WCML Model Railway: Davidson Parkway: Meet the Fleet Running Session Over 100 Trains!

[@rogerkelly8039]

Quite stunning. Missus was looking over my shoulder and thought I was watching a real railway movie. When she realised, she commented, “there’s no litter or graffiti!” Is that on the ‘to-do’ list? :-) Congratulations. A truly remarkable piece of engineering that I cannot even begin to get my head around. The best I’ve seen.

[@ModelRailway]

Many thanks Roger for the lovely comment … and glad your missus enjoyed as well! So lovely to read … and good point about the graffiti …. might have to add that onto the to-do list! 👍

[@EtonieE25]

A very nice little running session there 👍 Went down well with my morning coffee and croissant 😎

[@ModelRailway]

Many thanks, glad you enjoyed the running session … I’m hoping to record and load another soon! Hope you also enjoyed the coffee and croissant! 🥐 ☕️ 👍

[@mickboakes7023]

Unbelievable. Beautiful model railway. Can’t get over the scenery. So realistic especially with the low camera shots. Stay safe. Mick.🇬🇧

[@ModelRailway]

Hi Mick, thanks for the lovely comment ... glad you enjoyed .... it was fun trying a few different camera angles and shots! Stay safe and healthy as well, regards, Mark

[@verybigkittens7550]

I don't think he will get run over by 00 railways.

[@mickboakes7023]

@@verybigkittens7550 My reference was to corvid not trespass on the railway. Stay safe. Mick.

[@verybigkittens7550]

@@mickboakes7023 I call it the chixese disease, pestilence plague, Kung flu, yellow fever. I had to put an x in the chinese part, otherwise you tube take the post off. I don't have anything good to say about this plague, I like to use deorogarory words for it, not Corvid ?. Covid

[@LeoStarrenburg]

It's always nice to see the trains go by ! And just think of the mount of work that has gone into the layout, very well worth the effort. My favourite scene is at 17:50, really brings back the time when we used to visit granddad and grandmum and returned home after dinner, I even felt the sharp autumn evening chill on the platform 👍.

[@ModelRailway]

Hi Leo, many thanks for the lovely comment and hopefully brought back happy memories of standing on a platform watching the trains go by … 👍

[@geoffdyson5587]

A fantastic layout you should be very proud. very WCML with the essence of Crewe Preston Warrington mix Love the 87’s copped them all in the late 70’s hammering up/dwn the WCML and had haulage behind a few.

[@ModelRailway]

Hi Geoff, many thanks for the comment and it’s great to be able to recreate those memories in model form. I had over 100,000 miles of haulage behind 87’s … and don’t forget that Intercity Railtours have a few tours planned using 86’s, the 87 and 90s … 👍

[@Kevansjones]

What can be said that hasn't already. Simply a stunning layout. The amount of engines and stock is incredible. So inspiring. Thanks for the excellent videos.

[@ModelRailway]

Thanks Kevin ... glad the videos I’ve loaded so far are inspiring to you ... there’s so many other inspiring layouts around! Regards, Mark

[@MrBinxter]

Superb layout reminds me of the days 87 bashing in the early 2000s brilliant

[@ModelRailway]

Many thanks .... and glad you enjoyed many trips behind the 87s during the early 2000s .... me too! Fine machines with some interesting names ... 👍

[@walsteadgreen405]

Absolutely fantastic....and yes, the best was saved until last....the mighty Class 87!! Great choice of Steam Loco too....the finest of all steam locomotives!

[@ModelRailway]

Many thanks ... and yes! Many lovely memories of seeing and hearing the powerful 87’s at Euston as a kid, then many trips being pulled or pushed by them. Your layout looks good as well, I’ve been a subscriber for a while and nice to see other AC electric layouts about 👍 Regards, Mark

[@alanrobertson9790]

Excellent production. Your change of trains and viewpoints meant it never got boring. Was never big on 87s myself. Its good that your Lima locos are still up for pulling full size trains.

[@ModelRailway]

Many thanks for the comment and compliment … glad you enjoyed. The majority of my older Lima loco’s still work ok … I’ve replaced the chassis on quite a few of them with the ‘Limby’ types manufactured by Hornby with the better motor and additional pickups. 👍

[@jonathananderson2816]

Well done, what a vast selection. Of Locomotives. With a few units.

[@ModelRailway]

Thanks Jonathan ... yes, quite a selection and a few new arrivals pre-ordered within the next year or so as well!

[@johncrook7705]

Well done brilliant and enjoyable time watching! Have just discovered it yesterday and had to return!

[@ModelRailway]

Thanks John for the lovely comment and glad you enjoyed enough to return! Kind regards, Mark

[@rogerclark5869]

What a layout like going back in a 80’s time machine. Fantastic.. please share more.

[@ModelRailway]

Thanks Roger and will do going forward ... any particular requests of videos you would like to see? Some behind the scenes or specific details ... or more running sessions etc? Regards, Mark 👍

[@rogerclark5869]

@@ModelRailway Power and control please and the HSTs perhaps more electrics as well. Is the layout DCC?

[@ModelRailway]

@@rogerclark5869 Good ideas for a future video ... I’ve made a note! The layout is DC, although I’ve designed it with DPDT slide switches to allow it to be converted to DCC at some stage.

[@rogerclark5869]

@@ModelRailway I wondered because you showed some older Lima 87s.

[@Martinsps2231]

This is trainspotter porn, I absolutely love it!🛤🥰😅 I was a trainspotter back in my youth, and seeing these classics brings back memories of the good times for me! And may I say, your layout is an absolute bobby dazzler! Brilliant scenery and detail, perfection. Subbed for more!🚄😉👍

[@ModelRailway]

Many thanks for the kind comments .... glad you enjoyed and thanks for subscribing .... welcome aboard! Regards, Mark

[@davidedwards6811]

Wow what a great collection of locomotives

[@ModelRailway]

Thanks David 👍 Regards, Mark

[@scotty87able]

Just got my first set off ebay an unused still in the box intercity 225 set to start off with.time to stop dreaming and start building.as well as a pleasure seeing ur railway ur locos coaches trucks etc it will certainly be very helpful for a learner like me

[@ModelRailway]

Hi Scotty, many thanks for the comment and welcome to the hobby! We all started somewhere ... I started with a small train-set circle of track, learnt many lessons and skills along the way ... and grown the collection and fleet over time. There’s so many sources of inspiration and advice these days that really help ... magazines/books, online forums, other KZbin videos ... and anytime you have a question; just ask 👍 Good luck with your own modelling and hope you’ll enjoy. Regards, Mark

[@scotty87able]

@@ModelRailway thanku i will mine will be mostly diesel and emu/demu orientated though steam wont be shunned either i like ur 73 gat ex/intercity loco bit later m gonna get that along with more coaches to make a gat ex but ill also need tbe 489 thats on the back.then 47s 33s 50s and so on gonna have a lot of fun

[@AllTimeTroll]

Amazing video's, thanks for sharing! I love watching stuff like this while I don't have a permanent layout of my own.

[@ModelRailway]

Many thanks ... I remember that stage quite a few years ago; gaining inspiration and ideas from magazines, exhibitions and video clips etc ... hopefully you’ll be able to build a layout in future. Regards, Mark

[@garyt.5219]

Simply……Awesome!!… The attention to detail, layout and the variety of rolling stock… Fabulous!! It doesn’t get any better than this, I could easily watch this for hours it’s a great display of technical design.

[@ModelRailway]

Thanks Gary, glad you enjoyed 👍

[@stretchedits]

Hi Mark, What a great video of the fleet, you sure have a wonderful fleet on the layout. What struck me most watching the video is how good some of your older models, Lima etc look when side by side with todays modern models...............I remember the old Lima mechanisms were hit or miss, you got a great one or a rubbish one, but their body mouldings were quite detailed for the time. It's nice to see older models still in use on a layout and not just stored away in boxes. I see you like your Class 47's who can ever have too many.............and those AC electrics, mmmmmm. I actually have a growing interest in those after playing around with the WCML on Train Simulator recently. Have you ever seen "Minsterley" layout on KZbin as thats a great AC electric layout too. Anyway super layout, please keep the videos coming, best regards Dave.

[@ModelRailway]

Many thanks ... I hadn’t run many of the older Lima loco’s for quite some time, so was pleasantly surprised as to how well many of them performed. Some required a little bit of work beforehand, mainly wheel cleaning and checking the contacts/pickups, otherwise they seemed ok. Yes ... I do like the AC electrics and of course, 47’s were regular performers around the country including under the wires with too many liveries to choose from! Glad you enjoyed ... regards, Mark

[@ModelRailway]

Oh, and yes ... I’ve been a follower of Minsterley’s KZbin channel for some time and it’s RMWeb page ... very impressive. There’s some other good AC electric layouts on the exhibition circuit as well, also Wrattling Road’s KZbin channel.

[@michaelpowell3980]

'saved the best to last...' Absolutely! I adore class 87s, BRs last and best. I have a battered Lima one in a box somewhere - ought to get it out and give it some love.

[@ModelRailway]

Hi Michael, good to hear there’s others about that like the 87’s! I was lucky enough to have plenty of trips behind them while still in service, the WCML isn’t the same without them ... but it’s good to be able to capture in model form. Hopefully your 87 will work well with a bit of TLC ... 👍

[@russellbenton2987]

Absolutely brilliant layout . Just evokes the WCML . Thoroughly enjoyed watching the trains go by . Actually these Lima 87s and coaches scrub up pretty well .

[@ModelRailway]

Thanks Russell ... I’ve found having clean wheels and pickups really help the older Lima loco’s ... and on a larger layout viewed a bit further away from the layout, the older loco’s and stock can look good ... the base Lima shape and design were pretty good overall; they hardly ever derail as well so reliability is good. Most of my Lima loco’s have had small amounts of detailing, eg handrails fitted ... regards, Mark 👍

[@peterkean5907]

Great running session and the night view with all the lights give a stunning effect. Looking forward to the next installment.

[@ModelRailway]

Thanks Peter for the compliment .... regards, Mark

[@peterjarvis4882]

great enjoyment watching this video ..well done both modelling and videoing.

[@ModelRailway]

Many thanks Peter .... glad you enjoyed .... and I’m getting a bit more familiar with recording and editing! Regards, Mark

[@thegrowler-blackwoodngauge]

Brilliant layout - stunning attention to detail. Very enjoyable to watch. Cheers Euan

[@ModelRailway]

Thanks for the comment Euan, glad you enjoyed ... regards, Mark

[@philbartlett7898]

Congratulations on totally recreating the WCML in miniature and in such incredible detail and character. The way the railway swooshes across the bridges over the river is mesmerising.

[@ModelRailway]

Many thanks Phil for the kind comment, glad you enjoyed .... Regards, Mark

[@MLSAudio]

Brilliant layout and trackside detail,the 'under the wires " views looked very authentic, thanks for sharing quite an inspiration!

[@ModelRailway]

Many thanks ... glad you enjoyed 👍

[@James47298]

Lovely collection and all runs so well

[@ModelRailway]

Thanks again James ... was nice to run some of the older stock around the layout ... took a while to record but enjoyed it! Glad you did too 👍

[@peterstanford9720]

Remarkable skill, fantastic !

[@ModelRailway]

Many thanks Peter, glad you enjoyed 👍 Regards, Mark

[@jamiemastropierro8749]

Fabulous layout! What I aspire to..

[@ModelRailway]

Thanks Jamie ... and good luck with your layout 👍 Regards, Mark

[@Warpy75]

Another great video. Really interesting run through of your fleet. The HSTs powering through the station and country side were my personal favourites. Took me back to my train spotting youth with all that detail! Look forward to more videos in the future.

[@ModelRailway]

Many thanks ... and glad you liked the HST views; was fun to record! Really shows the superb profile and design of the power car cab ... although required a few ‘takes’ as trying to walk smoothly while keeping the HST in shot was a challenge! 👍

[@jefffranklin4894]

Amazing designs and attention to detail for the landscape, very well done indeed

[@ModelRailway]

Thanks Jeff for the compliments ... still quite a bit to progress on the ‘to-do’ list but getting there ... Regards, Mark

[@torridonroadbypeterdixon4162]

Fantastic layout and fleet, so realistic with all the trackside furniture. The sweeping green hill sides, look wonderful as do the bridges, well as does all of it TBH. All the best Peter

[@ModelRailway]

Thanks Peter 👍

[@fatwalletboy2]

A lot of time has gone into this video. Appreciate it. A great fleet. Youve almost got bits of Rugby, Carlisle and Warrington BQ and no doubt various other points of the WCML going on here.....👍

[@ModelRailway]

Many thanks, and good spots ... yes, I’ve used quite a few bits of the real WCML as inspiration for the layout ... mainly trying to capture the overall essence of the WCML, with quite a few compromises due to space etc. The through station has inspiration from Stafford/Lancaster (with the fast lines running through, slight curved and junctions, the Trent Valley junction that heads to Wolverhampton direction, the platform loops. The loco holding siding is a bit from Wolverhampton. The terminus station was tricky; ideally I would have had Euston! But having the loco’s draw up to the buffers then having shunt release is a bit of Euston. The 4 track countryside section and reverse curves are Stafford-Crewe ... while the curved brick viaduct is inspiration from Dutton viaduct after the bridge over the Mersey; I used to like seeing the loco accelerate around the curve after it’s stop at Runcorn. 👍

[@djburland]

A wonderful realistic layout, well done 👍

[@ModelRailway]

Many thanks David 👍 Regards, Mark

[@dylansheppardmymodelrailway]

Fantastic layout buddy first time subscriber to your channel going have a binge watch thanks for sharing 👍👍👍👍

[@ModelRailway]

Thanks again Dylan … hope you’re enjoying the videos loaded so far … I hope to record and load another during the festive break; watch this space!

[@going2thedogs]

Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@ModelRailway]

Thanks ... glad you enjoyed 👍

[@wheezypalacemodels7726]

Wow, great collection and running on an amazingly large layout...love it!! Cheers, Chris

[@ModelRailway]

Thanks Chris ... glad you enjoyed. Regards, Mark

[@moorlandmodelrailwayandy]

Brilliant really enjoyed the running session on your layout. You've some great locos and rolling stock. Thanks for sharing cheers Andy

[@ModelRailway]

Thanks Andy ... glad you enjoyed. Was fun to make and good to run some of the older loco’s again that haven’t been run for a few years ... was also fun to edit! Regards, Mark

[@georgethomas7814]

Here in NZ the mainline heritage train must have a mainline Diesel in the train and they do try to turn the steam engine at the end points. Great to see this I am guessing that this is a finished layout now.

[@ModelRailway]

That’s interesting info … and amazing to know my layout being seen all around the planet! I still have quite a few detailing projects on the to do list around the layout and a few upgrades … also a list of future video ideas … also some new loco’s on pre-order … so hopefully will keep me going for a few years!

[@jonathanlawton710]

Absolutely marvellous

[@ModelRailway]

Thanks Jonathan 👍

[@haroldwanart]

What an amazing train collection! Keep it up!

[@ModelRailway]

Many thanks! 👍

[@AmeryJunction]

Really nice layout you have

[@ModelRailway]

Many thanks Amery 👍

[@paul-m3kqe]

great video and running session -- stay safe and well

[@johnmichaeldorienjohn467]

What a fantastic layout!& great running session! Subbed!

[@ModelRailway]

Thanks John 👍

[@markwilson4052]

Excellent

[@ModelRailway]

Thanks Mark 👍

[@NicholassTrainChannel]

Hi there just found your channel you are building a really nice layout and i look forward to seeing more videos from you i have subscribed.

[@ModelRailway]

Many thanks, glad you enjoyed ... and I’ve been to Exeter St David’s and Central quite a few times over the years (and subscribed in return) 👍, Regards, Mark

[@christopherhood9241]

truly awesome.

[@ModelRailway]

Thanks Christopher 👍

[@stocktonjunction]

Nice layout

[@ModelRailway]

Thanks again! 👍 Regards, Mark

[@ewoodrailway]

Great locos, great layout

[@ModelRailway]

Thanks Ewood ... I enjoy your videos as well, hope you’ve found a solution to the Class 68 coupling Issue 👍

[@ewoodrailway]

Davidson Parkway still work in progress I'm afraid..due to decorating 2 rooms and having a patio fitted...sadly it's not all fun and games!

[@ModelRailway]

@@ewoodrailway Funny enough ... I progressed a patio project during the summer as a ‘lockdown’ project, also some decorating and some more ahead. The joys of balancing a domestic life as well as hobbies! 👍

[@beaver1475]

Truly inspiring

[@ModelRailway]

Many thanks Dave 👍

[@pacificelectric1955]

Your fleet is bigger than the BR’s!! 😻😻😻😻😻

[@ModelRailway]

Haha! 😂 Well … I do have more 87’s than BR ever did!! Most are painted and detailed Lima versions … as I collected and modelled during the early stages of the DP build, although I much prefer operating the newer Hornby Class 87 mechanisms as much more smoother and reliable. But I have some way to go before reaching BR levels in many other Classes! 🤣👍

[@ModelRailway]

Although … a few items have arrived since recording the last video … and hope to do an update video showing these soon! 🤞

[@nisaax]

Very impressive 87s, concrete sleepers, wires. I have to admit if that were my layout there would be a few Deltics bombing around :)

[@ModelRailway]

Thanks Nigel ... the Deltic’s are fine beasts and one or two have visited the WCML over the years, so never say never! 😜 Regards, Mark

[@darrenmould8676]

Darrenbury Central Hi enjoyed show. Layout is v well thought out and life like. I see you have a hifi on shelf you could play train sound cds , i find it adds to it.

[@ModelRailway]

Many thanks again! and yes … i had a hi-fi to play music, listen to the football commentary and scores etc … although since that video the hi-fi expired! I’ve replaced it with a sound-bar and now stream music/radio from my IPad via Bluetooth … I also have a Hornby HM6000 and that has a few rail sounds, so can also play them via the sound bar! 👍

[@stevenfoleyuk9404]

Amazing , you have built a great layout capturing the WCML spirt . Would be great if we could see you layout from above ?

[@ModelRailway]

Many thanks ... and good idea; I may include a few ‘helicopter/drone’ views from above for a future video ... good idea! There is a track plan for the layout within the recent Model Rail article, also on the RMWeb page for the layout ... and one picture does give an overall view of the shed. 👍

[@linesided]

Amazing layout - one of the few online I watched every minute of - just a joy! 2 quick questions - 1) What is your overhead system and how did you get the wires so tight and straight and 2) Did you do any detailing on your class 86 and 87 and if so where did you get the pieces? Thanks again!

[@ModelRailway]

Many thanks Jonathan ... glad you enjoyed. Regarding the OLE, the gantries are a mix of Dapol plastic masts, also NBrass kits that are soldered then spray painted with Halfords grey primer. The OLE wires are Peco then spray painted sleeper grime to tone down. Regarding the older Lima and Hornby Class 87’s, I’ve used fine brass wire to install handrails, then A1 model components for things like the TDM plates and high intensity headlights. Hope this helps ... regards, Mark

[@howardavins1107]

What an amazing layout! So well detailed . Absolutely loved it Wanting more. Also love class 87s. I watched the progression from classes 81 through to 87s. Happy days on Euston station. Do your Lima locos still have the ringfield (pancake) motors.? They seem to run nice and smooth . Are you DCC? Thanks again Howard

[@ModelRailway]

Hi Howard, apologies for the delaying replying … glad you enjoyed! and good news … a new video being loaded today! The layout is currently DC …. the Lima loco’s that I usually operate on the layout have the ‘Limby’ chassis from Hornby that has the tower power … they are quite good and smooth, quiet and mostly reliable. I do like the AC loco’s and used to enjoy visiting Euston and seeing the loco’s at the buffer stops being uncoupled then following a departing rake along the platform … so tried to recreate a bit of this with the terminal station as well. Kind regards, Mark

[@markosolowey5887]

Absolutely fabulous layout, great video lots of great locos and can't believe the amount of locos you have and i thought i owned a lot, tell me are your lima locos DC or DCC cheers for now.

[@ModelRailway]

Many thanks! The layout and all loco’s are currently DC ... I have designed the layout with the option to switch to DCC at some stage ... I may do a trial sometime ... regards, Mark 👍

[@hellooldchap]

Fab video and stock. Nice to see full length trains running too. Do you have a cant on the mainline corners? I like the wall unit too for loco's- home made?

[@ModelRailway]

Many thanks ... yes to both! The fast and slow line curves have a subtle amount of cant, the geometry changes also have transitions to try and create a smooth flow. And yes, the shelving along the back wall is self-built with older track along it, for storing any loco’s or stock not in use on the layout. Regards, Mark

[@hellooldchap]

Fab, thanks Mark. To make the cant, a bit of plasticard under one side of the sleepers? Got the angle spot on.

[@andrewmaddison1763]

Awesome layout and a fantastic collection of stock .How long did it take to build the layout Mark

[@ModelRailway]

Hi Andrew, thanks for the comment ... the layout has taken approx 13yrs so far; I’ve had plenty of breaks along the way due to work/family/other stuff, but it’s good to have a decent hobby to progress when mojo and time allows. Regards, Mark

[@jamesbeckwith3639]

Really amazing layout... I particularly like the complex track work by the station... just a couple of questions... did you fill the HAA s full of coal or did you use a former and just sprinkle coal on the top and then inserted it into the wagon and how did you fit the NEM pockets and buffers and are the buffers sprung and what make are they also you seem to have some numbers out in your Class 87 fleet

[@ModelRailway]

Thanks James 👍 Regarding the HAA’s ... I used the Parkside models plastic moulding as a former, then sprinkled some fine coal onto PVA glue painted onto the mould. As for the NEM pockets, I had to chop off the old D coupler, then used Vectis Model’s 3D printed NEM pocket (they can be found on Facebook or EBay), then used Hunt ultra close elite couplings. Regarding your last comment/question about the 87’s ... I’m not sure I understand .... which loco’s?

[@ModelRailway]

Forgot about the buffers! These are cast white metal buffers from Lancashire model supplies and aren’t sprung. Everard Junction created an excellent step by step MGR wagon upgrade video on his KZbin channel that’s well worth a watch; I used that for inspiration. Hope this helps, Mark

[@jamesbeckwith3639]

Thankyou... yes it did help... Regards the Class 87 question I thought you hadn't shown one of the Class 87 numbers in your fleet but it was my fault I couldn't have watched the video properly... just a couple more questions... how large is your layout and how well do Lima 87 bodies fit on Hornby 87 chassis, do you have to do any modifications. Thankyou for your time in answering my questions

[@ModelRailway]

@@jamesbeckwith3639 That’s ok 👍 The Lima Class 87 body does fit onto the Hornby ‘Limby’ style chassis (as Hornby bought the old Lima tooling therefore is still the same body and chassis combination; just with an upgraded motor and electronics). I don’t think I did any modifications ... even the securing screw holes are the same. However, I haven’t tried the newer super-detailed Hornby Class 87 chassis with the older body. Regards, Mark

[@jamesbeckwith3639]

@@ModelRailway Thankyou... what is the size of your layout

[@therealdeal6846]

Your class 86 & 87 collection is insane thank you so much for sharing..can you tell me if Hornby or maybe Lima produced a class 87 called Hector?..if so would you have it or maybe a future purchase??

[@ModelRailway]

Many thanks! There was a Class 86 named Hector (86223) … was named that between 1979 and 1987 then renamed Norwich Union. I’m not sure if Hornby ever made this mode, I can’t recall seeing it … Heljan are currently manufacturing several Class 86/4 models due next year, and they may produce some Class 86/2’s in the future … so you never know, could include Hector!

[@therealdeal6846]

@@ModelRailway happy days!!..thanks for the info..sorry for going on but was there a class 86 with the name PHOENIX??..thks for your response!!

[@ModelRailway]

My pleasure! And yes … 86219 was named Phoenix throughout it’s life (named during 1978 and kept it until being scrapped during 2002) …. and Hornby produced it in BR Blue livery. There’s a few of Phoenix on EBay (usually fitted with the original Ringfield old motor type) … I’ve never owned one of these; but I have a few of the other Hornby 86’s and each have been remotored.

[@jasonpenwell2207]

Amazing Layout!!!I am like your goodself a massive Class 87 fan I have collected all the old lima ones and have a few painted respray ones I have got on ebay!Do you respray and renumber yourself??Also I have a really nice class 87 in Bulgarian Livery which is missing a few bits of detail!I was wondering if you might know how I could finish it off?

[@ModelRailway]

Hi Jason, good to hear there’s others about that like the 87’s. Yes, vast majority of the older Lima 87 bodies were repainted/detailed by myself to recreate the livery variations. I’ve had to resist moving out of the layout time period as it was tempting to buy a Caledonian 87, also the Bulgarian livery is interesting and eye catching! No idea regarding how to detail an 87 to make it ‘Bulgarian’ ... but good luck with that project! Regards, Mark

[@jasonpenwell2207]

@@ModelRailway thanks for getting back to me!!!Have alot of questions regarding advice on building my layout!Again set in the same timeframe as yours.do you have a Facebook page etc....where I could ask ya questions etc...as I want to build my layout the right way and do it right this time.regrds jason

[@ModelRailway]

That’s ok .... and sure, I have a FB page called ‘Davidson Parkway’ .... feel free to message on there. I also have a thread on the RMWeb forum, that’s also a good source of information ... and there’s several excellent magazines and bookazines with guides for a variety of things ... but any questions, just ask .... regards, Mark

[@verybigkittens7550]

Brilliant , how big is the actual, area of the railway, I also assume it is 00. And the passengers aren't wearing poxy masks. So realistic, is it in a specially built building or in a house. Are some of the corridors between the carriages joined up. I have seen some on other you tube posts.

[@ModelRailway]

Many thanks for the comment ... yes, the layout is OO gauge and it’s located in it’s own secure shed, approx 7m by 4.5m. Regards, Mark

[@ModelRailway]

Some of the rakes are fitted with Hunt magnetic couplings, so helps optimise the gaps between wagons or carriages ... the older Lima carriages aren’t fitted with them at the moment. Some of the newer carriages (like the Mark 2F by Bachmann) are fitted with closer-coupling mechanisms that also helps reduce gaps between the carriages especially around curves. Hope this helps 👍

[@roystrains]

Fantastic, how do you manage to clean all that track with the overhead gantry wiring without damaging it ?

[@ModelRailway]

Many thanks Roy ... I use the CMX track cleaning wagon (with 99.9% IPA) along with the Dapol vacuum wagon hauled by the Hornby Class 60 (as shown within the first minute or so of the video. Regards, Mark

[@verybigkittens7550]

how large is the actual railway and where is it housed. Is it in a house or an outbuilding. very impressive, I assume it is 00 scale.

[@ModelRailway]

I’ve just answered your other message ... but thanks again for the compliment 👍 Kind regards, Mark

[@soundseeker63]

If it wasn't for the interior walls, tools etc. in the background, some of these shots could pass for a real railway! The night scene was great.. Are both stations fully illuminated? Would love to see some night time or perhaps evening running where you can appreciate all the lights on the layouts, the signals, and the trains!

[@ModelRailway]

Many thanks for the lovely comment .... yes, both stations are illuminated with many LED’s ... it would be good to do a night-time running session at some stage ... I’d like to illuminate another rake or two of carriages first ... but watch this space! 👍

[@nickprehna8870]

What is your favourite locomotive out of your fleet?

[@ModelRailway]

Hi Nick, thanks for the comment and very good question! I do like the Class 87’s and if I had to be pressed, possibly the Virgin liveried 87003 Patriot … as I had many trips up and down the WCML behind the 87’s and many behind Patriot. I do like plenty others, including the HST … and the new Heljan 86’s and Bachmann 90’s are great! 👍

[@millsy_2523]

Hello, where do you get your Overhead line structures from?

[@ModelRailway]

Hi, the single masts are the plastic type made by Dapol .... all the other masts are the brass kits by NBrass models that I’ve soldered together. The catenary wires are from Peco .... hope this helps 👍

[@millsy_2523]

@@ModelRailway Thats ace, thank you

[@DugmerJunction]

Nice meet the fleet, are you running dc or dcc?

[@ModelRailway]

Many thanks ... it’s currently DC ... I’ve designed it to include DPDT slide switches to allow switching to DCC at some stage ... it’s tempting to do a trial ... but imagine the cost and time installing decoders to most of the fleet! We’ll see ... 👍

[@TanVasinTrains]

How did you manage to get 50 class 87’s?

[@ModelRailway]

Regarding the Class 87’s, Lima produced them from the 1980’s onwards (with the pancake motor). I purchased a few of these when younger … then while building the layout, I bought a few more cheaply from EBay and detailed and painted. Hornby then bought Lima and the tooling, and produced the Limby upgraded motor, so I bought a few of these over time … then when Hornby created the detailed 87 a few years ago, I bought these upon release! 👍

[@TanVasinTrains]

@@ModelRailway So I have just gotten a lima class 87 for £64 on Ebay recently, and eventhough I don’t live in the UK, I like the class 87.

[@TanVasinTrains]

@@ModelRailway Also, Pancake motors. Probably the motors are in a sticky situation! But thats nice really how you got it for n diffrent liveries so its not just the same color.

[@stuartnoyes2615]

No class 37s?

[@clivecobbold6815]

Hi Mark you certainty have a great fleet of class 87 elec locos I thought I have a large fleet of elec locos 3 class81 2 class82 3 class85 24 class86 10 class87 7 class 90 2 class92 I have some of the same class 86/87 you have mate one of my class86/2 is 86 214 sans pareril in rainhill 150 livery and 86 611 Airey neavein railfreight distribution livery what is the make of ohle you use on your layout mark it really like great i make my own ohle out of plastruct and piano wire i am working on my fleet of lima/hornby min sleeper coaches at the minute repainting and putting in extreme etchings laserglaze window I also refurbishing my fleet on lima mk2b/c coashes with extreme etchings Windows frames and repainting your layout is one of the beast wcml 00 layouts I have seen for a long time it put my layout to shame I have subscribed to your channel I like forward to more of your videos mark I mast work harder on my layout mate now many class87 loco do you have mark I have also 24 class diesel locos to work my diesel only lines the heysham harbour line and the stranraer harhour line with class 08/20/ 25/ 26/27/31/37/43/45/47/50/56/58/60s locos your layout is a great layout keep up the great work mark stay safe and well mate Clive

[@ModelRailway]

Thanks Clive ... very impressive selection of loco’s on your layout ... and good luck progressing your layout; hopefully it’s giving some inspiration 👍

[@fjrboy]

That s one impressive fleet!..how many locos in total?

[@ModelRailway]

Many thanks ... and good question! I think just over 100 in total ... with over 50 Class 87s ... and a few more already on pre-order! 😳👍

[@bennickss]

50 class 87s? WHAT?!

[@ModelRailway]

I know!! haha! I got a bit carried away … lovely loco’s and a good range of liveries over time … and many of the older Lima loco’s were bought at a reasonable price and painted and detailed when I didn’t have my current layout. And maybe a few more on the way! watch this space …

[@Lensman3333]

I find these layouts just amazing, yours is the first I have noticed with a flashing red lamp on the rear of coaches. Do the over head gantry wires work and provide power?

[@ModelRailway]

Many thanks ... and yes, I’ve fitted flashing red tail lights to the rear of most of the rakes. Regarding the overhead lines; they’re only for cosmetic purposes so aren’t powered. It’s on the ‘to-do’ list to set the pantograph heights to rest just below the contact wire. Regards, Mark

[@Lensman3333]

@@ModelRailway Thank you can the overhead gantry be powered?

[@ModelRailway]

@@Lensman3333 Unfortunately not .... they are cosmetic purposes only (primarily for reliability reasons; also many of the modern pantographs aren’t very robust). I’m going to ‘raise’ some of the pantographs soon though to make it appear more realistic in time for the next video.

[@markwilson4052]

Excellent

[@ModelRailway]

Thanks again Mark 👍