Great track. Agreed Clive hasn't lost his skills and touch

Good luck with the move Martin.  Chris

Thanks Martin @port perran . I hope all goes well for you both.

Cheers,

Tim

Loco - LNER/BR V2 to modern standards with sound etc.
Coach - LNER/BR Gresley Suburban(s)
Wagon - Ex LNER Pigeon Van

Re-livery - New tool Class 47 - BR two tone green

Loco - BR Class 21/29
Coach - Stanier Composite Porthole 60'
Wagon - PTA Thompson Mag Lie Carnegie Montrose Side-ttipping wagon

Re-Livery - New tool Class 47 - BR ScotRail Intercity Red Livery
GE

Thanks Tim
I had missed that one.
Mr Bunker has clearly not lost his touch.

My listening will be somewhat restricted over the next few days as we head towards moving day on Tuesday.
Cheers
Martin

Loco - ex-SECR D1/E1/L1
Coach - BR EPB
Wagon - LMS vans

Dave

So cutting through the Party-Political mud slinging, Labour say they will do what the Conservatives had already proposed... 
I.e. as franchises come up for renewal, the in-house DfT operator will be the preferred/default option rather than the 'last resort'... The main difference would seem to be in the closeness of integration of operators with network rail (already Govt owned).
Either way it's a gradual, progressive shift, not a 'big bang' "Nationalisation" and for the passenger won't look much different in the short term to a change between two private operators.

loco = unrebuilt LMS Royal Scot 4-6-0
coach = LMS Stanier 50' kitchen car
wagon = Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway 20 ton double end door mineral wagon

If you are complaining about items on your wish list being unavailable just think what it must be like for those of us trying to model the Southern in 1930s, no 4-6-0s RTR and only 2 available as kits and with Union Mills closed we lost 2 0-6-0s and a 4-4-0, not much pre WW2 Schools, N class 2-6-0, M7 and Terrier and a couple of ex SECR; but just about every version of Bulleids pacifics

In the hushed silence of a December moonlit night, the marble figure of the Wise Sage sits in quiet contemplation on a stone bench situated near a tranquil pond, now frozen in winter's grip. The icy surface of the pond, covered in a blanket of freshly fallen snow, reflects the silhouettes of the surrounding trees and the ethereal glow of the moon, creating a serene backdrop for the Sage's contemplation.

This marble figure is a memorial to the mystical island realm of Atlantis. Known as the Historian, this silent figure is a reminder of the ancient civilisation's grandeur and wisdom. The moonlight casts an ethereal glow on the statue's eyes, creating shadows that seem to flicker with the memories of a time long past, a time of glory and enlightenment.

The figure's pose, one of deep thought and introspection, suggests a profound immersion in the chronicles of the past. An open book rests on its lap, each word etched in stone, serving as a gateway to another era. The silence around the statue is filled with whispers of ancient tales and forgotten lore, carried on the cold winter breeze.

The steadily falling snow, pure and untouched, gently settles around the statue, each flake a silent symphony in the quiet night. The snow adorns the figure's weathered face, highlighting the lines of wisdom etched deeply into the marble, the imprints left by countless years of seeking knowledge and lengthy contemplation.

The open book on the statue's lap represents a treasure trove of history, a testament to the Sage's lifelong pursuit of knowledge. The pages, filled with elegant script, symbolise the volumes telling of the rise and fall of civilisations, of heroes and villains, of love and loss. As the pale light of the waning crescent moon illuminates the statue, it is as if the Sage is journeying through the annals of time.

In this moment of quiet contemplation, in the moonlit night, the marble statue of the Wise Sage is not merely a figure from the past. It is a bridge between that lost world and the present, a tribute to wisdom and knowledge in a world that is constantly moving forward. It tells of resilience, the relentless pursuit of knowledge, and of the timeless wisdom that only comes with age. It is a story that continues to unfold, one page at a time, under the soft glow of the moon and the steady fall of the snow.

Further on, hidden behind a line of rose bushes, making it a favourite spot for lovers visiting the Castle Gardens, the Loving Couple share a tender embrace. The snow adds a layer of purity to their eternal love, making the scene even more enchanting.

Each statue, with its unique story and character, contributes to the ethereal beauty of the garden, especially under the blanket of snow. Their marble faces, each expressing a different emotion, watch over the garden with timeless grace, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere. This section of the gardens, with its statues, forms a connection between the present, the past, and the lost world of Atlantis.

As they amble, gloved hand in gloved hand, through the snow-dusted statue garden, Eli's gaze is drawn to the Loving Couple, their marble forms locked in a tender embrace.