I’ve shocked myself by doing a little modelling!  The train room needed a big sort out, and I’ve also consolidated a number of tool boxes and tidied the workbench so that I can actually see some of the surface.

Next job was to get the NCI modules out that I need for TINGS.  The rail height is a bit different from our usual, so I’ll have to tweak the legs a bit.  And I’m going to upgrade the airfield module with some added detail to make it more interesting.  I’ll post some pictures when it’s done.

Just a few pictures today.  I joined the Facebook Cape Gauge (3’6″) Locomotives group, and this lovely picture of Java came up.  I wish that I had got there early enough to see something like this!  The photo is by Mark Carter, and he writes:

96 year old wood-burning 2-4-0 B5007 threads the streets of Madiun, Java, Indonesia, with the morning mixed arrival from Ponorogo on 3 August 1978.

In 1978 the six active survivors were all based at Madiun for use over the lightly laid branch to Slahung and Ponorogo. A small number just managed to survive to see out 100 years of service.

That scene would make quite some model!

Here’s another lovely Java photo from Mark Carter.

The 50km long branch line from Madiun to Slahung was the last refuge of the wood burning Sharp Stewart built 2-4-0s of the Indonesian Railways (PJKA). Despite the relatively short length of the branch and just one return service a day it was worked with two locomotives in steam with a loco change at Ponorogo.

On an August day in 1978, 97-year old B5007 prepares to swap with 96-year old B5006 at Ponorogo. We had a footplate ride from Madiun on B5006. A very friendly crew gave us several opportunities to walk ahead and get departure shots before hopping back on board.

Ooops!

And two prototype for everything photos (Pre-Health & Safety?)

Trimming the highest hedge in England, Cirencester 1962.

And removing gypsy moth egg masses from a tree.

I don’t want either of these jobs!