Hi alistairq, yes thanks for that, yes I know the sort of "train set" items you mention, you are right they could be worked on and made a bit more interesting , but I would like to make my own. Some years ago I knew a railwayman (a second man actually) who had his own layout and he made a lot of his station and fitments himself and tell you the truth I have never forgotten the detail in it, it was brilliant and it was all hand made, ok it took time, but I want to have a go at that, there is no rush and hopefully the finished product will be like the one in my memory.
Sadly the chap I knew had a massive heart attack around 1985 and died, I often wonder what happened to his layout, which was very large and loved by him, he obviously put in some hours and "Tlc" on it.
So yes I am having a go in building my own....see how it goes..."the proof of the pudding" so to speak.