TravisM

I decided to stick with the original plan as I know it works, and I know others will criticise it but it's my railway and I'm the fat controller (Literally 😂). I've started laying out the point work to make sure no point motors etc, go over the under the baseboard stiffeners. Let me know what you think.

Sometimes a small diorama keeps your hand in when either a project stalls or more likely, close to completion (If there ever is such a thing). Terrific modelling.

I went to order several of the Barclay industrials and was hoping to pay by installments, but your site wouldn't let me except order them and pay now, or when you have them

I’m really pleased to see that Accurascale have picked up the Hatton’s Original’s and production of the announced models. I must admit that I had heard something through the grapevine last month about this, but I thought I’d wait until it was formally announced. It would be nice to see the FEA and RHTT flats to be announced as well at a later date.

I asked the same question regarding the coast on my Cumbrian Coast Line layout. I've picked up some really good ideas and tips off YouTube, so I'd suggest looking on there first.

Are these models only available from you or can they be ordered from dealers who already stock your models?

As I want to order a BNFL CBD18 version for my highly condensed Sellafield layout, can you let me know what the length of the model is over the couplers, so I can plan my minimum length siding for one of my shortest trains (Class 18 and FNA-D)

This any better?

I did as you suggested regarding the double slip and I must admit, it does work better, but I'll keep everything as it is because I want to turn the former crane siding a siding where the caustic soda wagons used to go. I've also got rid of the engine shed and put the crane there, created several buildings including a walkway between two to create a view block.

I've decided to change the location from the docks in East Anglia and Lincolnshire to to a highly condensed version a Sellafield, mainly due to the fact that I'm struggling to find suitable modern dockside models and the models I already have, I can use on this, as well as on my eventual Cumbrian Coast layout. This means I can get rid of my BYA's as I have far, far too many and just use my FNA and PFA wagons. Would love a set of the Accurascale KUA's but I think they are far too big, but I would love to know if anyone does the Caustic Soda tanks that used to run onto the site as that would make a interesting addition. The track plan will remain the same and I'll probably order one of Revolution Trains BNFL's Class 18 CBD18 loco's, but I'm trying to find out how long they are over the couplers (in 4mm), so I can work out the minimum length of my sidings for my shortest train. Maybe @Revolution Ben can help with the dimensions. Please no jokes about glow in the dark trains, rather tiresome and juvenile.

Is that just the Mk1's that have them at the wrong height or it all of them? I tested my Mk1's against a Kadee coupler height gauge and they seem to be spot on.

More like this?

Before I start laying track down, I’m really wondering if I should bother with putting a cork roadbed down? With some of the track going into sheds and warehouses, as well as buried in roadway, as well as the slow speed, is it worth it?

As I'm using Kadee couplers and want to use their No 308 under the track uncouplers, but struggling to find the best locations to put them. I've put some X's on the track plan where I think they should go, does anyone agree or do people think I need more or less?

Wow, that would certainly be a conversation piece on the layout, even in HO scale. Thank you for the heads up.

I'm struggling to find a modern dockside crane for my 'The Docks' layout. All I can seem to find is either the Dapol Travelling dockside crane, or the Kibri Double Link dockside crane, both are not really suitable. Does anyone have any suggestions as to where I might find one?

If I was going to do 'Minories', this would be my plan using 6'x18" boards, but could be put on three 4'x18" boards but I wanted to keep all the point work on one of the boards as I used Peco long radius points. It would be set in the present day and showed where there used to be a centre road in the station, long since removed as a cost saving exercise back in the 70's by BR. I've shown modern signalling but I'd love to have put semaphore signals in instead.

I remember seeing the plan of Greenwich Park awhile ago and thinking 'wow', it has so many possibilities. You could even model it in the present day, basing it on the track plan of Norwich Thorpe station, between Platforms 4 and 5, with the centre road being used for storage. The road crossing the railway behind the signal box, makes the perfect scenic break.

I seem to remember that CJ Freezer was interviewed (in probably Railway Modeller as it was so long ago), and he said that the Minories plan, as was all his plans, were to inspire people, to adapt them if needed and not to follow them as if they were written in stone. I think some people need to take a step back and admire what people have created, not criticise. If not, build your own and show it to the world.

I've always thought that Weymouth Tramway would make a brilliant layout, but because of it being on a outward facing curve, it would look great at a exhibition layout but not so good on a home layout, unless you built it more or less straight.

I agree that AnyRail is a good product, quite easy to use, but as Hornby Dublo points (and track) is made from stamped steel and absolutely no give in them, so it can be difficult to get them to fit as you'd like them.

I must admit that I do like the first plan, but what worries me is the point throws, either manual or electric can interfere with other points if laid too close to the diverging route of another point. Or is it just the way it's drawn on AnyRail but not like that in real life?

My very first 'proper' model railway when I was a kid, was Hornby Dublo 3 rail, and I've recently bought a few items to relive my childhood. I'm seriously thinking of building Minories as CJ Freezer designed it, but with the track work of the era in mind when first drawn out, do you think I can make a convincing layout, to the same size and track plan using Hornby Dublo 3 rail track?

Only in swarf 😂

I have to agree with @RobinofLoxley, the bay platforms are very short and the maximum length DMU that would fit is 2 cars (easy to work out on the grids), not 3, and I also feel that scenically, the station would look very compressed. If your modelling the modern era, with BR and it's cost saving measures in the 70's and 80's, I'm pretty sure the passing loops would have long gone. I would stick with your Oxford Road plan, lots of movement which will keep you busy, and therefore enjoyable.