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Interesting article. I have previously held subs with both MR and RM. However, I recently ditched them and now subs to NGIRMR. If I see another mag I like during a month, I pick up a print copy. I've tried online issues but, like books on Kindles etc, find I don't take in the info as well. Sitting with a mag, a cup of tea and chocolate digestive can be the perfect end to a day.

But building stock is great fun! Excellent work, Luke.

The shed looks superb, wonderful work!

Morning all. Today is always bitter sweet. I used to work as a 1:1 teaching assistant supporting a little girl who was rather poorly. Four years ago today she succumbed to her illness, aged just 10. However, in 10 years I think she lived more than a lot do in a long lifetime. Today always stirs up a mix of emotions, lots of sadness, yes, but also a range of happy memories about a child who was determined to live life to the full, no matter what. I have a 3 week old son who, one day, I will tell all about the inspirational little girl I once knew.

More excellent work, James.

More top notch modeling James. How long does it take you to work on each loco?

Sat with a colicky 12 day old, watching Mr Bean.

That Mainline 37... giggidy, giggidy, giggidy!

Very nice. Lots of space and a lovely feel throughout. I'd echo the comments about an all-over shot, please.

Work has progressed on the bandroom, but I think it will stall now due to a new arrival in the family, yesterday. Still, give the little lad a couple of years and it will be someone to play trains with!

Scott, Sorry to hear of your troubles over the past few years. Your original Bocott (the 6-foot plank) was a big inspiration for me and I always enjoy looking at your work and marvelling at the speed you do things. I'm glad this forum and the people on it have been of use to you in the darkest moments. Onwards and upwards! And looking forward to seeing the Colas beauties!

Agreed. Parkside kits are super. To enable getting things flat I use a blank CD as a mat to work on.

The Barclay looks superb, Luke. I recall when you built Cronton you didn't want to weather your J94 for fear of ruining it. You've come a very long way with your skills. Great work.

Only if it does work, of course

Phil Parker's 'Layout in a Box' uses this track plan and might be a source of inspiration. Good start, keep the updates coming!

I've never run mine on DCC to be honest, but I found them to be excellent runners. Gutted for you.

Lovely loco. I've had a few and always regretted moving them on.

More progress on the Colliery Bandroom recently. I've painted and quite heavily dry-brushed the band room. It still needs more work though, with a few more shades adding, as well as a wash to pull it together. The same can be said of the walling. It needs more greys and a wash adding too. There has been some static grass added, as well as some fencing which has also been dry-brushed. All told though, it's coming together, I feel. Slowly, but surely. One thing that needs attention though: that horrific join between the cobble sets.

Interesting concept, particularly for those starved of space. Wondering if you could fit similar into 2 feet in 00 gauge. Always enjoy seeing your models.

A great description of the operational qualities. Looking forward to seeing more!

Excellent. You've done this in the time it's taken me to barely do anything in a cakebox! Glad the fencing is recommended, I've got that kit for the aforementioned box. Wonderful work, keep it up.

Ridiculous! Ridiculously good, that is!

A really good start. It has a feel of SDJR7F88's Compton Quay about it with the track plan and the buildings used. With the limited space available, I'd be tempted to go 'pointless' and just use two straight tracks to maximise shunting potential and running room. Search for Simplicity Sidings on the web and you'll see what I mean. However, as I said earlier, a really super start. Looking forward to seeing more.

As a now somewhat retired brass musician, I don't play anywhere near as much as I once did. However, back in the 'height' of my playing career I purchased a Conn Trombone with a rose gold bell. The idea is that the rose gold gives a mellower, warmer tone (ideal for someone once describing as sounding like a chainsaw by a less than forgiving MD). Personally, I always prefer the look of the silver instruments. The Besson Prestige range are all absolutely beautiful instruments to look at.

There has been some more progress on the Colliery Band Room diorama. I’ve laid the cobbles and weathered them too, a simple wash of black paint. I’ll add a few extra shades in time to make a less uniform finish. The join between the cobble sheets isn’t great, so I’m going to try and cover it. The plan is to add some tufts of grass for starters. Also done, but not photographed, is the stone walling around the band room.