We know the destination - a number of loco kits are to be completed - but where are we starting from? Here's a picture of the Hall of Shame - the incomplete and much neglected kits.

From left to right we have:

A High Level Models RSH Saddle tank; a Mercian Models 16" Barclay; a Judith Edge BR Barclay 06 diesel shunter; and a High Level Models Neilson Piano Tank.

Each is in a different stage of completion, although looking at the photo I'm beginning to see a common sticking point.

RSH Saddle Tank

This is the closest to being complete. I have all the main sub-assemblies ready. It's really just a matter of bringing them together, running her in and then painting. Obviously there are some details to go on too, but this really shouldn't take long (famous last words!).

16" Barclay

From the photo it would appear that there's not too much to do on this one either, but looking in the box at what is left of the etches has me concerned that not all the parts are there. If they are, then I'm having trouble identifying some of them! It could be that I'll need to try and work out what is missing and send off to Mercian for some replacement parts. Also, I need a motor and gearbox for her - the motor I had in mind has gone elsewhere, and the gearbox didn't fit the way I expected it to. This one may take a while ...

Neilson Piano Tank

This is the most incomplete, but I do have everything I need to finish her. Comparison of this photo with the one above will show that I have even made some progress since this picture was taken (about 18 months ago), adding the bufferbeams and dumb buffers, the chimney and some other details, and the cab-back!

BR Barclay 06

This Judith Edge kit needs me to send the OO jackshaft back and wait for a replacement part to enable me to complete her in P4. How hard could that be? Everything else I need is in the box.

So, my aim is to complete these 4 locos, before I start any new projects.

BTW - there is a 5th incomplete loco lurking in a box on the shelf. It may appear here in due course!