Following the demise/buy-out of Graham Farish, the future appears uncertain, and waiting for Bachmann to produce British Outline items in my my opinion is going to be a long drawn out process.

A few months ago a friend - Fred Hempsall introduced me to putting American chassis under British outline locos, a very successfull project. Chassis with blackened wheels, all wheel drive and pickups, and twin flywheels, with far superior quality to Farish, and so much cheaper. However having done some of these modifications, I became increasingly more interested in the diversity of American outline. The final crunch came when another close friend Howard Staniforth decisively made the change from British to American outline. Seeing his effort and discussing it with him convinced me that this was the way to go.

I am now in the throes of selling all my British outline locos and rolling stock ! The layout has allready been stripped and disposed of. The contents of what has been my "den" for many years, are being transferred to the big shed and will become my new den. The small shed will be fitted out with layout bases to provide a layout approximately 10`6" x 6`.0". Of course this will be an American outline layout.

This new venture hopefully will be recorded on camera and reported on as it progresses. I am exited about this, and look forward to report the progrees in due course.

Today is Sunday 24th.June 2001. I am making progress with my change over to US modelling. I have now sold approximately two thirds of my British outline stock. Packing them up was rather sad after many years getting them right. There were many bargains, and some appreciated their real value.

The shed transfer has temprorarily been put in abbeyance due to the sales, but it will soon be resumed. Some transfers have been made, my repairs bench is now in its new home, fully operational - test track etc. working normally.

The storage bit is going to be difficult, so much stuff to be consigned to the new home or the garbage bin!

Progress is gradual, but it`s still progress !

Sunday 21st. October 2001.

Early in July my Wife and I were called to North Wales as her Mother had become seriously ill. Our stay became very protracted, and we temprorarily returned home just over a week ago, we will have to return to Wales in the very near future.

This has seriously delayed my Model Railway plans, probably until the New Year or maybe early Spring.

I will continue to update my site as often as possible.


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