Another update from this Summer: As well as getting plates for No 1 Gannet I commissioned name plates from Narrow Planet for the Roundhouse Millie, so she is now named Chough, after another local bird I am always happy to see*.

[pe2-image src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Mo-z610AwZo/WCTin6IwMvI/AAAAAAAEnQw/7ojUZ1EapCo-Xg5PNhpma6GCRiMPsJweQCHM/s144-c-o/IMG_0124.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/105041492449804846682/MoelRhosBlogPhotos#6351450549747987186″ type=”image” alt=”IMG_0124.jpg” pe2_caption=”1″ ]

Chough also has a Mike’s Marvellous Models driver, also painted by my sister (the polka dots on her headscarf were inspired, I thought).

[pe2-image src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lV-BPGKfX7I/WCTinyd-fSI/AAAAAAAEnQw/6ht6t5vU0o4YFf5UBFpomMTXIwW5vioLwCHM/s144-c-o/P1210017.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/105041492449804846682/MoelRhosBlogPhotos#6351450547689520418″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”P1210017.jpg” ]

I’ve already mentioned a few bits of bling I’ve added to Chough, but there are several other cosmetic improvements I have failed to get round to: painting the couplings, coupling rods and boiler filler caps; matt finish on the tank tops (and maybe toning down the paintwork generally); and perhaps a couple of extra boiler bands and cab steps from locoworks. I also need to hide the gas tank with a coal bunker. All this has taken second place to fitting a Regner whistle, which will be the subject of a post in its own right!

But mostly I’ve just been having fun playing trains! I’ve already mentioned a visit to the B.U.R.P.S.

[pe2-image src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B3a2J7RODmc/WCTinxovFqI/AAAAAAAEnQw/q5f66rBFQoM33Zcu9d12zrqBOpIHkHGNQCHM/s144-c-o/IMG_0708.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/105041492449804846682/MoelRhosBlogPhotos#6351450547466213026″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”IMG_0708.jpg” ]

Chough also ran at the October open day at the Cardiff Model Engineering Society, hauling a beautifully finished rake of IP Engineering coaches belonging to another club member.

[pe2-image src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v1NHd30zgnI/WCTin8QRe9I/AAAAAAAEnQw/Cj4rJ0AHAg0Zb2MBSC8HiC8CvxePADAUwCHM/s144-c-o/IMG_0906.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/105041492449804846682/MoelRhosBlogPhotos#6351450550316399570″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”IMG_0906.jpg” ]

*And yes, because I can’t resist a bad pun.