Let's start simple

Another week, another change to the plan.

But first some footage of the A4 in operation:

 

 

I'm pleased with the quality now - despite an incident with a loose screw on the driving wheels that required repair. I've preordered the HM7000 sound decoder which I hope will improve running quality further than the HM6000 is capable of (although will continue using that to provide power since it can do two circuits).

I decided to ditch the round and round for now and concentrate on end to end operations for the sake of getting it built more quickly.

The plan is now shown below:

 Another pair of Scale Model Scenery twin track fiddle yards have been ordered - two in length is just enough to hold the Class A4 and 3 coaches so should be plenty of space for a realistic approximation of the kinds of operations seen at Vulcan Halt.

On the left, a road bridge will cover the entrance to the layout. I'm not sure yet what to do about the right hand side. Perhaps some large-ish trees in place will be enough?

The track leading off the mainline into the works will be partly paved over as seen in the historical photographs I've found. I'm not yet sure how I'll accomplish that but time will tell.

So track has been ordered per the plan above; 5 lengths of Peco flexi track, and the small Peco points added to my wishlist so I can order them as soon as they become available. I have the two larger points already as well as making use of the straights and radius 6 curve included with The Easterner set.

In addition, I ordered some N gauge cork underlay strips measuring 28mm wide. I sometimes feel these are too wide when balast is completed on top so with the track measuring 22mm wide this should give a more realistic look.

Finally, I've ordered some LMS colour paints and other modelling tools since this is underway and will require some alterations to look like the real thing:

And I came across a website that can provide customised LMS style station signs like the kind in use at Vulcan even through BR operations until closure. That'll do nicely.