iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

jjlr @jjlr3803.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

I've been cleaning up clutter round my house as of late and today I found my MINIS collection. I've always said that I'd probably sell these, but after going through them all & dusting them off I've decided not to. Not the best Thomas toy line, but it's surprisingly brought back a lot of memories.

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jjlr @jjlr3803.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Well, it may be a long way from home for me but it's always worth going up to the Severn Valley Railway. Had an absolute blast at their Autumn Steam Gala on Thursday.

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jjlr @jjlr3803.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

"I want a proper cup of coffee from a proper copper coffee pot. And if I can't have a proper cup of coffee from a proper copper coffee pot, I would like a cup of tea." "Ho ho, that's quite the tongue twister there Stephen."

A Capsule Plarail set-up with Stephen, Glynn & Millie

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jjlr @jjlr3803.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

Yes, of course I took some capsules with me. Here's Oliver & co. making their way down from Arlesburgh, seen in the background.

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jjlr @jjlr3803.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

"Sometimes... the best travels are those we can only dream about." Britt, David, Michael, George - we all miss and still love you.

A recreation of the famous ending from the Thomas episode 'All At Sea' with capsule plarail engines

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jjlr @jjlr3803.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

Got back today from a lovely week down in Devon - weather absolutely perfect and of course, plenty of steam engines.

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jjlr @jjlr3803.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

OK, more fun things to come since I've just got back from a holiday but... I'd said I'd wait for a trailer and now we have one. Speaking objectively & with no bias... yeah, I'm not interested. It ain't for me, but honestly? It's harmless. And hey, at least we still have Bruno.

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jjlr @jjlr3803.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

What's better than one Aardman exhibition? How about two? Back to Bristol today, this time to the M Shed for the perfectly titled 'Cracking Exhibition, Gromit!'

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jjlr @jjlr3803.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

"Wow, this documentary about the Railway Mania is fantastic! I love how they're using actors to depict the people their talking abo... oh, that's AI generated footage."

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jjlr @jjlr3803.bsky.social · 26/07/2026

One last shot from MVR for today and it's this formation they had on the shuttle service. If an engine each end is 'top and tailing', what do you call this then? (other than a sandwich)

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jjlr @jjlr3803.bsky.social · 26/07/2026

While the Flåm Railway may be the best railway I've ever been on, my favourite will always be the Moors Valley. They celebrated their 40th Anniversary this weekend, culminating in a parade of all the engines in service today.

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jjlr @jjlr3803.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

So... I turned 30 last week, which is terrifying if you ask me. But birthdays mean presents, the last of which arrived today better late than never. I don't think I could've asked my parents for a nicer surprise.

A custom Rapido OO Gauge wagon; numbered 1807 and for 'J. M. G. Owen Model Trains' with 'Return to Warminster' in the bottom corner

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jjlr @jjlr3803.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

Picked up this neat little LEGO set yesterday - is it me or does it look eerily similar to Bubs' Concession Stand?

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jjlr @jjlr3803.bsky.social · 20/06/2026

Spent the last week in Norway and one of the places I stopped at was the Flåm Railway. Those who call it 'the best train journey in the world' are absolutely right. Both it and the Museum in Flåm are well worth a visit.

An Norwegian State Railways (NSB) EI 18 at Flåm station

A pair of rail speeders in the Museum at Flåm

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jjlr @jjlr3803.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

Off to Bristol today for "Aardman in Concert" - superb show and superb music as always. There was even a surprise in the form of a little engine down at the Harbour!

The orchestra tune up their instruments before the start of 'Aardman in Concert'

Peckett No. 1940 'Henbury' on the quayside of Bristol Harbour, her old stomping ground

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jjlr @jjlr3803.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

Question for my fellow gamers: if you could add an achievement to any game, what would it be? Mine would be beating the Rebel Flagship in FTL: Faster Than Light without taking any damage. After many runs ending with 1 or 2 hits, I finally achieved it a few nights ago.

A screenshot from the indie rouge-like 'FTL: Faster Than Light' showing my ship of choice 'The Torus' having just defeated the Rebel Flagship

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jjlr @jjlr3803.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

I recently noticed something interesting about the old Hornby Class 06. Not only is it the same motor that all Hornby 0-4-0's have - it's actually in backwards with cylinders still attached and covered up by the rear steps. Strange, given there's a variant without cylinders...

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jjlr @jjlr3803.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

Had a truly 'Grand Day Out' in London today visiting the "Inside Aardman" Exhibition at the Young V&A. An absolutely fascinating insight into how their make their films, along with plenty of their meticulously detailed models and sets.

Wallace & Gromit at the breakfast table, while Norbot knits a 'Wallace Onesie' - as seen in 'Vengeance Most Fowl'

Gromit measuring his prize marrow from 'Curse of the Were Rabbit'

Good old Morph, with his bicycle made from a spanner, a fork, a spoon and many other things

The museum scene from 'The Wrong Trousers'

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jjlr @jjlr3803.bsky.social · 24/05/2026

It seems Summer has come early, but that wasn't going to stop me from visiting Didcot yesterday for their 'Heritage In Motion' Gala.

32424 'Beachy Head' stands outside Didcot Shed

'Beachy Head', 3822 and 3738 standing proudly in the sunshine

6023 'King Edward II' sporting the gorgeous BR Lined Blue

5322 with a fresh coat of GWR Lined Green

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jjlr @jjlr3803.bsky.social · 17/05/2026

Went along to Bath yesterday (or to be precise, Oldfield Park) to see 71000 'Duke of Gloucester' once again. I took my brolly, but thankfully the rain held off.

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jjlr @jjlr3803.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

I've had a pair of spare Capsule Plarail narrow gauge coach faces lying around for some time, so I decided to put them to good use. Here's a pair of troublesome tankers! I've decided to call them 'Luther' & 'Slick' (two references in one! If you get both, you get two cookies).

A pair of Hornby 'Sodor Fuel' tank wagons, customised with added Capsule Plarail narrow gauge coach faces. The nervous one on the left is 'Luther' while the smiling one next to him is 'Slick'

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jjlr @jjlr3803.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

The things you find in charity shops... Well, y'know what they say; 'right place, right time'!

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jjlr @jjlr3803.bsky.social · 26/04/2026

It's the last weekend in April and that can only mean one thing... Spring Steam Gala time at the Watercress Line!

35005 'Canadian Pacific' passes Austerity No. 68067 and Ivatt 2MT No. 41312

Furness Railway No. 20 - at 163 years young, it's the oldest working standard gauge engine in the UK

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jjlr @jjlr3803.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

Question: what are long, thin, nice to eat and used to be transported by rail? Answer:

A Hornby refrigerated 'Palethorpes Royal Cambridge' (sausages) van alongside a Dapol 'Fyffes' banana van

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jjlr @jjlr3803.bsky.social · 19/04/2026

Well folks, to commemorate Animal Crossing's 25th Anniversary I've decided to start welcoming visitors to my island in New Horizons. DA's under the map - feel free to come and have a look around. And yes... I am that predictable when it comes to names.

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jjlr @jjlr3803.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

Hot tip for modern image rail enthusiasts - the Mallard Bridge outside Doncaster is an EXCELLENT place to spend an afternoon.

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jjlr @jjlr3803.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

Stayed for the week in Doncaster, a place I've lots of fond memories of given that my Mum & Grandparents grew up there - my Grandpa even worked on 'Mallard' at The Plant! If you're ever there, do visit the Danum Museum - several fascinating artifacts & not one, but two engines.

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jjlr @jjlr3803.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

Went up North for the week and of course I had to visit the National Railway Museum, where Flying Scotsman just so happened to be on display... 'Happy' is an incredible understatement.

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jjlr @jjlr3803.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

As much as there are many places that I love in this big ol' world of ours, for me there really is no place quite like home. And I'm not just saying that because my home in particular happens to be just up the road from loveable animals and little trains.

One of Longleat's koalas fast asleep in a tree

Two of the Longleat otter's keeping each other company

Longleat Railway No. 7 'Flynn' stands alongside LR No. 8 'John Thynn'

The model railway at Longleat Central station, complete with Hornby 4-wheel coaches painted up in the LR livery

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jjlr @jjlr3803.bsky.social · 22/03/2026

So... Wonders of Sodor. What else can I really say about it? It's not perfect, but to coin a familiar Sudrian phrase, 'Nil Unquam Simile'. Honestly cannot thank @dovetailgamesdtg.bsky.social and everyone else who made it possible enough - it really is absolutely amazing.

Thomas the Tank Engine hauls a short goods train along by the river

James passes Gordon at Vicarstown - Gordon is looking pompous as always given the tar wagons James is pulling

Diesel in the yards, no doubt spreading lies to the trucks again

Percy poses for the camera at the Harbour whilst James & Emily pass overhead, as does Thomas in the background

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jjlr @jjlr3803.bsky.social · 15/03/2026

Considering the fact that it is my local line, I somehow haven't been to the East Somerset since the Spring Gala of 2024. Thankfully this matter has been rectified, for today I went for a visit for the Spring Gala of 2026!

GWR Large Prairie No. 4110 stands at Cranmore station with a passenger train

GWR Pannier Tank No. 7754 with a goods train in the pouring rain

GWR Small Prairie No. 4555 'Warrior' at Mendip Vale with a passenger train

GWR Diesel Railcar No. 22 stands at the end of the platform at Cranmore

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jjlr @jjlr3803.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

Hey @dan.nerdcubed.co.uk! In the words of Edward E. Hitler, "HERE IT IS! IT'S ARRIVED!!"

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jjlr @jjlr3803.bsky.social · 21/02/2026

Went along to Salisbury today to see the Railway 200 'Inspiration' train - an absolutely fantastic and fascinating insight to the history of railways & the people behind them. What I wouldn't give to be one myself... one day J, one day.

Class 66 No. 66719 'Michael Portillo' in Railway 200 red, standing at Salisbury station with the 'Inspiration Train'

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Reposted by jjlr

jjlr @jjlr3803.bsky.social · 21/02/2026

Or alternatively, here's a few more of them.

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jjlr @jjlr3803.bsky.social · 20/02/2026

Every copy of 'Rock 'n' Roll and Other Stories' is personalised.

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jjlr @jjlr3803.bsky.social · 16/02/2026

While I'm saving further judgement of the new show until we get a trailer and a concrete idea of what it's going to be like... I don't like these new designs for one key reason: the faces. They don't look anywhere near as loveable as they used to.

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jjlr @jjlr3803.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

Regardless of how the new series turns out, you know what the one thing I want to return with it is? The original theme tune. Not the exact same composition of course, a tasteful remix or rearrangement would be just fine. Mind you, as wishful as I am I know it probably won't...

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jjlr @jjlr3803.bsky.social · 25/01/2026

*insert witty accompanying comment here*

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jjlr @jjlr3803.bsky.social · 22/01/2026

Please don't take this as me being scathing, but I think a lot of people have either forgotten or never learnt an valuable lesson; just because you can do something doesn't necessarily mean you should. Those aren't quite the words of Yahtzee Croshaw, but he still put it best.

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jjlr @jjlr3803.bsky.social · 21/01/2026

jjlr's Media Thread - 2026 I do enjoy hopping on fun bandwagons and this one is no exception. After all, there's a lot coming out this year and I like to bring my insights to the table. But let's start off with a few things I've already watched/read/etc. this month...

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jjlr @jjlr3803.bsky.social · 19/01/2026

I agree with the comments regarding the recent lore-drop. Have fun doing whatever you like but please, PLEASE respect boundaries. Take my headcanon; my current Tidmouth Pilot is a CR 489 named 'Belinda' (let's see who gets that joke) & my Peel Godred roster looks like this:

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jjlr @jjlr3803.bsky.social · 16/01/2026

OK folks, here's the million pound question. We know that there are a lot of film and TV adaptations of books out there. But is there a TV, film or any other adaptation of a book out there that's better than the source material? Mull that over while I ramble for a few posts...

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jjlr @jjlr3803.bsky.social · 09/01/2026

Well @rapidotrains.co.uk - you've made my new favourite OO model. Yep, got myself one of the new Bagnall's and this thing is impeccable; excellent runner and insanely detailed. Good things really do come in small packages.

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jjlr @jjlr3803.bsky.social · 09/01/2026

"What's that? It 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 like Gordon, but it can't be."

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jjlr @jjlr3803.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

For the last couple of years, my Dad & I have put up a train-themed tree in our local church's Christmas Tree Festival. And as it's the RWS 80th anniversary, we've pulled out all the stops this year.

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jjlr @jjlr3803.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

Huge props to Longleat - this year's Festival of Light was easily the best one yet. Highly recommend it if you're in the area, ESPECIALLY if (like me) you're a fan of Wallace & Gromit.

A light display of Glenfinnan Viaduct, complete with steam train crossing it

The rocket from 'A Grand Day Out' complete with the mice in their sunglasses

Wallace & Gromit enjoying a cup of tea and of course some cheese

The train chase from 'The Wrong Trousers' - Wallace & Gromit pursue Feathers McGraw

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jjlr @jjlr3803.bsky.social · 02/10/2025

So... I've finally played Deltarune. Just finished Chapter 4 and... it hit me hard. Susie isn't the only one who wishes things would stay the same... much like in real life, I hope it's all gonna end OK... I was ambivalent about this game for too long. It's absolutely amazing.

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jjlr @jjlr3803.bsky.social · 20/09/2025

Picked up an old Hornby catalogue during my travels and I don't recall seeing this prototype of their D261 before... actually, I honestly like it more than the final one. Same goes for 'Arry & Bert's faces here, even if they are just the ERTL ones (placeholders, perhaps?)...

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jjlr @jjlr3803.bsky.social · 19/09/2025

Went off to Severn Valley yesterday for their Autumn Gala.

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jjlr @jjlr3803.bsky.social · 16/09/2025

So, who else enjoys revisiting the old Tales from the Other Railway audio productions? I was listening to one in particular the other day and couldn't stop laughing at the idea I had. And if you've never heard of TFTOR, I hope you find this just as hilarious out-of-context.

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