What's on the workbench!

[McColm]

Monday 28th October 2024

The Iceland Roast Chicken dinner isn't £2.50 any more it's gone up to £3.75! I'm feeling a lot better now that my stomach has stopped cleaning itself out. A bit like the self clean setting on my washing machine.
This morning I had a large delivery of packages I have to say that I was a little disappointed with the Wizarding World 'Hogwarts Express Model Paint Set. The locomotive doesn't come with the coal tender and is a resin mould which needs to be cleaned up so something decent can be achieved. Yes you get the stickers,  acrylic paint, paint brush and scenic background. There's no detailing on the footplate or inside the cab. There's a few seems that need sanding down to remove them but it will do as a toy or in a display case.  (I was only after the stickers. )
The waterslide transfer sheet NMS-3 arrived I hope I have better luck with the chevrons than the previous ones which dissolved in water in front of my eyes.
I also received a cloth measurement tape and my favourite 24 hour ration pack Menu 5.
This means that the rest should be arriving before Wednesday.
 

[McColm]

Wednesday 30th October 2024

Paint and conversion work on the Triang Pullman Car 79s  has begun. Further investigation into the Rovex station  has revealed that they were along with Triang older than Hornby so no wonder the platform fits with a name change they became Hornby.
In the afternoon another kitchen and bathroom inspection from the council,  although I probably won't get new fittings it was agreed that there's a few issues that need attention, such as tiling in the bathroom and a shower fitted. The kitchen cupboard doors will be replaced and the radiators painted.

On the workbench the 1/144 Shorts Seal MR.1 now has an air-cushion-landing gear with a few minor changes.

My mind has drifted to the Australian 'Sea Patrol ' TV series and I have been watching several episodes on YouTube. I'm still trying to finish off my book in-between bouts of insomnia.
Got another book by the same author so I can take it to work, the night shift can get a bit boring in the wee hours of the morning.
The contents of the Ration Pack are different to the one I had before. The Danish Pack had a orange sponge cake whilst this one has a cake bar instead. The brown biscuits were just a pile of crumbs but the cheese paste did actually taste like cheese. The chocolate pudding boil in the bag turned out okay.
Might buy some more for the night shift.

[McColm]

Friday 1st November 2024

Phew all my bills have been paid for, which doesn't leave me with much. So the GB will start for me in December after I receive my first payslip or digital copy.
It's a bus trip to Lewisham Shopping Centre at midday and a chance to have a wonder around the shops after my appointment with VisionExpress.
I think new lenses but I will have to wait for the results plus they can alter the bridge of my spectacles.
Nine days until I get back to work, so next week should be busy with emails and phone calls. I should be able to finish off my book and the Pullman coaches will be almost finished.
Or what usually happens a stampede all at once next Friday.

Afternoon
I have a new pair of glasses curtesy of NHS being made by VisionExpress. The lenses will be sharper than my current ones. Almost the same frames but much lighter.
Lewisham Shopping Centre was very busy, got some new stores opening and the 380 bus ride revealed some more of Charlton Southeast London to me.

[McColm]

Monday 4th November 2024

My new corporate uniform arrived this morning and everything fits. This must be the first time in roughly forty years as being a security officer that I don't need to alter or have to send anything back to be replaced.
I will in due course require a belt for my trousers but the suit, shirts and tie fit. I'm not too sure about the piece of chequered cloth which is in the same style as the tie. Could be a handkerchief for the top pocket of the jacket.
No raincoat, fleece or jumper provided so far which would suggest that I'm working front of house or in the reception area. The long-range weather forecast is a cold snap at the end of the month with snow showers in the London area by December 14th.
So they don't want me to patrol outside more Costa coffee and Coca-Cola for me.

The Cream Tea Express aka Pullman Hogwarts Castle Express is undergoing a few cosmetic changes, the white window surrounds on the two Pullman power cars are being painted brown having watched a video on the Japanese Seven Star Pullman train.

On the Wizarding World resin moulded Hogwarts Castle locomotive they didn't use enough silicone to break the castings a clean up operation is in full swing. I will need to drill out the rear side window surrounds.
I have a few ideas for the paint schemes, either the Knight Bus or a tie-n-dye/marbling.

The Shorts Valency/Serpentdyne is back from the dead. The original doors have been glued on in the open position. A possible Ekranoplan will be built using spare parts.