So the show at Thornlee was quite interesting. Found a few good buys, was surprised at the lack of exhibitions.

First find was a proto 1000 budd car, while too big to be accurate for the NSW version it serves its purpose as a look alike. I removed the lettering, sprayed the underframe black, added the gangway connections, turned the inward door access steps into body mounted ladder style steps, blackened the grills and painted the cowling red.

 As it looks now.

 My best stop was with Austrains. They would have to be my favorite company to purchase from.
Its always great to talk to John and the Boys.
I was lucky enough to find 3526 to add to my preserved steam loco fleet.

 Austrains had air freighted in a few boxes of their newest run of NR class. I just couldn't help my self i ended up with 4 one in each scheme they did. I regret nothing!

 AR kits was another good stop for me, I inquired about the Coote Industrial decals.
They should be available in the up coming months. My 80 class will be complete soon.
I did pick up a few flush glaze windows and a LIV car. I have since added the vents and flush glaze windows to it.

 Ran into a good friend of mine at the show. He was down sizing some of his collection. So I picked up a VR F class from him.

 With all the new editions my display case was over crowded so 4 new shelves had to be added.
to save money I opted for plywood not glass like the others.
this is how it looks at the moment. More shelves will be needed soon.....

 The view of my current steam fleet.

 The growing fleet of NR's

Still more work to go. The shed is slowly getting there so Argyle/Goulburn layout should start in the up coming months.
Until then with chilly weather keeping me indoors two boards were attained to build a small branch terminus. Will post more as work progresses.