, class 31s on pick up freight, the odd parcels can etc..... one day! Keep up the good work and providing the updates. Thanks for sharing, ST

Interesting. I need to print off some templates for the new setrack points. If 6' is doable for an inglenook then that could be a godsend!! Do you have a copy if your combination plan?

That's another interesting idea. Rather than dying out if the lead mining industry had survived in Upper Weardale and Teesdale, Allendale and the South Tyne Valley it could have been fascinating. Anyone buying industrial diesels and rusting 16 tonners high up in the wilds of the North Pennines or is this just fantasy!? Fantastic! Thanks for the links I will have a good peruse... ST