Friday Update: Ten Seven Twenty-six...

As you read this I will be meandering my way along the A5 heading towards the border, England, Shrewsbury, Kidderminster and south to Bath. Lucky for you, I wrote this yesterday (!) and it has been a busy week, not least because of getting ready for Larkrail tomorrow...

More narrow gauge models kick things off this week - a pair of NGG16 power trucks assembled using RT Models valve gear and the cylinders from the Tucker kit (which need gentle modification for this to work). I've built six of these this week (!!) and don't want to see another valve gear rivet for a while! There are a couple of tricks to ensure these conversions don't ruin the good running of the donor mechanism - and I've done enough of these to know my way around what to use a rivet on and when to solder a pin. The result, I hope, lifts the appearance of the kit substantially, and is worth all of the effort.

I am working on a series of Manning Wardles over the next few weeks (not surprisingly, considering the etched cab roofs have arrived). One example that isn't getting a roof conversion is this one - renamed and with a Modelu crew, she'll be weathered up next week. I can offer my customisation and weathering service on any new Rapido model via my trade account - and offer a one stop shop for you, whilst your purchase of the model via me also supports what I do here - get in touch if any of the future releases catch your eye - even if you don't want it weathering, I can offer you a competitive price for source and supply.

The bench is incredibly busy at the moment. Models queuing up in the their final stages - the pair of 02s are heading for weathering (as is the Manning Wardle, pictured too). The North Korean diesel has just had some customers etched plates fitted, so is done - as has the the NG15. The NGG16 needs a few details painting and the custom SAR/SAS decals applying (when they arrive in the next few days). I've ordered a few spares and these will go up for sale via Light Railway Stores in due course.

This bag of parts is the start of another large scale commission - an exciting railbus project that has taken too long to get to this stage - expect some rapid progress over the summer.

The big news of course is prep for Larkrail is ongoing - and Coalbridge Street now has some legs!!

(Yes the sheet needs an iron). This 'exhibition' setup is an IKEA 190cm Lack shelf which ably supports both the layout and new fiddle yard safely and securely. I think it looks alright - I'm stood above it on a step here - the layout is infant, just below eye level for me so should be alright for most viewers at Larkrail.

I've had to check it all fits in the car (!), and you can see, despite this being the smallest VW you can buy, it does!! Great news - I didn't have a plan B! Finally, a last minute addition to the stock roster, I can't resist a Kadee box car and this Maryland and Pensyllvania ex UP example was too good to miss - I'm hoping I can finish off the weathering today!

So, perhaps I will see you tomorrow at the show, but if not, do not fear, I will take some photos and share them perhaps on Sunday. Whatever your plans though, I hope you have a good weekend. Until next time, wish me safe travels, more soon...

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