Ravensburger and Gibsons Pictorial Jigsaws.

Two jigsaws from prolific manufacturers, Ravensburger and Gibsons, form the basis of todays post, 27 February 2023. Both are highly pictorial but each includes an obligatory steam train. First up is The Steam Mill, a 1000pc jigsaw from Ravensburger; No.3, in the Day in the Country series. The steam train is a passenger service headed by 'Princess' class, 4-6-2 locomotive, No.6201 Princess Elizabeth. The locomotive is liveried in London Midland & Scottish Railway (LMS) red and the carriages in LMS red and cream (known as blood and custard). The train vies with the Steam Mill as the main focal point but other activities are blended into the picturesque location. One attraction is a Gala where steam engines, other than locomotives, congregate for the occasion, which includes an equivalent show for tractors, opposite. A canal and canal boat add more interest and a jay and a bullfinch are perched in hedges to the fore. A camp site and farm are included in the background. The artwork is by Trevor Mitchell.

The second jigsaw is a 1000-piece example from Gibsons, titled Ye Olde Mill Tavern which is situated immediately adjacent to a canal. Many holidaymakers and/or day trippers are socialising in/at the Tavern and three canal boats are also present, beside or nearby. Yellow flag flowers are in bloom on each bank of the canal. On the opposite side of the canal is a railway station and a cafe. A small passenger train is travelling on a single branch line slowly into the station, an ex Great Western Railway (GWR), 0-6-0 pannier tank at the head. The buildings in the backdrop appear to be part of a village with a church as the focal point. Derek Roberts is the artist.