I thoroughly enjoyed taking the layout to Bloxwich on Saturday, a big thanks to Chris for helping operate and to the members of the Bloxwich club for the invite.
It was the first time the layout had been out since DEMU Showcase 11 months ago and it had seen very little use in that time, so I was relieved that everything worked as it should. The layout attracted some positive comments from its audience, a few of who recognised the resemblance to the location it is based upon, which surprised me a bit, considering the amount of modeller's licence applied.
I always try to make some notes after an exhibition, primarily to remind myself of aspects of the layout that could be improved upon, so I'll post those here, mainly as a reminder to myself, but any thoughts, observations or suggestions are welcome.
Rolling Stock
I need to swap the DCC decoder in 20132 as no matter what I do to the settings its behaviour is erratic (at best).
Could probably do with one more loco, to act as spare or for variety.
Fit AJs to the HEAs rather than three links.
Operation
On the whole, the (AJ) couplings worked reasonably well. The two original Seep electromagnets don't pull as strongly as the smaller DG ones. Magnet 1 (on the mainline at the right hand side) never gets used and might as well be removed, which just leaves one to replace.
The rotatory switch that selects the magnets needs labelling to avoid the trial and error approach to uncoupling.
An additional siding branching off the first road in the right hand fiddle yard would allow the DMU to shuttle while shunting is going on without having to slide the traverser over to an empty road. Something like this:
I'm not sure that the HEA rake adds much operational interest/entertainment value. Possibly mix the HEAs in with the other wagons rather than operate as a fixed rake?
I'll need another stock box for the rest of the nearly finished stock as the current boxes are now full.
Presentation
Add more detail, fences, signs, some lights, etc.
Possibly a couple of trees to give height and divide the scene.
Add a second, stacked, Portakabin to hide fiddle yard exit.
Point rodding.
Repair damaged speed restriction sign.
Ground signal for yard access?
Transportation
The metal trestles take up too much space in the car (and rattle horribly).
Switch to four small, wooden, tabletop standing trestles (would need two 6' tables at exhibitions).
Transit protection for front, could double up as a lid when not in use.
