Checking the Line from H.o.P.

This post of 16th June 2026 is my first since March. Computer problems, health issues and time constraints were issues beyond my full control. The jigsaw described is a 1000-piece example made and marketed by House of Puzzles (H.o.P), a trading name of Bigjigs Toys Ltd. The artist is a man that H.o.P. customers will be familiar with - Robert Barry. On the left of Robert's painting is the famous steam locomotive of the London & North Eastern Railway(LNER), class 'A1/A3', No.4472 Flying Scotsman designed by equally famous engineer, Sir Nigel Gresley. To the right is an unidentfied 'Princess Coronation' class locomotive designed by another famous locomotive engineer, Sir William A. Stanier FRS, for the London Midland & Scottish Railway (LMS). Both locomotive classes were favoured for speed and power, qualities required for mainline passenger traffic.

Both engines are of 'Pacific' (4-6-2) wheel configuration, favoured for fast passenger traffic between England and Scotland. Robert has packed his canvas with many, additional subjects including four that are prominent - a double signal gantry, railway workers in 'dayglo' wear, superb station lamps and four children with a dog. As a nature photographer I must add the blackbird, a swallow and a wood pigeon, to this list.