THE SCALEFOUR SOCIETY 18.83 LAYOUT CHALLENGE

 The Fiddle yard could not be fitted without hanging it out the bedroom window, and passing traffic makes that a bit hairy. That's why it's propped up against the wall in its folded down state.

The trackwork is now completed, wired and operational. Some modification has been made to the track layout to improve operations and prototype reality, but the basic design is much as first submitted. Ballasting has yet to be done with final tweaking of track and awaits the placement of point and signal rodding. Signals are 50% completed and are optical fibre lighted. Turntable is fitted and requires completion. Stonework to road and coal drops is in paint shop prior to fitting. Goods shed doors require fitting together with final adjustment of electronic opening and closing.

The coal drops and bottom opening coal wagon have been tested on a separate test rig and await stonework completion prior to fitting. Must find out where all the coal is going, I'm getting through a cwt a week at present.

A new delayed action 3 link/screw front of buffer fitting coupling has been designed and prices for a fret are being obtained. Wagons and coaches are awaiting a decision on this as to how they will connect.

Station buildings and Platform awning are under way together with appearing/disappearing passengers.

All things being equal I am confident that we shall be ready by the completion date. If I can cut my sleeping pattern from 2 hours to 1 hour per night I reckon I could get the flock of sheep walking across the bridge by the fiddle yard.........................