Wow, thanks folks, info there I was unaware of, looks like I can strike track ends off the list. So that narrows it down to EBB versus longish horizontal dropouts versus sliding dropouts. It will be v or canti brakes so I do like an option that would mean pads didn't need adjusting. Sliding drops would mean pad adjustments unless the slide was angled, or am I being confused?
Hmmm, EBB really appeals, neat and tidy, ticks all the boxes. But, following a bit of reading up, and Rogers post, I'm concerned re reliability and longevity. If they need a lot of TLC then maybe I'm not a good partner for them.
Horizontal drops, I've got them on two bikes already, stick with what I know, don't go getting all fangled and modern on myself. Though I do use chaintugs(I think they're called) on both sides.
I will continue to read and ponder, will consult in detail with frame builder when final decision is made. I think I'm getting close now, I can't see more than another 20 mind changes ahead of me
....thanks for the help again.....Al