The collection is predominantly modern image, especially from the BR blue and sectorisation eras which is the period during which I first started being interested in railways. However, I tend to run what I like as long as each train is plausible on its own. The main line is fitted with overhead electrification meaning that models of 25kV electric trains can be run.
Tedford Diesel Depot has a large number of storage tracks for the display of diesel and electric locomotives whilst the engine shed at Bearham is set up for steam locos as some form of heritage centre.
Over time the collection of rolling stock has evolved. It is important that everything runs OK so I have replaced most of my Lima locos with newer models by Bachmann, Hornby and Heljan. I have a large collection of coaches and wagons from Hornby, Lima, Bachmann and Dapol – more than can be accomodated on the layout at any one time – there is storage under the layout for extra stock.
I have replaced all plastic wheels with metal ones to give better running and to reduce the need for track cleaning. I have also changed all the couplings to Kadees again to give more reliable running but also to enhance shunting in the sidings where some magnetic uncoupling ramps are fitted. Fitting Kadees is sometimes not as easy as it should be – NEM pockets can be at the wrong height and some of the newer Hornby diesels have too much play in their coupling mounts to let the Kadees work as well as they should do. A great advantage of Kadees is that they enable single items of rolling stock to be lifted out of a train and when there is a derailment they tend to prevent it spreading down the train. This is important given the limited access to the hidden storage sidings.
Much of the stock is weathered, although I have not weathered some ‘pet’ locos where it seems a shame to hide the excellent finish. I do this using dry brushing and a dirty paint mix, with some application of track dirt colour on the underframe or with weathering powders. I also try to add extra details such as electrification warning transfers to the older coaches and wagons.
