I admit it - I'm addicted.  Since 2002 I have built two ModelWorks kits and while I faced challenges along the way I have thoroughly enjoyed myself.  The reassurance of having a kit has enabled me to tackle projects way beyond what I would have achieved alone.  A large scale steam project such as the Burrell would have taken me years to complete and I doubt that I would have had the stamina to see it through.  I take my hat off to those who have machined a large scale engine at home but it is not for me.  I don't want to turn my home into an industrial factory.

While some purist would disagree I see "kit building" as a valid branch of Model Engineering.  Further with the changes in UK Engineering Industry resulting in fewer time served craftsmen I expect to see the kit building sector grow and prosper.

Having someone else do the laborious work has enabled me to concentrate on the most important aspect of any model namely surface finish and painting.  When I look at my Burrell I see the paint job I have done and not the machining done by the CMC machines at ModelWorks.  I am satisfied with the results but I have been humbled by the impressive pictures sent to me by other MW Burrell constructors.  I look forward in trepidation to seeing other Burrell's during next summers rally season.

You guessed it;  I'm doing it again and shall be building the Foden complete web diary.  I have had a sneak preview of the Foden design and while there is a superficial similarity with the POP it is poles apart.  The ModelWorks Foden is based on the established JMRE Foden and this has been used by Steve at the basis for his SolidWorks CAD design.  I know Steve included a number of subtle improvements to the Burrell and It will be interesting to see what improvements he makes to the MW Foden.  ModelWorks have not yet decided whether their Foden with have Solid or pneumatic tyres but I have a preference for pneumatic.

In a couple of years time I am going to be faced with a dilemma whether to keep the majestic Burrell or opt for the practicality of the Foden.   The POP vs Burrell contest was not entirely one sided as the small size of the POP makes it easy to transport and following my improvements the POP behaves itself on the rally field.  With the prospect of three steam vehicles I will be selling my POP in the new year.