Gopher

Glad he got a transfer from Buggleskelly, I hope he has left some of his more eccentric behaviours behind 😀, or is the postman the ex porter from Buggleskelly.

Hinton Manor at rest. Dapol model which runs beautifully. It also has a Dapol sound project installed - which is excellent. I know there is criticism of this model, but have to say I am very happy with it (and it's sibling Hook Norton Manor).. For the record, Torquay Manor (Accurascale), is also an excellent model, with a great sound project. It is still a bit too quiet for my liking (despite an upgrade of the tender speaker). I am a big fan of Accurascale, and seem to be a regular customer. My buying habits have definitely changed since Accurascale and Rapido got into the game, and of course Dapol relaunched themselves with a host of GWR models.

Another busy day at Harewood Halt

Totally agree - Dewchurch 3 is the result of various cock ups I made on Dewchurch 1 and 2. Graham T's thread is an excellent read, and full of useful tips/info/lessons learnt etc. I think knowing how you plan to operate the layout (including simple things like how you plan to uncouple rolling stock), can really influence the overall layout plan, prior to track laying. Although I have never done it (too lazy) I think mocking up buildings is also an excellent idea.

Rob - how do you plan to uncouple wagons in the goods shed siding ? Reason I ask is if you are using tension locks and hand of God, it will be a bit of stretch across the baseboards. On Dewchurch 1 my goods yard was at the back of the layout and a pain to operate. Sorry if I have misunderstood, and a bit late to comment on this. I think 30 scale feet to the next track is fine - even for a three wheel mechanical horse

Hi Rob, I've been a member of the Bachmann Collectors Club for several years. Although member ship fees have increased I think it is still worth the money. You get quarterly news letters, which are informative, a wagon every year when you renew your membership. Bachmann catalogue and annual calender. An early heads up on the quarterly product announcements, and chance to purchase exclusive member only models. Also occasional discounts on other things (latest is discounted tickets to Model World Live at the NEC in April), and and occasional invites to other Bachmann events I have attended two of their annual open days held at preserved lines (I went to the Gloucestershire & Warwickshire, and Dean Forest), mainly because they were close(ish) to where I live. Both were great days, well organised, and a chance to see behind the scenes at these preserved lines. I can't comment on any other collectors clubs - i.e. Hornby Hope this helps Clive

Class 24 with an inter-regional train at Platform 1

The wagon house Monkton Farm

Well done Graham, I wish you all the very best for your new venture. All the buildings are superb, but my favourites are your station building, and derelict barn - fantastic.

Ex GW tank engines, and a Blue King in the background

Always room for another dinosaur John, welcome aboard

Old and new at Harewood Halt, or "meet the new boss same as the old boss"

It's a deal Lez, I'll get my people to talk to your people 😀

I think it is the way of the world in so many industries. I spent most of my working life in Financial Services. The banks nowadays bear no resemblance to the one I joined in the 1970s. We had computers when I started, but still a lot of manual processes. They are disappearing from our high streets at a rapid rate, and have no desire to talk to their customers face to face, or even on the phone. Many (all) of their lending decisions are made by a computer algorithm. So I am clearly also part of the dinosaur club

O.K. Lez, 3 apprentices it is. I'd keep an eye on one of them - nickname Gopher, cack handed sod, be amazed if he ever finishes his apprenticeship, without causing total chaos . Is £15 a week O.k for wages ?

Job is yours Lez - when can you start ?

Definitely the biggest building on the layout.

Our Song - Yes

Great loco spotting position, especially when there are a couple of Panniers on view

Wishing Well - Free

Green Diesel day at Dewchurch (and not just any green diesels - Accurascale diesels), got the cattle excited.

City of Swimming Pools - Judie Tzuke

Good plan Graham, best of luck

Very true, it is a very tight turn, and can involve a bit of traffic control from the local bobby, to allow vehicles to swing out into the opposite lane. The three wheel Scarabs seem to manage it quite well though.

I think Herefordshire has been "discovered", and this is reflected in the house prices. Certainly quite a few people come here to enjoy the rural life (including me), or retire. I'm not sure all who move to the rural villages understand some of the challenges they will face though.