Good idea is to study images of both private and nationally owned railway operated docks systems. Also, I large layout I remember seeing, as you mention military-oriented layouts, is the D-Day set-up with various military and freight vessels, small SR shunters busying themselves along the dock. Check the market for waterline models and ship kits (people like Revell and Tamiya specialise in military themes). That monochrome image of the quayside with cranes would have to be a 2 mm scale operation, unless you own Buck House...
Some inspiration may come from Bristol M Shed, still have track and cranes in place. Also have a running train and demonstions at some points during the year
The net lofts are less likely to be seen in a dock scene, rather than at the head of a south coast beach like Hastings (some good examples can be seen there).
For anyone seeing this when searching. For East Anglia in the LNER time you could have a sentinel shunter (I think the Dapol one is an LNER one) and in BR times a class 04 would be seen.
Thanks for the video! The link isn't working unfortunately. I'm interested in the stone harbour walling here and only see piling walls on your website. Can you post the link please?
Hi great video, thanks! What is the name of the harbour granite walling...I think you said "Chooch Enterprises". I am not familiar with that manufacturer. I am based in Australia, but I assume I can purchase direct from you?
Hi David I read somewhere that a crafty way to do it is with dass clay, separated temporarily from the rails by cardboard until set, but imprinted whilst soft using the end of a disused biro tube, which when pressed gently into the surface create a cobble - so you press it lots and lots to get an area covered. I am hoping to do this on my own layout when I get to building the dockside part..