Awesomely cool, Ian. It is way overscale, though.

I wouldn't think about fiddling with that motor either! Reminds me a bit of the Hornby Dublo Ringfield Motor.

Here is my very first British N gauge loco and the only one of my assemblage that dates pre 2010. It is an LMS Fowler 0-6-0 4F made by Lima. I can't remember when I obtained this loco, but it was certainly pre 1980. This particular model was introduced in 1975.



Lima has a reputation of being rather careless with the scaling of their UK offerings. A nominal N gauge scale can range from 1:160 all the way up to somewhat overscale. My little 4F looks to me as if it is scaled about right. To me, it is a handsome looking locomotive.

This loco would have run less than 1 hour total in 45 years and is understandably a bit 'stiff'. It now runs somewhat okay, but I'm certain it could use a good lube. The second photo shows the motor in the tender. To be honest, I'm frightened of disassembling such a strange looking beast for oiling as it looks like it would spring apart.



Webbo

Yes Colin we did havevsome good days I helped Helen several times when Ray had double booked shows ,In particular I remember one show in Aylesbury where we were very busy and Helen and me took double what Ray and Andrew took but next year at the same show in Aylesbury me and Ray had a real bad day ,
The New Forrest show was always one of Rays favourite shows and the lady in the canteen used to spot me carrying stuff in and say Ok I have allready put your jacket  potato in the oven as she knew I like mine well done ,
Another show we both enjoyed was Conway as we would always have a trip up the Great Orme in Llandudno one evening we were just in time to get the last return tram and then  on Monday visit a narrow gauge railway on the way home .
Happy days never to be forgotten.
Bob Tidbury .

Not a bad compilation CD that Mick @Newportnobby ! "Birdland" got played so many times on Jazz FM at one time I got a bit fed up with it, thankfully there are many good other tracks on "Heavy Weather" - probably Weather Report's best album - although I have always liked "Mysterious Traveller".

Cheers,

Tim

Managed to find it in stock elsewhere with p&p a couple of quid less. To think 5-10 years ago I had a choice of 2 stockists within a 5 mile drive 

Some cool jazz from an album 'Jazz on a Summer's Day' (as it's pissistently raining outside )

Some of you oldies might know the first and where it was frequently heard......


and a slightly more frenetic track off the same album by 'Weather Report'.....

A new reference book has arrived today.........



A quick flick through and I think I've found an omission.
Dapol/CMC 2D-003-CHELT01 D1015 Western Champion in Golden Ochre

Unhappy/frustrated?
I need a Phoenix 14ml tin of paint but alas no one within a hundred miles stock Phoenix so order from them direct it is.
£4.75 for the tin but the cheapest p&p option is £5.50 so over a tenner for 14ml of paint 

There were good days

I recall a time when Ray was in one location, Helen in another and he had also booked Chesham!.  He asked me if I could cover that one.  It was good fun and a pleasure to help.  One guy bought around £30 of track and associated bits - my biggest customer of the day, and I was able to offer advice from my own experience!   A few months later when I was assisting Ray, I saw him again. Recognising him I asked if he had laid the track yet.  From memory that was under way.  But he was touched I remembered him.  The pleasure of the hobby. 

Please keep doing what you're doing. It is appreciated. See you at Ally Pally.