Over the years bits and bobs accumulate very quickly, especially if you`re a Magpie like me ! Whilst a great deal of second hand parts can be maintained in a good serviceable condition, often when ordering a particular spare part i.e. motor brushes and springs, they come in packs of so many, and a few are bought. Often the required one is used and the others become redundant for months sometimes years.

I have found car boot sales, swapmeets and flea markets as the best souces of second hand spares at reasonable prices. Often offered at prices that the seller does not realise their true value to a modeller.

The same applies to electronic component spares, though mostly they are reasonably priced in large packs from companies such as RS, Maplin and Greenweld, - resistors, diodes etc. But they still need space to be stored.

to be continued.................

My spraying skills are very limited, but I feel that they are adequate for my personal freelance needs. I would not attempt a respray for anyone else. Although I will say that kits that I have built, have met approval. So they can`t be that bad.

A close friend and fellow modeller, Howard Staniforth showed me how to build a small compressor, using a disused refrigerator/freezer compressor, and aquiring the necessary attachments from Squires the modelling equipment suppliers For less than £40. it is a very usefull tool.

to be continued................