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My car has a satnav but I don't use it - it is dumb and the woman inside it has an irritating voice. But it is also an excellent moving map display which is ideal to use alongside my pre-planned route (down on maps) or simply to give me a map t work out how to get out of somewhere if I need to in conjunction with the road atlas. Came in very handy a few years back to navigate my way round a bridge which was being rebuilt for GW electrification and I took to the country lanes to get to the next bridge to the east, my route turned out to be about 20 miles shorter than the official diversion. As far as map reading is concerned I was always pretty good and I had a real test of it when we got caught in thick fog up above Blaenau Ffestiniog during CCF Arduous Training one Easter with some very nasty drops rather too close for comfort so it was all done on compass bearings - I got us safely out of that one. On the other hand on the day we went over Snowdon we had a CCF officer leading us (who happened to be both a geography teacher and had mountaineering experience - he claimed) and he managed to lead us off the Pyg Track on the way down, a long way off it! And alas things do seem to come in threes and in our case it means the third funeral of the year as one of my cousins died yesterday after a 6 year battle with cancer. Although he had managed to beat the initial prognosis by more than 5 years he had been in a pretty serious state since December. Rather sad as it means my aunt & uncle will have seen two of their three sons buried as the youngest one was murdered 30 years ago.

Good afternoon everyone. Before I move on to today's photos just a note about a couple of new things in my signature - the two lines with the blue text. One links to an album I've started in the Gallery. It will contain my favourite photos from the past few years, as and when i get time to upload them. So it will not clash with my photos in this thread. The other takes you to my thread about my 0 gauge layout which gets updated now and then - I spend more time running trains than working on the layout. Now for today's photos starting at Crawford and Lamington on the WCML in Scotland and ending with a photo at Mossend. Crawford 81011 up freight 14th Aug 87 C8996 Lamington 86231 down 14th Aug 87 C8989 Lamington 87022 and 87016 down limestone 14th Aug 87 C8990.jpg Lamington 87022 and 87016 down limestone 14th Aug 87 C8991.jpg Mossend Class 86 81 85 26 14th Aug 87 C8959 David

Good morning one and all Another night, another coughing fit. This one began at 2 am and may not have ended. So beginneth week 7 of the lurgi. This morning I am to have the hormone injection which is the cornerstone of my cancer treatment. I am minded not to do much else today save prepare the overnight bag that will contain essential requisites for a weekend in Wakefield. As I shall be on the road at an ungodly hour in the morning my next posting here will be on Monday. Last night's concert was excellent save for the muffled tones of someone trying not to cough. My taste buds may well have been baffled by successive onslaughts from Adnams ale, salted caramel ice cream and eucalyptus pastilles. There are three new CDs for the hessian bag, which may well yield up someof its treasures ahead of tomorrrow's northbound journey. Best wishes to all Chris

He's been at it again....

I was driving around with the roof down the other day and the Sun was making it quite difficult to see. I broke down and bought a baseball cap in Walmart for $5 which does help a lot but so far I have resisted the temptation to put it on backwards. (MrsID thinks it makes me look a bit like S. Speilberg but her eyesight isn't so good.)

Ignore my last post, I'm off to the pub in minutes!

Once again, I don't seem to be able to open a new post............................. Never mind; I've just deleted the words from the last one. The point rodding is now complete at the south end. It really has brought the area to 'life', and, despite the time-consuming nature of its making and installation, it's now one of those essential elements to include on any model railway in my opinion. The A1, 60156 GREAT CENTRAL, romping south was built/painted by John Houlden, and is ex-Gamston Bank. Strictly-speaking, the front numberplate should be lowered, along with the lamp bracket on the smokebox door, but, hey-ho, one day. Looking south, the rodding is once more apparent (though part-obscured by the A4). Again, strictly-speaking 60014 should not have electric warning flashes (a Stoke Summit legacy) for 1958 as she heads the Down 'Northumbrian'. Another essential element in my view on any main line depiction is to have the entrances/exits to the fiddle yards 'on the straight', not appearing/disappearing via too tight curves.

You couldn't make it up! Just had another phone call from the surgery, This one telling me that I haven't got diabetes (which is a good thing) and keep up the good work. Two years ago I was very near the limit and took steps to reduce my blood sugar levels and they still appear to be working. The lady I spoke to knew nothing about yesterday's call but on looking things up did confirm that I need another kidney function blood test. It seems the fruits concerned contain high levels of Potassium which can be a problem. This started me looking at everything I eat and drink and it would appear that I could actually be a walking lump of Potassium so henceforth should be referred to as "K."

Good morning all, The sun is shining and it should be a fine day. Yesterday I received a phone call from the surgery requiring me to retake a blood test and to avoid certain fruit before doing so. On looking them up it appears they could affect the kidney function. Having had problems with kidney stones over the years that is not the sort of problem I want. Today is Nicki's birthday and some celebrations will be happening. We're meeting for lunch at a local pub and then this evening back to her house for a Chinese takeaway with family and friends. Have a good one, Bob.

A quick good morning from a grey and cold part of the Charente. Much final sorting to do before our big trip starts tomorrow. So I'll wish you all a good day and wish Chrisf a safe and enjoyable journey to my old part of the world. Hopefully the lurgi will be left in the south. Jamie

Guten Morgen Zusammen, It's a rather grey morning in this part of the world. There is a slight drizzle, but it is relatively mild and the bird song seems to indicate that Spring is still with us! I am looking forward to the weekend. I have quite a lot to do, but a renovation of my office is on the cards and this will hopefully create a bit of space for my layout so that I can finally do some more work on it. It has been a long time! Have a good day everyone...

Enjoy TrainWest. Run out of layouts to take for this year but better start building something new. Jamie. Enjoy your trip. Look forward to loads of photos. Dropped off 15 weathered freight cars and now in a pub that I haven't been in for a few years and two I haven't been in before plus one that appears to have closed but recently reopened next to do. Then to meet other half in a more local bar near where she gets off the GWWorm. Luckily the layout was loaded last night for tomorrows show. This is the pub I am currently in and is always well worth a visit, in Caterham on the Hill.

The same mistake has been made by many readers of my RMweb name badge ... Late news: I have been beguiled into an appointment with the minor illnesses nurse first thing Monday morning. If that doesn't despatch the lurgi nothing will! Chris

Osteopath and garden centre today, in that order, which gives me the opportunity to put my back out again straight away by lifting heavy bags of compost and other stuff. What do you mean "why don't you do it the other way round?". Two more pictures left in store - that V2 again, waiting to set off with the 7.25 to KX. and yet another view of the DE area, featuring the old GN carriage.

Ey up! Sunny but a tad chilly here this morning. Chris..safe journeys up the M1..bring your passport. I may see you tomorrow so leave the lurgy at the border . Jamie, enjoy your trip to see the 2nd biggest engine..or are you going to visit the H8 as well??? Off to do the shopping, then post the house selling stuff, then prepare for various furniture shunting manoeuvres. Robert hope the house reorganisation goes well. Have a great day everyone especially those that ail or are in need of our support. Baz

I should have put "working" in the sentence Baz. Is that like "Avoid Alcohol" Beth always takes that as having the words "If Possible" added. Mind you she was once in hospital long term and was allowed out to attend a fancy dinner with the Oulaws. She was delivered back and the nurse getting her ready for bed asked her how much she had had to drink. The reply was "Only one glass like you told me"...….."But my brother kept filling it up." Jamie

Confession time. I am a bit brassic this month because a thing I had expected for September proved to be ready already, so up I stumped for the latest addition to the WNR's nascent locomotive fleet ...

Not to mention Beer and Red Wine! Drat it, I just did!

Morning all, Before I forget I trust Jamie and Beth will have a good trip and I look forward on their return to seeing some good pics. especially from the vicinity of Sherman Summit. Here in the depths(?) of the Thames Valley the rain has at last stopped and we'll get no more today according to the seaweed wranglers of Exeter. (I'm sure we had better weather when they were still at Bracknell). And in the day's big news faux Friday goes to the real thing and there is a Waitrose visit intended which might or might not take us to the trainspotting branch. Havea good day one and all and may the coughs gradually banish themselves.

I will do my best to comply with your orders Dave. There is even a chance that there might be a meeting of ER's somewhere near Sherman Summit, not quite as high as you used to go but about 8000'. I will only have my tablet with me so will have to wrestle with that in uploading any photos. Ironing has been done, the mayor's son in law has been to measure up and give me an excellent quote for a new security grill that will be fitted whilst we are away and coffee is being brewed and some fresh scones have appeared that apparently need eating up. Jamie.

Have a great trip Jamie and let's have some photographs, particularly of the Big 'un. Dave

Mooring Awl, Inner Temple Hare, 2.5 hours sleep wake to find better position. 2.5 hours sleep, wake up brain goes into overdrive so that's it.. Overdrive? yes thinking of the stuff I need to do tomorrow. 1st is to fix the outside lights, yesterday SWMBO turned them on to illuminate Ben the Border Collie's evening patrol, and all the down stairs lights went out. That's 2 of the three on that switch that have failed, a trip via Screwfix on the way home will be required (LED Floodlights), Finish the garage doors Then to continue working on the new bench in the garage. If there is time left then I have bought most of the wood for the trailer hard top, I may paint the insides of which basic white before I start.. Anglia Home improvements van 1115 wins yesterday's cockwomble award, Comes out of the side road on my right, while indicating left, he turns right causing me to brake to avoid him, At the next junction while still indicating left turns right on to main road. Passes two more left junctions, going straight on while indicating left. Cancels indicators on straight bit of road.. Just in time to turn left with NO indicators. At the next Junction he turns right NO indicators. I lose him soon afteras I turn off into the grounds of a big orange shed.. I'm guessing he's a failed Audi or BMW driver as he managed to get the indicators on, even if he can't use them correctly.. Still got the Chinese system, it's failed 2 out of 8 identical runs, the first one of course being the first crosscheck run I did, overnight it's been run many times against a different equipment to see which is at fault. (just the bit that failed). The other identical system of ours is at a standstill because one of the bit of equipment it needs to be tested with, is having it's own calibration. So I'm waiting at this moment on the third fourth resistance measurement this morning. Time too. wait just a little longer for the fourth measurement to settle (someone walked in upsetting the measurement..)

A monochrome snippet of Bleat Wharf.

POETS - will probably be taking that option as I'm rather tiring of the Long Island client "confusion" of late... Yesterday choir practice shortened as the lurgi took over my throat and vocal chords - though NOT before a decent couple of beers and pizza were consumed before hand fortunately Off shortly to see the ENT specialist who hopefully can provide some answers/medication/other options for said lurgi! +2 overcast, humid and light drizzle/fog at present, expected to brighten later with a high of 16. Later all...

So, this morning I had my annual opticians appointment - reading the chart the lady optician said "that's not bad - this line is what is classed as 20/20 vision, and you've just read 2 lines below that perfectly!" She then gave me the reading card and I read that perfectly on the smallest size. There is a very small change to my right eye of "less that a quarter of 1% " and my eyes are better than at the previous test- Very happy! she also said that if the sight test for drivers comes in she will be very happy to sign it. Whoopee dooo! Also didn't have to do the "yellow eye drops" game - since it is done regularly by the local health authority anyway, she said there is no sense in doing it twice.

How about a ten gallon hat and a set of moose (elk) horns bolted to the bonnet (hood)?

Phil, yes, bananas along with oranges and tomatoes. I rarely eat bananas, occasionally oranges but lots of orange juice and tomatoes or tomato soup virtually daily. I also eat lots of spinach, brocolli, leafy greens, potatoes,mushrooms,peas, cucumber,beetroot, tuna, cod,meat & poultry - you name it, almost everything seems to contain the stuff! Signed: K.Alium.

This is now functioning which will save a few mouse wheels burning out.

We bought our GPS for our first trip to California. SWMBO likes the "arrival time" part of it. I like that it doesn't get distracted by scenery or whatnot. She does pronounce "Pinebush" with 3 syllables. We had one in a rental car in Florida that absolutely refused to direct us onto the toll roads.

A few years ago, when they were doing major changes over several miles of a freeway here, there were notices at each end of the works saying "Do not trust your GPS" !

As the roads in and around Seattle appear to have been designed by a bunch of sh!t-faced sailors I refuse to drive there without GPS.

Good evening everyone Like yesterday, I opened my mouth too soon, by dinner time this morning’s lovely sunshine had turned to drizzle but, by teatime is was absolutely chuckinitdarn. 99% all the paint on the cellar walls has been removed, all that’s left are a few stubborn spots, which I’ll hopefully get done next week. What is now noticeable, is has just dark it’s starting to look down there. Which only goes to show just how much light is reflected of the walls, even though the walls weren’t exactly white, more an off-white, but they are now mainly down to bare brick. To celebrate, I decided to pour myself a bottle of trooper, which really hit the spot. Goodnight all

Evening all, The train spotting branch of Waitrose was duly visited and two passing trains were observed and some cheaper diesel was obtained in Tilehurst village saving me the grand sum of £3.00 compared with filling up here. Waitrose was not too bad and the chap on the checkout we used is excellent, always one to aim for if there isn't a queue. We then proceeded to the local branch of Tesco encountering several snails masquerading as motor cars on the way. We didn't need much - but as usual bought a little more although i'm not complaining because the extra was doughnuts (and some fish for his catness). But the place was infested by what Mrs Stationmaster aptly described as 'zombies' because of the way they were almost moving around and blocking aisles. The prize one however was an old(er than me) chap who nearly pushed his trolley head on into mine when we were making our way to the checkout. I'm convinced that he simply couldn't see me or my trolley judging by the look on his face as I swerved round him so I hope he hadn't driven himself there (bet he had!!). The day has remained dry.

I thought your name was Shirley Anyway I've finally surfaced today I've felt p0xed all day Her has cost me 70 nicker for a hair do I pay £6 She came back full of beans saying what do you think, it looks bloody awful to be honest until it's combed out. I'm not in the mood for this "do" tomorrow my hearing is about zero and getting up at 3.45am yesterday didn't do me any good it's knocked the sh!t out of me I've a 2 hour drive in front of me tomorrow morning and not looking forward to that. enjoy the rest of it S.I.Kantired

So you’re perfectly equipped for all those microlayouts.

Oh Dear, Someone who sits polishing a desk has upset the lab next door.. They've decided the Cal lab will pack all the customers goods into boxes after calibration, instead of goods in/ out.. Not only that they stated it will not cost the lab any working time!!!? They also haven't taken into the account training, working area, protective equipment etc etc.. This is going to end in tears. I'm still waiting for the boss to assess the chinese system, I'm not here for 3 days from 2.5 hours time, I've managed to do 99% of the other major system, but it requires the new softwear from the boss. I can't finish the system similar to the chinese system because a piece of equipment is being calibrated for the boss.. See anything in common here? Mean time I've chosen LED floodlights from Screwfix, I collect them on the way home, Another decision has been made on the exhibition layout, and if I remember to pick up the jig saw will carry that out tonight (no I'm not cutting the layout up.) Meantime I'm on the 2nd of 3 measurements of 10G ohm. They take about 1/2 hour each to settle with out me moving. Time for a little surfing

Words fail me

I was going to send you a PM mentioning that a “avoid certain fruits” before test was probably to check potassium levels. I think it should say don’t eat rather than avoid. That sounds more like keep away from the fruit aisle at the supermarket. Tony

Morning all from Estuary-Land. Bright and sunny outside but with a cold wind. GDB, Is the fruit to be avoided banana's? They do contain a lot of potassium, and a lot of sugar so if BG is high they are best avoided anyway. If you require potassium beetroot (without vinegar) has plenty. Getting ready for the trip to Brooklands on Sunday. The forecast is a bit warmer with the odd rain shower, the young'n is looking forward to seeing the Concorde especially as he now has discovered that he can have a go on the flight simulator. Thats it for now, be back later.

Greetings all. I have just had to ‘clear editor ‘ for the first time. i am off work today to take Elder Lurker for a hospital appointment. 11.55 on a school day is their idea of either during the school holidays or first thing so he doesn’t miss too much school! It is nothing serious; just teenage acne that he us very sensitive about and but which is being given a helping hand in clearing up. it does mean an effective long weekend for me. condolences to Mike and best wishes to those who are ailing with the dreaded lurgy start to recover soon; it does sound a nasty one. i hope that Jamie’s big trip is good and that Chrisf (which was autocorrected to the saviour) is not ensnared in Wakey, Mrs Lurker went to school there and knew my cousins- better than I do in fact!

Hi all, Can I just reiterate what Andy York has said previously about certain's peoples' thoughts on the future of the site and our so-called long term plan: WE WILL NOT be charging a fee for everyone to use this website. The success of RMweb is down to you, the users. Without you we have no site. Simple. We know that if we started charging everyone who used the site, it would die...quickly. No users = no site. Warners is committed to ensuring RMweb remains an invaluable resource of railway modelling information and that means keeping it free. Steve

Good morning everyone The sun is shining and the sky is blue, it’s also a lot warmer today, 8C instead of yesterday’s 1C. Sheila has decided to to accompany me to the Trafford Centre this morning, so today’s trip will be fairly quick. My return journey will be detoured to take me past the butchers where I will pick up the weekly meat rations and 4 steak and ale pies, which will be part of tonight’s tea. These were requested last week by both James and Amelia, but neither I nor Sheila have any objections. Back later

More like beaten into submission!

Northroader - if that was in reply to my post about the optical test - certainly - although I'm not doing "Micro-Layouts" as such - I'm currently playing with a much earlier layout (Fiddlestick Switch Job , an HO version of Prof Klyzlrs "ChicagO Fork" layout) that packs up into "That Damn Box", and making alternative back-scenes and changing the layouts appearance - and I'm also fumbling with the idea of adding an extra track and a working gate on a bolt-on back section (which certainly won't then fit into the box , and will need to travel separately) , and thus widening the layout - it keeps me from hanging about on street corners, whistling at the girls. Also I had some LPBs arrive today as I want to add some Afro-Caribbean train crew to some of my locos - so I have some painting to do PS I posted this earlier and on trying to edit it successfully lost the lot - so I have reposted it as well as I can remember the original post PPS LPBs/LLPs = Little Plastic Blokes/People , for those who haven't come across the term before PPPS The original of Fiddlestick Switch Job should be here - just in case anyone is interested

I do have the such a hat (if you want to get a hat get a head) but I'm not sure about the antlers (moose don't have horns). I think the extra weight might lift the Fiat's back wheels off the ground.

If the rendezvous works out I'll have my Nikon and a tripod. Bon Voyage!

Afternoon all from Estuary-Land. Dusted off a lap-top that has hardly been used in the last 12 months and pleased to see that everything seems to be OK so its just charging up the battery at the moment. Prepared the 'day out' bag and the 'spare' lap top will be added to it when it is fully charged, being about half the size of the lap top I am using at the moment. Muggatee awaits, be back later.

Quick, to the gold lounge so we can talk about him without him knowing!! i knew it was there for a reason

Oh bu##er it. I've got some Arthur Itis as well. No red wine, red meat etc etc. We're all doomed I tell you. Might as well give up the ghost now.