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I think I’ve found out who the boss is with the foster cat!

Morning All, With the permission of our glorious leader, here are some pictures of a PN project being worked on in the background. Whilst the clutch of signals at the north end continue to grace many a picture of the layout, one or two of them do not bear too close inspection. I am delighted therefore to have been asked to do something about it. First to be tackled is one of three more or less identical bracket signals, being that controlling movements off the down goods line, seen here (on the left) in a cropped camfone image from one of Glibert's reference books (hope that doesn't violate too many copyright laws?). Alongside (taken from the other side) is the current equivalent signal on the layout. As you can see, it has a few 'issues', not least the aftermath of something heavy having been dropped on it in times past (note the mangled main post latticework two thirds of the way up!). Another of its issues is that is that the lattice bracket work, although similar, is not the right shape. Unfortunately, although there is a 'double' bracket in the ex-MSE range, it is not the right shape either. Having failed in an attempt to get one etched for me, I took the plunge and decided to make one up to my own drawing, using the smallest (0.8mm) flat brass bar available. Here are the completed brackets, alongside the main post. This (the post) is a standard Wizard item - however, I have reinforced it with fine brass angle up all four edges. As well as being more realistic, this will help make it more knock-proof ... just in case. From here on, the work should be more straightforward, if a little fiddly. Standard Wizard parts again can be used for the dolls. And here is where I'm up to as of last night. Basic signal structure complete and with landing ready to be affixed. More to follow in due course. And, in more positive news, I have now found a willing volunteer to do the etches for the other two signals(!) so they should be a little more straightforward when their turn comes.

Debs and her mum are rather going through the mill. What they thought was straightforward was rescinded as the coroner has not to make decisions - not because of any problems with the hospital or treatment but because the cause of death for her dad could be because of an industrial injury, and there could be a claim to benefit Debs' mum. They, and we, wait. The arrangements are all made but there may have to be a change, depending on what the coroner says.

Back in the mid-seventies I was driving over to Brussels once a month, used to take the overnight ferry from Harwich to the Hook of Holland and then drove down to Brussels. Coming home drove from Brussels towards Ostend and onto Calais to catch the Hovercraft to Dover. All in my bronze yellow Austin 1300GT, registration AKJ 802K, my first ever car. Whilst driving on the Continent I always moved my watch from my left wrist to my right wrist and the odd feeling on my right wrist always reminded me that I had to drive on the right. Simple but quite effective. Would not be much good now as I gave up wearing a watch years ago! First automatic car I drove was in the US when I rented an AMC Pacer whilst on holiday. Ordered it from the rental company as I thought it was a quirky car and would be fun driving. It hooked me on automatics so much so that when I got home I traded my 1300GT for a Triumph 2.5 TC (converted from a PI) and have not driven a manual since. Biggest change driving an automatic was when Mercedes moved from a floor mounted gearbox to a steering wheel-mounted stick. Didn't like the idea at first but only took a couple of weeks getting used to it. My Father was a Traffic Accident Car Police Driver and was a devoted manual car driver for many of the reasons mentioned above by other ERs. That all stopped when he bought my Triumph 2.5 when I was posted back to Asia and he realised how relaxing it was driving an automatic car. He kept the 2.5 until he gave up driving. Time for bed now, pleasant dreams, Keith

A few more of 5071 and a leading pair of Hawksworth's.

I can still remember my first drive in an automatic.......Ford Fiesta, night duty and still very much a probationary plod. Blue light shout and we were at Dobwalls and had to go back to Liskeard on the then ( now old) A38. Going downhill at Lantoom Hill....... about 90...... engine screaming.......and oi forgets.....and go to change gear. Lucky nothing was on t'other side ........as that's where we ended up after skidding about 100 yards. Managed eventually to prise the sgts face off of the windscreen. I was then told I was a definite constable......but without the stubble! He did eventually see the funny side and always mentions it if our paths cross.......tho we are both retired and it was 30 years ago! Must have made a lasting impression........ just like his face did on the windscreen.....

Birmingham International and Birmingham New Street this afternoon, all from October 1980 on the way to and from the Motor Show at the NEC. Birmingham International 86234 Birmingham to Euston Oct 80 J7259.jpg Birmingham International 304039 Euston to Birmingham Oct 80 J7267.jpg Birmingham New Street 312 202 special New Street to International Oct 80 J7253.jpg Birmingham New Street 304038 Walsall to New Street Oct 80 J7269.jpg Birmingham New Street Class 31 ecs 86520 le 87002 down Oct 80 J7273.jpg David

Whilst I was doing a six-month tour in Belize, I was the weekend duty ATC, and I got conned one Saturday evening (I was the ONLY person available on duty with a valid UK and Military driving licence) into taking a crew coach (full of Fat Albert( herky-bird), outside normal hours, late arrival, RAF aircrew) from Belize Airport to their overnight accommodation in Belize City. So, first it turned out to be a US GMC transit type minibus( so therefore both long and wide), second it was left hand drive and thirdly, it was column gear-change! ARRGH! I'd been in Belize for about 4 months - it was the first time I had driven there - I'd NEVER driven a left-hand Drive, NEVER driven anything that size, and NEVER driven ANYTHING with a column gear change - particularly in Belize City with narrow streets full of semi drunk - or stoned -( Belize GOLD is the best hash in the world) - pedestrians and cyclists - and the hotel was just about all the way through to the far side of the city. Oh,Boy was that a fun trip! - Yes I did make it there and back without incident, but it was an experience that I'd really rather not repeat - EVER!

Needle in spine seems to have gone well. From arriving to discharge was less than 90 minutes. Slight ache in the area but we'll see how effective it was in the next few days. First piece of paper I was handed upon arrival was my post- procedure food order. I ticked bacon sandwich and coffee! And very good it was too. Taking it easy at home waiting to see a large water boiling thing on a test run. (46201) There may be some glueing of plastic as recuperation. Have a good rest of the day folks. Cheers Mick

Good morning one and all The conversation about automatic cars brought to mind a happy day almost 50 years ago. In that strangely dead time between finishing Finals and receiving the results some friends and I had a fun day gliding at Tibenham airfield, south of Norwich. Once I had had my flight in the glider, scarily silent as it was, I was given the job of driving the tow car, which was an automatic Jag with no bonnet. I soon learned that it's not a good idea to drive an automatic in reverse too far as it will change up into neutral. The Editor of Bylines tells me that he has not done with me yet. This may not be as menacing as it sounds but it is enough to have me scurrying around looking for photographs about which I can write with some semblance of appearing knowledgeable. Not today, though: I will be cooking stir fried pork and the trimmings for Poorly Pal and myself in between bouts of m*d*ll*ng in the shed where the layout lives. The news that break dancing has been shortlisted as a new Olympic sport has made my mind boggle. Whatever next, I ask? Extreme Cotswold Morris? If you think I'm joking, think again, for it already exists and requires a significantly greater level of fitness than I can even imagine, much less aspire to emulating. It seems that the same applies to working in an office these days. I know I've touched on this before but to learn that a certain rising young executive of my acquaintance has signed up for gym classes to feel energised for work has its alarming side. What a lot has changed since I was paid to go away 13 years ago. Best wishes to all Chris

Evening all! Nice walk today..I now have a "boiled lobster" coloured face..and I had lobster for tea..yummy! I have driven in lots of countries but won't drive in India, best vehicle was a challenger .6 forward, two reverse auto gear box...lovely! Her indoors has a Jazz with an auro box..but also has paddles to change gear. Sleep well all Baz

We were surprised at the speed at which things happen in Ireland. It was a year ago today that Matthew was found to have died. They issue an interim certificate enabling the family to proceed with funeral arrangements, within a few days usually but the final death certificate can take a year. The funeral director does everything, we didn’t have to deal with any registrars. Tony

Morning all. 2nd decoder installation commission completed and awaiting p[ick up / drop off. Other commission weathering On30 freight cars well underway. I have also cleaned up and made a suitable box for an old Rivarossi cab forward that had been sitting on s shelf for many years. A good day out was had a few days ago to Yeovil Junction, taxi into town for lunch and beers then the last service of the day from Yeovil Penn Mill to Waterloo via a reversal at Yeovil Junction station. these are sporadic weekday services at present although last Summer there was one Saturday only return service to Corfe castle via Weymouth which may happen again this Summer. More modelling today plus gardening as now have a tree surgeon booked to fell the tree at the back and then I can start my man shed as now have a price for the base. cant wait to have that built now.

Mooring Awl, Inner Temple Hare, Another poor nights sleep 4 in be which was Ok but the rest was a mear fitfull dozing in the Sofa... Someone earlier mentions going down through the gears to brake, I believe that's no longer taught as they have finally recognised brakes are for braking and are reliable enough these days not to need help. As fo Auto's I've driven a few, mostly when I was wandering the country in a company issued car and every other one was auto or so it seemed. I am wondering whether I should put an Auto in the landrover, as my left knee is complaining about the famously heavy clutch. There is a additional servo kit to bring pressures down to car levels... but what if my knee gets worse. We are certainly considering a auto for the car next time as SWMBO has trouble at times with not always being able to change gear with her left arm.. As for dodging animals, it was Walt Disney time again dodging deer, rabbits, pheasant and partridges on the road.. one did not make it, As I successfully missed it with the front wheels the pheasant had a second go and ran under the back wheels.. Meanwhile the EU are bring in auto speed limiting to cars, Does that apply to White van man as well or motorbikes, I can imagine overtakiing with one of those tight up behind you and your car suddenly putting the brakes on.. Also anyone fancy a Ford Fiesta _8 Max, if Boeing can get it wrong, think what all those car manufacturers trying to save every penny on price can do... As for the Olympics I think it's time it was split up, Keep those sports that are a measurable Higher, faster, Longer. Remove into some other category (and games) anything that's "oh I think that looks better" like diving, gymnastics, ice skateing, break dancing or ball room dancing.. Time to... go do some work..

BIN day, being out-of-town means the Mrs will handle that task this week Spent most of my life driving both manual and automatics, and both sides of the road (in the appropriate countries I hasten to add ). First automatic was dads Cortina, he decided on the auto because it was a good deal at the time - late '60s. In the UK back then no one seemed to want to touch an auto with the proverbial barge pole, so on getting a newer car, that was his determining factor! My first car, a lovely MGB was manual with a nice overdrive. Once in the US, I/we've had a collection of both automatic (99% of the cars here, especially family/utilitarian are) and manual when I had "sports" type vehicles. Visiting regularly back in the UK generally nets me a manual rental as they want stupid amounts extra for an automatic, knowing the US visitors freak out at the thought of manual AND 't other side of the road driving. I'm comfortable with all combinations, though can confess to an instance one Christmas back in '79 arriving at Heathrow (just got off Concorde) and getting rental Jag Xj6, Christmas treat, I came zipping out of the rental place and promptly went the wrong way round the roundabout on the north service road! Fortunately there wasn't any other traffic about. I BLAME the "excellent service" on Concorde for my lack of judgment. Have a Mustang convertible again here on Long Island this week, but the weather has been too cool to run with the top down It's automatic, but with the "new style" paddle gear changers to shift the transmission if you wish to. Especially useful to scare old folks since the exhaust has a very characteristic boy-racer tone to it. -3 and sunny driving in, hampered again by that scary yellow ball of fire in the eastern sky! 10 for the high, maybe a top-down return to the hotel is possible. Tally ho

Thanks. Memories have come from the discussion on brakes and gears. My first, a 1938 Austin Big Seven, had cables and the memory is of coming down Box Hill, GDB will know it, in the dark and realising that the headlights were like candles and with cable brakes on the circular road ... Using the gears to change down is something that at times I still do. Double de-clutching, was definitely a taught skill but since I was never a 'boy-racer'- an Austin Mk2 A35 being the next car- 'heel/toe' did not really come into it.

The trouble with not changing down as you decelerate is that if you suddenly need to accelerate there is a time delay whilst you select the correct gear. Far better to change down as you slow down, then the power is instantly available. I'm not saying that you have to use the engine for braking, just that it makes sense to match road speed with engine speed wherever possible. I think that anticipation is the keyword. Just for interest, a few weeks ago I had a courtesy car when mine was being serviced and the synchromesh on third gear wasn't working so to avoid crunching the gearbox I reverted to old fashioned double declutching. When I returned the car and told the young receptionist/salesman about it he looked blank and said, "Sorry, double what?" Dave

I’ve driven a lot of cars in a lot of places over the years, and switch from left to right, and manual to auto quite easily. I definitely prefer autos when driving on the right, it’s one less thing to think about. I’ve never learnt to drive an auto with two feet, though - seems like an invitation to trouble. I don’t tow anything when driving on the right, because I’ve never needed to. I also don’t prefer to tow using a smaller automatic, or drive off-road in an auto. I find riding a motorcycle on the right much more challenging, because there aren’t any prompts from the control layout - everything is the same way round. I did it once in recent years with a hire bike in Florida and have never repeated the experience, although I made a long trip to North Africa with a former friend on an old Triumph Thunderbird in the early 1970s... but it was a different time, then. I very rarely drive my own, RHD car on the right.. in fact it must be at least ten years since I last did this, and don’t miss it at all. One thing I do my best to avoid, is driving on both sides of the road on the same day. This is fairly easy to manage because I rarely go to Europe (or Scandinavia, these days) and usually travel by train or taxi to the airport in U.K. - but I definitely find it a worthwhile practice.

Reminds me very much of something a driving instructor said to me years ago - you steer and move the gear lever with your hands but you drive with your feet. That's always struck me as quite perceptive.

Not a bad day for a bit of yomping on Dartmoor. There's a great route, from Princetown old station out and back....about 6 miles in all. The weather on the Moor was stunning, just warm enough to be right for a brisk walk. It's amazing what's still about. There are numerous sites where lineside huts once stood, and with this one the remains of the hearth can clearly be seen. I,wonder how often PW men were huddled around it, or looking forward,to getting back when the weather, as it often is, was bad and looking forward to a hot cuppa and pasty!

Oh yes! When I was 17 In my first car, a 1947 Morris 10, going down the hill with interesting "non" brakes and almost losing it on one of the bends. Happy days indeed.

Morning awl, I was taught to drive by my father, including double declutching and hill starts on a 1 in 5. When I had the Capri (early 80s) I could change gear without the clutch if I got the revs exactly correct. And on the Starwars theme, never owned a diesel car ... Keep well all

Good morning all, A grey start to the day here but there may be some warm bright spells later. First of the 3 bin lorries has been. Unusally the bins have been put back where they started from. Bet it doesn't last. Today I will be venturing into London Town near Charing Cross for a school reunion. The school closed in 1968 so I and 2 friends will be amongst the youngest there, mere whippersnappers of 69 & 70. I last went 2 years ago and it amazed me that some guys well into their 90s still made it from all over the country and also a couple from abroad. About 60 were there when I last went but unless they've contacted a few more "youngsters" then I fear the numbers may be less this year. Have a good one, Bob.

https://johncolby.wordpress.com/2019/03/27/sandys-chemo-day-92-of-147/

Thank you for your very kind words. I am glad you have enjoyed them. They are probably not to everyone's taste but I am enjoying revisiting these older images and editing them The earlier post seem to have lost one of the images. . Here is the missing chap. Rob.

Easy mistake to make. I mean, all those rigs look the same and the landing areas all have the same letter in the middle.

talking on driving on wrong side of the road, I have done it once in Canada and once in USA where there was no traffic around to remind me of the correct side and luckily realised way before it would have become an issue. Last Sunday driving home form Ally pally whilst at the traffic lights awaiting to turn onto the North Circular slip road an SUV came up the slip road then turned into the wrong side of the road overbridge almost smack into the cars waiting at the red light. My very first car was an automatic Humber Sceptre - the upper model of the Avenger - full of Isopon so didn't have it long. Our newest car is an Avenger!

Morning all, And where or where has the one click 'clear editor gone? what's left above is what I can't delete - very odd. Anyway back to automatic cars and the first one I ever drove was a little DAF, one of the early ones, but notwithstanding tales of rubber band transmission you could still 'kick down' in order to change to a lower gear ratio (and the elastic bands didn't break in the process). However I much prefer automatics where you have a lever which allows you to do it without kick down. BTW the only Triumph 2.5PI I've driven came with their very nice arrangement of a 4 speed gearbox with overdrive on the top three gears - giving 7 very nicely spaced gear ratios. As far as Mk1 Escorts are concerned you could indeed change gear without touching the clutch but going by the experience I 'enjoyed' in Newport High Street (the street, not the station of that name) one day you definitely couldn't change gear once the gear lever had come off in your hand - bloomin' BR pool cars And so to today - we await the sparky from Mr Sparks electrical company to do some electrickery things which I either can't do, or don't want to do, or would be failing to comply with the Regulations if i did do. A faux Friday outing might follow if he arrives at a reasonable hour which leaves some of the day to get to a shop. Have a good day one and all

Another beautiful day, so golf without politics calls. As the light continues to fade at PN, another Wd is about to emerge from the gloom, and head for the Up slow. It needs to get a move on, as the Talisman is not far behind.

Morning all. We were taught double declutching on our initial driving course in Hillman Avengers but were also taught to slow down with brakes then select the appropriate gear. They also negative the problems alluded to by Dave by insisting on planning and forethought and a form of bend reading so that you were never caught out. The argument was that brake pads were designed to be changed easily but gearboxes and clutches were not. At the time we had Mk 1 Escorts as Pandas and two of us on nights (Single crewed with a total of 9 months service between us, why should England tremble) used to compete as to how far we could manage to drive without using the clutch as the Ford gearboxes were so good. I would never have tried it in ether a Viva or anything made by BL. Anyway, the day has dawned bright and sunny. Two tasks await. The first is to line two wooden wine boxes with polythene so that Beth can plant some flowers in them. The second is to fire up the chainsaw and produce some more ready use logs. Evening are still quite cool so we are lighting the log burner at tea time and then banking it up at night. This leaves the house warm on a morning. Apart from such matters I have no idea what the day may bring but might head for shed. Jamie

Sunny again this morning. We have most of today to wander round the island then, fleazyjet permitting we fly back to the Land of Scouse this evening. Strange goings on on Essex. The wife of my now sadly deceased poorly marra has an appointment to register his death next week. Apparently they have a backlog of registration to undertake in Essex at the moment. ...so stay healthy all people in Essex... Most positive thoughts to all ERs especially these who ail. Baz

A Bagnall rests at Sheep Lane, Highbridge, S&DJR. March 1959. A Norman Lockhart image. Rob.

Morning All, It is a rather overcast and chilly morning today - but at least it is dry! Have a good day everyone...

Finally, in this short operating sequence, 4574 can run round its train and then cross over the main lines to retrieve the horse box, back it onto the B set, couple up and head down the branch to Earlsbridge. I'm glad some of you enjoy these action sequences. I don't actually operate to timetable, but a few series of operating moves like this can easily fill an hour or so, especially when interspersed with passing main line trains. If you add in the shunting of the branch and pick-up goods trains, the odd cattle train (now I have the wagons!) and the reverse moves of the tail traffic and through coaches it can add up to a lot of enjoyable operation. Hours of harmless fun! John C.

Its always nice to read of fellow transplants on this side of the pond; in my case the left side of the left side in the great PNW near Seattle. A lot seem to share similar experiences from growing up on the UK (God help it these days) and living over here. As a regular I have enjoyed RM web although not on this topic not a fan of early rising, but the recent car topic and the 'elderly' one, brought up the never ending discussion of age, cars and driving. I am old, no better way to describe it, 84 come June and fortunately in good health and comfortable with my driving as is my wife, who would certainly tell me otherwise. I am not a fan of modern cars or high tech, I like my cars to be conventional, V8, auto, A/C and all the comforts of the average American car. My first car, a '51 Standard Vanguard didn't even have a radio or heater; nice car though! Also white on black dials in a conventional dashboard, free of neon like displays and no knobs which I have no idea of what they are for. As many will realise there are not many cars like that these days so I still drive my 1995 Lincoln MK8 which is now over twenty years old having driven it with less than 80K on the clock, so it should be good for another eighty thou or so. Question: Will I be! In contrast, my wife's Accura which is much newer leaves me cold; made for midgets, hard to get in and out of and rough riding in comparison to the Lincoln. But it does go well! Most of my other comments are probably well known to those who might have read them in other topics on RM Brian.

I take it that the definition of 'Elderly" is several years above the average age of ER's. Jamie

When I've first drove an auto, it was 'left leg under seat', but as I got used to it, I used both feet. . . I also used to use the 'drop to 2' method of driving. I once did a Friday night shift in a Volvo 144 taxi with a snapped clutch cable. Morning all, , ,sun's playing with us, and it's quite warm . . . but the lawn can wait. John

If you have been taught to drive an automatic correctly, then you would know that you can drop a cog or two, by taking the box out of D and selecting the requisite gear range! ( More sophisticated auto gearboxes have a switch to manual mode). By staying in the lower range it is quite easy to maintain slow speed if required. When I was an ADI, and others on here such as Mick (New Bryford) will agree, is we were not teaching drivers to rely on changing down through the gearbox to slow down, The official DVSA method is: 'Brakes to slow, gears to go'. You use the brakes to slow to the required speed, then select the appropriate gear to either maintain that speed or accelerate again. Engine braking may have been a necessity when brakes were operated by drum and cable, but it is no longer the case.

Richard, you should be ashamed of yourself mentioning that here. Some of us (England fans that is) have only just gone into remission over it!

Because I didn't want to mention that Wales recently won the rugby Six Nations tournament. Whoops............... Taking cover in Muddy Hollow (Forward)

You can use gears to slow down on most automatics now (at least the ones I've driven over the last many years). They have a 'manual like' setting, where you can perform the shifting of gears, or lock it in a specific gear. I use it when going up a hill and the car wants to keep changing down, then back up - just put it in the lower gear and leave it there. And when going down hill, and i don't want to ride the brakes, though I admit it isn't as effective as gearing down on a manual car. We got our current car with 38,000km on it, and changed the brake pads at 107,000km. The mechanic said typical life of pads on that model was 60,000km and 75,000km was very good. I don't think I would advise that, especially if you're going back and forwards between manual and automatic (though if you can manage it, well done!). As I said, I can still drive manual, but I think I would find it a lot harder if I was using the 'two feet' method on automatics.

Good evening everyone Well I didn’t get as much work done in the cellar as I would have liked to got done, but progress, no matter how small, is still progress. After the boiler engineer left, Sheila asked me to help cleaning the woodwork in the hall and on the landings. So I made a start downstairs and Sheila started upstairs in the attic an hour and a half later we’d finished. I then went round doing the tops of the door frames and doors (all 11 of them) as Sheila can’t reach that high. I must admit that even I have to use a ladder to do the front door frame! If you include the fan light, the frame stands about 9 feet! After that I tackled the brassware on the front door, as it was in dire need of polishing. By the time I’d finished that it was dinner. After dinner I decorated the chocolate cupcakes I made on Monday, they each had a black cherry jam middle and were topped with whipped cream. As we were having Ava, Evie and Max round for tea tonight, I decided to prepare all the vegetables before sitting down with a muggertea just before 3:00. For some strange reason, Max was very quite this evening, in fact he actually fell asleep whilst they were all watching a film. He soon woke up when it was time for tea though. Until I retired, all my company cars were manual, but before getting my first company car, I had 2 automatic cars, a ford Capri and a Vauxhall Carlton, I really loved the Capri, it was a great car for a single man and couldn’t half shift! But it wasn’t very good as a family car. I found driving both of them very easy. All the cars I’ve had when holidaying in the US were automatic, I also didn’t have any problems driving on the wrong side either. Goodnight all

If it's a caudal epidural you have had the pain will be back, make sure you have some strong pain killers, it takes a week or more to take effect as they pump in a jell and it takes a while for it to seep to the point of pain if its only a stab in the back with a needle then luck you, I'm having my 11th one in 3 weeks time and the put you under and guide the needle in under x-ray.

Elderly is anyone older than me and it will ever be thus! Anyone younger than me is a young whippersnapper. For those of you who have seen the Canadian series 'Corner Gas', anyone who upsets me is a Jackass!

Greetings all. I was taught to drive using the gears to engine brake, and also taken to a local fairly steep and long hill. I was told to bring the car to a halt and then to pull away slowly and then slow down again to a halt without touching the brakes. (it was a quiet road) We did this all the way up the hill and after that I never had a problem with a hill start again or holding the car on a clutch in a queue etc. As a new automatic driver it was suggested by the car salesman (who bravely took Mrs Lurker and I out for a test drive) to jam the left foot where the clutch pedal would be. That has been no problem. What I do sometimes do is go for the gear level, especially in those situations where I would have changed down 2 gears at once. But also when I first get in - that reflexive test to make sure the car is not in gear before you turn on the engine.

I had a couple of Triumph 2000s, and also loved the overdrive on 2,3,4. worked really well. What didn't work was that although it was a beautiful car to drive and tow with. The body shell couldn't take it and split between from one side to the other beneath the back seats.. I'd love to have a good one, now I've got the landrover to tow with. On that you have 10 forward and 2 reverse speeds, if you spend another £1000+ you can put over drive on that as well. Though I just went for fitting a Discovery transfer box much cheaper as there are a lot of old rusty discos out there. When I first got the landrover I had to double declutch for First and occasionally second gear, this was caused by A, a worn gear box, B, someone putting normal gear box oil in it. Landrover Manual LT77 gearboxes use Automatic gearbox oils (dextron 2 ATF). Having had the gearbox rebuilt is why I'm reluctant to replace it with an Auto..

Now that you both mention it, I recall being told there was an option for selecting certain low gears, but I distinctly recall thinking at the time that I had enough to worry about without trying to push the sticks the right direction! It seems silly given that manuals should be more complicated, but it was enough trouble remembering that you had to double tap left on the shift stick to put it in auto rather than gear 1. I'm sure that if I drove an automatic regularly I might try and get properly acquainted with the nuances, but as I only drive perhaps a couple days a year on it... But I absolutely appreciate how convenient automatics can be; particularly for those unlucky enough to suffer from bad backs. My mum had to drive my little car when her automatic was in the garage being fixed; whilst the motorways cleaned out the engine nicely, I think she was absolutely worn out just from driving it (given that she's had an automatic for many years now). It didn't help that she had a bad left foot for a month beforehand! P.S. I definitely don't know double de-clutching, but that's to be expected!

Good job you didn't mention "heel and toeing", that really would have stuffed him!