Now I appreciate that winter services into Skaleby West are rather infrequent, but is that really an excuse for a couple of members of the local gentry to use the track bed to exercise their steads? I wonder what those passengers, sat on the platform waiting for the next service, thought about the arrival of a couple of members of the Skaleby Hunt as they passed through the station in the "four foot".

Considering Skaleby West station is built on land within the estate of Skaleby Manor, perhaps Lord and Lady Skaleby feel that they are within their rights to use the line in this way.

In truth the errant horse riders are actually a pair of pre-painted Langley Models figures - purchased from the Stafford show last weekend. I just could not resist them. I do like the Langley Models goods and was looking for some figures to add a little more life and interest to my exhibition layout. Their presence on the track was actually because I had just glued the riders onto their horses and wanted to keep them upright whilst the glue dried. They have now taken up residence in their planned location - on the dirt track which crosses the top of the tunnel - see the pictures below.

The Stafford exhibition began a run of show visits with Allestree, Sileby, Trowell, Mansfield and Nottingham all coming up in the next few weeks. This will begin my own hunt - a hunt for layouts for this year's Weston on Trent show.

In my last post I appealed for layouts, sadly no offers came. I am not worried however. After all I did not start planning the 2012 show until February anyway. This year I do have a number of things sorted for the show already.

6 traders have confirmed their intention to attend. I just need one more and I am looking into that.

Several layouts have already been sorted with several exhibitors from last year agreeing to return with other models. This week I have confirmed another layout. At the latest count I have organised 8 exhibitors bringing up to 10 layouts. This still leaves space for 7 or 8 more. During my upcoming show visits I will be on the lookout for a few more layouts for the show - and if there are any RMWeb users out there who are interested in attending please get in touch.

Meanwhile I am still working on the planning consent for the extension to Skaleby West - will the powers that be (the wife) pass the application?? With half term approaching I am hoping to finish the repair work to the layout and add some more detail. I have a few more Langley items awaiting attention.

Until next time...