New synths - Kawai G-Mega, Simmons Trixer

I picked up a Kawai G-Mega module from eBay, not particularly cheap at £50 including delivery, but a more sensible buy than the equivalent keyboard, the K11. It's basically a General MIDI module with an extra bank of sounds - not a patch on the K1 or K4, but it adds to my Kawai collection.

In a fit of madness I also bought a dead Simmons Trixer, in the hope that I might be able to patch together one complete one from this, and the rusty example I already have. The new one has some obscure modifications, so finding out what they do might be fun...

New Doepfer synth modules

A couple of Doepfer synth modules have come my way - a second VCLFO, which is useful for my Jean-Michel Jarre effects, and a bucket-brigade digital delay line. I've been dubious about including effects in the system, since I could always add them externally, but I suppose the fact that this is voltage-controlled makes it worthwhile. I still need a second theremin controller, though...

Tangerine Dream The Electronic Journey CD box set

Well here's a bargain, a box set of 10 Tangerine Dream CDs for £13.99 from C&D Services. Compiling what are probably 10 of the worst TD albums - Seven Letters from Tibet, Cyberjam Collection, Tangines Scales and so forth - it's a great way to mop up some titles I probably wouldn't have bothered with otherwise. Apparently the box photo is the same as that of a 4-CD box, Ballads, which was another compilation which I didn't bother with. But I look forward to skipping through most of the tracks on Electronic Journey at some time in the near future...

More Classic Daleks

There's another marvellous Classic Dalek set on the way from Character Options; the Remembrance of the Daleks set features an Imperial (great, now I don't have to get the overpriced McCoy+Imperial pack), a Renegade, a Supreme, and best of all, a Special Weapons Dalek. And there are three more Cybermen coming out too, but frankly they're all starting to look the same to me...

A visit from Evil Cat

We've had a few visits from a local cat who likes to nest in the foliage at the top of the garden, or curl up on the barbecue, or just sit on the step and stare at us. He's a bit evil-looking, black with a tatty ear and glarey eyes, but I've been feeding him anyway. Here he is, auditioning for a part in The Omen.

Unimat 1 Classic

I indulged myself in a multi-tool which ought to make it easier to manufacture small parts for models and conversions. The Unimat 1 Classic is a lightweight plastic-bodied lathe which converts into a mill, saw, sander etc; it's not heavy-duty, but should serve for what I need, and at around £160 from eBay it was a viable alternative to the £600-ish mills and lathes a real pro would go for. I'll report back on how I get on with it!

Doctor Who action figures - 11 Doctors box, Ironside Dalek etc

I've been going a bit mad with the Doctor Who action figures lately - apart from the 11 Doctors box set, I've had the 1st Doctor with Dalek, 2nd Doctor with Cyberman, 7th Doctor with The Master, Cyberman 2-pack and Remote Control Dalek Ironside. Just have to get the 7th Doctor with Dalek now. And a blue new model Dalek. I sold another custom - a 'pewter' finish classic Dalek - and am still working on a Dalek Space Commander...