cromptonnut

I have a distressing job at times and the weather certainly doesn't help, but I still wouldn't pay those sort of prices.

It's a pity because otherwise it's a very nicely put together kit, and not bad for the price too. If it suited my time period I'd consider buying it and re-transfering it.

Is it just me or is there something not quite right about the transfers on this one? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/O-Gauge-Kit-Built-Fine-Scale-Private-Owned-Van-Carricks-Goods-Wagon-TSM-Ltd-/271048287739?pt=UK_Trains_Railway_Models&hash=item3f1bbca5fb

Pity about those irritating adverts though I passionately hate adverts with sound that don't give you any opportunity to mute them almost as much as I hate the adverts themselves.

That's one of my "marks of a good layout" - is there enough interest when there's not a train to be seen. This one scores very highly

I'd love to know how people define themselves as an 'expert' in weathering... because some of these examples I've seen are definitely very different to my definition of the word.

I assume you've already found http://www.scalelink.co.uk/acatalog/Omen__Painted_figures.html Omen - British policeman - pre 1947 Ref: OMA016P?

Perhaps, but if Dapol can do it for those prices why can't others? Ok the Bachmann brass stuff was expensive as it was brass, and small runs - but I would guess that 'plastic injection moulding' costs are pretty much the same to most manufacturers, so it'll be the cost of the initial investment and how detailed (ie Railroad v Hornby standard range) the items are. Of course, in many cases the 'basic' models are good enough for most people and those that care about it can often spend a little extra money detailing rtr models to make them more acceptable so it's obviously going to be a difficult juggling act but let's hope Dapol have got it right at least - the worst thing they could do is end up producing to Lima 1970's standards, but I'm fairly confident that this is not going to be the case.

I'll be using the mk 1 eyeball to feed back whether my Dapol signals (when I get them) are in the right position or not. Although I'll be operating the layout on DCC it may well be that my points (all 3 of them) are controlled by 'traditional; methods as although I have several accessory decoders I haven't yet managed to set them up properly, and given that it's a small and simple layout it's probably just less hassle than fully interlocking and working signals, particularly as at the moment only one point is actually on the main line to be signalled, the rest being in the sidings.

Looking forward to the O gauge version announced today.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LIMA-O-GAUGE-DIESEL-SHUNTER-SM32-CONVERSION-/180923072387?_trksid=p2045573.m2042&_trkparms=aid%3D111000%26algo%3DREC.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D27%26meid%3D493464273515499128%26pid%3D100033%26prg%3D1011%26rk%3D1%26 Different, I guess...

£13 for a three legged bench... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/A-LEAD-RAILWAY-STATION-SEAT-DAMAGED-IDEAL-4-A-TRAIN-LAYOUT-OLD-SEE-THE-PHOTOS-/360445266610?pt=UK_Trains_Railway_Models&hash=item53ec364ab2 "Various collectable diecast items all from one collection. This is a one time chance that will not be repeated. This is your opportunity to acquire top quality, original boxed models collected over a period of 30 years."

Prototype photos of this anyone? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/O-GAUGE-CONTAINER-BODY-SHELL-ONLY-IN-YORKIE-MILK-CHOCOLATE-BLUE-LIVERY-/320936839194?pt=UK_Trains_Railway_Models&hash=item4ab953881a Not sure about the holes in the top, wouldn't the contents get wet?

I use a Lenz set 90 with a Compact as a slave - not everyone's cup of tea but that suits my needs. Having not built my layout yet I don't know whether I'll need a booster for the 2 locos that are likely to be running together at any given time. Are there any shops nearby where you can try several sets to see what you like the most? I know that Digitrains near Lincoln have a number of sets connected to their test track - although it's N and OO - but it's really the feel of the set and the ease of operation that matters in this case and I'm sure they could recommend something suitable for the right amount of power needed for O gauge. No other connection apart from being a satisfied customer.

If you aren't able to physically get to a location to have a look for backscene inspiration, I've found that Google Maps satellite view and street view can be quite inspirational. Admittedly if you aren't going for "modern" it may not quite work for you but in many cases the old houses are still there. As Forest Gate was mentioned, the satellite view is here: http://goo.gl/maps/pC1G and the street view gives you an impression of the view from the railway here: http://goo.gl/maps/9FS3 Also, have you thought about "drivers eye view" DVD's or Youtube? That might give something useful too.

When the railways were first privatised and in theory anyone with enough money could run trains, I painted up a Lima Deltic in pink with yellow spots, with a couple of matching coaches, in "Blobby Rail" livery. Not entirely sure what happend to it, to be honest.

Different I guess. Several items available in this livery. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/model-trains-railway-o-gauge-engine-carriages-wagon-/160824302519?pt=UK_Trains_Railway_Models&hash=item2571e01bb7 From the same seller, I really have no idea. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/model-trains-railway-o-gauge-engine-carriages-scenery-rolls-/160825670923?pt=UK_Trains_Railway_Models&hash=item2571f4fd0b

I'm not an expert on such matters but wonder if something in the IRDOT range may be suitable? http://www.heathcote-electronics.co.uk/prodindx.htm

Not content with a listing of what can best be described as 'tut', we have keyword spam to boot which seems to filter through to his other items too. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RAKE-CONDEMNEND-WAGONS-SUPERDETAILED-CLASS-40-45-47-58-66-67-03-09-24-26-27-/110891705662?pt=UK_Trains_Railway_Models&hash=item19d1a9253e

It's not something that is of use to me in my current modelling plans but it definitely looks like a Western to me, and looks good.