Don't tell anyone - but I have already run a train! Shhh. I am seven videos behind, but am advised that it is best to stick to a regular pattern for publishing them. The process of recording and editing is interesting. Hopefully I will get all my back footage out and then I can concentrate on progressing the layout rather than editing video! I have seen the SL337, but I thought that it was to help getting stock on the rails in the first place, rather than getting it back onto the tracks if it slips off as it goes - perhaps I have misunderstood. I expect the fleishmann ones will blend in once they have been painted.

I am adding a set of droppers to each piece of track, (and so not soldering the joints to allow expansion) and then connecting all the droppers for each block to a bus wire using "suitcase connectors".

Bending cork is easy. Best way is to cut in half length-ways and then you can bend each half around tight curves. Also makes it easier to follow a centre line. I happen to sell cork roadbed. let me know if you want some.

indeed. I have long since acquired a tripod. thanks for the feedback.