Easing back into things...

It's only been seven and a half years since the last blog post, but I have been quite busy...
Here's a video of a recent steam-up to ease back into things...!

Spring is around the corner...

So time for a steam up!!! Newly fitted gas filler valve all working nicely :-)

New Gas Filler Valves

Ordered some new gas filler valves for the Accucraft, as she's been venting when filling... Hoping for a steam up this weekend if the weather's OK...

Video: Moors Valley Railway

Here's a video of a recent trip to the 71/4" gauge Moors Valley Railway, near Ringwood, Hampshire - well worth a visit if your in that part of the world...

Video: Spring 2010 on the W & L Lt.Rly.

New video of recent running on the Worthies & Littleton Light Railway...

Early Influences - Bekonscot

Family outing to Bekonscot Model Village today. I went there aged 5 on my first school outing, and thought the place was magical. Not much has changed (either at Bekonscot, or my reaction to the place!). Although neither the buildings or the trains are finescale or overly detailled, both ooze charm, wonderfully evocative of 30's - 50's home counties. The automated railway control system they have built is very impressive (although I'd love to see a few Aster live steam main-line locos doing the business there!)

Lovely to see my son have a similar reaction to mine on his first visit. I wonder how much my first visit might have in some small way lead to the railway I now have in my garden?!

Stoneleigh 2010

A cracking day out at the 16mm Association show at Stoneleigh today! The highlight for me was seeing Edward Sholto 'in the metal'. Loads of traders (all seemingly doing good business?), not so many layouts, but a few favourites, including Indian Hill, Nant Mawr, and of course all of the Hunslets on Jack Lane :-)



I managed to keep spending vaguely under control; some nameplates from John Lythgoe for the MMS (after my youngest), some replacement silicone tubing for water fill valves (badly needed), and a bargain 'end of line' 4 wheel coach from I.P.



Shot a bit of video, will post once edited!