Bl**dy short circuit is proving difficult to find. I have ripped up several areas of unballasted track and disconnected virtually all power; still it prevails. Net result is I will take the opportunity to start from scratch with the power BUS in the hope that this addresses both the short circuit and dead/low power areas. Consequence is little immediate likelihood of further operations; the title of my post yesterday obviously tempted fate too much. In an effort to calm my temper I have made exited the model room and drafted this further post which, given the on going problems, might be the last one for a little while!

Progress arrives on WHL 3 in the form of a (Hornby) mark 3 sleeper and (converted Hornby 25) ETHEL. In line with BR's plans for the complete replacement of steam heating and the sleeper renewal programme, mark 3 sleepers will commence operation in the near future. Partly correct, I have sufficient timetable information to run any year between 1980 and 1985 that I choose. This means that I can run any option of mark 1 sleeper plus mark 1 coaches, mark 3 sleeper with ETHEL plus mark 1 coaches or mark 3 sleeper, ETHEL and mark 2D coaches as a separate train depending on my chosen year of operation.

Testing of both coach and ETHEL is currently taking place; below both are seen at Fort William yard during a layover. Also photographed during the same day were:

37003 on 6S56, aluminium hoppers from Blyth to Alcan Aluminium at Fort William seen at Garelochead x 3

37191 on 1B10, at Ardlui on the summer dated Glasgow - Mallaig service x 5

37085 on 1T13, also at Ardlui with the first service of the day from Oban x 5

West Highland branded stock waits at Fort William for a loco. (it should be steam but until Hornby do a green version of their K1, I am sticking to diesel haulage!)

37014 on 1T24 at Bridge of Orchy, the first down train from Mallaig x 2