Well with a deadline looming I should be spending more time getting the layout up to a reasonable standard. However like most things there in always something in the way, and I don't mean the Domestic Overlord

The problem is the major jobs I need to complete are those little jobs that just eat up modelling time, and in the case of me and a soldering iron, lead to lots of burnt fingers and industrial language.

Still I managed to get the surface of the canal ready, or at least nearly ready, all it needs now is some surface ripples, just to make you think what lurks in the murky depths.

All I need to do now is finally finish the canal boats, paint/blend in all the white edges, add some form of loading scene and general clutter.

The problems started when I was playing, sorry testing, some of the trains to be used on the layout, and then one of my favourite locomotives a Jubilee decided it was a good time to shed its traction tyres.

Not to worry I though, it would give me the chance to finish off weathering one of the 10 coach rakes of Stannier coaches, great no matt black paint.

Ha I thought a little thing like this is not going to stop me, I would get my supply of head lamps out and fit them to some of the fleet, and yes you guessed it, they have suddenly vanished, into the black hole modelling.

It was at this point that I my safety valves just about lifted in time to stop me exploding The Domestic Overlord noticing my pending apocalyptic rage, suggested a nice day trip to Chester, and a fantastic time was had by both of us, that is until I visited a model shop.

Yes you guessed it while looking at endless boxes on shelves, I saw an LMS Ivatt 2-6-0 at a bargain price, and despite the pains in my wallet, I put my hands in my pocket, slapped the cash on the counter and walked out with a much wanted addition to the fleet.

Well that's what I would have done if I was not, as people have said "as tight as two coats of paint", I returned home empty handed and wishing I had just splashed the cash

God this railway modelling is a fun hobby, until the next time as ever happy modelling