Back in July I mentioned I'd got a T Gauge signal box kit. Well now it is finished Not perfect but i'm pleased. Close up photos show the excessive glue everywhere (I need a syringe or other controllable delivery system next time) but in the flesh it looks good. The kit has a row of signal levers inside plus a stove. More details and photos here http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/115421-etched-brass-signal-box-kit/?p=2449816

I'm pleased overall as it was my first attempt at an etched kit and it was a bit masochistic to try this as a first attempt. Next time I'll go for something in my own scale of 4mm! Unsurprisingly it took a lot of time for what is a tiny kit.

Back in the real world I have been travelling on London Overground and gazing out of the window there are excellent modelling opportunities for stations and scenarios. I will go back at one weekend get photos. Bit tricky during the week as trains are rammed. Very interesting station layouts, the transition from OHL to 3rd rail, plus at at Gunnersbury the Overground and Underground merge so you have 3 and 4 rails meeting. Some of the stations are quite curious, I think it is Gospel Oak that has the two lines meeting. At the eastern end the tracks split and are surrounded by trees, with a brick lift tower descending towards the street, but at rail level it is like being a forest. Could be an interesting one to model the junction with the rural/urban mix. Sadly the line to Barking is being electrified so I guess that is the end of the DMU's from Gospel Oak

Back at Romford the Robel machine does appear to have moved for months - either that or they park it back in precisely the same spot each time and wash it! Seems to be a lot of money sitting there. Shenfield, Chadwell Heath etc are also still having new track laid, and they have been replacing or removing track at Ilford EMD this week next to the main line. A line of MHA's and similar were top and tailed by two Freightliner 66's as they dug out the old ballast. Meanwhile another FL 66, 66585 "The Drax Flyer" has been sat in the siding in front of the Shenfield Shark for most of the week. [updated for correct loco number - 66585 is still there as of 4/10/16 if anyone is looking for it!]

And finally the Bachmann 66's arrived from the London Transport Museum this week, thanks to Holly there for dealing with my chopping and changing to the order. They are very nice indeed. This follows buying a ATW 150 from Paul, a fellow RMWebber, who responded when I mentioned their non-availability the other week in another thread. Couple of good results. And the Christmas list is now complete with several items yet to be released - a Dapol 68 and the Bachmann Highland Observation Car. Sorely tempted by the Kernow 4-TC and a matching Heljan 33/1 but not cheap and not my modelling area at all, but it is an attractive set that might have passed through on a railtour. Despite having no interest as such in modelling Welsh railways I've added the new Hornby ATW 153 to my Realtrack ATW 143 and my complete ATW 67 & DVT set, and I think a Hattons 121 in ATW colours will complete the set! Just like the livery....