Alcanman

Great pics. At first glance, I thought they were photo backgrounds. Stunning artwork and nice modelling too. I like adding photo backgrounds to pics of my small layouts.

I have a liking for the small D343/345/443/445 FS diesels and they looked good in this livery used for push-pull passenger trains. Nowadays, the remaining members are painted in XMPR which also suits them well. D445 1114 Lago di Garda

A bit of a coincidence, but last night I watched a TV programme in the 'Tough Trains' series (ep5) on the Travel Channel on SKY which featured Cuban Railways. Although the presenter, Ian Wright (not the footballer) is a bit annoying ,the programme was fascinating. Loads of old US and Soviet built diesels and of course those old 50s US autos. Well worth catching up with this programme, it was broadcast at 5.00pm on Saturday 28th January and may well be repeated. And by the way, the layout looks superb!

Looks like a nice little project, Rob. Having built a few inglenook type layouts myself, I do find them fun to operate. However, I prefer using 3 turnouts to provide an additional spur to give more operational interest. I'll be following with interest. Mal ..... (currently planning an Alcanman 2017 layout and can't stop thinking about including a run-around! .. oh dear!) ps another vote for feet and inches from me!

Here's 1245 535 in ' blutorange' livery at Kitzbuhel in 1989.

Here's an old 1145 electric still in green livery shunting coaching stock at Innsbruck in 1989. These locos were built 1927-31 and only a few remained by 1989. Mal

My latest Atlas GP40-2 with ESU Loksound, Conrail #3358, has now been weathered and is seeing plenty of switching action at Westborough Terminal.

Agree with jjb. The E636 are also one of my favourites and 20 years ago they were also the most numerous. The brown 'Isabella' livery seems to add to the character of these locos. Lake Garda is a popular holiday destination and Desenzano is a good place for train-watching. Here is another E636 at Trento

Always good to see FS pics. Thanks for posting, Andrew.

Great pics of Salzburg. I visited in 1989 also, but sadly didn't manage to get any pics. However, Here is a pic of 1063 017 at Bischofshofen in 1995, which looks like it's working a local passenger service, but it's actually shunting empty coaching stock.

I'm also very much enjoying the Zell am Zee pics. 1989 was the year I first became interested in Austrian Ralways inspired by Ian Futers OBB layouts and an article in 'Rail' magazine. Zell am Zee is a great location with trains running through the middle of the town and along the lakeside, offering many photo opportunities. Here are a couple more from 1995.

Great pics of Zell am Zee. It rained every day on my visit in 2006. However, on my first visit in 1995 the weather was hot and sunny. Also, In contrast to your pics, note the bahnhof had been modernised by 1995 with higher level platforms. Happy New Year!

In stock at newly opened store in Blyth, Northumberland at £59.99 and they are very heavy!

Can't help you with location or photos, but I would have thought that the DPM range of kits would be perfect for your time period. They feature brick buildings and different styles of windows. They are of modular construction and can be made to fit on any size layout. All the structures in this pic (apart from the water tower) were built from DPM kits on this small switching layout built 20 years ago.

Great pics and my favourite locations on the B&T. Thanks for posting during 2016 and look forward to seeing more in 2017. Merry Xmas Mal

Looks like an interesting project. I'll be following with interest A bit of a coincidence, but I have also been looking at CSX/Conrail post 1999 and I have a feeling Santa may be delivering a Conrail geep on Xmas day! Merry Xmas! Mal

Here's a pic of a E444R. The E444s was originally nicknamed 'Tartarughes' (tortoises) because of their shape. Ironic, as they were built for high speed. Mal

What a charming little vehicle. I came across this one at Seefeld in Tirol in 1989. Mal

Nice to see some OBB pics again. Thanks for sharing.

Great Blyth & Tyne pics! Bedlington viaduct looks fantastic and still, of course, in use today. I was held up at Bebside crossing this afternoon, a Freightliner 66 heading south with a loaded coal train. Thanks for sharing.

Nothing wrong with the colour in the last pic! The orange and grey 'Swiss Express' livery is my favourite livery on my favourite type of SBB electric. Thanks for sharing. Here's another, 11303 at Interlaken 1990

Thanks for sharing your Italian Railways photos. The E464 electrics are now the most numerous class in Italy and used on push-pull regional trains. The E402 electrics are used on push-pull intercity trains. Note the Frecciabianca (White Arrow) branding on the side of the loco.

As always it's great to see your Blyth & Tyne pics. Once a common sight on the B&T, EWS 66s are now pretty rare. A good example of why documenting the current railway is a worthwhile exercise. I remember those ECML diversions on the B&T in the 80s, passing close to my house. Mal

My one and only GE, an Atlas U30B. U-boats are my favourite GE locos.

I always use MDF baseboards topped with 3mm cork tiles. The cork allows Peco track pins to be inserted. After pinning the track in place temporarily, I glue the track in place with PVA. I've used this method for years and never had a problem.