No layout work to report this week as I've been busy.... however had some new arrivals from Rapido Trains UK. Now these were originally destined for Wenlock so I don't really have a use for them now, but they are brilliant models so I'll find a use! 😅

More wiring this past week! I've attached the panel to the middle board with a clamp to know how long I'm needing to make the wires, and this has enabled me to wire in a 9-way D plug so it can be easily disconnected and moved to the opposite side of the board if needed. #NGauge #ThomasModular #Ttte

Well this week I've been wiring up and installing SEEP point motors to the tunnel boards. 6 wires added to each motor then to a choc-block to make them easy to swap out if one fails. All power feeds and frogs connected, just need to make a control panel. #NGauge #ThomasModular #Thomas #Ttte

First time trying SEEP point motors. Looks like they have the feline seal of approval 🐈‍⬛ But then again she may have been after a flailing wire!

Done a bit of work with Daughter No.1 on her layout. Bushes!

A bit more progress on the Modular this week. A shuffle around in the garage has seen the Tunnel module be re-erected in full and the Eastern portal has had most of its track ballasted. We'll see how we go in the next few weeks! #TMRGUK #Thomas #NGauge #ThomasModular #Ttte

A biggish update on Project C! I've been working on 7 of the other wagons and these are now just awaiting decals (that I will be ordering when funds allow). This lot is 3 LNER Vans, 2 Salt Vans and 2 7 Plank Opens. It's slowly getting there! #Thomas #NGauge #Ttte #ThomasModular

This week has seen work commence on the other modules. All boards have had the track sprayed with sleeper grime and ballasting has then begun on the tunnel. For now I've only started on the plain track as I don't want to do the points until I've fitter motors to them. #NGauge #Thomas #ThomasModular

Another wagon off the workbench for Project C! This is a simple conversion of a Farish Bogie Bolster as I've done before, but painted white! Now need to work out how to do the load. Well the white poles will be plastruct, unsure on how to do the tent! #Thomas #NGauge #Ttte #ThomasModular

Sent my submission in for the #RAIL200 competition. Took the board outside to get some natural light photos and to get this shot with some real trees adding to the background. Comparison to what I was aiming for.

Peco #RAIL200 competition entry completed! (Aside from drying glue!) #NGauge #Thomas #Ttte #ThomasModular

A bit of a tease for tomorrow's update! #RAIL200

The first Circus wagons are done! Here we have a pair of Cattle Vans, these started offering as Farish GW examples and have been resprayed and lined. I first attempted to paint the red lining but I didn't like the look so decals it was. Many more wagons to do! #Thomas #NGauge #ThomasModular #Ttte

On our way home we visited railway Number 18 for 2025! A first time visit to @buzzrail and what a lovely line it was! Such an unusual site to see the train winding its way though the housing estates!

Had a belated birthday present yesterday! Trip to Whipsnade Zoo with an additional footplate experience on their 2ft6in railway. Fantastic experience all around, I mean I was given full control of the whistle and even got a go on the regulator!

Forgot to post this last weekend! I've built a fence for the PECO #RAIL200 board! I knew keeping the Maunsell underframes would come in handy! #Thomas #NGauge #Ttte #ThomasModular

Finished off the third Red coach this week. Paul kindly sent me a replacement body for the damaged one and ots now had its handles painted, glazing and roof fitted, and it's chassis put underneath. Nice little rake that looks great with a red engine! #Thomas #NGauge #Ttte #ThomasModular

Not much to report this week.... but I've added some telegraph poles! #Thomas #NGauge #Ttte #ThomasModular

And just like that we've done railway No.17 of the year! With them offering some rare midweek running we paid a visit to the Great Central Railway(Nottingham). A nice surprise for the run all the way to Loughborough as they only advertised running to Rushcliffe. Loved the mini railway too!

We've hit railway No.16 of the year today! Went for a family walk around Chasewater and as they are having a celebration week a cheeky ride was on the cards. 'Holly Bank No.3' was on the front for our round trip. More blue Steamies = Happy Ollie!

And just like that we've done railway No.15 of the year! In addition to my Daughters I was also looking after my Nephew today so it was the perfect excuse for a trip out, the destination... Bala Lake Railway

Railway No.14 for the year! The Fairbourne Railway is a lovely little line with some brilliant locomotives. Our steed for our trip was Miniature L&B 'Yeo'.

This week I've been doing things the Great Western way! Back in December I told Daughter No.1 I would make her a Duck for her layout (I had a Farish 57XX to hand). The main colouring has been done and just transfers and the face to finish off. #TMRGUK #Thomas #NGauge #ThomasModular

Some new tankers this week! Found a pair of Farish 14T tanks I forgot I had so a quick repaint into white to bolster the fleet. These are based off the early series pics attached. #TMRGUK #Thomas #NGauge #ThomasModular

At long last I've completed the last Express Coach for Pete, 2 Red and 3 Green ready to go! Now I think that's enough Express coaches for one year! I think something a bit more straightforward next to get me back in the swing of things. Watch this space! #Thomas #NGauge #Ttte #ThomasModular

Railway No.12 for 2025! A little jaunt on the Severn Valley to Bewdley and back with 13268 and 1450 on the Autotrain providing haulage. Also had a look in 'Inspiration'. A grand few hours

The #rail200 board has some colour! Base layer of scatter has gone down and it really transforms the look of the board. James looks right at home awaiting his bootlace! #TMRGUK #Thomas #NGauge

New additions to the fleet! This week has seen a pair of Red Branch line coaches added to the stock box. These are 3D print files (Tiny Underground Models) on Bachmann chassis #TMRGUK #Thomas #NGauge

It's Balloon day! A few 'on brand' items have been unrwapped! Hmmmm, why on earth would I be getting more Annie and Clarabel models??? Guess we'll find out on Sunday!

As I had opened the mod-roc last week I thought I better use the rest before it goes off! So I've done the last bit on Daughter No.1's layout, this has also been scattered so thats the base grass now done to all areas

Father's day out to Apedale! That's railway number 10 for 2025. Great to see progress on their museum building. As I say every time I visit here.... I really want to model this railway!

Some more progress on the PECO #RAIL200 competition. This week has seen the mod-roc added to the hills and a base coat of brown applied. Having small children paid dividends as I 'borrowed' some of their brown poster paint! #TMRGUK #Thomas #NGauge #ThomasModular

Railway No.9 of the year saw a brief visit to the Amerton Railway. At a grand total of £6 for me and the two girls you can't go wrong! You even get two trips per ticket! Very nice of the guard to show us around the shed between trains too. Must do a gala here someday!

The PECO #RAIL200 challenge is certainly coming together now! I've finished the land forming for the second embankment and had some scenics delivered that has allowed me to get this section ballasted. Next step is to mod-roc the hills! #Thomas #NGauge #ThomasModular #Ttte

Today was the annual Day Out with Thomas! This year we visited the Mid Hants Railway and its very clear they know what they are doing! Lots going on, frequent departures, only slight disappointment for me was the Thomas trip didn't go into Arlesford itself. Otherwise a top day

Railway No.7 for the year and its a new line for me! Today we visited the @GwiliRailway for a round trip behind GWR 5521 in its lovely London Transport Maroon livery.

The PECO #RAIL200 continues! The track has been weathered, fascias added and one side of landscaping done. Getting an idea on how it'll look now. #TMRGUK #Thomas #NGauge

80 years ago today.... A book was published and the rest was history! #RWS80th #Thomas #TMRGUK #RailwaySeries

2 more of Pete's Express coaches left the workbench this week with the Green Composites being completed. This now means 4 out of the 5 he asked me to do are now done and the final Green brake is currently in pieces ready for body modifications! Lots to do! #Thomas #NGauge #Ttte #ThomasModular

The PECO #RAIL200 challenge continues! Ends swapped, Cork down and track swiftly followed! Even had some help from Daughter No.1 and No.2. Lots to do!! #Thomas #NGauge #ThomasModular

My Peco Rail200 board has been built! I'm going to be doing the Scenic version and use it as an excuse to make another module for the Thomas Modular layout! This will become the field where James broke his vacpipe and needed a bootlace! #RAIL200 #TMRGUK #NGauge #Thomas #ThomasModular

When mummy's at work it can mean only one thing.... Daddy-Daughter Train day!! Always a lovely time at the Foxfield Railway

A family day out to Rhyl today..... would have been rude not to tick off Railway No.5 for the year! An enjoyable lap around the lake behind Clara

Happy Easter 🐣! This week has seen Pete's pair of Red Express Coaches finished off. Just the 3 green ones to go and then I can take a break from converting Dapol Maunsells for a while! #Thomas #NGauge #Ttte #ThomasModular

Had an interesting parcel arrive today.... stay tuned for more!

The various stages of Maunsells! 1. All modification work done, Ready for the paint shop! 2. Semi-modified. Going through the filling/sanding/priming stage 3. Factory numbers/lining removed, no modifications. 4. Dismantled, no other work done 5. As it comes from Dapol! #NGauge #Thomas

March payday is always welcome as it's bonus month, therfore I felt it only right to treat myself to a few new additions! Presenting Project C! Some of you will already know what this is going to become, for those who don't then all will be revealed in due course. #ThomasModular #NGauge #Thomas

This week has seen my attention turn once again to express coaches. Only this time they are for @king6023.bsky.social! 5 in total being done (2 Red and 3 Green) with 4 of them disassembled and chassis finished. Gonna be a good few weeks on these! #Thomas #NGauge

Railway no.3 of the year today. A return trip on the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway with visiting 'Moorbarrow' providing the haulage. More steam locos in Blue please!

We have more movement!!!! This week has seen me wire up the droppers for the tunnel boards, this means we now have power to 2 modules! Gordon, James and Toby had the honours of the first run! Video can be seen on my Facebook page Facebook.com/olliestrains #Thomas #NGauge #ThomasModular