Alcanman

Hi, Having recently read a thread on 'Big Blue' where Chris Gilbert had ordered locos from Trainworld, Brooklyn, NY and received the order in a few days, I thought I would take the plunge and make my first ever purchase direct from the US. Browsing Trainworld's website I found a very nice Atlas Gold sound fitted CSX U30B. I placed the order on Tuesday and the loco arrived on Friday - very impressive service! I was able to track the progress of the order being deivered by UPS air freight. Although, the shipping, handling etc costs where quite expensive, the overall cost was still cheaper than ordering from a UK retailer. The main advantage for me, however is not cost, but to be able to buy locos not currently available in the UK. regards, Mal

Hi, After reading Lance Mindheim's new book, I went back to this layout plan to see if I could dispense with the run-around which is very short and un-prototypical. This is what I came up with, the idea being that the run-around is further along the line, off-stage. I've also added an extra spur at the Food Processor which will be dedicated for tank cars only. The train is staged on the track in front of the non-rail served warehouse and loco pulls in cars to be switched at the Food Processor, returns to staging and cars removed from the layout, to be replaced by cars which will be shoved into the Plastics facility and switched. regards, Mal

Hi Pete, I bought this book on recommendation recently, it was released in paperback in October and is great value. Superb! For freight cars, a good beginner's book is 'The Model Railroader's Guide to Freight Cars' by Jeff Wilson published by Kalmbach and also good value. regards, Mal

Hi, Great to see some new pics of this superb layout. Inspiring! regards, Mal

Hi, This is great news. Fort Myers is one of my favourite layouts. I still have a copy of CM Sept 2005 in which the layout appears. Could you please let me know which Walthers kit you modified to build the juice plant at the left side of the layout. I hope you'll keep us posted on the new layout, sounds good! regards, Mal

Hi Jon, Have a look at 'Anyrail'. The basic version is free to download, and fine for small / medium sized layouts ('empire builders' will need to pay for the full package) It's reasonably easy to learn, and looks good. I used it for the 2 plans in this thread. regards, Mal

Hi, Firstly, I like to say what a great idea (thanks Jack) to have a Track Plans thread. Track Plans are such a great source of inspiration. As I'm gradually getting to grips with Anyrail (thanks Talltim), I've started to put together some plans. Thought I might as well add my current layout CSX Palmetto Spur, which has been well documented on RMWeb. Next, I'm currently at the early stages of planning a new layout and looking for something a bit different, I found a small CSX branch off the Amtrak main line at Deland,FL about 30 miles north of Orlando. The branch serves a facility which receives plastic pellets in covered hoppers. Here's a pic I'm planning to use Walthers 'Magic Pan Bakeries' as the basis of the plastics facility, as the kit includes 2 sets of hopper unloading pipes Also, in order for the plan to be different from Palmetto, I've included a run-around and a trailing spur serving a Food Processor. Like Palmetto the plan is 9ft x 15ins, using Peco Code 100 with medium radius turnouts. I've still got to do lots more research etc, so it's unlikely that this project will commence until 2012 regards, Mal

Superb pics, Jack, A great example of a small layout which should inspire anyone thinking of building a layout to have a go. It's also great that you've involved youngsters. The hobby needs the younger generation. regards, Mal

Very nice, Jack Inglenooks are so cool especially with a hint of Florida about them. B) Look forward to seeing more pics with stock. regards, Mal

Hi Trev, PM sent Mal

Hi Trev, Just read your interesting thread and I feel sure that our paths have crossed in the past, my brother-in law also worked at Cambois in the early 80s. I thought you might be interest in a couple of pics I took when back in 1968 of D8022 & D8024 on the Blyth & Tyne. First up, the pair are passing Newsham Station Second, the pair are shown crossing Newsham Road on the branch to Bates Colliery regards, Mal

Hi, I've quite a lot of pics of 37s, my favourite loco associated with ScR in the eighties. The following pics show just how dirty they could be, but still look great. First up 37407 'Loch Long' at Glasgow QS Next 37408 'Loch Rannoch' at Glasgow QS Lastly, 37422 at Crianlarich regards, Mal

Hi, Now for some classic ScR traction, Class 27s at Eastfield, all from 11th September 1982 First up, a very clean 27063 Second, bit of an 'ugly duckling' 27008 with plated over central cab window Last but certainly not least, clean and fitted with snow ploughs, 27017. This is how I like to remember 27s regards, Mal

Hi, Not a lot of ScR Class 20 pics recently, so here's a couple taken at Motherwell on 11th Sept 1982 First up, 20122 with light gray cab roof and 20013 outside the shed cheers, Mal

Hi, Just found this thread. I've been sorting my diesel pics to scan onto my PC, and quite a lot are Scottish Region 80s. I've already added some Class 26 pics to the gallery, for those who didn't see them, here they are again First 26043 at Eastfield 11th September 1982 Next, 26040 & 26026 at Inverness Last, 26031 at Carlisle 8th July 1983 (OK, Carlisle's not in the Scottish Region but it's a Scottish loco!) I'll add a few more pics from time to time when I get them sorted. Happy ScR memories, Mal