How long back do you think you would have to go to have seen a 60, followed by a 56, followed by a 37, going up the Lickey in the space of 15 minutes? 5 years, 10 years? Try two days! Many thanks to my pal Mark for alerting me to that one. It's a shame the weather wasn't great for pictures but the trip was worth it just for the listening pleasure.

In the sound lab the 73 is just about finished and about to be 'beta tested'. As with the real thing you can switch between diesel and electric on the hoof. A moment of inspiration led me to full user-control of the two-speed exhauster using a single function key. That will have to be retro-fitted to the 33 project...more work! As usual the project features all the usual v4 goodies including different horns, doors and buffer clash in either direction, variable speed flange squeal etc

Looking ahead I think I've settled on the 67 as the next project for the v4 treatment, in readiness for the upgraded Hornby model. I've been reviewing my source material (recorded at Bounds Green) and there's some good stuff in there including a failed start, compressor speed-up etc, all good v4 fare.