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McTears auctions have a selection of 12 Vi-Trains class 37s that have not generated much interest so there might be a bargain to be had: https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auction-catalogues/mctears-gallery1842/catalogue-id-srmct11947?searchTerm=Train&whereToSearch=%2Fen-gb%2Fauction-catalogues%2Fmctears-gallery1842%2Fcatalogue-id-srmct11947 Being sold in pairs, starting price of £50 per pair. Happy hunting!

Based on the following HMRC guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/reporting-rules-for-digital-platforms/reporting-rules-for-digital-platforms most people will be unaffected by the new regulations. As noted it is part of an international (OECD) drive to address tax evasion. Looks like the measure is intended to catch "businesses" that use digital platforms to generate revenues but don't declare them. It looks like any tax burden would be subject to corporation tax or income tax in the case of a sole trader. Having said that, there are instances where Capital Gains Tax or Inheritance Tax still might apply, as mentioned earlier. At this (early) stage, HMRC have only estimated the cost (£36mm pa for the 24 FTE needed to oversee it), with no estimate of the additional tax revenue it might generate. Seems pretty much unpoliceable unless there are very clear cut instances of individuals not declaring the income, probably more likely on platforms like AirBnB?

I only use Glue'nGlaze on smaller windows, it does not look very convincing on larger ones and can be difficult to get the film to cover larger apertures.

Modelbahnunion are offering the BR Turbomotive for equivalent of £150, including P&P (DHL) - but not including UK import duty. https://www.modellbahnunion.com/OO-gauge/steam-loco-Princess-Royal-Class-The-Turbomotive-46202-BR.htm?shop=modellbahn-union-en&a=article&ProdNr=Hornby-R30135&p=1063 The DCC sound version is only £192, including P&P (DHL) - https://www.modellbahnunion.com/OO-gauge/steam-loco-Princess-Royal-Class-The-Turbomotive-46202-BR-Digital-Sound.htm?shop=modellbahn-union-en&a=article&ProdNr=Hornby-R30135TXS&p=1063

I have used tippex in the past. Needs to be left a while to dry, but can be sanded and shaped as required

This Timeshift episode from 2013 popped up in my BBC iPlayer playlist today: Timeshift, Series 12: 7. The Joy of (Train) Sets: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01q9vhy via @bbciplayer

I have a Jackson Evans replacement chimney for a Brit. I think it was from a whole range of parts they produced to improve the original tender drive version. May have to see if I can fit it.

Is it feasible for Hornby to make a tweak to the tooling to refine the chimney or is it a separate fitting? They changed the chimney on the Royal Scot following criticism of the original issue. Was this part of Hornby's design clever initiative. Other manufacturers make changes based on response to customer feedback (Accurascale's Deltic for example). I think a good analogy might be car manufacturing, where new, enhanced models appear almost every year. The basic shape remains the same, but things are refined, new technology added and customer feedback addressed. With so many popular classes now available RTR, perhaps manufacturers need to look to a programme of renewal and continuous improvement to drive future sales? Stephen

Modellbahnunion still has a few offers on various UK manufacturers, including DCC ready Bachmann 9Fs for €166.92, which is roughly £143.90. Remember UK customs rule is to levy duty on imports over £135 in value. https://www.modellbahnunion.com/OO-gauge/steam-loco-Standard-9F-BR1F-Tender-92184-BR.htm?shop=modellbahn-union-en&a=article&ProdNr=Bachmann-32-859B&p=1063

Hi Tony, Havee you checked Steve Banks' website? https://www.steve-banks.org/gcr/344-gcr-carriages-matchboard Stephen

Thanks Grahame, Has anyone seen one lately in their local model shop, or does anyone have an unmade example to purchase ? Best, Stephen

Does anyone know what happened to the Metcalfe Water tower kit (in 4mm)? I have been looking for one for ages without success. I even have a saved search on ebay, but none have come up for months - unbuilt ones that is. Finally decided to go to their website to order one and its no longer listed. Any one any the wiser? Steve

Expect we will see a few unbuilt DJH ones appear on ebay in the weeks ahead

Yikes! Shows how long it's been since I looked on their website.

I was watching an AG version on Ebay a few weeks back. Bidding topped out at over £46, a bit too rich for my taste. I think the Brassmasters version retails at about £40.

I believe it is, yes

I replaced the collet on one of mine with a genuine Dremel replacement drill chuck from Amazon - just screws straight onto the thread and is far superior - I think it cost me about £10 - but it was a few years back!

Another vote for Lidl/Parkside. I have a cordless Dremel too, but they are on a par. Steve

No worries - they aren't going anywhere any time soon. Steve

I can supply you a complete assembly of the motor and wheels for a very reasonable sum plus postage - £10 in total. Just replace the existing mechanism and wire it up - its a few screws and a couple of solder joints to complete the installation. Steve

I recently needed to take an old lawnmower to the recycling site, but it needed to be emptied of petrol. Tipped the petrol into some old tupperware and left it out to evaporate, rather than pouring down the drain. Next morning, there must have been half the slug population of Kent in there. I know you can use beer in a slug trap but petrol worked a treat!

To close this out. Channel Packet arrived safely today - total cost £126.17 including P&P from Germany. No duty or VAT to pay as it fell under the HMRC threshold of £135 (excl. postage). So a very nice model at a very nice price.

Actually, I have a few of those, which also include the tender cover.

Also available RTR from Dapol/Model Rail I think?