Friday Update: Twenty-six Twelve Twenty-five…

Looks like we made it, welcome to the post-Christmas update. Back to normal holiday mode, girls still in bed, house quiet, two sleeping dogs for company and a hot coffee… 

It’s crisp outside. These dogs need a walk. As a grown up I have responsibilities, to take care of others but one thing that has changed for the better is I always get what I ask for because I buy it myself!

As a young child I’d look keenly over the handful of wrapped presents eyeing each box and assessing the likelihood of a train inside. I memorably received a Network SouthEast Class 47 one year and I remember later getting a Class 60 and finally a Class 59. I’m sure my SW1500 was a present one year too… anyhow, how terribly middle class to be worried about model trains for Christmas. I was warm, well fed with a stable family and roof over my head. I had no real problems.

So whilst the presents here are no surprise they are a reminder of those childhood experiences… that said I was pleasantly surprised by the Sprinter’s arrival. I thought it unlikely Rails would get it to me in time but they were quick and Royal Mail efficient.

The Farish 150 is beautiful. A gorgeous paint finish, lovely detail and impeccable running straight out of the box. A memory machine in the making, I can’t wait to breathe some life into her… 

The EFE Austerity is somewhat cheaper - a plasticy yet detailed finish. Lovely fine lining but clumsy nameplate. Not smooth though; after running in, dismantling, adjusting and careful prodding she’s acceptable. Certainly not quiet, but she weighs almost nothing; no metal body parts at all, just the chassis block. Even the motor retaining plate is plastic! I’m sure a coat of dirt and some custom nameplates will make her feel part of the home fleet… 

Beyond the models I picked up a few more Michael Rhodes albums. Some of the photos are duplicated from old ‘Freight Only’ but they are lovely soft back publications packed full of nostalgic photographs, well researched captions and a touch of Michael’s personality, all rather wonderful yet a meloncholic experience as almost everything pictured is gone… both industries that employed people, gave men a sense of purpose and community, and a regular wage in their pocket - in most photos the comment ‘now a housing estate’ begins to stick in the throat. This isn’t a political commentary, but it is a sad realisation that we perhaps lost more than we realised in the name of progress…

A day on my own ahead as Janey heads off to see family, I’m dog sitting. My mind naturally wanders to the railway… nothing running here, nothing running on the mainline - although I gather the Severn Valley is - but that’s probably a bit far realistically! Especially since Saturday will see me heading to Cardiff on the train! Perhaps then dog walks and modelmaking with left over Christmas dinner is the order of the day?

Wherever you are, I hope you enjoyed the day, and thank you once again for the support. The Sprinter was a treat from some of the YouTube advert revenue and the Austerity from Buymeacoffee supporters. These little ‘treats’ not only make it feel the blog worthwhile  but give us all something to enjoy here too… time machines disguised as little toys…

Until next time, more soon…

Support my work

I love writing and creating material for the blog. If you enjoy what you read and engage with I would be appreciative of any donation, large or small, to help me keep it advert and restriction free. Alternatively, feel free to buy me a coffee.