SHMD

It's a catapiller! Amt a clue as to which one. Don't think i'd want to pick it up though! Kev.

This thread has been superb, not just for the workmanship, but because it was “educational entertainment”. A model railway “instant gratification” in this “instant gratification” world! Most threads are a “work in progress” over many years, and in some cases, a “final work” - as freely admitted by the authors. All lovely work and I salute you all. This thread has been a, (very), welcome change addition to the forum. Now a slight caveat. (Constructively!) Dave finished the project before posting the challenge – as admitted freely, at least twice, during the 9 daily updates. This does not take away anything from what Dave set to gain or achieve. Little “playful” quibbles about price and availability, of materiel, only added to the thread and resulted in many descent suggestions. (My own suggestion would be for wire (in a tube) control of the points but using the same corrugated cardboard, (1” strips), pasted underneath with the “corrugations” running the way the wire goes but with the wire running in between the corrugations.) However, this is not a “what you can achieve with £100” this is a “what you can achieve with £100 with some descent modelling experience”. Not, I repeat not, a criticism just my personal observation. Each of us following this thread, (58 last time I looked), has seen something that has inspired us. For me it was the the skill with which the paint brush was wielded. For others it was the choice of materiel, some the construction, others the discipline, or even for having the guts to start this. (I would gladly supply the wagons and materials for a “100 photo how to weather wagons - challenge” series WITH the personal challenge that I must then follow complete, and submit, my “apprentice pieces”.) I think this has been the real beauty of this thread. We all been inspired to have a go, to tackle, to start(!) something we know we are useless at AND LEARN. Dave, I personally thank you. I don't know if you set out to achieve this, but for me, you have. Thank you! Kev. (Somebody who is probably banned from holding a paint brush. Me jealous – you betcha!)

This thread is fantastic! My (soon to be) 5 year old has started making castles out of cornflake boxes (cue the sticky backed plastic jokes) with the help of mum. All of which I am pouring lots of praise and encouragement on. - You never know where this might lead... ;) Kev. (Watching with enthusiasm, especially as this project should come to a conclusion very soon.)

Michael, The photo in post #748 show 16tonners with clearly 'unrealistic' coal! Please rectify! Kev. ;)

I think it is just an uneven road! Look at the rails between it and the nearer wagon and they have clearly sunk into the ground. The far side rail is also visibly sunken. I could even speculate that the sleepers may have spread here too! Kev. (I agree, an excellent thread this one.)

I caught this chap in the middle of executing his latest cunning plan. I think this goes a long way to explaining the distinct lack of wildlife in my garden, except slugs of course! Kev.