Just a few odds and ends for today…. 

This is a modelling challenge for someone.  The cost of the figures would probably be far more than the cost of the rolling stock…….

This is a pretty rural scene.  And then the German Pacer arrives!  What an oddity, but it would make a lovely model.

I had a look, but only on Shapeways.  I wouldn’t want to be the one glazing all those windows.

Some fine modelling here in this rather long video from Japan.  I find looking at modellers work from other countries often gives me new ideas.  The Japanese seem especially good at the micro-layout – probably to suit their housing.

Jago Hazzard takes to the high seas….

My memories of exploring Hong Kong in 1981….

In 1981, Hong Kong had just one tunnel and one Mass Transit Railway across the harbour, so exploration was generally by bus. To explore HK Island, you got on the bus and rode to the terminal, then rode back. The China Motor Bus route 11 to Tai Hang Road was run by old London Transport buses sold out of service. Rejected by LT, in HK they chugged up the steep hill to Tai Hang Road and at the terminus a little man refilled the radiator from a watering can. Inside, you were still advised to phone “Abbey 1234” in case of complaint, and seats had genuine LT mocquette that was loved by the cockroaches living over the rear engine. I was also fortunate to just catch the Kowloon-Canton Railway before electrification, when old diesel engines and American style coaches were replaced by multiple units. And the Star Ferry ride across the harbour offered the best 60 cents (first class) of entertainment in the world.

A different time!  I didn’t even mention the trams, where another few cents would give you a top deck view of the shops, businesses and commerce of the island.

And 30 years later, Jinan in the PRC was still running trolleybuses…

Next time, reports of another ESNG meeting.