@Newportnobby

How about an almost complete history of this piece of 4' by 2' marine ply which has had 6 play layouts on it.

From 2017 until 2026.

1st track layout 2017 - An oval, an inglenook and a terminus


A 2nd track layout followed the first very quickly because the PECO curved setrack point was a pain. Was replaced with a re-positioned small radius Code 55 point.

3rd track layout 2021 - Terminus to terminus - Ashburton to Town


4th track layout and major baseboard work - Nice try, but needed more storage on the oval.


Previous track layout 2025 (The Before) A quickie using Tomix F and a Peco code 80 crossover.


New track layout 2026 (The After (and the LAST)) All Tomix F plain track and electric points.


I've used what has been to hand or something I wanted to try. PECO Setrack, Peco Code 80, Peco Code 55, Tomix Fine and mixes of these. I do have some Kato Unitrack, but prefer the Tomix.

There was a larger 2 level layout as well, but I've cut that up and reused the ply on some other layouts.

Mark

In general there's not a huge overlap of models (unless you want a generic van or open wagon). If you want a 6 wheel milk tank you need to buy the Dapol model. If you want a bogie ballast wagon you'll probably end up with the Farish model.

Farish - generally bomb proof.

Dapol - ditto.

Peco - older models can suffer from droopy couplings if not correctly put together (RTR and Kit). The newer models with not-quite-NEM pockets are a lot better.

Rapido - Very nice models but the Conflat P's suffered from a manufacturing fault which lead to the wheels binding on the chassis. Probably worth checking any bought have been fixed before being posted to the US. I've not heard of any issues with the OAA SECR wagons or Iron minks.

Revolution - haven't done many steam era models but those they have done have generally been good models. The first batch of Class B tanks was criticised for being too heavy with many modellers removing or reducing the weight in the tank barrel.

N Gauge Society - RTR models commissioned from Bachmann and Dapol have all been OK. The ferry van suffers from poor running - I've yet to see a definitive solution to the problem.

Sonic - generally OK, but some have mentioned issues with the recent vanwide. Later VEA version OK in my experience.

Older models from Farish, Dapol and Peco are lacking in detail compared to the newer manufacturers such as Rapido and Revolution. I would say that Dapol have yet to do a steam era model to the same standard as they have with their models of more recent prototypes.

What you will have a problem with the coupling heights - despite there being a standard some interpretations are better than others. This often leads to consistent uncoupling. Turning vehicles around, or moving them elsewhere in the train is the usual solution unless you want a new hobby of refitting coupling pockets.

Would you happen to have a 'before' and 'after' track plan, Mark?

I think you're asking the impossible. All our models are hand built. My wagon may be perfect but yours could be rubbish. (One man's meat is another man's poison)
I'd suggest maybe the best way is to put an ad in the Wanted section of the Classifieds stating what you want and your QC stipulations.
As a general rule I've not had any issues with Peco, Dapol, EFE or Farish but binding issues with Rapido and NGS. I would say 95% of my wagon stock is 4 wheeled
Peco can suffer random uncoupling. Likewise mixing manufacturers within a rake can cause the same issue but an application of 'Tacky Wax' can alleviate this

Had an hour this morning, before it got hot, to start on some wiring mods on the train set.

Organised chaos (truly) allowed me to get some additional droppers in from the top and point operation switches wired to the terminal blocks for the 10 points.

There has been a major track rationalisation with the double track being singled, (and the Peco points replaced by Tomix) another turn back siding added as well as a small goods yard for the local services and better play value.

Mark

Thank you. Permanent resident, still British.

Quote from: Bealman on January 30, 2026, 12:49:15 AMWagons of what period?

Corrected for clarity. Thank you Bealman. Do I remember you're an Ozzie, or at least reside there?

Wagons of what period?

I've reached a point in my hobbies where I'd rather have a small amount of great performing wagons -vs- a whole bunch of mediocre performers.

Being in the USA, trial-and-error isn't an option. I've got to make any purchases count because of postage and tax.

So, I'm relying on the wisdom of the crowd to set me on the right track.

Mostly era 3,4,5... but as I'm a devout Rule 1 practitioner anything cool or interesting is okay.

I have 'Obscured by Clouds' on both vinyl and CD and really like most of the tracks (never seen the film, though)
As for the Hawkwind vid, I may have enjoyed that in my 20s but now I'm a little older I just find it rubbish. Sorry