The first example depicts a jigsaw from the Gibsons 'Panoramic' 636-piece series. Titled Glenfinnan Viaduct, the artwork is by the famous transport artist Mike Jeffries. Featured in a panoramic vista is the first mass concrete viaduct built anywhere in the world. Completed in 1898 and opened three years later, the viaduct stands at over 100ft in height and comprises 21 arches; it is just short of 1/4 mile in length. The builder was Sir Robert McAlpine, better known as 'Concrete Bob'.In Mike's painting, a Gresley 'K4' class 2-6-0 locomotive is shown heading a passenger service (possibly 'The Jacobite') over the single line viaduct on the West Highland Line between Fort William and Mallaig; Loch Shiel provides a superb backdrop. The 'K4' class of 'Moguls' was built between 1937 and 1939, to combat the steep gradients and tight curves on this exquisitely, pictorial line.
The viaduct has featured in four (?) Harry Potter films.
The second jigsaw featured is a House of Puzzles example within the Laurel Collection. It is one of several, 250-piece jigsaws comprising large pieces, made for anyone, but for the visually impaired, in particular. The title of this 250-piece puzzle is A Grand Day Out and the artwork is by Susan and John Ridyard.
The location is Haworth Station on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, Yorkshire. The station is very busy with passengers, mainly visitors to Bronte country, and Haworth in particular. Judging by the casual summer dress for the visitors the artwork is set in late summer; a passenger train idles in the station. Some passengers have left the train as others are embarking, possibly on the return journey to Keighley.
The train is headed by an ex Southern Railway 'Light Pacific' (4-6-2) locomotive designed by Oliver Bulleid, No.34092 Wells. The latter was built in BR days in 1949 as part of the 'West Country' class, and originally named Wells, but re-named City of Wells in the following year. After retirement from BR, she was restored to former glory over a twenty-five year period 1989-2014, finally rejoining the K&WVR on August 16th 2014. She began her latest duties named Wells, her original name.
If you are interested in buying any of my puzzles you have previously seen on this blog I am continuing the process of downsizing my collection and some of my 230 puzzles must go. Many have already been sold privately, or on Ebay. Let me know if you are interested, by email (changed email address directly above).
