Friday Update: Twenty-nine Five Twenty-six...

Welcome to the end of the world - well, not quite, we made it through the heat wave (just about) and the school holidays, time to take a breath, get a cold drink and sit down to find out what's been happening here in the workshop...

You may have noticed some subtle re-design on the blog in recent weeks. I've given 'my brands' a refresh to become 'projects' and some of these are also now listed in the menu (or on the left if you're on a computer). Why? Design should evolve, and this is an opportunity to get excited about what I'm working on at the moment and make that more prominent for you all to discover yourselves. Ribbons feels like it probably has legs for a third issue, Journey Log is my new favourite thing (although perhaps not yours as I've only had a handful sign up since my post mid week). Light Railway Stores? Well after many years working together with Steve I'm now officially a director, so it seems only sensible to publicise a business that has given us such financial agency to undertake so many different projects and adventures over the past 10+ years. 

The Layography is new too - and this is as much for my benefit as yours! I often look for a link to a layout project, and had until now, to search for it each time. Now, I can visit the page and copy the link - for you it's a chance to remember some old friends and perhaps discover a few new ones.

So beyond that self indulgence, what else has been happening this week? 

We kicked off with a header photo showing the pair of IoW 02s I've built from Alan Gibson kits fully assembled and ready for paint. These have been a challenge at times, and working on two of everything is not quite as easy I had imagined - I have the utmost respect for anyone who does a repetitive task, to a high standard, for a living. For me, as a creative, an artisan, I prefer the one off... but now they're ready for paint that is where this really happens - as each takes on it's own identify beyond the brass and white metal parts that form the core... 

More exciting - the news that 'The Art of Weathering' is moving into reality. I've long had ambitions to create this book and began collecting ideas and then models last year. In the past fortnight though I've finished off the first two chapters, started the 'case study' modelling and writing these up - this forms the bulk of the title. It is exciting to see this take shape; as I work through sections I lay them out as I go giving me the energy and motivation to continue. The result is a work that is a lot quicker to complete than a traditional book production process - so, with a prevailing wind you might be reading it on Christmas Day! I've sent a few good friends a few test pages and have had overwhelmingly positive feedback so it feels like I'm on the right track (excuse the pun) with it, more soon I promise...

Alan at Modelu saw my posts on Facebook and Instagram about the Rapido Manning Wardles last week and sent over some figures for my assessment (which I've shared - only minor changes to one of the four crew figures proposed). I will be painting these up today so that Chris and the team can use them in Modelu social media. It is lovely to be able to support, and be supported by other artisan manufacturers. I love what they do AND how they do it.

Another exciting delivery this week was a pair of Peco GVT coaches in the Light Railway Stores commissioned GWR livery. We did something similar a few years ago, these are an improved re-working of the concept and the perfect match to the Rapido GW stock we have arriving this summer. Now, the big question is, what do I use to pull it all? Pictured here alongside the Llanfyllin and Llangynog station building - this is destined for a joint 009 layout that Steve and I are planning - which I am looking forward to contributing to throughout the year.

I have been designing decals again. This is more than just a digital process, above showing an early stage of the 'work in progress'. Measuring, printing, checking original artwork - there are a few tweaks to be made to improve the size and position of some of the text and graphic images here. These are European N gauge road rail trailers for a customer in Spain. I am also doing some re-finishing work on some sleeper coaches and an electric locomotive for him too - which I will share more of next week, I'm sure. 

I'm slipping a few personal decals onto the sheet too - including the TerraTransport markings for my GMD SD40 project - which I must tell you all about over the weekend.

Tuesday saw a day out on the rails - and Crewe, which is ALWAYS windy (I thought) was roasting. Over 31 degrees and no breeze what-so-ever! It was a trip for my son's birthday, so we travelled on a few routes neither of us had completed, to tick off some lines in his Rail Atlas. Travelling by train is a wonderful way to see the world - I was struck by how much variety there still is to be seen out of the window, and still, so many exciting things to spot! Progress Rail at Stoke, Arriva Traincare at Crewe - the almost 'branchline' feel to some of the Crewe to Stockport line... a great day out and all by Northern.

The weekend brings the Llangollen's 80s weekend. Sadly no visiting locomotives, but equally, a chance to get all the toys out and play with them. I am looking forward to a ride or two - as well as a few beers on the terrace at Glyndyfrdwy over the weekend. If you're attending, do let me know and I'd be happy to meet and say hello...  normal(ish) service will resume next week - but until next time, I hope you all have a relaxing few days - cooler few days too - and more soon...

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