Yesterday I came across this fantastic image, purely by chance. I have sent a copy to the MRS to see if anyone can shed any light on it. I can't think there can be any copyright issues with reproducing it.

All I know is that it came from a local family collection, it was taken circa 1905, is somewhere in Long Eaton and get this : it is thought to mark the occasion of the end of shunting with horses on the old Midland.

What interests me in particular, is that my maternal great grandfather was driving a 1F in this area at that time, and there are 2 in the photo, unusual in itself I suspect.

I can only wonder...

I have done only a little on my layout since the last post.

The 1F is now ready for the motor, but it is not yet fitted. I am considering putting a resistor in the circuit as it seems to help on my first 0-6-0T.

The Johnson goods sngine has been tested throught the pointwork and runs through ok, without derailing, though I still have a couple of slight wobbles in places.

Lastly, I have tried a bit of ballasting on a 6" section at the end of the board.

The ballast used is scenics, and I've gone for the lighter, slightly buff colour, as I think with a light final wash of grey, it should give about the look I'm after.

The thinned latex is odd, it seems to have left some rubbery bits

on the sleepers, which seems like they will peel off easily.

Bye for now.

Chris