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Kernow Models gave me a New Year present in the form of GWR Steam Railmotor No.93 (which still exists in rebuilt form at the Great Western Society at Didcot). Having travelled in the "real thing", I couldn't resist it and, after all, the GNR(I) DID have one! So, here she is, off on a short working to Richhill. Photo there when she arrives! This model has had a very long gestation - seven years or so? When I was in to pick up mine in Guildford today, the man in front was picking up a pre-order for his deceased brother in law! I hope that the poor man saw the prototypes before going to his reward. So guys, NEVER complain about IRM not telling you that something's coming until it's months away! IMG_7781.mp4 This is just a quick shot to let you see it, I had places to go to, people to see...... More later! Nice or what? Another "pick-up" follows! No.186 has got her chip and was also picked up today - thanks to Guildford's chipping Wizard, Mike. Gives a whole new meaning to Forty Shades of Grey? Video of her on a cattle special after the weekend.

Here is another project on the workbench at the moment, a Gauge O J15 0-6-0 model by John Hamill & Brendan Kelly. It's in the shop for upgrades- wheel weights, brake gear, new electrical pick-up system, a new backhead, a bit of paint, and some small fixes. The model stripped down, parts being cleaned up and the plan of action being worked out. The new Slaters backhead kit being assessed. After a bit of research of photos a cad drawing was prepared of the loco & tender chassis to set up the brakes, wheel weights, pcb pickup plate and loco guard irons. When the drawing was complete the parts were cnc'd out in .5mm brass sheet for most bits except for the brake shoes which were cut from Tufnol, and pick-up plate from .5mm pcb copper clad sheet. Tender brake shoes n hangers going together, brake rods all cleaned up and holes sized for fitting- the J15 had pull rods on inside and the outside of the wheels which is an interesting challenge to get this to work! The chassis have been drilled .8mm holes to take brass rods to support the brake hangers, the hangers will fit to the wire with .8mm ID brass tubes which will be removable so that the wheels can be accessed. The loco chassis made a ringing sound as I was working on it and I eventually tracked it down to one of the wheel bearings not fully soldered in- that's the one with the paint removed ready for re-soldering. And all the other bits have been cleaned up ready for assembly- hangers, rods, wheel weights, loco brake blocks, and guard irons. I have somehow misplaced two of the loco brake block which will have to be re-made!! Eoin