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Good morning from a village that is still north of Ikea, despite our absence for the last few months. The house is coming to life and the morning S's have been performed. Today I'm off to see my brother in York and Beth is due to have an extended coffee with some friends. On my way to and from York I may manage to spend a little time beside some railway tracks. I've managed to download a photo or two so here are a couple. The first three generations photo. New Nanna. A crowbar was needed to get Emily away from her. And here is Grumpa. I think I need to work on the grumpiness. I promise that I won't bore you all with more of these. Regards to all. Jamie

Today's special - one of Riddles finest in errrr........... fine form. Wakefield was then visited today for work purposes. All I can say is the layout is bl**dy huge.................... Day off and FORE! on Thursday. Have a good one folks. Cheers, Mick

More work done to try to get up to speed again - That's the work on the deck finished for now On to the first of the two span beams - Cut ? one of two 220mm x 330mm sheets of the truss pieces. Each sheet contains 80 pieces which will make up into 40 trusses. The Cameo cutter will not cut through 20 thou plasticard, so the Stanley knife will sort out this little problem - The lower item is two truss pieces fixed together to create the cross bracing of the truss. The upper item is the remaining piece of a completed truss member after it was cut to enable the cross bracing of the trusses within the span beam The inside view of the first completed span beam The outside view of the span beam with the deck temporarily in place The second span beam is next. Cutting of the next 36 trusses (A 220x330 sheets will produce 40 trusses) underway, which will take about 4 hours altogether Whilst the cutting machine is busy, the second deck is being constructed. The deck beams have already been cut and in process of being assembled and fixed to the deck. This second deck is the longest of all the decks, being 865mm in length with angled joint at one end, which means two different span beams lengths More pictures later on this evening

Greetings from the boring borough. Recovering from a day wandering through Camden. It’s always been a bit of a tourist sh!thole but used to have some decent shops and pubs. Now it is just an oversized junk shop and most of the pubs have gone. Today I shall mostly be awaiting a beer subscription delivery and firing up one of the BBQs for a roast chicken dinner. Our tourists are off to Kew with SWMBO for the day. Tomorrow it is a visit to Brighton. Sadly, I’m chauffeur so beer intake will be minimal. However, there are a couple of 0% brews I’m looking forward to trying. Bob: I’d go for a laptop. Don’t worry about a DVD player, they are all external now. Just plug them in to a USB port. The good thing about that is they are dirt cheap and you can have 2 if you have a lot of different region locked discs. As for transferring files from mac to PC, I’d recommend getting an external drive that has NAS capability. That way you just plug it into your broadband router and you treat it as a communal hard drive between all your devices. The good ones are plug and play. It also gives you a backup for your files. That’s all from here. Time to retrieve the recycling tubs from wherever the bin men have hidden them. Enjoy the day.

Good morning one and all Things did not go according to plan yesterday although the ironing got done. The Editor is back from holiday and wanted me to add two photos and some words to my latest contribution – on railbuses in Gloucestershire since you ask. Jump, Sir? How high? No, that was unkind. When I was first invited to submit material for publication, which I regard as an honour, the time I devoted to writing and researching consumed much of the time available for m*d*ll*ng. It isn’t the only reason why not a lot of the latter got done. As I’ve said before, there have been confidence issues too. Let’s see what happens. The afternoon was rather unproductive as I tried to get rid of some aches and pains by crawling under the duvet for a couple of hours. They are better this morning. Today I am visiting Poorly Pal. We will, I hope, enjoy our lunch of stir fried vegetables with king prawns and kung po sauce. This evening I am due to collect my signed copy of Colin Gifford’s new book. In between those events there will be m*d*ll*ng or attempted m*d*ll*ng in the shed where the layout lives, hopefully with setbacks kept to a minimum. The first job will be to see if my box of drills is in the shed, for it’s not in the toolbox. Best wishes to all Chris

We are back home. Our flight was late leaving but only a few minutes late arriving. For the first time ever we had to show ID when we arrived in Southend from a flight originating in Ireland. The Border Agency weren’t in their cubicles, just asking to see ID, it clearly didn’t have to be a passport. Tony

…..tweaked the blue a bit and now much better!

Message from Debs - she had her (hopefully final) op today "Really tired, went well, very grateful but getting too old for all this."

Mooring Awl, Inner Temple Hare, A much better nights sleep of total 6.5 hours although in 4 pieces. The bits in between were spent considering the reconstruction of the carriages for layout transport. Decisions have been made, although they will not be implemented on the first carriage until next Friday as this one I'm busy. The first carriage will be the one that, as yet, has nothing mounted on top. Giving me more access and a chance to revise the design before attempting the occupied ones. I've arrived in here to find the lab cold (by half a degree) they have the new AC running out there which distributes the air better, cooling the wall between them and me better. So once they are certain it's staying that way I'll have to bump up the temperature coming out of my AC by that 1/2 degree. Also last nights automatic run is sitting reporting, "This programme has not transfered the results file, see system Administrator" AKA the boss. He won't be here for 2 hours so I'll have to let it sit there till then, or I'll loose the work done.. So for now I'm now measuring resistance 100M Ohm to be precise, to work my way down to 1 ohm at decade intervals. Time to wait for the 3rd measurement..

We had the air conditioner replaced today. From a 9:30 arrival to about a 2:30 departure. They managed to reuse the pipes and wires from the previous unit so the ceiling in the railway room remained intact. Over at 5:00 to set up chairs for a concert. Except that they were already set up by the previous group. Concert was 2 Brahms works arranged for piano and 5 winds. Our doors are covered with mosquitoes -- don't know why. SWMBO makes us use the garage door, but even that gets some.

Not a lot planned for today, which is forecast dull but dry here. Yesterday we almost managed to decide on a mobility buggy for Dad and I'm hoping to get a couple of quotes as well as another test drive for him in the next few days that will decide the issue. I also got sufficient workshop time whilst SWMBO was hosting her bridge party to seal the tops of my base****ds with thinned waterproof PVA so it's on with tr*ck laying soon. Unfortunately I've got a writing commission that I have to get on with so progress will be slower than I would like for the rest of this year. Just finishing mugocoffee then off to take Dad to the dentist. Dinner at a friend's place this evening so no kitchen chores to speak of. TTFN, hope your day goes well. Jamie, stop smiling like the Cheshire Cat - it's not good for your image! Dave

Morning all. Sunny here. Bins out. That is about as complicated as I can cope with today. Perhaps breakfast will help! Tony

Ooh err, a cricket free day (unless I go and watch Yorkshire...) Lots of rain overnight, now it is just "grey" outside. Due to delays in his house purchase youngest Herbert is back home with us "for a few days" yeh, right! As the TUI brewery ads says. Her indoors is off to do some volunteering at the collection/sorting barn for a local hospice today so if I don't go to cricket I will be crust earning. Enjoy your day and especially positive thoughts to all who ail! Baz

A return for an old favourite. Grange class 6822 Manton Grange, one of a quartet of granges at Newton in '47. Returning home on an up M set.

Morning on a non-BIN BIN day! Services shifted one day due to Monday being a public holiday. Will place BINs appropriately tomorrow I guess Nothing to report from yesterday except the simple fact that having a tine (compared to the present house) lawn area to mow, it took us about 30 minutes yesterday to get the job done at 'tother place. Result Tonight a rather somber happy hour and choir rehearsal in preparation for the funeral of our friend Bob who passed away recently. 16 and partly sunny, expecting 28 (good GRIEF!!) later...

Carlisle in 1987 and 1988 again today, it was still dull and wet at times! Carlisle 87010 and 86438 up steel coil 27th Oct 87 C9195.jpg Carlisle 155307 on test 27th Oct 87 C9202 Carlisle Class 108 54249 and 53966 Carlisle to Whitehaven 12th April 88 C9400.jpg Carlisle 31270 up rail train 12th April 88 C9407 Carlisle 86426 E3195 Euston to Stranraer 12th April 88 C9426.jpg David

Good morning everyone Well it isn’t raining at the moment, but by the looking at how wet the ground looks, I think it rained quite a bit during the night. Breakfast has been consumed and I’m now just waiting for Sheila to finish hers and then get herself ready for her Zumba class. Once she’s left, I’ll mix my first batch of waterproofing solution and make a start applying it to the walls, the instructions recommend applying 2 coats and leaving at least 24 hours between coats, so I’ll put the second coat on on Monday, leaving the weekend free for the workshop. Back later

I better do something prototypical about the coal shortages of '47 too, thanks to Norman Lockett and having no willpower in regards to temptation from @toboldlygo

Always good to see more of Coach Bogie's splendid collection of GWR coaching stock and to learn more about coach workings. The ex-Royal Train vehicle is a stunner - I'll bet not many have one of those running on their layout! I agree about the ubiquity of the Dean 40ft PBVs in 1930s photos. I thought I'd better have one at least, seen below behind 5041 on a Plymouth train. It's built from the old K's kit that Mike mentions. They went through lots of changes, Mine's not based on a particular van at a particular time, but I decided to give it gangways, American bogies, and plated-over guard's lookouts. Best I can say is that it's a K something-or-other! Mike may advise what diagram, if any, it's closest to. John C.

We are sitting in the garden. There are fluffy white clouds but the sun is nice and shiny still here. It is breezy but the garden is quite sheltered. Lunch will be simple, bread and cheese, however I am sure it will be nice bread and cheese. Tony

Greetings from LBG where the sun is battling the clouds. For some reason this week seems to be longer than a normal week, despite the bank holiday. Still I can always call up the world cup cricket score to entertain me! Best wishes to those who have suffered loss in the last few days, and I hope those that are ailing recover. Have a good day all

A meeting at 0830! What is the world coming to? It takes place here though, so I have just time to put up the morning photos. We have a second look at the run down V2 on the York parcels. There has now been a four hour hiatus while I dealt with more golf club politics. All is now calm, and I had to pull out of the competition I was supposed to play in, so shortly I shall play with my trains instead. Before I do so, I can complete this post by putting up our second view, which is of Diamond Jubilee, which went up on the West Riding, returning to Yprkshire with the 1.20pm to Leeds.

My parents were very happy at their photos with the 4th generation, In about 6 years time they could be with the 5th... As the oldest of the 4th is about to leave primary school. Insulation is not just for keeping heat in but for keeping the heat out in summer as well, it could get very expensive heating and cooling a shed without insulation..

Apologies for calling you Bob. For some reason I thought the original post was from GDB. That’s what I get for skimming the forum on my phone before coffee.

Good evening everyone Well I really struck lucky with the weather, the rain held off until just after dinner, it’s only just stopped! Luckily I’d just finished packing away all my tools etc. The new access door in now completed, it’s made it from a single piece of MDF but, when next to the original main door, it looked rather plain. So, using my old combination plane, I added some grooves to the front. This now looks very similar to both the original and the main door and gives the impression that it has been made from several pieces of T&G. I’ve also fitted the door knob that I found yesterday as well as a lock that I came across as well. It will look much better when it’s all painted. I’d just finished hanging the door when Sheila shouted it was time for dinner. So I thought it a good time to knock off for a bite to eat. After dinner I fitted the lock and door knob, before I did a little tidying up. This will give me a bit of room to mix first batch of waterproofing solution tomorrow morning. As I mentioned earlier, this afternoon we had Ava, Evie and Max round for tea. There were all pleasantly well behaved today, a very rare treat indeed. After they'd all been picked up, we had a quick tidy up before sitting down to watch a bit of recorded TV, I poured myself a nice glass of Guinness, whilst Sheila had a soft drink. Goodnight all.

Good evening from a village north of Ikea. We got up to Leeds safely and were cuddling young Emily by 2pm. She is absolutely delightful and Rachel is very well. The new Nanna, did grudgingly allow Grumpa to have a hold of her for two short intervals. I rather spoiled the party by getting the little lady to sleep by singing to her (The old lady who swallowed a fly), It's a lovely feeling when they go to sleep. We have arranged some babysitting over the coming week. We are now ensconced with our friends in Gildersome. Regards to all. Jamie

I resent that remark. A few more of 4855 and I'll do some more tomorrow.

Afternoon all, Bins were done early - makes a nice change from after 16,00 in the afternoon. Tesco was visited for various comestibles and commiserations on the checkout for the loss of the discount now the Good Doctor has been redundantificated - she we presume is still in Kiev, Moldova is next on her list., the lad is in Dublin on a one day flying visit, and we had home made veg soup for lunch, some sort of chicken and rice thing for dinner tonight. The big challenge of trying to change the cutting thread on the small strimmer might be tackled again this afternoon after Tuesday's dismal failure to do it. Quite why the 'designers' design something which needs to be dismantled to change a consumable part but which then won't dismantle is way beyond me? I presume their idea is that if you make it impossible to change the cutting 'thread' you'll go out and buy yet another strimmer? Enjoy the rest of the day folks.

Happy to report that I've received by email ( to my email, my first and last name) a receipt for an iPad pro for S$2,400. Unfortunately I'm not in receipt of said iPad but then I didn't pay for it either

AndrewC - thanks for that information, especially that external DVD drivers can be readily attached. NAS I will have to look up as it currently means nothing to me. My other current external hard drives work, as far as I know, on both Mac and PC since they are even older than the Mac. I do have a collection of now unused internal hard drives from former computers as I remove them before recycling the rest ... the information on those is now probably of little use now as probably are my still stored 'floppy' discs. Cheers, Peter BB

This is splendid work, Steve, Thanks for posting. Isinglass also makes an LNER milk van kit. There's something about sheet brass models which makes the completed things look very attractive in my opinion. In fact, several commentators at shows (often women) I attend with models in this condition think it's a 'shame' to paint them. Regards, Tony.

Afternoon all from Estuary-Land. The construction of the lads layout is on hold for a day or two. You would think that the orange emporium would have some 9 mm ply that was straight and not warped and twisted, I couldn't find a single straight piece. At least other emporiums are available and will be visited over the next few days.

Some years ago *someone* gained access to my credit card particulars. The first thing they purchased was an iPad for around $2,000. The fraud protection stepped in at that point. Curiously my caller ID at home has "Apple" trying to call me at random hours. I don't have any messaging enabled at home on my landline. I did answer a call and there was a sketchy sounding message about my iTunes account (I don't have one). I can't tell if this was real or a scam.

Progress on the Bird class, for what it's worth: Following Sir's advice, I found that the motor/gearbox ran better in reverse than forward, so I swapped it around last night so that it's driving on the forward axle, and orientated the other way around. It's now lovely and smooth in forward gear, and a fair bit improved going backwards too. It was a bit of a faff (all the outside brake rods had to be unsoldered) but I'm glad I took the plunge. There's been some discussion of the economics of kit construction compared to RTR, so while these plastic-bodied projects won't be to everyone's taste, and involve some inaccuracies and compromises, they're excellent value for money. Branchlines sell the complete package, including wheels and motor, and all detailing parts, for only about 107 pounds which I think is fantastic value. Al

Morning all from Estuary-Land. Sun is shining but a bit muggy here ATM. Nearly panicked this morning as I hadn't put the rubbish bags out until I realised that the bin wagons dawn chorus would be a day late due to the bank holiday, I'd better get them sorted while I remember. I've been examining my stack of round tuits, its getting rather high so I'll have to start doing something about it (thats another round tuit on the stack). Tea is drunk so its be back later.

https://johncolby.wordpress.com/2019/05/29/sandys-treatment-day-162/

One of the things that has been bugging me for a really long time is the Goods Shed. It is the first building I started (and is the last to be completed). Although to all intents and purposes it looked finished, there were a few things missing - hence my being bugged about it! The offending missing items being the large sliding doors on the ends and rear of the shed, and the runners from which they hang (although in actuality the runners themselves are hidden by "weather proofing covers"). So to rectify this situation, at the last Midland Area Group meeting I spent an hour or so scribing the doors on 0.040" plastic sheet, the edges of which were then thinned so that when glued to the stone work they appeared to stand off the surface a little. A pair of thin strips of 0.005" were added to the tops of the doors to represent the brackets that the little wheels that run on the runners were attached to. When painted the doors were super glued in place on the ends of the shed (I had made and fitted the rear doors for the road access ages ago but from normal viewing angles they can't be seen). To make the covers for the runners I had originally tried to fabricate one in plastic but found it ridiculously flimsy, so while at Railex at the weekend I obtained a couple of pieces of brass angle with a view to soldering some up. Hopefully the diagram below will illustrate how ... Once the two angles had been sweated together a rebate was formed to allow the 0.010" end piece to fit snuggly behind the upright of the 2mm angle. The end pieces themselves were made from 8 pieces of scrap etch sweated together then filed to shape (to give me a couple of spares in case I lost any). Once the main pieces were together I added three 0.5mm pegs behind the 2mm angle to allow the covers to be fixed to the walls in corresponding holes. To finish the covers a sloping roof of 0.010" plastic card was super-glued in place (I was reluctant to add this in metal as I felt the odds of something else coming adrift was too high!) Finally they were held in pin chucks (by one of the pegs) and given a spray of self etch primer. To save ruining my pin chucks I wrapped each in cling film before applying the paint!! Another of the missing items on the shed were the downpipes. These were bent up from 0.5mm phosphor bronze wire with little brackets soldered on from twists of fine wire, the tails of the twists being secured in holes in the walls. The resultant downpipes were then carefully painted in my usual mix of GWR Dark Stone (PP Dark Stone with a little White added). The final item that always bugged me was the crane inside the building - I had made it (like myself) far too overweight (the woodwork being made from 3mm (18") square section). So another evenings work provided a replacement in 2mm square section. A few photos of the finished Goods Shed ... West end of the Goods Shed (the office door has also acquired a brass door handle - a stub of 0.33mm wire) A view of the West end of the Goods shed and cattle dock. Excuse the detritus in the background - I should have dropped the dust cover down! A mobile phone view of the East end of the shed. A mobile phone view of the rear of the shed - this view is only achievable with a small camera (or phone camera) A view of the platform elevation of the Goods Shed (again taken with a mobile phone camera) A final shot down the length of the layout (taken under layout lighting with the dust cover is in place to block out ambient light from the window and hide the detritus of the workshop) Ian

Morning from a very soggy NE Scotland, apart from a taxi run for SWMBO into Montrose, a quiet day should ensue, more work required in TOSH to prepare for installation of base for m*de!!ing purposes, still not sure about insulation though. I went hunting on you tube and stumbled on a vid from the manufacturers of said Summerhouse and they advise against insulating, so heating may be installed instead.

The other one is getting nearer to completion and with the lessons learned from the previous one it's come along much more quickly. The motor and gearbox are in it and have been tested with the rods on. It only needs pickups before it can be road-tested.

As Andy says, not our call. It is likely that shutting the account down isn't the highest priority right at the moment. Remember, this is a small group of volunteers dealing with a massive situation. They are probably talking to insurance companies at the moment - and getting over the shock. I'm sure they will get around to it eventually, just as I'm sure they will work out where the money is going - eventually. All of which can be done without our input.

Some from yesterday, bescot shunt again fuelled 66126 66748 on the ballast siding 66737 ready to depart for toton Then fuelled a DB 66, first one I’ve driven and back on the train maritime 66 last bit of the old down tower building was demolished yesterday too 37419 and 37059 waiting departure time to toton same again today and tomorrow

Evening all from Estuary-Land. Looking through my collection of off cuts I found a piece of 9 mm ply that will provide the ends of the layout, that will save a few pennies. Thats it for now, be back later.

Goodnight to most, morning to other, good afternoon to the rest. Baz Ps special thoughts who all who ail and especially to Her Debship, the finger of the awl!

Computer worked tonight and have managed to skim through and reading where mouse stopped with over 10 pages to work through so if I've missed please accept apologies. The sad news is that of Ian, OH and Andy P and to their families belated condolences. Great to see that Sandy is progressing but was surprised to see days in the '150's and hope they (you) both enjoy your holiday. Hope Debs next operation is not too traumatic and that recovery is quick and uneventful. Pleased to see that Chris F has done some modelling and hope that his love of music will give him some peace of mind and pleased that he enjoys seeing himself 'in print' and read. Hope Ian A's Jemma gets the jets she likes and that she has many more happy flying years. GDB seems to have progressed through the 'reorganisations' without mishap, Jamie back home after what seemed to be time-wise a fantastic lifetime holiday. Passing through Newton Abbot last week glimpsed a '43' so was chuffed (perhaps the wrong word for a diesel) that reminded me of the early 70s travelling on them from London down to the West Country in comfort. We'll see if the computer works tomorrow, if not a replacement is probably called for. The problem ... I think a laptop would now be better but none of them now have DVD access and do not seem to be so forgiving as desktops. There would also be the potential problem of transferring files, and especially photographs, from Mac to PC that for a non-computer guy who still possess a mobile telephone that will give and take calls and do the odd text ... maybe I will plod on with it until it finally gives up.

Back to Post Focus mode as the earlier ones as Andrew P remarked on didn't quite look right. Anyway, straight from Affinity focus merge. I do like getting shadows but not on the buffer stops where the fixing lugs get highlighted - thought I had sorted those. Obviously not!

For most of the time I take pictures of Little Bytham, I concentrate on the fast-moving, prestige trains, or the long goods trains. In most cases, these are hauled by heavy motive power. However, there are bits of the layout which hardly get a look in, so, this evening I decided to take a few 'candid' shots, the results of which are shown below. A view looking across towards Marsh Bridge at the south end, with Tom Couling's little barn sagging nicely. John Houlden built the farm gadget in the foreground, though what it is I have no idea. It came from his Gamston Bank layout. Looking south with the stationmaster's floral garden prominent. This was 'planted' by Richard Wilson. Ian Wilson built the stationmaster's house. Looking across from the goods yard towards the south end of the station. All the buildings/structures in this view (apart from the cottages to the left, which I built) are Ian Wilson's work. Bob Dawson's lovely little station cottages are featured here. Coal was unloaded from the wagons in this way at LB. John Houlden provided the wagon and the figure. A view of the same scene from lower down. David Ray made the wagon on the right. A general view of the goods yard area, with both Geoff West's and Paul Marshall Potter's little figures busy at work. Tom Wright's little track gangers are busy as well, attending to this buffer stop. I'm so fortunate to have so many marvellous modellers contribute to LB. Ellen Sparkes' beautiful little gardens for Bob Dawson's cottages are well-maintained indeed. It must be Monday! Bob Dawson's Willoughby Arms welcomes customers. You can tell there's a railway presence in all these scenes (with the exception of the last one), but they do show how much of LB is actually not just railway. That was very important in attempting to achieve the 'feel' of the real place, as it was 60 years ago.

G'Day Folks

Some good news at last, so the situation I thought we might have to deal with is nowhere near as critical as it might have been.Why is it so rare to catch the malicious bast**** who spread rumours and downright lies? Anyway, here is 60056 having a rest. and while it does so the lunchtime parcels from KX to York comes into view.