OK, so the situation at the moment re the layout boils down to this; My Dad has very kindly volunteered to help with finishing the baseboards (which entails installing all the legs, cutting out the corner section and constructing a fold down system so that we can more easily get into and out of the garage and some other minor mods) + some minor finishing touches that still need to be done to the garage. (e.g. sealing window frames + installing missing door trims). Since he is very keen to help (and to get involved in building the layout), I daren't turn down this generous offer. Unfortunately, (or fortunately depending on how you look at it), he has also volunteered to help with some remaining d.i.y. needed on the house - namely finishing the bathroom refit, and since currently it is leaking onto the kitchen worktops, I thought it best to ask him that we treat this as higher priority for the moment. The layout may be a while yet, but I'm convinced that come the spring and summer, with the warmer weather encouraging us to go out there more often, the track laying will be in full swing!