queensquare

No Peak action Simon though I suspect Steve may have one or two in his collection! I remember lots of namers at Bristol in the early 70s on cross-country trains and 46s used to occasionally work stone trains through Warminster. I have a green 45 with split gears I picked up cheap. Drop in Association wheels would sort that out. I got it for my early 1960s Pines. Jerry

We had a superb day yesterday when the 2mm diesel group visited with representatives of both https://www.ngaugenews.com/ and Accurascale. I had hoped that the latter would take advantage of the visit to announce a comprehensive range of Midland clerestory coaches but sadly, like all the other 2mm/N manufacturers, they chosen to ignore my suggestion! 😀 What we did get was a diesel takover with some scottish traction from Pete Matcham and just a small selection of Steve Nichols fantastic early 70s Western region stud. Below are a selection of photos courtesy of Tom E. As a teenage spotter in the 1970s I was in hydraulic heaven - marvelous! Whilst I didnt get any pre-group announcments I did get a firm booking for Steve to bring his wonderful Parkend layout to Larkrail next year where we will also have John Farmers P4 version. You heard it here first, put it in your diary, July 13. Jerry Just think what might have been had the S&D remained open as a through route between the north and the south coast. Looks like track lifting has already started at Bath - thankfully its the other way round. S&D passenger traffic in the hands of DMUs. ....and still plenty of freight traffic. Rowney 1971, Steves take on the BR exhibition train. Who remembers the Stiff tours of the late 70s, Reckless Eric, Elvis Costello, Ian Dury etc Jerry

We don’t mention the C word. 🎅 Progress slows this time of year because I get to go outside to play after tea - unless it’s raining - so I’m getting stuff done at the moment! Jerry

Thanks Don, these dull, repetative, but not particularly taxing tasks are perfect for evenings in front of the telly. Jerry

I take a very similar approach with Bath, trying to do something, no matter how small, most days. .... and just to dispel the myth. The Midland 800 2-4-0 piloting this express off the Midland at Bath Junction is from Jidenco etches - reduced to 2mm! Jerry

A sunny morning, an off cut of balsa, some double sided tape and a quick blast of black….. Jerry

Several pages back, in the first big lockdown, I embarked on a bit of a marathon wagon project building thirty odd 1887 RCH PO wagons from the Association kit plus finescaling and repainting into local collieries livery a further couple of dozen Mathieson 1903 RCH wagons. Aside from a handful that are still awaiting couplings they are all finished. However, up until now, they have been destined to run as empties so my current evening project, in front of the tv catching up on the days cricket highlights, is to make a batch of removable loads. empties heading South Nothing sophisticated, just a plasticard platform that is a loose, but not sloppy, fit in the wagon with a bit of tinplate evo- stuck down on top so the load can easily be removed with a magnet. The little tinplate rectangles were beaten with a small ball hammer to give a slight dome once the coal is glued on. Next job will be flashing a bit of rattle can black over them before gluing on some coal. jerry

Brilliant as usual Callum, many thanks for posting, Jerry

Adrian's pictures have now arrived. I've only had time for a quick flick through but here are a few I picked out - more over the coming days. Richard Phipp both full size and in miniature Callum, Gordon and Maggie, quit obviously enjoying themselves. Hopefully Callum's record of the show will be along at some point. Gorgeous Kim, scrummy cakes and the team busy making sandwiches - the heart of the show! There's no way all the chatting could be sustained without vital sustanence! Another man obviously enjoying himself, Richard Barton with his delightful S scale Arcadia, ... and finally, for now, my old mate Paul Stephens giving Hepton Wharf a thorough looking at Jerry

Well, what a fantastic day. Many thanks to everyone who was involved. It’s very much a team effort so thanks to the exhibitors, traders, kitchen team, and all those who both supplied and bought cake - such is their generosity that many who baked and supplied such wonderful home made treats then proceeded to buy them back - marvellous!! I’ve not done the final figures yet but suffice to say, the charity donation will exceed last years. I didn’t take many pictures, too busy gassing, but here are a couple; The fantastic kitchen team of Edna Greenwood, Paula Martin, Kim Clifford and Yvonne Simpson with a couple of bottles of well earned wind- down juice! Dave, who also gave sterling service, had already slipped away. Laurie Griffin and Adrian Colenutt who shared duties with moi on the door. Adrian also recorded the event on his trusty camera so more pictures will appear in the coming days. Finally, a quick snap of the show in full flow with lots of tea drinking, chatting and fantastic modelling. The hall is already booked for July 13 2024 so put it in your diary, Jerry

More characters making a return visit; The Favell's with their splendid radio control marvels, .....and Bob Brown who will be demostrating all sorts of 3mm loveliness. I believe Bob has been to every incarnation of Larkrail/Camrail. Jerry

Not a problem, weve gone for the up market option of a hall with a roof! 😀 Jerry

With just one sleep to go, a reminder of some of last years fun and games; The wonderful Richard Phipp, who is back this year with more of his wonderfully characterful models, explains the finer points of Nether Watch station to Nick Smith Pete Kirmond goes all weak at the knees with Gordon G. Both gents are back this year, Gordon with Arun Quay and Pete helping out Andy Ross with Hunslet Works. The important business of the day.... chatting over tea and cake! Jerry

In other important news, Kim’s kitchen has today received confirmation that scratch built cakes are on their way from both west Cornwall and Durham in the far north east to join those already here from Dorset. Rumours abound that there are cakes currently being baked in Berkshire - I didn’t know there was such a place! Like entry on the door, please bring cash - and an appetite. There’ll be no need to go to the co-op for sustenance!! Jerry

Important update. Ive been down to Dorset this morning to pick up several cakes from my personal pâtissier (my sister)! Ive also recieved promises of cakes from several other kind contributors - mainly scratchbuilt but with a few high class rtr examples thrown into the mix. Not long now!! Jerry

That’s me off the hook then! 😊 Welcome aboard! Jerry

My other little secret - I have a real soft spot for the Chatham. The BR N on the display stand will have a body swap. My mum was born in Chatham and we used go on holiday to north Kent every year, staying in Rainham with Uncle Fred, who had lost a leg at Ypres, and Uncle Victor - both of whom worked in the dockyard. We would go on the train every day to the seaside, usually Margate or Herne Bay - happy days. No plans for a layout though the odd Chatham loco may well feature in my inappropriate stud! Jerry

There are several more in NSLR livery. I have to be in the mood for painting and it doesn’t grab me that often! Every now and again I have a splurge and several locos get painted. I have a couple of red ones ready to go into the shops and a green one for John Greenwood….. maybe after Larkrail! Jerry

New addition to the fiddle yard - fits perfectly! Jerry

.....and if youve not seen Arun Quay before you're in for a treat....... its pretty good!! Jerry

It had the same impact on me. Of all Iain’s many creations over the years Tregarick and the North Cornwall Minerals remains my firm favourite. Hercules and her sisters, along with lots of other survivors of th NCMR will be at Larkrail on the 15th. Jerry

Its Highbury in Somerset though my Dad was a Gooner! 😊 Jerry

I think that combination would be the best approach at the moment John. I don’t think the RT etch was available when I did mine otherwise I would have used it. Im a fan of grubby industrials with chevrons - it’s the only working steam I remember from the early 70s. One day I’ll do a little cameo for them to play on - it’s on the list! Jerry

Agreed, a new generation austerity would be nice. Mine is a hybrid of white metal (Marsh?) and a brass footplate on an Association chassis. Bit crude but looks the part - I really must put a bit of paint over those wires! Jerry

Now parking has been arranged and with less than two weeks to go I suppose we should let you all know what will be coming to our little shin dig! Layouts Newton Heath Works - Martin Finney Arun Quay - Gordon Gravett Sheep Dip - Rob Gunstone Wantage - Robin Gay Lochty - Andy Cundick Arcadia - Richard Barton Maple River - Paul Marshall-Potter Upwatch Quary - Richard Phipp Hepton Wharf - South Hants MRC York Road - Tim Watson and the MRC Hunslet Works - Andy Ross Demonstrators Bob Brown - 3mm modelling Giles Favell - Radio control and stuff Andrew Vines, Dave Easto and Steve Cook - various largescale treats from live steam to Hydraulics Dennis Lepper - figure painting and a few of his late father's wonderful locos Trade Branch Lines Youchoos Titfield Thunderbolt/Wild Swan Kims Kitchen, with cake Looks like a pretty good line up to me! Jerry