Hi all, I've just realised I've been commenting rather than blogging, must be my age . Anyway for completeness here is my latest entry (again). More tea would help I think.

So now then where was I... Yes my old Hornby R152 08 Shunter, but what are my intentions I hear you say, well I might if you said it. First thing is to see if I can get it to run. Having not run for over 40 years before I put it on the track a check, I think it would be preferable to give it a service, at least that way I'm giving the old Gronk the best chance of showing me what she can do.

One screw at the back, I note now that apart form the obvious 40 year of dirt there is a bit of damage to the rear around the screw. I'm guessing this is a weak spot, will need to repair this. Should give me a bit of practise. Ideas welcome, but my initial thought are to glue a bit of thin plastic over the area from the inside, and then fill the gap with modelling putty? As the long term aim is to re-spray the engine this repair would be covered / hidden at this time.

With the screw loose, (please...) and now finally out I can lift the body away and find out what we have inside...

Umm not too bad there is an engine and... well there is an engine. On further inspection I note the following:

• Brushes are missing
• Brush spring / clip and insulation strip are missing
• Wire has detached from...
• Oil pads are dry
  

Hey don't I sound like I know what I'm talking about, and quick shout out and I'm pointed in the direction of Peter's spares, so on line and we have new brushes and spring / clip and insulation strip on order. But... Oh where oh where should that wire go?

Another shout out and I'm pointed in the direction of... The servicing sheet, so kettle on and time to pull the sheet out from my very efficient filing system. I should find it in file R152 -