Leaderboard

Wandering around like a lost soul, our chap next decided to take another view under the roof. Owing to a senior moment, the guard forgot which way the train was going to travel, but there is plenty of time for him to transfer the lamp to the rear end. Stepping back a few paces, the CCT in number 1 bay caught the photographer's attention, so he took a shot of that as well. It is hoped that the sound of moving trains will be heard again shortly.

Evening all, a couple of carriages rolling off the production line for my five set. The essential Gresley CK (corridor and compartment side views of these asymmetrical carriages) and a five compartment BTK presently under construction.

My operation was cancelled, sat there for 7 hours then sent home in a taxi, back to waiting again

My visitor yesterday was Andy aka The Green Howards. Some may recall that a while back he very generously offered to build two Thompson sleeping cars for me, and yesterday they arrived. We did run them in the correct formation of the 7.30pm KX- Aberdeen, though only after I had started by referring to the 7.45pm, which has a different formation, instead. By the time we had finished assembling, chatting, and sorting one or two minor coupling problems, the light had gone, so no photos were taken. As they aren't scheduled to run for several hours yet in the sequence, I decided to pose them for you to admire. I'm delighted with them. Somehow, I now need to find a way to acquire a Gresley 66ft 6ins SLF to go with them. I think I can hear Steve 31A shivering from here.

Our second locomotive for the British market is the Brush Class 92 dual-voltage electric. Having decided to produce the Mark 5 coaches, a necessity to produce suitable motive power was required for the sleeper stock, with the Class 92 selected. With a high-quality model in the pipeline in N gauge from Revolution/Rapido, it seemed right that OO gauge modellers should enjoy a high specification model with excellent detail, an array of features and excellent fidelity as modellers come to expect from Accurascale. A high quality model locomotive was a requirement in securing the rights to produce the sleeper stock from the outset. A total of 46 of these interesting and complex locomotives were built between 1993 and 1996 as part of the landmark Channel Tunnel project, to convey freight and sleeper trains between Britain and France across the 25kv AC overhead and 750v DC third rail network. The locomotives have enjoyed chequered careers, with some of the work they were built for, such as the ‘Nightstar’ sleeper trains seeing cancellation before services could start and the 92s built for the role languishing in storage for many years. Luckily, the locomotives have acquitted themselves well on intermodal, steel and general freight traffic for BR, EWS, DB and GBRf over the past 25 years and belatedly find themselves on sleeper services with the Caledonian Sleeper, some 20 years after they were built for such trains. It is the Caledonian Sleeper that has led Accurascale to choose the Class 92 as its second locomotive. Accurascale has teamed up with the exciting and innovative brand Revolution Trains to design and manufacture the new CAF built Mark 5 coaching stock, which will be used on the Caledonian Sleeper as well as TPE services. Accurascale will produce and retail the coaches in OO gauge, while Revolution will do the same in N gauge under their crowdfunding model. Extensive research on the locomotives has been complete with CAD design at an advanced stage. Tooling will commence shortly and livery permissions have been obtained. The first run of locomotives will see multiple releases in railfreight with different markings, EWS, DB Schenker, and GBRf, with DCC ready and DCC sound options available on all running numbers. Specification will mirror that of the Accurascale Deltic locomotives, with heavy tungsten alloy chassis, an extensive array of separately applied detail, detail differences catered for between locomotives and numerous operating features including motorised raising and lowering pantographs and DCC ready and DCC sound fitted options using ESU’s latest Loksound 5 chip. Accurascale would like to thank Revolution Trains for their assistance in this project. Prices and delivery are TBC. Preorders can be made via the Accurascale website: https://accurascale.co.uk/collections/british-rail-class-92

Accurascale and Revolution Trains are teaming up to produce Mk5 coaches in 00 and N gauge. The two companies are co-operating on research and development and will be producing complete ranges of the Mk5s operated by Caledonian Sleeper and Trans Pennine Express's Mk5a vehicles. Both types of Mk5 are being manufactured by CAF of Spain, and they are the first loco-hauled vehicles built for Britain's rail network since the Mk4 Inter-City 225s which entered service three decades ago. Those for Caledonian Sleeper comprise Sleeper, Accessible Sleeper, Club Car and Lounge Car while TPE will operate theirs in fixed sets of five with a driving trailer, three intermediate standard cars and a first class/guard's vehicle. Although the Mk5 and Mk5a vehicles share many design features and common components, there are also significant differences - primarily the Caledonian Sleeper vehicles are slightly wider to offer more room in the side corridor. Revolution and Accurascale have CAD work on their design is now well underway. As part of this exciting new project, Accurascale will also introduce a high specification Class 92, with Revolution providing valuable research assistance. Fran Burke of Accurascale said: “It has been an amazing first year for Accurascale and we are delighted to add our first electric locomotive and coaching stock to our range. Both the 92 and the Mk5 will be done the Accurascale way - with absolute attention to detail and quality. We’re delighted to be working with Revolution Trains again on another exciting project for both companies.” Accurascale's Patrick Conboy added: "We want these models to set a new standard for the British market, and they will be the perfect accompaniment for our forthcoming Class 92 in 00." Exact specifications for the coaches are yet to be finalised, but modellers can expect switchable interior lighting, fully detailed and painted interiors and accurately modelled detail differences in the roofs, underframes and bodyshells. Both Beacon Rail, who own the TPE vehicles, and Caledonian Sleeper have been hugely helpful with drawings, CAD designs and facilitating visits to both Longsight and Polmadie depots to enable us to photograph and measure every inch of these attractive and stylish vehicles. Mike Hale of Revolution Trains said: "Revolution and Accurascale have a similar approach and when the opportunity arose to work together on the Mk5s we did not hesitate. We will be focussing on the N gauge models, as you'd expect, but we are certain that co-operating like this will benefit both 2mm and 4mm modellers." And Revolution's Ben Ando added: "We'd very much like to thank Beacon, Caledonian Sleeper and of course the makers CAF for providing such detailed and comprehensive research material. These coaches will go very well with high-end models already on the market - such as the Dapol Class 68 and Revolution's own Class 92 - so they were a logical choice for us." Caledonian Sleeper operate two trains each night from London to destinations in Scotland - the Lowlander, with 8 coaches each for Edinburgh and Glasgow, and the Highlander with six coaches for Aberdeen, six for Inverness and four for Fort William. Both companies anticipate that book sets will be offered with separate sections, allowing a complete train to be assembled. Similarly, once introduced TPE plan to operate their Mk5a vehicles in fixed formations of 5 between Liverpool, Manchester Airport, Scarborough and Middlesbrough. Again, these will be packaged as complete rakes in book sets. Development of the models is underway, with first samples in both scales expected by Autumn. For more information on the N gauge project, visit www.revolutiontrains.com and www.accurascale.co.uk for the OO models.

Once again today's photos were taken at Bottesford, on the Grantham to Nottingham line. For those who haven't been looking at this thread for very long Dad used to live a few minutes walk from the station so he often took photos there. The station has staggered platforms and until recently there was no footbridge. The only way to reach the up platform to travel towards Grantham and Skegness was to walk across the wooden crossing by the red sign in the first photo. In clear weather there is quite good visibility in both directions. The platform had no other access. Bottesford Class 114 Skegness to Nottingham Nov 80 J7287.jpg Bottesford 25256 down parcels Feb 81 J7322.jpg It's probably 25056 not 25256. Bottesford Class 114 Grantham to Nottingham March 81 J7328.jpg Bottesford Class 114 Skegness to Nottingham March 81 J7337.jpg Bottesford 20165 and ano down le May 81 J7388.jpg David

No idea about deleting notifications; haven't found an option yet. I've never really thought about it before, but most sites don't let you delete them for some reason. Surely once you've read the notification you don't tend to need re-read it ever again! Some forums do have auto-delete once it either gets to a certain number, or by a certain date (Whichever comes first). I'm currently sitting at 6 pages of notifications, dating back to the 3rd; which suggests to me that auto-deletion might be occurring? I'll keep an eye out and see if the list gets longer! As I mentioned on Friday (I think), a visit to my grandparents farm on Saturday was carried out with the aim of tidying and putting stuff into burn/bin/keep piles. Whilst it's only a bungalow (thank goodness!) it is quite a sprawling one, but my grandparents were never people to go out and buy anything for themselves; a new cheap car every 6 years was all they'd really buy. As such, a lot of the furniture is unfortunately showing it's age; the vast majority will sadly have to be burnt on the bonfire. Seems a horrible waste of someones possessions, but it really isn't worth salvaging. Doesn't help that there are signs of woodworm on a number of pieces. The only good thing is that my nan loved a good bonfire on the farm! She'd be out there every Saturday if weather permitted. Quite frankly our biggest hurdle is working out what to do with the farm. There are so many options, but an equal number of restrictions; for one, the bungalow itself is under an agricultural occupancy condition (AOC), which would be almost impossible to remove. Our current thought is to try and get permitted development on the dairy or one of the barns, and turn it into a house; thus swapping the AOC onto the new build. All the farm buildings aren't in the best standing (but at least are pretty structurally sound). They were all put up by my dad and uncle, so it's unsurprising they're still standing despite years of neglect! Anyway, to be blunt, I think it would be a waste not to try and get some permitted development on the farm; not least because it would have to be sympathetic to get through planning. The last thing we'd want would be to sell the farm, only for someone to pull everything down and "redevelop" the area into an unsympathetic mess. Of course there are planning restrictions, but that doesn't stop some people! As I have an interest in architecture and 3D design, I've already come up with one possible idea; we're currently awaiting feedback from a professional to see what other options there might be. Anyway, that's enough waffle for me; I was going to write this on Saturday but it's fair to say that the day took it's toll on me. Best wishes to all.

Bore da. The alarm disturbed our slumbers at 6:15am alerting SWMBO to the fact she has to face another day in her corner of the civiil service. For my part I riise and make her tea and porridge.......only to find two days of standing, operating Rosamund Street at Doncaster has brought on a dull back ache, which results in yours truly walking as if his underware is full !!! "The Right Hon. Lord Scruffster of Scruff" our rescue 12yrs old dog (Yorkshire Terrier) is happy in the knowledge he'll get to go trainspotting alongside the SWML today ! Best wishes to all. Brian R

There was still little moving, so our man decided, for some reason, to use some precious film on a couple of vans. He was quite safe to stand where he did, as the signalman in Crescent box is a mate of his, and gave him the all clear. Then he moved along and into the loading dock area, where he got this somewhat more interesting view.

Well the big day arrived on Friday 8th February and Alice and I got married at St Peter's Cork.

Evening all. The weekend is almost at an end here. I have glossed over the fact that today is the anniversary of losing mum but that has hit me rather harder than I would have imagined. It left me as the senior member of the family and with no children of our own also the last on this branch of the blood line; though my sister has her three boys they will not carry the family surname forward. For all she did visiting multiple times daily and in the end discovering mum had passed away in her room my sister has coped rather better perhaps because she is so busy managing family, taxi-ing friends about and with work. I struggle most days with a body which claims to be 61 but which repeatedly tells me it wants to think and behave like someone very much younger. I don't enjoy my own company as I once did while this plays on my mind. And whilst it is sometimes a benefit to have younger folk around I am often the oldest person where ever I go socially. Speaking of younger folk I learned a little more about this morning's disturbance upstairs. My educated guess was very close to the truth. Neighbour and ex-Neighbour had been out drinking the night away for reasons of their own choosing before arriving home around 2.30am and vomiting on the hallway carpet and kitchen floor. It seems they then simply went to bed leaving their flatmates to discover the mess later. Ah the joys and excesses of youth. Been there - done that - worn the (Technicolor©-yawn stained) shirt. Sometimes I don't want to be in my 20s again! Off to count sheep and chase sleep now hoping that the brain will be quiet and well-behaved. Good night all.

More procrastinating. Trolley design now abandoned as it was pointed out that shifting the trolley around with various sundry operators and having to get through the door was like one of those puzzles with 16 spaces and 15 sliding blocks. Having endured one minor heart attack 6 years ago one always lives with the thought in one's head that another could easily happen and if I were in the railway room on my own and there was an accident, the trolley with its suitcase style catches on the inside face and bracing struts for the legs below would make it very awkward for anyone else to get in to render assistance. We are therefore going back to the lifting flap idea but will in the end I think plump for a simple top hinge set-up hidden by suitable pieces of scenery. On the side nearest the wall a goods shed and loading bank can be adroitly positioned to cover that hinge and on the operator's well side probably a clump of bushes or a small field barn will do the trick. Keep It Simple is always sound advice. I'm also pleased to report that finally my very first fully repainted, lettered, weathered, named, numbered and decoder-fitted loco is ready for the railway. All my other stock has one or more of that list incomplete. Dean Sollers Colliery Co. Peckett No.501 was 99% complete last summer but just before Christmas Modelmaster supplied a lovely big bagfull of nameplates and its only taken me 7 weeks to get around to fitting the first pair. The Peckett is named after my father. He looks like a Wilf, doesn't he?

Greetings from a slightly less boring than usual borough. Land slip at Barnhurst has closed the Bexleyheath line. SWMBO was last seen heading for the bus stop leaving a trail of blue air behind. Once again Southeastern's insistence on using loop services means this b*ggers up all 3 north Kent lines. Then again it is a good excuse for them to save on not running trains but profiting from the compensation paid to them by Network Fail. Oh and throw in the weekly (almost daily now) signal failures at Lewisham. Maybe we can get Failing Grayling to start a ferry service from Erith for stranded commuters. Little else of note so I'll just wish those doing poorly, well. Enjoy the day as well as you can.

Morning all from a sunny place, it's definitely getting warmer round here. The week ahead shows 14 degrees and sunny all week. We are up a little late this morning as I slept in. We were supposed to be heading north and westwards to look for a new Fridge freezer and be back in time for other things. Those plans have now changed and the ironing now awaits as well as filling the log basket. I really enjoyed watching the rugby yesterday. Even though I hated the game at school I was forced to play it and did gain some understanding of it. I actually understood some of what was going on yesterday but still can't understand why they are allowed to get away with not putting the ball down the centre of a scrum. They seem to be able to throw it directly to their own hookers. Rick, I hope that things start to feel better for you soon. Also thoughts of Mal and Sandy and their families. Hopefully I will get a bit of time in the shed this afternoon. Regards to all Jamie

Some photos of the test etch C14. The frames are designed to be continuous as in full size, no cut outs or pivoted rear truck. The radial axlebox at the trailing end is replaced by an internal pony truck at the correct radius. There are cut out marks around the bogie wheels but these appear not be necessary at least down to the 28" radius of my test track (in 00 gauge). As can be seen here the frames are considerably joggled and tapered inwards to allow enough side movement - all this from the GA, no modelling concessions apart from the gauge. Close up of the internal pony truck arrangement, it's also lightly sprung with a phosphor bronze wire, just visible over the driving wheel axle. Tank front, cab front and bunker front all locate in half etches on the top of the footplate. The cut out on this side of the cab front is for the reverser, the only significant error so far is that I forgot to make a slot at the other side for the tank top which is in one piece as usual. Window bars are best fitted before attaching the cab back, a fairly tedious job with .3mm wire and a piece of scrap .022" n/s used as a spacer. It doesn't look very neat on the inside but all this is easily cleaned off, finished version seen three photos up. First tank side added, these are etched in one piece with the bunker sides, the bars across the doorways will be removed later. The other side and the tank top added, temporary bars across the tanks will be removed as the boiler is fitted. Bunker front added, fits down on to the cab floor, not the footplate top The cab floor is fitted to the frames so access to the inside of the cab will be from below. The cab sides fit on the tank top and outside the ends. I have done a little more work on this since these photos but the C14 might have to take a back seat now in favour of the Stanier 2-6-2T and Stone/Faiveley pantograph.

There was excellent finescale craftsmanship in the cheese and tomato sandwich I had on Saturday, the thinnest sliced cheese I have ever come across. Sunday did not disappoint with the ham alternative shaved so finely parts were transparent enough to flushglaze a few locos representing excellent value.

Morning al, We too are getting some sunshine so the study curtains remain firmly drawn over the window to allow me to see the 'puter screen. I doubt any outing today will be more exciting than Tony's - the only difference being that I shall be going out for the 'paper the milk having been duly delivered during the night. Andy (B) I reckon you'd be better off going to Paris - the lad started about an hour earlier than you fr your jaunt north east but he was home well before 22.00 notwithstanding the Class 374 having an electronic hissy fit in the vicinity of Hondeghem and arriving 15 minutes late in consequence thus missing his planned train from Paddington. Anyway enjoy your day one and all and I wonder if anybody can answer my question about deleting the notifications I've already received as I see the 'new software' thread has bitten the diust.

Morning all, Long day ahead of me as my flight home will get me in around 22:00. Whilst staying up in the north east is great, on this occasion I opted for more of a "touch and go" visit. Rick, sympathies for the cares that you carry. Thoughts with John, Sandy, Mal & Gabe.

As the day drags what remains of its weary carcass towards midnight, I found this: https://imgur.com/gallery/seO1K which might cause amusement in certain quarters (language warning). I was actually looking for this: that I saw on Facebook earlier and I thought Martyn would like. 'Night all Pete

Morning all. Back from our trip to Chicago, congratulations and commiserations as necessary - a LOT of posts to try and work my way through. Trip was very good, play was outstanding (even if it's probably not QUITE as historically accurate as some believe - on investigation there seems to be some contradictory evidence!) as entertainment it was great. A full day on Thursday at the Art Institute of Chicago can be recommended, I did NOT realize just how many well known pieces they have in their permanent exhibit. Partook of various eating establishment offerings, all worth the visit, last being a German restaurant "The Berghoff" oldest restaurant in Chicago apparently, reminiscent of a beer hall. Great food and beer their own brews. Managed a Merc GLC300 for the rental ride home and have to say I was unimpressed. I'd NEVER pay the price for that vehicle, wasn't as comfortable as many others I've rented recently...and hardly could be described as "user friendly" controls for pretty much any of the equipment! Oh wll, good thing I wouldn't spring for one I guess Returned to 8 inches of snow the day before we came back, very cold over the weekend with another 6 inches of snow yesterday, and more due later today. We're now "on track" for our normal snow levels, having got about 32 inches already this season, just about 3 inches shy of the average so far. Back working this week <yawn>. -10 overcast and expecting -4 for a high and snow overnight. Carry on...

Morning All Her has said could I listen out for the door bell my hearing is about 30% so theres' a fat chance of that happening at the moment. Yesterday I enjoyed 15 men in white shirts biff the sh!t out of 15 men in blue shirts it was the best England game I had seen in ages . No chores today apart from tracking the whereabouts' of Her Puta that the shower of #### Curry's are fixing she has ripped into several of Curry's staff last week for being unhelpful (nothing new there) ,having just tried the tracking on their website it's as good as the staff #<*%$"& useless, pity the store manager she is going their shortly to tear some-one apart. must dash C.O.P. Atadeffun

Mooring Awl Inner Temple Hare, A good nights sleep of 6.5 hours solid, although I still feel tired. Crunchy frost this morning and the roads that are not salted, frozen puddles.. I sympathise with Rick, the first technical thing this morning was moving that very expensive frequency source, Go to back of rack I want, Get down, Disconnect frequency source and mains 4 inches above gorund level. Stand up, go round front of rack, Get down again, extract 20kg of unit out of rack, shuffle sideways holding unit, insert into next rack at 18 inches above ground, Stand up, go round back of that rack, Get down again and reconnect. Stand up, go round front of rack, Get down, turn on and reprogramme correct frequency and voltage, Stand up, and go round to the back of first rack Get down again, Disconnect first rack. Stand up go round to the front and drag rack to my lab 30ft away, Get down, connect up rack, take off dust filters. Stand up, go to dust bin and brush out filters. Get down, refit filters Stand up, go to desk and ... Sit physically relax. old joints and sports injuries aching.. Now, while typing the above, carry out 7 measurements.. I have one of last weeks major systems to finish in parallel with the new system, when I've done this techinically awkward section on the new system.. Time to get on with work..

Morning all. Another weekend has come and gone seemingly very quickly. Muggacoffee on the go before I get the kids up. Tonight should see more bedroom painting, and perhaps building the new bed, if we get the chance. A days spotting sounds ideal recovery Brian! Hope everyone's day goes as smoothly as possible.

Morning All, It is a fairly mild morning today. Somewhere between 4°C and 5°C with a light breeze. The weekend was quiet - Saturday's weather was reasonable, but yesterday was windy and wet - necessitating staying indoors! Time for a coffee. Have a good day everyone...

Good evening everyone It’s been a lovely sunny day here in the northwest, with wall to wall sunshine, almost like a spring day! I’ve not needed to put the heater on in the workshop at all today, despite it being only 5C when I went out there this morning. It held off all day, it at around 6:30pm it started to rain, but by then I was sat on the sofa in the front room and didn’t care. Well, I finally finished the bracelet I made for Sheila, but when I brought in in for her to try it on, it was a little too big. It seems that during the hammering process, where I flattened the centre part, it grew in length a bit, about 15mm all told. I couldn’t trim it as I’d fabricated a ball shaped terminal on each end and these couldn’t be removed, as it would have spoiled the design. So I made a start on another, which I cut a little shorter, to take into account for the amount that it will GROW when flattened. Thankfully, my calculations worked out just about right, I’d just made a start shaping it when the shaft on my leather mallet broke just below the head. So, first thing tomorrow morning, I’ll have nip to my local independent DIY shop and purchase a replacement shaft before I can continue. I have to agree with Neil, this new layout is not as easy to navigate as the old, but I’m slowly getting there. goodnight everyone

Thanks everyone! As you can see work is very much in progress. We will keep you up to date with news and other info in due course!

Inspired by the quay on Kev's Little Muddle and Boat Cove, Dawlish I've bought a very nice dinghy from Cornwall Model Boats to put on my beach tied to a mooring ring. Made from resin it's very well detailed for the money. It's actually 1/96 scale and measures 45mm long.

Ah the Berghoff. Been visiting that bar ever since our second trip to Chicago back in 1991. Great place. They didn't allow women in till the late 60's which luckily is way before I first took my other half in there. Unfortunately its not open Sundays so couldn't pay a visit on our last trip in 2016. Regarding the forums new software I keep having issues with it, latest was it overfilled my pm folder suddenly from around 70% to 128%so no one could post new pms but could still reply to old ones. Its also a pain whrn typing on a moblie as kerp scrolling above where you are typing so apologies for more typis than I normally do, hence why I am not posting do much. anyway back to my pint in a recently reopened pub in Tonbridge after a visit to Hastings

I don’t really have much interest in rugby but one thing I have noticed. Our local park used the have football pitches but they are rugby pitches now. When wandering past the games , the lack of abuse directed at the rugby ref is very noticeable compared to the football ref. Also they pick up their rubbish. I did did go out for milk. Benfleet seemed deserted. My interest in my railway may be getting a bit of a boost. Ages ago I did realise I didn’t really have any suburban type coaches so fortunately they seem to be in the currently available ranges rather than hunting through eBay. Perhaps the very slightly warmer weather will encourage me to find something suitable to trundle them round the layout. Though as it hasn’t been used for a while (I did clear all the tools and recycling off it) it will probably need the track cleaning wagon to go round a few times. Tony

Morning all from Estuary-Land. As Tony has said bright and sunny here this morning and the forecast is the same for the rest of the week. Next door are still preparing the house for letting, three months now they've been at it and its still not finished. A for sale sign has appeared on the house opposite, rather surprising as its also a 'buy to let'. C&C's to all that require them, muggatee awaits, be back later.

Morning all It is sunny here this morning. I don’t think we are going out except to buy milk. Tony

Good morning everyone The sun is shining, but it’s cool here in the northwest around 3C at present. Sheila is just finishing her breakfast and will then get herself ready for her Zumba class. Once she left I’ll head to the shops for a new hammer shaft. Upon my return I shall make muggertea No2 and then head to the workshop. Enjoy whatever you have planned for the day. Back later

Cheers, mates and mattresses (that’s the plural of it, isn’t it? ). Currently stood at beautiful Sommerfeld for a longish turnaround. Bit breezy and I understand rain‘s coming up. Thoughts to everyone in need, as always. I’ll just say night all now, because I guess most everyone will be asleep when I get home...

https://johncolby.wordpress.com/2019/02/10/sandys-chemo-day-54-of-126/

We had a games teacher who liked to get fully involved with his pupils in both rugby and cricket. However, he always seemed a bit accident prone, so when we was tackled in rugby he was often injured, and I remember bowling to him in the cricket nets and hitting him where it hurts! He was wearing a box, but from his reaction, it was still pretty painful! Nice sunny day here today, so there has been some pottering in the garden, which has included digging up some carrots, turnips and leeks. We will have the latter for tea with a home made quiche.

We were lucky with our rugby coach. His name was Bob Bateman and he was our History master. He played for Rosslyn Park, West Hartlepool and Durham at various times and was a tough no nonsense teacher and coach. Best teacher I ever had and I learnt a hell of lot from him, both on and off the field.

He certainly was during the brief period when I was obliged to attempt playing rugby. It was mandatory as a winter games activity for the first four years of high school. Not only was it refereed by some of the more athletic teachers (all of whom were addressed as “Sir” unless one required detention) but one was also international rugby referee Roger Quittenton. Quite what he thought of having to turn out and keep order among the Third Teams - those left over after the First and Second teams and who usually lacked any will or motivation to get wet, cold, muddy, bruised and exhausted in pursuit of a slippery plastic egg was never public knowledge! In fairness “Q” normally refereed First vs. Second Team games leaving us in the hands of either a nearly-retired English master or the deputy head of Games who was as incomprehensible a Welshman as could ever be found east of the border. In other news SWMBO is due back from Cornwall very soon in honour of which some Domestic Engineering has taken place. New tenants have been met moving into one of our flats and the invitation to join us for beverages hot or alcoholic extended. Best wishes to awl.

Nigel Owens, the ref is usually very good with put ins that are not straight. On one occasion he has told the sc(r)um half that: 'I am straighter than that put in!'

Here are my photos from the weekend. As Mick has said, the layout ran exceptionally with only a couple of minor operational and equipment glitches to sort. We were all responsible at some point for shorts or derailments! A huge thanks as ever to Mick and team for letting me play trains operate the layout. Thanks, Jack.

Had the same trouble as you Tony one of the games masters Jones for fun would put all the small guys up against the large members of that year he used to bait the biguns to knock the sh!te out of the little lads he couldn't make out why no-one touched me as I was a small one until one day I got whacked round the back of my head by him and my nose bled over my shirt Dad wanted to know who I had been fighting with I told him about the games master he dragged me back to school unfortunately for Jones he was still the and the cocky B'stard came out and confronted dad he went to push him and he ended up on the floor 5 times Jones got up and six time he went down by this time his face was a mess and thought better of getting up again top it all dad booted him in the goolies, Jones went to the police it was funny how no one had seen dad punch him and the police weren't interested they knew dad would not just set about someone for no good reason, Jones was still purple after 2 weeks when he showed his face back in school the bullying by these Welsh games masters stopped the day Cocky Jones got his lights punched out, BTW dad used to spar with Henry.

Hi everyone, I think the important thing to remember here is if we didnt produce the 92 in 4mm we wouldnt have been able to produce the Caledonian Sleeper stock. This was a bundle deal. Cheers! Fran

Ref is still normally addressed as "Sir" over here.

Nice one, and this model WILL happen, unlike another announced one

More walkabout today. Coffee drunk..food eaten.. Rick my thoughts are with you. As the "Head of the family" I can have the odd occasion which makes me wonder about my "older" (& younger) relatives. I am not a confident agony aunt! Neil the new software is very like other forums. I have got rid of the email notifications and can now get rid of notifications by looking at what it is notifying me about.... must be my age(!!!) Have as good a day as you can Baz On walkabout

Mug O'Coffee consumed, granddaughter taken to school, second Mug O'Coffee on the go and contemplating another exploration northwards on the great British road block system to home base. I agree with Jamie about scrums these days; l commented when watching the highlights of England thrashing France (couldn't resist that!) that it seemed as though the put-in was directed towards the second row, never mind the hooker! TTFN Dave

We had a really good show come to Washbourne, though the leading lady ran off with Barney Hackers dog.

It wasn’t a nice place to walk with children when football was played there on a Sunday. I wouldn’t know about rugby anywhere other than our local parks. When I was at school it just seemed to be an excuse for staff to assault pupils. The alternative I took was cross country running, or quiet jog round the park as it would have been described nowadays. Tony

I'd never glue a motor/gearbox in place in a set of frames. I've heard folk advocate the use of silicon bathroom sealant to hold a drive in place, but I can't say I've ever tried it. Almost without exception, I make a live chassis. This means finding a return route for the electricity from the motor back through the frames. I achieve this by soldering a piece of fine wire (.45mm brass/nickel silver or 15Amp fusewire) between one brush connector and the frames. This acts as a return route and also anchors the motor/gearbox, preventing it flapping about inside the loco body. The wire here is .45mm nickel silver. . If I make a dead chassis, I anchor the 'box to the frames with the same type of wire, fixed between the frame of the 'box and the frames themselves; as here. Why all-brass pins for valve gear? Much easier to cut. How many Xurons can one find with the jaws destroyed because of trying to cut steel wire with them? Hope this helps. Regards, Tony.