I decided that I would take a rest from modelling over the Christmas period. The usual health niggles during winter months (“it’s your age” says my GP) have made that a longer break than wanted, and getting Honley Tank (workshop) to a comfy temperature here on the Pennines takes time and costly electricity.

To limit that cost I’ve been computing away like an idiot, driven by this urge to produce etching drawings. So I have been active, but in the warmer climes of our ‘office’. That used to be the visitor bedroom but was converted to a craft room for Margaret some years ago. Being part of the house proper, it’s on the central heating system so cost of heating it is negligible compared to the out-building which houses ‘The Tank’.

My progress with this drawing lark has been frustratingly slow and I now think that I set my sites too high,’ running before I could walk’ type of thing. My tutor took a long holiday abroad too, which added to the frustration, & I have decided that I should get back to my C13 chassis building and let those blasted '1s & 0s' look after themselves for a week or two.

However I should update you on my C13/14 body drawing project before I report how the chassis have progressed.

The various body parts are drawn, showing full and half etching, but I’m struggling at the best way to add etching tags and etching frames. However the body parts were printed onto card approximately 0.010” thick and trial built to ensure that my ideas would work. The following pics show the result, with UHU taking the place of solder,- not too well on the valance to running plate! The forward body is the C13 & the rear one is a C14, having wider tank & bunker.

The etching project is now having a rest until I can have a long session with my tutor and I hope to show you some pics of the chassis project next time.

Meanwhile enjoy your modelling; I’m off to Dean Hall for Manchester MRS AGM; what joy!!!!!

Dave.