I've temporarily suspended all work in P4 for the time being, including work on 'Callow Lane', in order to get a few things done in OO.

'Engine Wood' is appearing at Railex this May, and there are a few loco and rolling stock projects I've been wanting to get done for a little while in time for the show.

I also need to make a minor adjustment to the curve coming out of the main fiddle yard and into the tunnel. This may need a baseboard spacing piece of (say) 6" in width inserting between the fiddle yard board and the main scenic board, in order to ease the curve, although I am hoping that I can achieve the same result without having to do that.

Currently on the workbench is a black Bachmann BR Standard Class 3 2-6-2T. I think it was 82019, but can't tell now, because some Microsol has helped me remove the bunker numbers and lining and the early BR crest from the tank sides. It will be renumbered as 82044, which from 1963 had a unique livery, in that the numbers were on the cab sides inside the cab/side tank lining, and the bunker sides were plain.

My very grateful thanks to Tim Easter for the useful tip about how easy it is to get modern Bachmann and Hornby lining off by soaking the area concerned in Microsol for a short time.

I've also replaced the Bachmann bogie wheels with Ultrascale equivilents and have thinned down the guard irons.

Also waiting are some R-T-R coaches to be weathered - a pair of Bachmann Mark 1s in maroon and a pair of Hornby Maunsells in Southern Region green.