Loco: Any First gen suburban 3/4 car DMU - surely this is a huge hole in the market
Coach: Revolution, please hurry up with the K Pullmans - I'm 75 already!
Wagon: Met Railway Hurst Nelson brake van - not very likeley!

 

I quite like these wagons, they look quirky. I'd just think of them as ferry wagons and that would be my justification.

A small bonus for misposting this morning!

But it was not his attire that held Giles's gaze; it was the reflection in his eyes—mirroring his inner turmoil. Eli haunted him, her midnight blue gown, a fleeting vision etched into his soul. Swirling within his mind's eye, she embodied both conflict and beauty—an enigma, a keeper of secrets he instinctively sensed she yearned to reveal.

As Giles stepped forward, the lamp light shifted, illuminating him fully. His heart raced, matching the rhythm of the waltz that awaited him downstairs. Tonight, after the traditional service of carols and readings ended at 11:15 p.m., they would enter the Castle's Great Hall, where he would seek answers—the ones hidden in Eli's deep blue eyes, the ones whispered soul to soul.

And so, with a final glance at his reflection, Giles confidently stepped out of his bedroom. The stone floor felt cool beneath his patent leather shoes as he paused to adjust the bow tie at his throat. The shadows clung to him, reluctant to release their hold. But his resolve was firm; that very night, he vowed to unravel Eli's secrets during the Grand Christmas Ball. She stirred both passion and melancholy within him, and he loved her beyond reason. Thoughts of her—the haunting figure with captivating cornflower eyes, carrying the weight of her past on delicate shoulders—consumed Giles. For tonight was no ordinary evening—it was the Grand Christmas Ball at Trevelver Castle, a night when magic hung in the chill air and bunches of mistletoe awaited couples' kisses underneath. The castle seemed to hold its breath, waiting for him to appear below as everyone gathered ready to go to the Chapel—a commanding figure in a sea of grandeur.

I believe this was a Minitrix N506. I bought two from Gee Dee of Nottingham secondhand for £10 each in 1999 whereas the Minitrix HAA was around £6 at the same time.

I've just spotted one on eBay: 364806858540

Thanks, Chaps.
Looks like another wagon branded for UK from the continent, a bit like the bogied 'Ford' wagons another friend is very fond of

Giles, in his room, guided by Jeremy's previous sartorial advice, was also beginning his preparations for the Christmas Eve-Day Grand Ball. After a brisk shower and drying himself off, he first donned his elegant black silk socks. Next, he put on a matching white pair of Sunspel's Q14 fabric underwear in a traditional cut, providing both comfort and warmth, a necessary layer in the biting cold that permeated the Castle's long unheated corridors.

He then donned the white pleated dress shirt, its crisp folds adding a touch of sophistication. Slipping into the tailored dress trousers—slim and tapered, with smart creases down the leg—he completed his ensemble. Around his neck, a midnight blue bow tie perfectly complemented Eli's silk chiffon ballgown. Finally, he donned the black velvet dinner jacket, its luxurious texture whispering opulence.

Turning his attention to his footwear, he donned his black patent leather oxfords. Their perfectly polished surface, gleaming like a mirror, caught the soft light in the room. As Jeremy had suggested, these shoes would carry him gracefully through the evening's waltzes.

Giles meticulously added his accessories. To enhance his jacket, he deftly placed a white pocket square in the breast pocket, adding an elegant touch. The discreetly gleaming gold cufflinks, their sharp contrast against the black velvet, contributed a dash of style along with the Rolex 14 Karat Datejust solid gold watch—a symbol of success and punctuality—gracing his well-developed wrist. Next, heeding Jeremy's suggestion for an additional dash of flair, Giles draped a white silk scarf around his neck, adding a final touch of elegance to his ensemble.

As a final touch, Giles spritzed on his carefully chosen classic cologne, 'Acqua di Parma Colonia'. The perfumery's owner stated that this timeless fragrance, vibrant and sophisticated, reflected the wearer's power. It was a symphony of sensual notes, with verbena at its heart, harmoniously blended with bergamot, lavender, lemon, orange, rosemary, and ylang-ylang. The scent was a true embodiment of Italian elegance and lightness, making it an unforgettable addition to Giles's meticulous preparations.

With heart dancing in anticipation, Giles stood at the threshold of his bedroom, his posture impeccable. The full-length mirror, placed there for this very purpose, reflected his meticulously prepared appearance, confidence radiating from every pore. The lamp's glow revealed a lean, athletic physique adorned in velvet and silk—a canvas of secrets and longing. The jacket clung perfectly to his broad shoulders, whispering promises of future dances and shared confidences. The shirt framed his angular face, its collar brushing against his square jaw. His trousers ended elegantly just above his polished shoes, and on his wrist, the gold Rolex counted down the seconds as destiny unfolded.

Reaching her destination, Eli, her cheeks still flushed from her walk with Giles, stepped into the small suite of rooms she shared with Sylvie. The layout was familiar—comforting spaces that held fond memories and whispered secrets. Opening the ornate wooden door, the entrance hall greeted Eli first—a narrow strip carpeted passage adorned with her framed sketches and a vintage mirror purchased in Grays Antique Market. Eli's winter boots left damp imprints on the polished tiles as she removed them before stepping onto the carpet in her thick woollen tights. To her right, the sitting room beckoned—a cosy nook with well-upholstered leather-covered armchairs and a blazing fireplace. The cherry logs glowed, giving warmth and scented shadows.

But Eli's destination lay beyond. She passed the bathroom on her left—a sanctuary of black and white tiles, white porcelain, polished brassware, and tall scented candles. The memory of their laughter echoed there, the shared moments of vulnerability and camaraderie.

And there, at the final threshold, was the light, airy bedroom with the magnificent, four-poster bed they shared standing at its centre. The moon's silver glow filtered through the open curtains, casting delicate patterns on the worn wooden floor and its Turkish rugs. It was a room where time seemed to pause—a sanctuary of whispered dreams and shared secrets.

Sylvie awaited, her presence a blend of intimacy and business acumen. Her dark brown eyes held the weight of countless decisions, the map of their joint ventures etched into their depths. They were more than friends; they were partners in life and enterprise—a delicate balance of trust and ambition.

Eli's heart quickened as she entered. The thick carpet absorbed her footsteps, their shared history echoing in the air. Sylvie looked up from her desk, her eyes bright with anticipation for the night to come, her expression a mix of warmth and concern. The Castle's ancient walls held centuries of secrets, but here, in this room, Eli and Sylvie wove their own—a tapestry of shared dreams.

"Welcome back, my dear", Sylvie said, her voice a soft melody. "I trust you enjoyed your walk with Giles?"

As Eli approached, Sylvie stood. Smiling broadly, they embraced and studied each other's eyes—a silent agreement, a promise to face whatever challenges awaited. The Castle whispered its approval. Their bond was unbreakable—a fusion of intimate friendship, mutual support, and ambition in the service of fulfilling shared dreams. Their futures intertwined like ivy on the Castle's ancient stones.

"Thank you. Oh, yes... it was simply magical", Eli declared before breathlessly continuing, "Sylvie, you won't believe what Giles and I saw in the Castle grounds this evening."

"Oh, do tell, Eli! What was it?"

"A fox! It was moving so gracefully through the snow-covered gardens. But it felt like more than just a chance encounter."

"You know how foxes are often associated with deeper meanings, Eli?"

"No! But foxes do have a way of capturing our imagination. What kind of meanings do you mean, Sylvie?"

"Well, Eli, first, there's cleverness and adaptability. Foxes are known for their intelligence and cunning. Seeing one can remind us to approach life's challenges with cleverness and strategic thinking. Just like the fox adapts to different environments, we, too, should be adaptable in our approach."

"Interesting! And what else?"

"Next is hidden wisdom. The fox symbolises wisdom that's not always obvious. Maybe it's encouraging us to tap into our inner wisdom and find creative solutions to seemingly insurmountable problems."

"Ah, tapping into a hidden well of knowledge. I like that, Sylvie."

"Then there's the idea of transformation. Crossing paths with a fox can signify change or shifts happening in our lives. Maybe we should embrace them with grace and adaptability, just like the fox does."

"Change can be daunting, but the fox makes it seem elegant somehow," Eli mused.

"Exactly! And the fox also invites self-reflection."

"Yes! Maybe Giles and I should consider what aspects of our lives need adaptation or clever thinking?"

Sylvie smiled. "Wise advice from your furry friend. Lastly, some believe that seeing a fox is a sign of one's spiritual journey. It could represent guidance or a message from the divine."

"A spiritual messenger in the Castle Gardens—how enchanting! So, Sylvie, as we walked back, the fox's presence added an element of mystery and wisdom. It should make us think about our own paths and choices."

"Perhaps the fox was nudging you both toward something important. Keep your eyes open, Eli."

"I will, Sylvie. And who knows, maybe the fox has more to reveal as the seasons change."

"May your life journey be as intriguing as the fox's silent passage through the snow. But now, we really must shower and change! We can't be late for the service of carols and readings!"

Ah! Sorry, David and all. I was in a rush this morning. I'll delete and post the correct episode.

Quote from: maridunian on Today at 02:22:48 PMPreviewing a Message Reply crashes, losing typed text, with error message:

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That's odd, I did precisely that earlier today and had no problems.

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