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Another batch of photos from Manchester Oxford Road for today. Manchester Oxford Road 47471 Newcastle to Liverpool and Class 108 to Stockport 3rd March 90 C14066.jpg Manchester Oxford Road 304015 Crewe to Altrincham 3rd March 90 C14070.jpg Manchester Oxford Road 150225 to Stockport 3rd March 90 C14075.jpg Manchester Oxford Road 304010 Altrincham to Alderley Edge via Styal 3rd March 90 C14078.jpg Manchester Oxford Road 304010 Altrincham to Alderley Edge via Styal 3rd March 90 C14079.jpg David

Talking of green B1's, a quick project to get me back into the swing of things. I was given this Hornby beastie as a refurb job. Apparently, a certain manufactures white spirit makes excellent paint stripper. Whilst it was in this condition, I decided to replace the chimney and dome with the excellent Bradwell examples. I also cut off and rubbed down the moulded pipe work to be replaced with fuse wire and brass wire. My target locomotive, 1192, didn't receive electric lighting whilst in LNER green, however the conduits, lamp brackets and dynamo were fitted. I replaced the lamps and brackets on loco and tender with LMR etched brass components, minus the actual lamps. I was under the impression that Hornby had produced two different smokebox styles for the B1 model. Not so! A well as the NE and GNR styles seen on the BR liveried versions, the green B1 has a third type. A rather ugly small diameter version, this was cut and filed away and replaced by a Bradwell version more suited to 1192. Unfortunatly, I had already repainted the smokebox bedfore discovering that the door needed replacing.One step forwards and another back. Some replacement components had to be manufactured, new cab doors and drain cocks for the cylinders, the former from plasticard and the latter soldered up from brass rod. The couplings were cut away with the bogie fronts reprofiled and the frames extended to fill the big gap over the bogie wheels. In order to paint the model, I had to mix a suitable green to match the Hornby original. In this I was extremely successful and am pretty pleased with the results, I also repainted the driving wheels, these were green plastic and didn't match the body or tender. The final bit of painting was to replace some of the tender lining that had been damaged. Rather than use the bow pen, I masked a thin line and airbrushed on the damaged areas. Done this way, I was able to blend in with the undamaged lining quite successfully. The final job, except for coal and crew, will be bogie wheel replacements and a bit more painting. P.S. Since the photo above was taken, the smokebox lamp bracket and cab doors have been added.

I had to take a call halfway through writing my post, so could easily have been similarly overtaken! Things are Afoot in the world directly above my 'pooter screen. The bridge has been largely completed. I've had a go at distressing it. The Navvies were out over the weekend with wheel barrows full of papier-mâché, or, rather, my lazy version of it ("Potter's Patent Papier Mache Preparation"), and are happily forming the river banks and filling in behind the embankment.

Sainsbury's duly visited and only one little incident as a total pr#t managed to annoy me. I was first in the queue for customer services as I wanted to order our Christmas turkey. Said pr#t came along a couple of minutes later and stood so close to me I felt obliged to stand on his foot without apologising. He was also trying to talk over me to the assistant because he was in a hurry. My order was taking some time due to Sainsbury's very poor system which involves the assistant having to leave the counter and go all the way to the back of the store and beyond to get a print out of my order. When she went (apologising profusely for the delay) he started effing and blinding. I went into full shop assistant support mode (The Boss is a friend of hers) and told him his fortune in no uncertain terms. He then told me to mind my own business upon which I said I was making it my business and if he really wanted a problem to carry on. He must have seen something in my face as he then left. GDB1 - Pr#t 0. Tracy (the assistant ) said "I've never seen that side of you Bob, remind me never to upset you." I'm usually quite placid these days but I seemed to revert to a former self today. All shopping completed cheerfully after that and I can now wait in peace for my parcel. The Boss is out to lunch later with friends so all is good in my little world. Time for coffee.

Ey up! Still not feeling a 100% must be a bug! Pah! A mugatea sans milk has arrived. Lets see how that goes. Grab the day, enjoy what you do and positive thoughts to all who ail! Baz

I had that last night. I was at the desk, booking next term's German classes, when a woman pushed in front of me and waved a piece of paper in the assistant's face. The assistant tried to wave her away but the woman was having none of it, she was to be served now. In the end the assistant took the paper, wrote "I know you are deaf, but wait your turn. Go and wait in the queue." Bill

Morning all from the fair city of Lincoln. Son and all other 2 legged inhabitants have departed for work/school etc. Tilly and Patch (elderley jack Russell's) and Reg, young cocker spaniel are wandering round the kitchen. Yesterday was a little interesting. A good time with Rachel and Emily, then lunch with an ex colleague and his wife before heading south. Time had to be waited so Doncaster station was chosen and LNER and Northern were having a bad afternoon due to some points not working. Whilst there my phone buzzed and it was Brittany Ferries telling me that the St Malo ferry was cancelled tonight due to French strike action. Fortunately they were able to re book me on the Portsmouth to Caen route. I now have several more hours to fill in en route. First call will be Little Bytham then Didcot and Eastleigh have sprung to mind. Beth has advised me to fill up with diesel as it is scarce in France at the moment. By chance I have a 10p per litre voucher from Moreasons and they have a petrol station very close to the ferry port. It seems that a plan is coming together. Regards to all. Jamie

Lots of parcels posted... Post Office Manager not having a good day. One terminal completely dead, the other one not responding to the keyboard. I normally allow people with a parcel to go ahead of me in the queue, not today! They all had flipping "free" returns - free to them but the normal Post Office Users are subsidising their "free" postage - Royal Mail get £1 per parcel of whatever size! We pay teh rest! GDB be careful - you are supposed to be on R&R/light duties. I once had to gently explain to one of my (now) former colleagues that trying to stitch me up with the Board was not a really clever thing to do. Another colleague who sat in came out of the meeting and told the rest of the office..."Never, ever upset Baz" No one had heard me say anything to the guy..but word quickly spread .. then he and his manager asked me to see them.. The manager received a similar genteel "explanation" of why he and his staff should ensure they didn't upset me by doing what they had done. Both are now "Business Consultants working with the NHS .. nuff said. Now onwards and upwards...still feeling carp but compared to others no problem really. Baz

Boxing Gloves for Christmas then Bob? Or Steel Toe capped Bover Boots?

Be careful you do not play the sound recording backwards. apparently it will scream at you: 'Here comes the AWL!' And it's not steam powered

Castle class 5077 Fairey Battle does the honours on a down express.

Moaning all... HUMP day innit. Nothing notable from yesterday - if you consider absolutely zero progress by the inept IT team getting me access to the new server as "nothing notable". Oh well, getting paid for 8 hrs. to have three feeble attempts to try stuff suggested that took about 2 minutes works for me! Today - will be much of the same, three hours into the day in NY and not a peep. With luck, today will also see our second bathroom back in commission, they've almost finish the remodeling work there. -2 and sunny first thing, heading for a balmy +2 for the high. Carry on.

More WD this morning, as it continues its slow but steady progress.

Morning All Well, I've finally caught up, and managed to get here to post. First off, generic greetings are, as usual, the order of the day. Ah yes, insurance, and attempts to wriggle out. My last car was damaged while I was in the vet's having Lily treated. While I was sitting in the waiting room, a taxi driver knocked the window, and was holding what was left of my offside wing mirror. It was hit by a passing car. When I got home, I contacted my insurer, and a repair was arranged via their approved repairer. I had to pay the excess, £250 to the repairer, and was then advised to reclaim this via my insurer - normal practice, I believe. Then the fun started, and I tried to get the refund. Despite a testimony from the vet, they would not pay. The vet had CCTV, and as I was parked at the front of the surgery, their CCTV covered this, and showed the incident. The vet sent this off to my insurer, who took twelve weeks to view it, then said that as the evidence was not clear, ie the registration no of the offending car was not readable, that as there was nobody that they could pursue for the excess, that I would have to bear the cost - even though there was clear evidence that my car was parked, and the vet's statement that I was not in the car at the time. Oh and near misses - I used to fly a lot on business with British Midland and flew back from Edinburgh of their latest (at the time) 737-400, G-OBME. At that time, it was quite easy to blag a trip on the flight deck, and sit on the jump seat, and as I vaguely knew the skipper, having done this on a number of occasions, I did so on this occasion, He remarked that the aircraft felt a bit "rough" and at the end of the flight, booked it for an overnight exam. The following day, that aircraft crashed on the verge of the M1, trying to make an emergency landing at East Midlands. Off now to the monthly meeting of the writing group, then back to walk Lily again, then pick up 30747 from work, as there are so many off sick at her work with the lurgi, that she has been asked to work every morning this week - AGAIN. She, of course, said yes. Regards to All Stewart

Good morning one and all This morning I have my flu jab. Rather than let me stroll the five minutes to the main surgery, Checkpoint Charlene gave me an appointment at the branch surgery across the town at Church Lane. This, I believe, is because most of the nurses drive to work and need somewhere to park. Fair enough. I need either to catch the bus, nominally every 12 minutes, or get the car out. I will use the bus today because I have occasion to visit the bank afterwards. As well as getting a statement I need to order some Swiss francs. For some reason all the banks open an hour later on Wednesdays. I am among the unwary that this has confused. It is market day today so after I have done what needs to be done I will stroll down to the market square to see whether the WI stall is there. I need some more marmalade! Yesterday I did the first bit of packing for the Swiss trip, a whole fortnight before departure. All the medication that I must take with me is now rounded up and safely encased in a tupperware box. Assembling the clothing will take a little longer and must be preceded by a dose of ironing. What an exciting life I lead. As I type this there is news on the radio of a hotel fire in Brentwood. Cue Brenda from Bristol: what, another one? In my increasingly desperate search for petrol on Saturday night I passed the remains of the Premier Inn at Cribbs Causeway, which burned down in July three days after I had stayed there. That reminds me: I need to find somewhere out of town to stay for Bristol Pride this year. City centre hotels are all very well but car parking is very limited and extremely expensive. I'll worry about that if I have any money left after Switzerland. Best wishes to all Chris

I didnt use the phone but prompt email back that you dont stock what I am after. However dont worry as I will be ordering something that you do have when the time comes. Another good evening drinking Harveys Old with fellow rmwebber / modeller and much later than we intended. Tomorrow more 4mm scale model buildings to carry on with. Hopefully my other half will have a better day on the GW Worms especially after this mornings cancellation and tonights much longer trip home via Gatwick due ot mis-signalling meaning her train avoided Redhill, the driver being very apolagetic.

Evening. Think I must have a touch of Baz-itis, as I just am struggling this week for energy and feel a bit off colour without anything specific. Almost got walled in at work with the amount of boxes delivered today, hope there's something in them. Plus I'm still in the doghouse about losing my wedding ring. I know many men don't wear them, but it is something I feel you should, if your wife/partner/etc does..... commitment works both ways. It's the third one, but the other two got damaged rather than lost. This was a Celtic job bought when we moved here and is very sentimental. Bu&&er. I'm in a right grump over it too, TBH.

Good morning form another frosty one. Car scraped free of ice but had plenty of time due to track defect delaying my other halfs train to work. Its currently 10 late but at least it is meant to be stopping this morning to let passengers on. Not one train on time so frar this week for her but one on Monday was 14 minutes late so no delay repay. At least it isnt SWR. Will make a cup of tea then head to shed to carry on cutting out the styrene sheet for the new station building.

Quite appropriate mis-type!

I'm sure Trisonic Pete, were he still among us, would stand us all corrected on the origin of "roots" music even if the Wurzels associated themselves with turnips and cider in the context of Tony's humour. To my mind it can readily be traced back via Jamaican blue-beat of the early 20th Century and re-emerged as "Roots Rockers" in the 70s with the advent of the MC (mic' chanter) and the rise of the likes of Yellowman, Clint Eastwood and Charlie Chaplin. The latter two being among many reggae artistes to have adopted stage names and the former so christened by his family and fans owing to a medical condition affecting his skin tone. Some here might recall that I worked for ten years managing insurance claims whilst in Australia. Our portfolio covered motor, home, caravan, farm, boat (which was always "marine hull" insurance and never "boat") and business policies of all kinds and values. Risks were the relatively humble family car through to fleets of thousands of vehicles many of which changed on a weekly or monthly basis and included some of Australia's largest commercial clients trusting us with their business needs. We audited our claim-to-payout performance which for domestic home claims was typically around 70% paid. Of the 30% not paid and based on ten years experience my estimate would be 25% clearly excluded from policy such as lost items (when loss cover was not taken out), loss below excess (very common) or wear and tear (never covered). Of the remaining 5% most were found to be fraudulent and refused on those grounds. Perhaps fewer than 1 in 1000 claims was not paid, in whole or in part, for any other reason. If water descends from above it is a storm event. If water rises from below it is a flood event. If water runs through your home from an event elsewhere it is a stormwater runoff event. If water damages your home because a pipe has burst within the home it is an escape of water event. Policies vary. Many did not include flood (though included all the rest) until Australia suffered a series of very bad floods affecting thousands of homes across many towns. After which time and after a huge row about denied claims because floods were excluded the Insurance Council of Australia in conjunction with the Federal Parliament required that flood be included on all relevant policies but with an option to exclude it. Policies still exclude "flood" if a tap is left on and something overflows causing damage - this is not a flood but an "avoidable act or omission by the policyholder or other person" In other words insurance does not cover self-inflicted damage. And never has except when the policy specifically includes it. Most home and many commercial policies have clauses relating to the leaving of premises unattended for four weeks or more. It is considered that this is a reasonable time for most holidays and that the risk of burglary or other loss significantly increases above this time. Homes fitted with a hard-wired back-to-base alarm (as ours was and still is) are often exempt provided the alarm is activated because they are statistically at very much lower risk and in any case a break in would, or should, trigger the alarm and a response. Insurance differs slightly between countries but I have found policies in the UK are very similarly worded. There is a difference in that the UK insurers are seen to be "harder" and seek to avoid paying out but this may be because those who criticise have been denied settlement for reasons which their insurer must give in writing. Most often, I suspect, because the claim is for a loss which is not covered by their policy. It is surprising how many motorists with Third Party only insurance claim when their car is maliciously damaged or stolen. Not covered. Or when they are at fault but want their own car repaired. Not covered. Some genuinely don't understand. Some hear the price and opt for the cheapest. Some claim anyway. And a few try it on. Caveat Emptor. Read the policy. Understand what is - and what is not - covered. Ask questions. And remember than in the UK at least you have a statutory cooling-off period after any financial services transaction during which you may cancel without incurring any penalty. It is your responsibility to make certain your insurance is right for you. And on that cheery and lengthy note it is tome for bed. G'night all. Sleep sound in the knowledge that almost all of us will NOT need to make an insurance claim. Tonight, tomorrow and quite often never at all.

Evening all. I haven't posted for a while due to overload. Anyway, I've just launched an e-mail about breaking down the Stevenage show so now's my chance. A couple of bits of bad news. My brother-in-law has had a series of TIAs; not good news, especially for my sister as he is a grumpy at the best of times. Then one of the priests at my church died on Sunday; sad news but he was a great age and was active to the end, I served at his final Eucharist last month. It would seem I shall have a busy Christmas. Two services on the Sunday, then Midnight Mass, then a sleep over in the sacristy before two services on Christmas morning. I offered to collect my sister's aged friend on the way down to her house, but Sally will have to do that herself if I'm aiming for a two o'clock meal. German classes have finished until the New Year, but I need to keep at it, as I'm in Germany in March and September next year. Keep well all. Bill

Good mawningawl, It is decidedly cool in never never Land NEHerts but above freezing now. Today, the latest version of kitchen/dining furniture supposedly arrives with a delivery window before 10am. Due to a lack of drip feeding, the larder and fridge need filling before they float away. Daughter’s new car also is anticipated, as are various electrical sundries required for outside illuminations and a new cover for my mobile phone. Yesterday’s planned events proceeded as expected although only two of us showed up for cribbage so some jaw exercise on random topics was undertaken and a somewhat earlier bedtime than is the norm for Tuesday ensued. That didn’t stop two visits to the ceramic horn through the night however and the blocked nasal passages on waking seem to be enduring. The golf club where the grandsons have lessons and I belong is apparently fitting out the driving bays with video technology and building a swimming pool after Christmas. That will not compensate for the reduction in affiliated courses to which we had free access under the former owners but is no doubt a reason to jack up the membership fees significantly again. I expect I shall not renew! I have booked my rail and event tickets for Peterborough on Sunday and got a voucher for a free muggertea to accompany my Full English. KZ will therefore attempt not to spill food down his front prior to enjoying the show. As my BRM subscription is due for renewal in January, I may be tempted by an offer to become an Austin Powers understudy were such to be available on the Warner’s stand. How many other members will be around? I don’t expect to spend much there (is that more laughter than is heard at any political hustings I hear in the background?) as I have so much unbuilt stock, buildings and infrastructure to get stuck into (cyanoacrylate not withstanding). Some coach bogies and wheels suitable for Code 75 lengths of nickels silver are about awl on my list but I promise to look at anyone weathering stock with interest. That’s awl for now, meanwhile, best to awl sufferers, later.....

You could always use your local chemist instead! Most around here offer the flu jab, and it's far quicker than trying to get the surgery to sort it out.

Good morning all, A cool 3° here but dry and some sunny periods forecast. An early start for us as The Boss wants to visit Sainsbury's and as I'm hoping a parcel will be delivered today I decreed we would be there when they open at 7.00am so we're back before the postie comes...hopefully. That went down well. I've just taken her up a muggatea. I will return later. Have a good one, E. ArlyBird.

G'day all, Up has been caught. Sprouts - I'm not keen on them but The Ship Anson served up some very sweet tasting ones on Monday and they were quite enjoyable. People using their mobile devices - all the younger ones are developing prehensile thumbs - just watch the next time you see a youngster working really fast on their mobile device without using their fingers; human evolution in progress in front of you. GDB - steel toe caps not much use if you stand on somebody's foot, however steel insoles might be worthwhile as they don't have any 'give' in them like most soles Yesterday involved a visit to the Doctor to see if my various cramp problems are of the serious kind or the 'just put up with it' sort. Fortunately, if that can be said of cramp, they are in the latter category and I was advised to do some 'warm up' muscle stretches before going to bed (hush at the back there please) as that should help. Suitable arthuritis injection for the other knee was put into his reminder diary for the next injection session but the rest he can't can't do anything about as the injections aren't possible for ankle joints, toes or fingers so I'll have to carry on relying on standing up to hopefully relieve them (I really don't know why standing up helps relieve arthritic fingers and thumbs but it does seem to help for whatever reason with the getting the fingers back into working order, not so good for the the thumb which needs a bit of carefully applied brute force). The 'good' news was that it's all down to the body ageing and he couldn't offer any treatment for that. KZ to note that I'm not going to the Peterborough show as it's a s*d to get there from here. As Baz might know I have been asked to help out on a layout but had to turn down the request because it would basically mean 3+ hours travelling in each direction to get there using public transport and not a straightforward journey. Have a good day one and all and may the ailing continue to make some positive progress.

Morning, Car arrived yesterday, spent last night studying the manual and this morning have set up preferences etc all good so far! Off to the model shop later on though I might save some tokens for the Manchester show this weekend just in case! Nice and sunny here, enjoy your day Alan

Morning All Thick fog slowly burning off Yesterday was a bit of a disaster I went A over B on a tree root in the woods Zeus came to my aid and licked my face I used him to help myself get up I ended up with a graze on the hand, coming out of the woods we encountered another dog walker I had Zeus between my legs to hold him down the other dog barked back at his Zeus jumped back knocking me off my feet and I ended up flat on my back on the pavement lucky for me I had a heavy padded Skillet on but I did bash an elbow, again I got licked and he stood still so I could pull myself up when we arrived back home Zeus started licking my elbow I had broken the skin and it was p!ssing blood again Zeus licked the wound clean then licked my face as if to say all better now that dog is a laugh a minute. On to the afternoon's date she was a disappointment her perfume was essences of ashtray her hair was a mess the photo she had posted was about 10 years out of date then she wanted me to stand out in the cold with her so she could have a fag with that I said cheerio I'm off, I'm waiting for someone else to call me so all is not lost. It's doggy day again today extra padding will be worn, tomorrow I'm off to an evening party at the block of flats I'm moving to it should be a pleasant affair having only met only some of the residence there on my last visit to the common room. Enjoy your day if you get cold visit a Premier Inn they have a habit of catching on fire. G. Fawkes

An interesting combination of events..

Morning All, The temperature is hovering around zero, and it is foggy - but there doesn't appear to be much in the way of frost. Yes Bob - I read up on the history of the Ace Cafe after posting yesterday. I lived in London in the 90s and so this cannot be the incarnation of the Ace Cafe that I remember. I may be wrong, but I think the one I remember used to be on the A13, and given the route that I used to take, somewhere between Purfleet and the North Circular. Of course, much has changed in that area since the 90s! Have a good day everyone...

What do I remember? When you reach my age - quite a lot and it is mostly in colour. "Silver Link" in silver The "Coronation" in that beautiful blue livery. LNER locos in green pulling coaches in teak livery. After the war ended attempts were made to restore what had gone before. A4s reappeared in Garter blue but now with stainless steel numbers. Gresley Pacifics were again green as were the V2s and some lesser classes. Newcastle and York both got a "pet" 0-6-0T in green. The remnants of the "Coronation" and "West Riding" sets were split up and used in ordinary services. I lived an easy cycle ride from Blaydon engine shed. This formed the Southern servicing end loco on the Border Counties Line from Riccarton Junction on the Waverley Line. We got to see locos with wonderful names "Wandering Willie", "Hal O'the Wynd", "Dugald Dalgetty" and others. There was also the occasional Glen. The ECML within easy reach so visits to Low Fell became a must. One of the highlights of the afternoon was Leeds train invariably pulled by a pair of D49 "Hunt" class. But, alas, not in their prewar green livery. I spent a lot of holidays at Hull. My cousin and I used to meet up at York, spend a few hours there before proceeding to Hull. At York we met up with that interloper, the LMS. Here I had my first glimpse of LMS red, but why was it always "Galatea" on the Leeds train? Another first was a Midland Compound No. 1023 in red, which although stationary, was producing the blackest smoke that I have ever seen. Does that count a colour memory? I have not ,as yet, mentioned the hard working goods locos hauling their loads of coal from mines to docks. Yes they were dirty unless you were lucky to see one ex works. Perhaps it's because of dirt and grime that I remember them. One thing I do remember is the appearance of the WD 0-6-0Ts in Khaki livery with hastily painted "LNER" and number on a black panel. The first WD 2-8-0s arrived about the same time. Many of these were overhauled at the Scotswood factory of Vickers Armstrong. They then moved across the Tyne tp Blaydon shed before being sent to sheds nationwide. As a result I was witness to a succession of shiny black WDs. I don't think that can be many that can say that. ArthurK

As an aside...... A short journey ( for me ) to obtain some modelling supplies from Newton Abbot, not a bad shopping trip when you have this outside of the carriage window. G

I went along with Aditi to the art lecture society she belongs to. The Christmas lecture was about arms and armour. It was ok but I felt slightly too much about the lecturer rather than the topic. We then went to Waitrose and collected some parcels and did some shopping. No one was pushy or grumpy. We then went to Wickes so I could get the hoses and connectors I need for the new set of basin taps (downstairs loo). No pushy patrons there either. Tony

I came across this topic recently, whilst poking about in areas of the forum that I had not previously frequented. Having looked through the photos posted here I decided that my best efforts would not pass muster but then reconsidered. The title is an open question, "How realistic are your models?" My honest reply would be, "Not very good!" Then I facetiously wondered whether that meant that I was barred from posting on this thread because it was based upon the assumption that only good modellers would post realistic photos. Are you allowed to post if you acknowledge that your models and pictures are not particularly good?! Interesting question, and I would bet that that was not behind the originator's perceived intentions! Anyway I have taken the plunge. Anyone wishing to be critical of the realism of my train set could have a field day!. I've already taken a couple of pot shots! Feel free to do so yourself if so inclined. 1 by Ian Thompson, on Flickr 1. A Billard A 80D passes between two barns that bracket the track in the Altingablecaŭtoj. The trees certainly don't pass muster and the figure has been lifted straight out of a box. The windows on the railcar aren't too convincing either, although the model is over forty years old and was built in my youth. The whole scene is also a bit bright but I suspect that that is down my ineptitude with the photo editing package.(5 out of 10? It vaguely looks like a train running in the countryside.) 2 by Ian Thompson, on Flickr 2. A Berliet railcar enters Jakarutu beneath a bastion of the ruined defences. The model is short of one compartment so it isn't the real McCoy. The stonework is a little bright and the backscene might as well have an arrow pointing out where it begins and the 3D scenery ends, the blending is so poor. The site was conceived as a deliberate attempt to see how far a painted backdrop would suffice as a quick and easy substitute for 3D modelling in a minor location on a large system. I suppose that the obvious answer is that it does not but I don't delude myself that I will ever produce anything much better! If I had really wanted to cheat I could have pulled the railcar forward an inch or two to hide the joint. (5 out of 10 in the realism stakes? If you half close your eyes you could possibly believe it was real. Alright totally close them then!) 3 by Ian Thompson, on Flickr 3. The rack loco rolls to a halt high on the moors. The loco is generic and makes no provision for rack valve gear whilst the coach is a half baked attempt to represent a distressed vehicle. At least the tundra landscape wasn't too challenging to effect (it is all taken out of packets) and the photographer used a digital SLR so the exposure is quite good. He was a former colleague at the local High School and later told me that the kids thought this was a photo of the real thing! We must be breeding a half blind, credulous generation of children out here in the Fens! (Perhaps it hits the heights of 6 out of 10 based on a competent photographer wielding the camera and a simple scenic subject?) 4 by Ian Thompson, on Flickr 4. Another diorama aimed at creating a rural ambience, of a peasant woman shovelling manure onto the dung pile. The cheapo trees mar the picture again and the haystack also screams, "This is a model". I suppose the absence of anything mechanical (barring the die-cast Schuco tractor) helps with the illusion. (Perhaps, given this caveat, and that it is a favourite photo, it might reach the heights of 7 out of 10, or am I deluding myself? As I have remarked before, lunacy is such a wonderful palliative in perceiving the worth of one's own models.) 5 by Ian Thompson, on Flickr 5. The loco from the local goods runs down to the toe of the loop at Boursson. The loco is the type of abomination that gives freelancing a bad name and probably should not be allowed near a serious layout. The point operating system is conspicuously based on the Bavarian Railways trapezium lock, because the cover is open. The weighted local ground throw, based upon a French prototype is released by the Schlusselwerk (a German system of sequential key locking) but it is incongruously painted in standard Swedish colours. This gives us a combination of equipment and liveries from three different national systems to work one piece of equipment on this freelanced layout. To paraphrase the question, "How realistic is this?". I assume that most people will have given up reading this post by this point but, aside form the subsiding grain silo and lurid backscene, the main point is, to what extent should incongruities be airbrushed out of photos to increase realism? The top of the backscene and the point operating knob have been digitally removed to create this image. (I suppose that we are plumbing the depths of any known realism here so the photo might score as low as 2/2½ on the scale.) I have enjoyed creating this post and engaging with the thought processes concerning realism. The vast majority of ham fisted modellers, in which band I include myself, will never obtain an image of their modelling which could be passed off as the real thing. In some ways I suppose that it could be argued that I have ducked the issue by deliberately modelling a freelanced railway in the non-existent province of an imaginary country, although this creates its own problems in turn. I look forward to seeing the reaction (hopefully, fearfully, from behind the settee?!) Ian T

When Ken became aware of 5934 leaving the station he set himself up by the crossing to Middle Farm and managed to get these two shots off.

I've no idea if it fooled her but in my befuddled state this morning it has me fooled. Mooring Awl, inner Temple Hare sort of. I've had a terrible nights sleep, and arrived on the sofa at around 02:00. And been intermittently dozing since. I was fully dozed, when Ben the alarm clock Collie got me up, I got my boots and coat on, offered him out and he refused.. He was just trying to say I should be going to work. He has returned to his bed, and shortly I'll try for more sleep. Flood risk, is excluded from many properties in the whole Norfolk broads and coastal areas. It makes insurance more expensive for many more. It was one of the things that made my choice of house. Being on a Norfolk mountain mole hill, certainly keeps the bills down. Yesterday I had a sneezing fit, this morning I've woken with a sore throat, and just had a coughing session. Hopefully this isn't flumarktwo, which appears to be mentioned n some forums to those that had that several cold earlier in the year. . Being a good zomerzet boy, I leave you with this..

It is a strange feeling to know that a place where you have slept has burned down - more so if the interregnum was brief. I watched news photographs of a hotel in Santa Rosa being consumed by the Tubbs wildfire in October 2017. I had stayed there to visit a client many times, but not close in time to the fire. Being in Sonoma County, it had billed itself as a "wine country resort" and had an excellent restaurant where I shared many meals with colleagues. I have similar feelings with retired flight numbers, where I had flown on a particular route that later experienced a fatal 'plane crash. (There are at least three that I can think of.)

Feeling a bit better but a night's sleep should help. Goodnight all! Baz

81C will hereby be known as GDB2.

Steel mid-soles may cause a little more pain to the foot on whom they were planted - were said foot-owner to be able to feel anything - but they are not the most comfortable of footwear for a long day on one's feet as learnt from my past experience working in bottling halls! On occasions when I have been amongst queue jumpers awaiting the next drag lift up a ski slope, I have at times taken a little pleasure by reaching round with my ski pole and releasing their ski bindings - what time they hoped to make up by not queuing was soon negated by having to reset their feet into their planks. There are many joys to getting older but aches and pains are not on the list of positives! Thanks for that "heads-up" good sir re the NMRF at P'bro. Were I to attempt a public transport route to The Great Gig In The Sky at Warley, that would involve travelling into Das Kapital, taking a ramble from KGX to EUS, miss any possible connection then a train from EUS to BHI. Given striking RMT workers on the weekend of the last Warley, that really didn't seem a wise decision and so our paths may (sadly) not cross in the foreseeable. Furniture has arrived and the limited amount of assembly required has been completed. Guess what, SWMBO is less than satisfied and has already sent off e-mails advising the suppliers of her disgruntlement. I am still awaiting some electrical accessories so was (fortunately) unable to accompany her into the rose of waits.

Not really linked to the Bath project but still very much S&D. Kim and I decided to have a day out last Saturday that didn't involve playing music or trains - well almost! We popped over to the lovely city of Wells for a stroll round the market and take in a bit of lunch. From home we cross the Mendips and as it seemed like the first day in ages that it hadn't been tipping it down I pulled over near the summit to take a couple of snaps of Masbury. The station site is looking really good with the platform and trackbed clear and steady progress being made on the signal box. I didn't investigate further as it was cold and Kim was sat in the car reminding me it was a no trains day! Jerry

Another WD heads for Ferme Park, as it has done many times before. and as it plods onwards, a J50 comes to a stand on the Down slow, at the end of a shift shunting South yard.

Pork chops and a flat tyre. https://johncolby.wordpress.com/…/04/sounds-of-the-season-4/

Inspired by James Harrison's Brilliant Post Three Men in a Tripod (To say nothing of the Martian) (as adapted by the BBC) We were all feeling seedy, and we were getting quite nervous about it. Harris said he felt such extraordinary fits of post-colonial guilt come over him at times, that he hardly knew when to insert a suitable monologue into the action; and then George said that he too had fits of Imperial Angst, but hoped that joining the Fabian Society and Living in Sin would cure it. With me, it was my Martian physiology that was out of order. I knew it was my Martian physiology that was out of order, because I had just been Googling "Martians - proneness to disease", where links detailed the various bacteria that swarm and multiply in a drop of water. I had them all.

Are you from Nodnol? Reminds me of Red Dwarf.

I was a bit confused by yesterdays German lyrics as I wasn't sure how a rose had sprung from a Wurzel. I had clearly never come across the German word for "root" before only wurzel for something fed to cattle and carved for lanterns. I suppose Adge Cutlers band were the originators of roots music.

I'll interject for the last time with regards to updating some generic N/2mm 4-wheel coaches with a quick pic I've taken of them at their latest current stage. The loco is a white metal Thameshead Models kit-built BR 97xx condensing pannier tank - it's probably the only small steamy one I've got. It's not really my bag so I'm a little out of my comfort zone but at least the whole train is a modelling project rather than simply emptied out of a box.

Afternoon awl, my feet hurt.. Depositing the landrover was followed by shopping in Norwich.. Ben the disappointed Collie was very unhappy at not going with us. Going into town we were blinded by the sun, that applied on foot as well as the sun reflected of the tarmac. Neither of us was satisfied by the trip. Even though it's only early December and mid week it was heaving. At one shop we abandoned the little we picked up, as when we approached front of store the queue zigzaged across the store. I did pick up half a dozen books either second hand or discounted. At The Works and a bookshop at which there was a large selection of those on parallel bits of metal. Our favourite tea, coffee and bacon roll stall Has been taken over and is not as good. 4 9mm quadrants of 8ft wood was bought for tool box corners, hints are being given that, if my toolbox is successful something similar might be required for art equipment. Coming back, at the first roundabout ( Norwich inner ring road) there was a broken down Car the inner lane. Shortly after road works narrowed the lanes to single causing further huge tailbacks. Coming out of the big orange shed I elected to drive away from home, entering the NDR, much more around to the west. After that it was an easy trip home. Ben the much happier Collie was taken to the beach once we dumped the shopping at home The visit to smiffs was successful therefore you'll excuse me as i peruse MRJ.

Afternoon all from Estuary-Land. Tess Coes was surprisingly this lunchtime so the shopping was done and dusted and I was home before 2 o'clock. Club AGM tonight, hope it doesn't go on for too long. Brentwood toy fair and swapmeet this Saturday, place will be heaving but well worth going especially if you can bag a bargain.

Peering through the clouds......

Flying free as a bird!!!