iak

In the beginning...

A very enjoyable Sunday at the show. Hobbling around on sticks isn't fun but with the provision of the disabled lift, one can get to every floor. Be aware some traders are selling a lot of their products out, which must be good. I can highly recommend the full English Breakfast as well. Eating early helps avoid the Lunchtime stooshie.

Maybe I already have... I know Gibson do the right wheels so?

Well, Accurascale have done so for their Deltic and 37... Yes, they are diesels but they raised the bar to do so. SLW's Class 24s are another case in point.

Accurascale seem to have missed a trick to me. The Buckjumpers are going to be very popular probably and to have no replacement wheelsets from them is most disappointing. However, they could start communicating with some of the wheel manufacturers maybe?

Reading this EM discussion, prompts a confession. For nigh on 20 years as part of the Mostyn team, it has been BR Blue, 1977, P4 diesels... The memories of childhood holidays in North Wales being the big stimulus. The other motivation being the comfort of diesel locomotive drop-in wheel conversions... However, living next to the auld CLC has prompted a return to EM steam outline for my future "big thoughts;" as well as any smaller Scottish projects. I have attempted to build steam locomotives in the past and failed - valve gear can be maddening, demanding wheel profiles etc. EM provides an effective half-way house with which to explore the satisfaction of a more realistic track gauge. That is not to say that certain 00 layouts are stunning creations and when properly presented, fool you a shade.

When craft becomes art... Magnificent beasties, truly magnificent.

Yesterday bordered on farce... Sort this muppetery out please, this is supposed to be the pinnacle of motor racing!

A Scottish one has been ordered. I do hope that provision is pending for us EM/P4 types. Wibble!

Uuoooh 'eck, my credit has just exploded...

So that answers what signals one was working on in Preston.? An interesting project...

Exquisite workmanship sir and an excellent illustration of a working solution 👌

I'm impressed with the Beastie that arrived this morning. No visible issues or defects,it goes on the rollers tomorrow. The wheel flanges are very nice; methinks a wee bit of easing the back to back out and some side play limiting washers should make this a straightforward EM conversion... A few minor fettles maybe and you have a veritable corker ...

Mr Bradwells bouncy plates are what I'm considering... The wheel solution is interesting.

Mine arrived this morning. A gorgeous beastie it is to. Now the big debate, to spring or not? The underframe is simply wonderful so carving it up is out. Time for some careful musing and cognitive thinking .....

Invoice paid, dribbling begins. Then conversion to P4 - wibble!

My namesakes kits are a classic case of the more you put in, the better results you get. Cutting and shutting beckons. Mind, look up all the auld Steve Banks article's - especially if soldering is a dark art to you...

Well that went well then... 🤪

Nice to see Red Bull get some sort of punishment. Maybe a wee light but the loss of aerodynamic testing time is significant... Mind, they are on the naughty step. Methinks any more shenanigans and the FIA will have to get nasty; the other teams just will not accept anything less.

The situation seems to have become a farcical paradox, a situation the FIA have created through their own ineptitude. To me, the FIA need to grow a "pair" and act. Sod Horner, Red Bull and any other bleating numpties; the sport must get its house in order - now!

It's squeaky bum time folks, how ever you spin it... I can see the lawyers salivating and dribbling already... As if any "misdeeds" would go unnoticed? Wibble!

Excellent! More tempting goodness Ian, bravo...

Gorgeous beastie...

OK then, my beastie will appear next week, as will the conversion wheels. Maybe not exactly scale but for now... I am not going to get grumpy. Being a DCC dullard, can I run it in on old fashioned analogue 12 V DC ? A session on the rollers beckons before it gets on Mostyn - ooraa!

Going Back - Dusty Springfield