Peco Plan 2: BR Branch Line Rolling Stock

Whilst I take my time with the construction, let's turn to rolling stock choices for this layout.

My N gauge collection is predominantly era 4 and 5, covering the western and london midland region. I'm envisaging that this branch line exists somewhere between the two, giving me more choice to mix and match locos. It's not too far out in the sticks though, as suburban coaches provide a daily service with an occasional autotrailer from a different town. Mixed goods trains arrive late in the day, to be handled in time for the early morning pick-up goods, which will allow just enough shunting to be of interest.

I created the stock boxes today, utilising again the handy 2.5L really useful boxes - I order pick and pluck foam with a 35mm depth from eBay and had some left over to make up two boxes.

This is how the box results using one half of the foam for each box, with the removed padding lining the gap to the right to provide another storage spot.

So what have I chosen?

Motive Power

• Graham Farish 372-211A 3F Jinty BR Black (early)
• Graham Farish 372-325 3MT BR Standard Tank BR Black (early)
• Graham Farish 371-987 64xx Pannier BR Lined Green (late)
• Graham Farish 372-625 2MT Ivatt BR Lined Green (late)
• Dapol 2D-012-005 Class 22 BR Green (late)
• Dapol 2D-009-003 Class 121 BR Green Bubblecar
  

Rolling Stock

• Graham Farish 374-280A BR Mark 1 Suburban Composite
• Graham Farish 374-311 BR Mark 1 Suburban Brake
• Graham Farish 374-611 ex-GWR Hawksworth Autotrailer
• 3x Graham Farish 377-250 16t Mineral Wagons (unfitted)
• Dapol NB002-BR Gunpowder Van
• Dapol 2F-014-004 ex-GWR Fruit D
• 3x Graham Farish Bauxite Assorted Vans
• Graham Farish 373-675A 14t Tanker Mobil Oil
• Graham Farish 377-300A ex-LMS Brakevan (fitted)
• Peco KNR-48 ex-Midland Brakevan (unfitted) 

In truth, the locomotives are overkill - you could get away with less. My intention is to be able to run the layout as early BR where steam still ruled the roost, and then switch to post-withdrawal early Diesel with the Class 22 and bubblecar. Over time I can always add a bit more variety with conflats, grampus', different brake vans, etc.

All the locos are DCC Ready, but I intend to run the layout with DC control - it seems simpler to my mind with typically one engine in steam.

I hope soon to get the track down and wiring complete, but that's for next time.