Friday Update: Twenty-nine Eleven Twenty-four…

Back to the workbench in earnest this week, and as a change to the 009 and large scale builds I’ve swapped the craft knife for a soldering iron…

This, I believe, is a Taff Vale Models L&Y goods van. An unusual prototype to my eyes - with it’s almost American bogies! So far, I’ve followed the instructions but the next stage is fitting the body and roof together and there are some peculiar steps I need to ‘dry run’ before making the joints semi-permanent with solder! The finer details I suspect I’ll add with superglue at the end of the build to save my sanity!

In between times Coalbridge Street has seen the emergence of number 16 from the paint shop fresh in Claremont Concord colours. A few more touches to add before she is ready for weathering and then service but it is interesting, at least for me, to notice how not only does she fit in better on the layout, but my emotional connection to her has increased. This can only be a good thing - as she runs beautifully. This week has also seen some work on the back of the yard area - which I’ll write about seperately - and the Bachmann GE 45t has been stripped down and the paint removed so it can be repainted next week.

We’ve had another terribly cold spell here and whilst my toes may never forgive the concrete floor it does mean we get cool effects like this when the there has been a cloud inversion in the valley. We do live in a truly beautiful location - too often taken for granted when the waters are muddied by the daily grind.

After the excitement of the NEC last weekend this one should be a little more relaxed. No firm plans but hoping to enjoy the Class 26 and Pannier working Santa Specials and a trip over to Ruabon or Cefn Mawr to see the Class 37s hauling the WCRC Railtour that is heading for Chester. I’m sure some gentle model making too - along with the puppies first walk, all being well! Until next time, wherever you are, have a great weekend. More soon…

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