An update to this blog is severely overdue, it appears. I hadn't realised it had been so long since I had last posted.
There's been no big leap forward since the autumn but there have been developments in a number of directions.
Rolling stock acquisition continues steadily.
The most recent arrivals are a suitably ragbag selection of carriages to represent the final few years of steam haulage on the Cambrian, made up of various ex-GWR designs from Collett and Hawksworth.
A Standard 3MT, with an authentic Machynlleth identity, has joined the fleet, along with one of the new Hornby 2-6-0 2MTs.
Both still require investment in sound chips and speakers, as does our 'Old Gent' Prince which is running-in on the home test track following surgery to straighten its frames to 1960s condition.
On the layout there's been a major rethink on the fiddle yard with a decision to ease the entry curve at the Harlech end, because it was slightly too tight for the steam engines and their pony trucks - it was fine when we had originally envisaged only running DMUs and Bo-Bo diesels.
This has necessitated the construction of a 4"-wide shelf extension - it's not ideal but needs must.
Underneath Himself has been getting on with the electrics, connecting up the point motors and the tracks for DCC operation.
I've been called into action to scratch the louvres into the glazing sheets on the 'Barns' to represent the iconic, but impractical, ventilation arrangements on these carriages.
Currently on my workbench is a shrunken representation of the Minffordd goods shed which is making good progress.
Finally, a plug for what its looking like our only exhibition appearance of 2024 as we prepare to take Dduallt to the SEC in Glasgow for the Model Rail Scotland show at the end of the month.
Do come and see us and say hello if you are able to visit the show.
