Dukedog's Jottings

You layout looks far, far better than a toy train set !

Unfortunately I didn't get chance to nip down to Wolverhampton on Sunday Frank after domestic duties and a recalcitrant 22 as I did want to come down to say thank you once again to you and Mark Forrest. It was a pleasure to feature Pen Y Bont in MI2 as it is a well executed and attractive layout of which you should be proud. Coincidentally I drove through the real Pen Y Bont on the way back from a photo job on Saturday having taken a detour over Bwlch-y-groes and Lake Vyrnwy for the hell of it as it was such a beautiful autumn day with rather special light (and in Wales too!).

 

 

Anyway, I digress. I appreciate the health issues and standing for a whole weekend, bending and stretching, starts to take a toll irrespective of health problems and if you need a hand with shows around the Midlands please don't hesitate to give me a shout and I'm sure someone may like to step forward to give a hand when you're further from home in other areas.

Frank,

 

It was nice to finally meet you on Saturday at Wolverhampton, and great to see Pen Y Bont rather than just ogling at the pictures.

 

Having arthritis in my lower back, I can both relate and sympathise with you and your dilemma. I think it catches up with us all as we get older.

 

Standing up and having to bend over to operate 3 link couplings all day doesn't help matters. Have you considered moving to an auto coupler such as the Sprat and Winkle and a comfy high stool to sit on? You might feel that it is a bit of a retrograde step, especially as you are a 'hands on' type of exhibitor, but it could make exhibiting a whole lot more comfortable for you with fewer after effects in the way of aches and pains.

 

Regards

 

Richard

Frank,

It was very nice to meet up with you at Wolverhampton; I'd been wanting to see Pen Y Bont since it appeared on the Exhibition Circuit.

 

ok on the back problems, I know how painful that can be; I have arthritis in 2 /3 of my spine.

 

As you know my job takes me away from home at short notice so it's difficult to plan too far ahead. I would be happy to help you at Exhibitions with Pen Y Bont if I'm available.

Hi frank

 

Sorry to hear of your problems, and hope things work out, I was diagnosed with diabetes 5 years ago, and have found it almost impossible to shift weight despite been physical active in my job and hobby’s, and cutting back on the food and booze.

With all the contacts in the model and real railway world, I have, I have found it difficult to find helpers when I exhibit Glenuig, but I have managed, and this weekend was helped by Wilf or Baldrick 25, as he is known. So I am sure you will find a suitable helper, and this is the place to look.

 

I have fitted Sprat and winkles, and operate the layout from the front, once you have mastered, or found where you hid the magnets in the ballast! It is possible to operate the whole thing while sitting on a fold up stool.

 

Anyway, i am following your latest creation, its looking good.

 

Gary

Thanks to all for your comments and input.

Andy, great photograph, a large version would make an interesting back scene for the model Pen Y Bont.

 

As far as Pen Y Bont is concerned my options although limited are still open. IF I can arrange for assistance then I would rather keep the layout, but as Gary has mentioned above finding someone willing to help can be difficult and I'm not going to commit myself to shows if I can't get assistance. That's the problem with a one man band, a club layout would probably have sufficient members to cover the whole weekend including loading and unloading.

 

I will feel rather sad if I do have to part with Pen Y Bont, but, it has given me pleasure for nearly 6 years and my new project Morfa Bach will no doubt do the same.

 

Thanks to those offering assistance and your sympathetic response to my condition. You are all very kind, but I don't want to make a big issue about it. It's just one of those things that sometimes happens in life you just have to get on with it.

 

Thanks also to those who have taken the trouble to contact me via PM much appreciated .

 

I'll post again when I make the final decision.

 

Cheers!

Frank