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Oh dear me! I know I've said there'll be no more new models for me but I never expected Hornby to release a set of LNER Coronation coaches as part of their 2022 range. Many years ago I purchased a set of Mailcoach plastic kits to construct the Coronation coaches but never got round to doing so and eventually sold them on at a time when funds were very tight. In those days my early interests were purely LNER based with 4902 'Seagull' being my first purchase from a local 'G.T. Smith' supermarket of all places. It cost me a little over £20, £22 if I remember correctly. Sadly 4902 was sold too but ironically it's one of only three A4 locomotives that I now do not have in my collection. I note the current RRP of an A4 for 2022 is to be £217.99. It's going to be very difficult for me to refuse to order the Coronation coaches despite the total cost of the full 9 coach rake being close to £500! But I suppose that's only £10 per week for a year and when I consider I was once a smoker getting through at least 20 cigarettes per day at a cost of £6-£7 per packet then it doesn't seem too bad. And I will probably live that little bit longer for giving up the cigarettes so I can get more use from them. They're beginning to seem like a bargain!

No worries - It's the same with most of us! And the bonus being that by the time of your next post you should have made a start on your garden railway! Have to admit that the vaccine/booster program in my area has been first class. The vaccine centre was within walking distance, online booking was faultless, and the actual process was painless (thankfully!) and over in a matter of minutes. I'm not into sailing but this past year especially, we've walked miles up and down the Leeds & Liverpool canal close to where we have our holiday home. We've also begun watching several Youtube channels related to narrowboats and living on the waterways. While it initially appealed, the more we've seen the less likely we would be to go down that route ourselves but it's still interesting viewing and doesn't detract from our frequent walks along the canal. It's great to be able to be close to the canal but have somewhere 'on grid' to be able to retreat to.