This entry to my blog doesn't have any pictures, not because I haven't got things to take pictures, of, but just because I haven't taken any yet!

The latest instalment of the J17 is most frustrating. The loco has taken a very long time to build; I started it some 15 years or so, and it was the first chassis I'd tried to build using compensation. Some of the quality of my workmanship was sadly lacking in the skill department, so the chassis didn't really run as well as I'd liked - it ran forward OK but wouldn't run backwards properly.

When I looked closely at the chassis, there was quite a lot of play in the bearings, to the point where the driven axle could move backwards and forwards, even though the bearing itself was soldered in the chassis! As I'd used MJT detailed hornblocks (in case, prophetically, I needed to take the chassis apart!) I've taken the bearings out and replaced them - I've now got to put the wheels back in and get it running sweetly.

As well as swearing at the J17, I've been working on the E4 that I've been building and have started building the tender. The loco itself runs sweetly enough but there's quite a bit of detailing work to do - I will take some pictures of that and post them in the next entry to this blog.

I've also started putting transfers on the Thompson 6W PBV - I've tried both HMRS Pressfix transfers and Fox - I personally prefer Fox as they work so much better for me. The instructions say to put a drop of washing up liquid in warm water - having done that, the transfers are very easy to get off the backing sheet and slide in to place. Again, I'll take some pictures shortly and post them here.

The last thing I've been working on is a Gresley 51ft non-corridor pigeon brake van. This is an Ian Kirk kit that I've had in the store for some time. I've used MJT compensated bogies and I've added one of their turnbuckle underframes. I've also used some of their etchings to add door steps in the solebars and the guard's ducket to one side (No, I don't know why they only put the ducket on one side - if someone can elucidate, I'd love to hear your theory), while I used Dave Franks (Lanarkshire Model Supplies) buffers and vac pipes - they're very good quality and I'll definitely be using them again. The model is now built (finished last night) and ready for the paint shop - again I will take some pictures and post them here shortly.

I'm really pleased to say that I'm thoroughly enjoying my modelling at the moment, so there should hopefully be another update to the blog shortly.

Happy modelling!

Phil