My little running (and I use the term loosely!), session yesterday certainly proved one thing - I need to start working on some reliable stock! The only DCC fitted loco I could muster was the sound fitted protected Simplex ' running' on a Tenshodo SPUD. This was one of the first locos I built, probably four years ago now but until now, having only a bit of Hornby set track to run on on the living room floor in true train set style. I t came as a bit of a disappointment then when I found that the loco would run fine for a foot or so and then drastically slow down for a few inches and then pick up again. A quick strip down this afternoon soon found the problem - one of the worm gears was loose on the shaft. it must have been picking up for a bit then revolving freely then getting some purchase again hence the erratic speed. A spot of LocTite 603 seems to have sorted it out but is running so noisily now that it almost drowns out the DCC sound. I have a couple of other SPUDs I can fit but will have to convert to DCC first but it does not fill me with confidence for reliable exhibition running. I may have to look at Black Beetles.

The stock situation is probably not quite as dire as it sounds as have a Hunslet finished but needs DCCing and another one DCCed but not quite finished yet. There are also a couple of part built Baldwins in the pipeline along with a couple of Dick Kerrs and have just ordered another 20hp Simplex and there is another protected 40hp in the queue. Plenty of stuff but all in need of plenty of work.