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

Class 81
Class 85
AC Electric 304 / 310

If all the Guests who regularly read this story enjoy it, please like it and think about a contribution to the NGF funds in appreciation.

Loco: Class 81
Coach: Mk2Cs
Wagon: FFA/FGA bookset

Re-livery: Farish 37/4 in IC Mainline as per Manchester club trains so 415, 416, 417, 419, 426 or 430.

As they near the Loving Couple, the intricate details of the statues become more apparent. The tender way the man's hand cradles the woman's face, the soft smile playing on her lips, and the way their bodies lean into each other, seeking comfort and warmth, is beautifully captured in marble. The snow adds a layer of purity to their eternal love, making the scene even more enchanting.

Eli's sparkling eyes are focused on the statue. She squeezes Giles' hand gently, a silent invitation to share in the beauty of the moment. Giles, steady and thoughtful, returns the squeeze, his soft smile a quiet affirmation of their shared experience.

Under the watchful gaze of the marble faces, they feel a connection to something greater than themselves. The statues, with their timeless grace, watch over them, adding a serene and contemplative atmosphere to their exploration. It is a moment of quiet reflection, a testament to the power of art to move and inspire.

At this moment, Eli experiences a whirlwind of emotions. She is awed by the intricate details of the Loving Couple, appreciating the artistry and the story the statues tell. She feels a deep connection to the garden and its timeless beauty, which stirs her artistic imagination.

There is also a sense of excitement as she shares this experience with Giles, their shared exploration adding a layer of intimacy to their relationship. This is coupled with a feeling of comfort and security as she holds Giles' hand, their shared warmth a stark contrast to the chill of the snow.

Overlaying all these emotions is a profound sense of peace. Despite the underlying emotions, a very welcome calmness envelops Eli, a serenity that comes from being in the heart of the garden, under the watchful gaze of the statues, with Giles by her side. It is a moment she cherishes, a memory she will hold close to her heart.

Giles, too, experiences a mix of emotions. He also experiences a deep sense of serenity and peace, created by the tranquil beauty of the garden and the statues. He also admires the artistry of the Loving Couple, feeling a sense of wonder at the sculptor's skill. This time spent with Eli in the garden deepens their relationship, their shared experience adding to their intimacy. Despite his complex life, Giles finds a profound contentment in their shared exploration that he, too, will never forget.