Thanks everyone for the replies. Its all got a bit too deep for this newbie, all I really wanted to know was if there were any alternatives to the Hornby and Peco surface mounted point motors. (I didnt really want slow-acting or radio controlled etc.) It seems not, and since I am not confident with either product, I will persevere with under-board motors, even though it means cutting holes in places a man of my age should never have to go.
Thanks
Shane