Wow. I've managed to get through an entire calendar year without adding so much as a word to this blog. This is going to change: the modelling mojo is strong right now and I'm adopting a more organised approach to this whole business. In a shameless ploy to attract more readers I've also added a link here to my signature file; but the quid pro quo is that there has to be stuff for them to read. Look at that: they're not even here yet and already I feel a sense of obligation towards them.

So, what's happened since last time? What, exactly, have I done since October 2011?

• All of my Farish BYAs have had their underframes modified to improve running, as per a previous post
  
• Since I finished the RTR buying-in of steel coil wagons about two years ago, I've moved on to buying the required RTR scrap metal wagons. There aren't that many of these - 10 Farish MBAs - and these are now all on hand.
  
• I've acquired a couple of DMUs - a Farish class 150 and a Dapol 156. Both are in base liveries that suit my modelling period and place, but the 150 will need to have the logos replaced with Northern Rail ones.
  
• The production batch of IHA coil wagons is oozing its way towards completion. They've actually progressed by leaps and bounds recently (which doesn't say much for the progress over the preceding twelve months, but never mind).
  
• I've ordered an Ultima kit for a BR Mk.1 inspection saloon, which will be built as no. 999506 "Amanda", as running between 2003 and 2007 in maroon livery with "Railtrack" lettering and cast nameplates
  
• Under the influence of RMWebber Scouser999, I've resolved to at least make a start on a layout. I think that having somewhere to run stock will help to keep the mojo in its current state of rude health. I find building stock very satisfying (not, note, always "fun") but seeing it run is more important than I've sometimes allowed in the past.
  

So: new year, new attitude. The future starts here.