I have just returned from the Bristol 7mm show and a good day was had. An excellent turnout of traders, layouts and visitors.

My major purchase of the day was my next loco kit, a Connoisseur LMS 4F. I had already bought the wheels and pickups, so the kit is complete with the same motor gearbox as on the Jinty. I also visited several other stands and made new friends along the way.

I also bought a carrying case for the 4F, made by Parkwood Arts. Although I don't need it yet, the exhibition price is extremely good value because there is no shipping cost involved.

We watched Modelu3D's Alan Buttler do a 3D scan and then edit it on screen. He gave me a trial 3D LMS loco lamp to test and I will be in the market for a few sets (four white plus one red jewels) when they are officially released. More figures are in the works.

Another stand I really enjoyed was Laurie Griffiths with his inside working valve gear kits. It would be really neat to install a set in one of my future locomotives. He even has a kit for the Midland Compound. It certainly seems a lot more attainable for me than the 00 Gauge Brassmaster's 4F (which I think is a very tight fit into an 00 gauge frame).

At Eileens Emporium I was advised to wait until the 5-12" folding bars come back into stock before ordering one. This is perfect for most 0 Gauge needs. But I did buy a 2" engineers square, something my tool box has lacked for ages.