2020 was rubbish, and so was 2021 if I'm honest. OK, here's the annual project update copy'n'pasted from 2020:
- 7mm scale Garratts STILL haven't been out of their boxes. I'm looking for a new builder for the one I've been commissioned to produce.
- 3mm scale Class 25 hasn't bothered to build itself.
- O gauge "Flying Banana" railcar, still in the box.
- 4mm GWR steam railcar, I know it's one people would like to see finished. Me too.
- Still can't face finishing the Cravens DMU.
The Beetle didn't change either, but not through want of trying. When our Berlingo was in for a service, I chatted to the mechanic, who took me to a very nearby car restoration place. They were going to be in touch a couple of weeks later, and that was over three months ago. This is a bit of a pattern with trades around here - you wonder how much everyone wants work.
Anyway, on to the projects.
The biggie, which was in progress last year, was Selly Oak. My model based a slice of slice of Birmingham made progress, but ultimatly, I hit a wall and couldn't face working on it any more. Fortunatly, the good people at Rapido were very kind and took it off me at the point I ran out of steam. They have since used it in publicity for the new Brummie Bus, so it certainly wasn't a complete failure.
Apart from that, it's been thin pickings this year. I haven't build a model boat other than the Meng cartoon "Hood".
There was an Airfix Beach buggy.
I started a Hudswell Clarke shunter.
That was back in October, and the model is now shut up in its box again as other things have taken priority.
All this explains why the plan for a post every day has fallen by the wayside. I managed 345, which considering how little I have made this year isn't bad going. It shows just how much rubbish I can write!
One thing that has become apparent is just how much I am missing the social interaction and inspiration visiting a real show offers. There have been a couple this year and I notice how different my energy levels are afterwards. I want to do things - a big chunk of this hobby for me is showing off. Maybe that's something I should be embarased about, but it's true.
I've always said that I'd not build model railway layouts if I couldn't show them to other people. That's not just for the ego boost of people telling me something I have made is good, although I won't say it doesn't help, it's the interchance of ideas. Also, getting out and going somewhere different! We're not even supposed to take a train ride for fun any more. Officially (and if you listen to the interweb, even this advice is too lax) trips out are supposed to be a stroll around the block. Well, after two years, this is driving me nuts.
Anyway, thanks for dropping by and reading this stuff. I can't promise 2022 will be any better, but I'll see what I can do.