Got an Arduino starter set, so lots of learning to do before it can be put to use on the layout. Sure I'll be asking for lots of advice.

Santa brought me one of the EFE Claytons (D8560, green with SYP). It's on a running-in turn round an oval of track on the dining table as I type. After reading other members' comments I was a bit concerned I'd be having to take it to bits and clear excess grease out of the mechanism, but in fact it's an excellent runner. Smooth, quiet, controllable. Couldn't be more pleased with it. All that's needed now is for it to break down and catch fire.
PW

Quote from: PennineWagons on December 27, 2021, 03:55:18 PM
Santa brought me one of the EFE Claytons (D8560, green with SYP). It's on a running-in turn round an oval of track on the dining table as I type. After reading other members' comments I was a bit concerned I'd be having to take it to bits and clear excess grease out of the mechanism, but in fact it's an excellent runner. Smooth, quiet, controllable. Couldn't be more pleased with it. All that's needed now is for it to break down and catch fire.
PW

Unlike the real life versions I think these are fantastic little locos. I got two a while back and they can haul a big train great at slow speed and nippy when powered up.

One of the best locos going I reckon.

GE   

Christmas around these parts is mainly decorative and not laden with expectations of various kinds, so there was a mainly symbolic exchange of gifts which left me slightly better outfitted with some miscellaneous items of clothing (including some padded cycling underwear (!)).

The primary seasonal gain was some quality free time to sort out and organize the Model Railway Stuff which has accumulated over the past couple of years, which was highly satisfying, though has already resulted in a bad case of "I can't find it and have absolutely no collection what clever place I put it"  :'( .

No Hello Kitty? 

Quote from: railsquid on December 29, 2021, 12:12:18 AM
there was a mainly symbolic exchange of gifts which left me slightly better outfitted with some miscellaneous items of clothing (including some padded cycling underwear (!)).

At least you know your baubles are protected