Fairly new to model engineering (aka mangling metal).

Started the recent Emma-Victoria 0-4-0ST project. Has stalled whilst I have been helping a much older mate with:

1. Rebuilding a blacksmith's hearth from mostly near scrap. Learnt (after a fashion) arc-welding on the way so that the tray could be made anew..

2. Created a proper workshop from a conservatory with almost no roof. Am a Part P qualified electrician so could do all the electrics. Found out how to build a roof by doing it and got the insulation mostly right.

3. Getting a motorised saw working with NVR switch from a non-moving wreck – how do you size a starting capacitor? I did it by getting several different ones until it worked!

4. Loads of tea.

Other metal mangling interests include clocks, model boats, modifying my own machine tools and making tea.

Non-metal mangling includes trying to learn the mandolin, astronomy and sleflessly reducing the available quantity of malt whisky by personal consumption.

Can't wait to retire.

Well, I certainly started something by mentioning tea! Not a lot about manging metal Just goes to show how highly rated consuming the stuff actually is!