As they walked on, the only sounds were the crunch of their footsteps on the fresh snow and the whisper of the falling snowflakes. It was a peaceful, serene moment, a perfect backdrop for Eli to process her thoughts and emotions.

The moonlight played on the snow in a magical way. It cast a soft, silvery glow over the snow-covered landscape, making the snowflakes sparkle like a million tiny diamonds scattered across the ground. The light reflected off the smooth surfaces, creating a mesmerising pattern of light and shadow. The moonshine also enhanced the serene beauty of the winter night, making the snow appear even more pristine and untouched. It was a breathtaking sight, one that added a touch of enchantment to the winter landscape.

As Eli strolled alongside Giles through the snow-covered castle gardens, her thoughts raced with anticipation. Giles, once merely a friend and business client, now occupied her mind as a potential life partner. His admirable perseverance during the crisis, facing adversity head-on to steer his business back to stability, was endearing—a testament to his character. Eli greatly admired his adaptability, which shone through as he skillfully navigated the business through the crisis, demonstrating flexibility and resilience—traits she also valued in a partner. Moreover, Giles conducted business with unwavering integrity, valuing honesty, transparency, and accountability—all qualities Eli cherished.

Leadership skills came next. Giles was not solely focused on personal success; he cared deeply about his business partners' growth and well-being. Giles took young women seriously. He listened to their ideas, valued their contributions, and treated them with the same respect he afforded everyone else. He valued Sylvie's and Angela's input, embodying his high regard for others. Appointing Amanda as office manager showcased his trust in their capabilities. Eli found his empowering and trusting leadership style irresistibly attractive.

As they continued their walk, the crunch of snow under their feet the only sound in the serene garden, Eli found herself more and more drawn to Giles. Not just for his business acumen but for the man he was—resilient, determined, respectful, and full of integrity. She realised he was not just a man who could run a successful business but also someone who could be a wonderful life partner.

Despite the cold, there was a warmth between them, a shared understanding that transcended words. As they walked gloved hand in gloved hand through the snow-covered garden, they found comfort in each other's presence, their bond deepening with each step they took. It was a walk they would always remember, a moment of tranquility amidst the whirlwind of emotions and revelations. It was a testament to their connection, a moment that encapsulated the complexities of their relationship.

A Beatles train like Hornby have released in OO 

Quote from: Newportnobby on Yesterday at 09:56:16 AM

Quote from: Trainfish on April 25, 2024, 12:49:20 AMThe bottom line is that the work I and others do still needs to be done and they will have to use contractors to do it which will cost them more but what do I know eh?

Can you get to the top of the contractors list and then charge them more than if you were employed by them?

I have my first consultation meeting on Wednesday and it is an avenue to explore. I'm just not sure it's an avenue I want to drive down right now 

Quote from: jpendle on April 25, 2024, 10:49:46 PMHopefully it'll be at my local Post Office tomorrow, we'll see.
John P

And they've arrived and look none the worse for their extended travels.

I hesitate to add a smiley as this is still the unhappy thread. 

John P

No, I had not asked for one, but they knew it was a Motability car and never mentioned needing to ask for one - as the user is disabled, it seems rather odd not to provide one by default. They certainly could have mentioned it when the car was booked in.

Stupidly, it turns out that they do not provide courtesy cars, but hire cars for Motability users - and will not provide them where the car in in for less than 48 hours!

Oh go on the, can't do any harm:

Locomotive: LNER V1/3 (big gap in N for a large LNER passenger tank, and already exists in 4mm)

Carriage: Ideally NER clerestory non-corridor as also used in Scotland and East Anglia. At a push a generic Bain one which could also be issued in midland/LMS livery.

Wagon: really can't think of any.

Relivery: Nope.

Sounds like you had better luck than John Grant (obscure film reference there!)

Hmm, tough one...

Loco: LMS Garrett
Coach: Not sure what it's called, the type of coach used in push-pull trains, with a driver's cab. In LMS livery.
Wagon: no idea, haven't researched freight yet

Quote from: Steven B on April 25, 2024, 01:28:11 PMOver recent years I've been working on making all my trains more prototypical. Modelling the late 1980s I'm quite luck that most of what I'd like to run has been produced (but perhaps not in the liveries I like!).

There are still some gaps - plenty of them, but I've been giving some thought to what's the most important. The result is my minimal wish list of models either never produced, or not produced to current standards - one wagon, one coach and one loco/multiple unit.

Wagon: HEA
Coach: Mk2 BFK (C or D)
Loco/MU: Class 110

What would be on your minimal wish list?

As a "Brucie bonus" you can add one re-livery of an existing model - a rail freight grey class 47 please!


Steven B

Locomotive: class 117 DMU
Carriage: Mark 3 TRFB
Wagon: FEA container flat (modern tooling, not the Poole era Farish type which I have)

Loco CL195/CL331
Coach meh!
Wagon FCA container flat

John P