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You do seem to like these high level views. Is that just because you can see more of the layout in each shot? Anyway, there are more to come, as my new bendy little tripod is a delight to use, and I'm finding that I can bend the legs even more than I thought, which gives even more possibilities. So, here is the B1 waiting in the bay again. but the sound of a chime whistle from the north soon caused the camera to be swung round in order to see Golden Fleece leading the Elizabethan through the curves.

Buston Barns in Northumberland this afternoon. Buston Barns 37242 down dolofines 22nd Dec 87 C9302.jpg Buston Barns 43069 up 8th Oct 88 C11523.jpg Buston Barns 47402 hauling dead 47361 up ICI 4th April 89 C11844.jpg Buston Barns 43086 Aberdeen to Kings X Nov 89 J10539.jpg Buston Barns 43039 up 19th Sept 92 C18049.jpg David

Meanwhile 7802 keeps sailing on...... and on and on around the bend she goes Must be an excursion outing to see HMS POW moored in Little Muddle harbour. I believe Misty and Snowflake guided her in.....

I just thought this might illustrate what I was saying about the subtle variation on the brickpaper buildings on Buckingham. I think these two are covered in the same paper, which isn't one I immediately recognise, because it has been subjected to some weathering, with each half of the building being a slightly different colour.

Good evening everyone It’s been a good day to be outside, lots has been done, mainly clearing away fallen leaves. This unfortunately will be an on going thing well into next month as there are lots of trees around and our gardens seem to be a leaf magnet. The only thing I didn’t get done was moving the plants that I want to lift, divide and reposition, but that will be done tomorrow, if the seaweed twirlers have got there predictions right. After tea I completed the Sainsbury’s Grand Prix and I called into the pharmacy to drop of prescriptions for both myself and Sheila, these will be collected next Monday. It was a lot quieter than usual and 99% of people were wearing masks correctly. I don’t know why some people find it so to wear them properly. Below is a photo of one of our named plants, this is a viburnum and he’s been named in honour of the mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham, so he it is, meet Andy (ViBurnham). Goodnight all.

Another look at the Elizabethan while I have my afternoon cuppa.

A'noon. Missed yesterday, it was so nice I was outside all day an just ran out of steam later. Liked that Beach Boys cover, the lead vocalist reminds me very much of Mrs NHN when she/we were young. Ger. A lot....younger Unfortunately Mrs H's vocal skills are somewhat lacking in comparison, she's tone deaf. Jamie, a friend in your job interviewed Sutcliffe in a routine contact earlier in the investigation, and couldn't make any link but had his copper's sus mode switched on by him, he was flagged as 'dodgy' as a result but nothing further was done at the time, he was assumed to be a general ne'er do well sort. Today was incredibly dull here, I spent all morning splitting firewood with the hydraulic splitter (saves fingers) but had to stop at lunchtime as the mizzle became drizzle then light rain. It is now (15.40) bright but quite windy so not nice to go for a walk. Baz, how on earth can the GP say the drug is bad for diabetics if they are using it as an alternative to Metformin? (For non-diabetics Metformin is a drug help keep blood glucose low - gives you the runs though!). As for BP, I have been on a cocktail of drugs for this for years, with reasonable but not great results, only getting the dreaded target on a 'good' day. New GP changed one drug that was becoming difficult to get for a common one on a very low dose (Bisoprolol) which magically works for me, with BP often, in fact usually, under the target. When last in hospital I was having real issues with my BP post-operatively, and they were bunging huge amounts of Atenolol in me, which made no difference at all. Which I knew from previous experience, but they wouldn't listen to me.....I'm only the patient. Junior Dr vs NHN argument ensued....So I insisted on being discharged anyway, stopped taking it and was fine once home!

oops... The car is parked in the car park, which does have warning signs about spring tides..

N gives me a scenic depth that I couldn't hope to achieve in the larger scales. There's no Photoshopping here, just a deep scene with a reasonably high backscene. In HO or 00 it would be impractical due to the reach-in distance. The scale is at its best, for me, when viewed from a few feet away, taking in a large scene in which the trains are just part of the overall effect, rather than being the sole focus of attention. With careful work in ballasting and painting, too, the rail profile can be disguised to some extent. Although a lot depends on viewing angle and lighting. Four F units would look daft unless pulling a reasonably long train (25 box cars in this case) which I can achieve in N, even in a 12 x 11 foot room. N also gives me the chance to drop the scenery below the track level very easily, as just a couple of inches pf depth is enough to convey a sense of the railway cutting through the landscape. It also lends itself to big scenic features such as this bridge across a swamp, which would consume an awful lot of space and depth in one of the larger scales. And what would normally be a space-hungry feature like a roundhouse becomes practical: Al

Good moaning to all, and of course sundry. It loks rather grey and apparently will stsy that way most of the day, though no liquid sunshine is forecast. We had thunder for quite a lot of the evening yesterday and as usual unplugged various devices. More slides were sorted yesterday and 5 tenons were cut so the new gate for the top of the garden is coming on. I may spend time in the shed this morning or I may be going shopping. Daily orders have not been posted yet. We are out for lunch at some friends in the village along with another couple who are heading for the UK on Thursday. They are in the process of moving back as they've officially been on holiday for the last 12 years and have never got into the French system. Chickens are coming home to roost. Despite the fact that there is still time for them to become official residents with the various protections that we've got the distaff side won't listen to anyone except 'karen from farcebook'. Anyway I will wish you all a good day. Jamie

The heart failure clinic nurse seemed pleased with me. My bp at the clinic was higher than at home but she was not unhappy as it was better than any other time I had been there. I was rewarded with a minor increase in one med and may get another change in 6 weeks. However 6 weeks is about the earliest possible time for the next stent. Parking at the clinic was ok until I came out and found someone had blocked Aditi in. Aditi was doing a 300 point turn trying to escape when the driver returned. I am not supposed to get stressed so I politely suggested the driver reversed out of the way. Not a lot has been done since getting home. Tony

Photo from perambulating around the village, from the access road to what was RAF Andreas, that's Snaefell with the radio aerial, the highest point of Fraggle Rock at 2036 feet, and the parish church on the right. The tower was reduced in height during WW2 to stop the trainee pilots crashing in to it (they crashed into the hills instead) and was never re-instated.

I'm in a bit of a mental lock-down at the moment, I'm afraid.

Morning all. It is a very pleasant morning here. My Facebook page seems to be mainly adverts from Amazon, videos of people rescuing animals and old photos of Essex and London. My Twitter timeline is mainly comedic. I don’t understand the thinking behind sending me commercial links to big military drones on Twitter though. Aditi is going to take me to Leigh on Sea today to the Heart Failure Clinic. They may or not adjust my medication for pulse and blood pressure (67 and 118/73 just now). Pulse is a bit higher than I think they want me to have but I am nowhere near the target dose for medication yet. Aditi is taking me as parking there is difficult so she can drop me off and go and park somewhere and I can phone when she needs to return. The first time she took me (pre Covid ) she went to Wetherspoons for a coffee but won’t be doing that this time. Have a nice day Tony

Our version of sideshow bob, it definitely needs a short back and sides.

There is a shink of stit coming in from outside. Thought at first i had pooed myself but no luckily its coming from outside had to shut windows and turn on the fan

Aditi had been writing to a pen friend in Connecticut for years and in 1982 she came to stay with us. She had a few hundred dollars after getting divorced and she spent it on a Laker Skytrain ticket. Her Dad had been in the US Army during WW2 and advised her not to eat anything while in the UK. Tony

Good morning everyone Another sunny start to the day, so hopefully I’ll be able to do all the jobs I want to get done in the garden today. There are a few plants that I want to lift and divide, then reposition, as where they are currently, they are hidden by larger plants. The rmweb is the closest I come to any form of social media, I’ve never fancied going on either farcebook or twatter, there are too many “big companies” who’ve now jumped on the bandwagon, but I’ve never really seen what was so appealing about them. Also, the number of people I see walking around zombie like looking down at their phones instead of where they’re going really makes me want to shout at them “IS IT THAT BLOODY IMPORTANT!” but I bravely hold my tongue. Stay safe, stay sane, enjoy whatever you have planned for the day, back later. Brian

Morning all I was just about getting caught up yesterday and about to post when there was a shout from downstairs, "The dog's wee'd on the settee" which of course resulted in a rapid logoff and switch off of the computer to tackle the said mess. So new what happened yesterday - well, apart from the said mess, not a great deal, with 30747 at work - how I wish she wasn't in the present climate, but the pre-school is taking precautions over the admission of kids - temperature checks, phased arrivals, and separation of the age groups.. Today, we have loads of matters medical, as 30747 has a blood test, then an emergency dentist's appointment, and the dog has a visit to the vet as her ears are again troubling her. Nothing medical for me - though I must try to get a face to face appointment with a Dr, as I have to sort out various things - and given that several of my friends are having prostate trouble, and I haven't had mine checked for a couple of years, I'll try to make an appointment. Due to restart at LASAR as the shop has finally re-opened, and at the manager's request, I am doing Fridays instead of Mondays - though how that matters as to numbers, social distancing etc when I'm in a back room on my own sorting books, I have no idea, but the Trustees of the charity seem to be all over the place when it comes to deciding on the running of the shop - and of course, we could close again iif the lockdown is reinstated. Regards to All Stewart

Ey up! @chrisf my BP is not 120 over 80.. normally I can see BPs frpm 130/65 to 140/75.. Sister Drac rarely comments on it. They took it yesterday in the scanner.. woke me up the first time.. Today is the last Over 60s crickey of the season. We are off to Hewood to play Lancashire. I will need to be on my toes as they really do push the laws and rules as far as they can. Have as good a day as you can. Hope our missing ERs are safe and well. Baz

Greetings one and all. I yearn for the day when "good morning" rings true. I have finished taking my own BP readings and must take to the Stalag the sheet on which the horror story is recorded ahead of the telephone inquisition tomorrow. The readings are uniformly above the recommended 120/80 so I may expect something in the nature of a rebuke. I should keep the whole of tomorrow free for it since I have not been given a time at which to expect the phone call but I suspect that there will be time for the hearty breakfast beloved of the condemned man. Yesterday Q name-checked Cardboard Shoes, Keith Skues, as his spell of duty on BBC local radio in the Eastern Counties draws to a distinguished end. If anyone has the perfect voice for radio it is Keith Skues. I had the pleasure of meeting him aboard the MV Galaxy, home of Big L, on 20th May 1967 and we still exchange festive greetings cards. Despite it being a precarious existence, what with short term contracts and the like, I yearned to work in radio but the management of BFBS and Radio Bristol were not persuaded of my talents and I had to get a proper job instead. Radio Bristol could have been interesting, for if I had got the job there I would have been working alongside the likes of Michael Buerk and Kate Adie, or Kathryn Adie as she was then. I've just realised that I failed to tune in when I was in Bristol a fortnight ago to see how they were getting on without me. Perhaps I have got it out of my system at last after 50 years. I cannot help noticing a note of desperation on the part of those who rule us as measure after measure is announced to keep that ruddy virus under control. Maybe we should all carry on regardless and just let it rip through the community. It's the only thing that has not been tried. Am I being serious? You decide! Best wishes to all Chris

Morning all......I like the sound of a "Wareners pie", though I am a pastry addict, but SWMBO has me on rations lol, apparently being just shy of 6 foot 4 and 18 stone I'm big enough without the help of pastry. Enjoy your day, off out to do .......................something.

Morning all from Estuary-Land. Someone mentioned Farcebook this morning. When I switched on this morning there was a couple of membership applications for groups that I administer. All that happened when I went in to Farcebook was that it kept buffering. So I disabled the 'old system' and lo and behold it opened on the new system. I then switched the old system extension on again and reloaded and the old system came back. Over fifty years ago I worked with a chap the same age as me (21/22 at the time) who had a complete false set of dentures which quite frankly was appalling even back then. My dad lost all his teeth when he was in his forties due to a gum infection bought about apparently by his war service in Burma. Speaking of which, towards the end of the war, during the push on Rangoon his unit came across some escaped POW's. They had eluded their Japanese captors and had come across an abandoned pineapple plantation. Of course being starved by their captors they fell upon this bounty and as the Japanese were no longer pursuing them they stayed living on a diet of pineapple. When they were rescued and were given normal food their teeth started falling out. Apparently there is an enzyme in pineapple that has a detrimental effect on the teeth and gums. As mentioned above Farcebook seems to be reducing to the lowest possible denominator. The new system is aimed at those with the IQ of a gnat.

Firstly thanks to all who had a go, it was just a silly last minute idea that seemed to work, so yes it will be repeated at some point, maybe next weekend. Looking down from Mills Lane this morning and 47199 is back with the empty Catfish, the usual gathering is on te Fuel Roads and Rats in the Goods relief road.

Just a couple from last night, last minute job due to sickness, landor st to trafford park and back to Coventry running round in Trafford park and all ready to go crewe to Leamington tonight

Can’t sleep again, so much going round in my head. There’s a butchers near me that does a rabbit pie amongst other things. I’ve never had one (or any of his other pies) due to my diet. He says he can do my a pie, he’d replace the pastry with mashed potato- but that’s not a pie is it!!!!!! Robert

A weighbridge has appeared at Farthing. It began as a kit, but in the end much of it was scratchbuilt. Here's a summary of the build. This was the point of departure, a lasercut kit from Rail Model. A little research showed that it is based on the prototype at Leckhampton, a drawing of which appears in the EricPlans volume on GWR and LMS structures. The kit is nicely cut, but I noticed that the corners weren’t mitred. So I sought to remedy this with a file. Bad idea! The MDF edges began to crumble. My mistake. I eventually decided to cut a new ‘skin’ from SE finecast brick sheet. This also changed the brickwork from Flemish to English bond, thereby bringing it into line with other brick structures at Farthing. Perhaps I should have built a whole new inner core while I was at it, but I like the idea that the original kit is still in there. A bit of rudimentary furniture. Also a rough outline of the scales - a Pooley design, using bits of styrene and glue brush handles. Bird's eye view of the interior. Frankly, almost none of it can be seen from outside! Regarding the blue distemper, see the discussion here – including Tim V.’s interesting photos. I decided to make the roof detacahable in case something inside comes loose, or I want to add some staff. Some GWR weighbridges had sliding windows. Some offices had six panes per window, others had four. The windows supplied in the Rail Model kit provide for this. They’re a bit deep though. Sanding them down is an option, but I didn’t fancy the MDF dust. So I drew up new windows in Inkscape and cut them on my Silhouette. I had some trouble getting the ‘crosses’ neat. A trial fit of the main windows. A closer study of GWR weighbridge offices show that details differ in almost every case. The windows on the Leckhampton structure were positioned relatively high compared to other designs, and centrally rather than off-set to one side. The roof slates were cut from self-adhesive vinyl on the Silhouette, as per the stable block. Once again thanks to Lee for this tip. Inspired by @Dave John (a.k.a. the Magnet Man) I stuck a magnet under the roof. That way I can lift it off without damaging anything. Gutters from Wills, and some downpipes fashioned from brass wire. The door opens inwards. Makes it harder for those Midland Railway rogues to barricade it from the outside. A 'warts and all' view of the window end. The Leckhampton structure was unusual here: Most GWR weighbridge offices had no window in the end wall, or just a small one. The Leckhampton building had blue bricks at the base, common but not universal. I decided to go for plain red bricks in order to match the stable block. Trial fit on the layout. I'll have to shift the whole thing further into the yard, so that the staff can better access the door. Slight planning c*ck-up there! The weighbridge itself is a Smith etch of a Pooley design. The instructions say it is based on the one at Knightwick, installed 'around 1889'. That's it for now. Thanks to everyone who helped with information!

Leighton Buzzard had it's third & fourth earthquake this month today and the BBC quoted a local model store owner Mr Anthony Rosler and even showed a photograph of him inside the shop. Good publicity and free at that

Afternoon all, due to a mix of SWMBO feeling sore and the wind blowing a hooley, the bikes were left parked and the "G" word was hit with gusto, I also used a lawn mower, a strimmer and a shredder and some loppers, gardens looking a lot tidier if a tad bare, the gardens seem around 25 percent bigger too.

Chewsday, and with it ... not much at all! Last evening we (buddy and I) railed on about the state of the US, government in particular and had ample time to complete the destruction of all the idiots before the ladies returned from their book club and we were silenced, and needing to be more "polite" Nothing happening today to speak of, the upper mid-west moving briskly towards Autumnal, then Winter, predictions vary so far as to the expected weather here. Slight warming trend here right now 15 first thing and sunny, heading for 28 for the high. Onward...

Good morning all, Mainly blue sky and the sun has made an appearance. A fine day is in prospect. I've been "missing" since Saturday but only because I just didn't get around to posting. Busy weekend included watching rugby, some good and some not so much. Not so much included Sale v Quins last night with the latter managing once again to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory in the Premiership Rugby Cup Final. Saturday night saw us saying farewell to Joe before he left for University. His parents delivered him on Sunday and from the photos sent back his quarters look extremely nice and comfortable and his 5 housemates are a friendly bunch who've made him very welcome. NIcki doesn't normally shed tears but got quite emotional and did cry when the time came to say goodbye. First up today will be a visit to the bank to obtain a bit of cash and I'll also pop into the nearby excellent butcher to pick up some steak. After that I will be mainly washing the car which, although it hasn't had much use, is filthy. Possibly because I don't think it's been cleaned since the beginning of lockdown! Slapped wrist for Bob, it's not as though I haven't had the time. Talking of "Nelson's Blood" I leave you with this: Have a good one, Bob.

Mooring Awl, Inner Temple Hare, 6 hours sleep with a couple of wake up and turn overs and that was it except for a doze off just as I was supposed to get up which meant a rapid charge around to get ready for work.. Ben the desperate Collie overcame his fear of the darkness this morning, and a considerable watering was followed by charging down the garden after a rabbit.. No rabbit pie though. The drive in was enlivened by disturbing a small owl on the road, it flew off as I approached, in the landrover leaving it's catch on the road.. I then followed a white van man marked up ToolBank, 40mph on the country "A" roads and about 35 in town, I was very glad when a big gap opened up on the other lane, so I could get past in the Landrover.. Clear Skies fairly cool, but dry out there. Our forecast is for rain most of tomorrow, but I note Shawbury's is that the rain will have passed through, So Dave's blackberries should be well washed. I note we have a large tub of blackberries in the fridge so SWMBO must have been picking down the lane on Ben's long walk yesterday. I've decided the first stage of raising the boat is imminent, so I'm going to collect a load more blocks on the way home to support the boat on it's frame. This should raise the bottom of the boat to about 3ft, allowing me to add the board which will spread the weight of the keel onto the hull. Unfortunately this also means I'll need a ladder to get into the boat as the cockpit edge will then be 5ft 6inches above the ground. Todays work, measuring 100M Ohms down to 0 Ohms, with many measurements in between, it will take all day. Electronically it's quieter at this time of Day, so High Ohms first, as they are much more susceptible to electronic noise than low Ohms due to the lower current used. 100 M Ohms came out as 100.01405 M Ohms, Time to set up for 19 M Ohms..

Shepherds pie doesn't have pastry on it, I suppose a mash covered rabbit pie should be called a Warreners pie.

It was a glorious day here in North Salopshire so Jill and I went for a couple of hours bike ride. The timing and distance were dictated by us meandering along back roads that we had never used before and didn't know where they led but eventually we happened across a place we recognised and were thus able to find our way home. Almost no traffic was encountered and the time spent was very pleasant. It was followed by coffee and cake on the patio, a wee bit of workshop time and a 'let's see what's in the freezer' dinner as neither of us felt like spending much time in the kitchen. En route we espied some blackberry bushes that have so far escaped the depredations of the pickers so tomorrow morning we may well return equipped with suitable containers. Night night everyone. Stay safe and well. Dave

Picking up on the 'horses for courses' theme with regard to layouts, preferences, prejudices, likes and dislikes, may I offer the following selection of images, please? Without doubt, one of the greatest model railways ever made (and still being made!) in any scale/gauge is Copenhagen Fields. The 'trick' of diminishing scales towards the horizon works perfectly. It's breathtaking; truly showing 'trains in the landscape'. Though it's probably a quarter of a mile away from my 'helicopter', one can still tell that's an A4 in the centre. At closer quarters, it's definitely an A4, DOMINION OF CANADA no less. However, is taking a shot at these close quarters of a 2mm loco fair? I might be wrong, but I was once told that one of CF's A4s has a body which came from an old Lone Star 'push-along' die-cast 'toy' (I had one as a boy). Could this be the (hugely-altered) Lone Star one? It's probably near life-size. Now, let's go up a least a couple of scales....... To show the same loco, but this time in 7mm FS RTR. Disregarding the fact that this A4 is probably the wrong side of £3,000.00 to buy (Golden Age), it can (and should) be able to stand the closest of scrutiny by the camera. Which brings me to the point I'm trying to make. That both A4s are on 'trains in the landscape', but the smaller one is best shown from a distance away (in my opinion). Not only that, to show the same 'train in the landscape' effect, a huge layout in the larger scale is required; and huge resources. This is on John Ryan's massive Over Peover. It might surprise you (the generic 'you') which one I prefer! Certainly, as a photographer, 7mm is much easier to photograph than smaller scales. Especially with regard to close-ups of locos............. Like these..... And, civil engineering structures in 7mm, if done as well as this (Norman Solomon's work) really do stand up well to a camera's scrutiny. A viaduct on Over Peover. I have to say I'm not too sure about some of the 'arguments' about 'what looks right' with regard to scale-length trains. Being of basically simplistic mind, if one models an actual (not made-up) location to scale length (or as near as makes no difference - can one forgive LB being around a foot short over 32'?), then one should be able to run scale-length trains without their appearing to be too long; as I hope the two shots below illustrate. Eleven Pullmans in this rake................. And ten in this one. Though four coach trains on a made-up layout might look 'right', Pullmans such as these reduced to such lengths would not. Indeed, horses for courses!

Thanks, but no, on the of the step is a smaller pot with an ivy in it. Another Andy would there would make opening the door rather difficult.

Ah, yes, farcebook.... One of the curses of modern life. Apart from the unpleasant, entitled, arrogance of the founder (a good example being how he behaved when in front of a Senate committee in the US), what could have been a useful social platform has become a particularly large rock under which skulk assorted unpleasantness: such as conspiracy theorists, political extremists, peddlers of lies, disinformation and plain out right untruths as well as purveyors of offers that are too good to be true... Against which, Nigerian scammers trying to get you to invest in recovering a Nigerian Prince’s Fortune seem positively benign. And less we forget, twatter has elevated narcissism to beyond an art form. Apart from the fact that most people do not have anything to say that would be interesting to anyone outside theIr circle of family and friends, there is also the matter that there is not very much you can say in 280 characters. Nuance, subtlety and reason are conspicuously absent. Sadly, both platforms amply illustrate the unpleasant stupidity (or is that stupid unpleasantry) of much of humanity. Individuals, for the most part, are benign and nice; but get them together en masse and much nastiness can (and too often does) occur. Sometimes, in my more cynical and misanthropic moments, I do wonder what ever happened to good ole Eugenics

Now that brings back memories. During my teenage years in Bologna, during the summer weekends we were all piled into my father’s light blue Fiat something (not sure what model, but certainly not a cinquecento) and go down to Rimini where there was a beach restaurant called the Caponero which did amazing, incredibly fresh, seafood. Returning to Vecchia Romagna brandy, The company currently has three types on offer: a relatively young Classico, the Etichetta Nero and the, presumably prestige, Riserva Tre Botti (A blend of three of their finest brandies, each aged in a different type of barrel). The latter being something I very would much like to try. A quick Google showed that Vecchia Romagna has produced, over the years, many interesting short production run brandies (such as a 10-year-old reserve); time, inclination and budget allowing, I might see if I can track down some of these rarities (it’s sometimes quite interesting to see what one can find on dusty shelves in the back of little corner shops). Apparently, or so I have read, one of the things that “gave away“ American spies during the Cold War was perfect teeth: a product of both extensive, preventative (and sometimes corrective) dental intervention and a juvenile diet rich in milk. I recall that my maternal grandfather (and as this is a childhood memory, so my grandfather at the time would not have been more than, say, 50 years of age) already had dentures and this was not uncommon. It would be interesting to learn what percentage of the over 50 population in the UK versus that in the US actually are denture wearers in 2020. Ah, “Nelson’s Blood”! Legend has it that after the Battle of Trafalgar, with Nelsons body placed in a cask of Rum (not brandy, it being the RN), some enterprising sailors managed to tap the cask and supplement their own rum rations. Such is the pervasiveness of this legend, that there is even a cocktail called Nelson’s Blood made, of course, with rum. Nothing quite like distilled spirits and there seems to have been an explosion in their variety over the past few years. The “trade” supermarket where I shop (and it’s not a specialist wine & spirits dealer) has over 20 types of gin and similar numbers of different types of whisky, vodka, rum and brandy (not to mention various liqueurs). Funds permitting, I plan on performing an extensive in-depth analysis of the differences between the various bottles of each type of distilled spirit. Of course, if I approach this with same rigour as I do my “day job”, I’d have to set up a Phase I, single-centre, dose-finding study with Healthy Human Volunteers (and where do you think I would find those, I wonder....) It would be interesting to see how how long it’d take to fully sample 20 different bottles of single malt whisky.... And on that ethanol fuelled note, I bid you a happy, and boozy, Tuesday . iD

Brings a whole new meaning to cask aged

Broken/missing insulator being replaced and line refurbishment underway.

Afternoon all, Ah the 120 over 80 syndrome, sorry target at which those with diabetes of the Type 2 variety must aim and which will upset nursey if not achieved. Then to Farcebook - well, and as various others on here will know, I am there but under a fake name ( a consequence really of not wishing to make known too widely the fact that I am there but it was handy on one occasion when I posted a few home truths about a certain well known bearded 'entrepreneur' and his pig ignorant involvement with the rail industry). The reason I joined was to keep an eye on progress back towards normal when RMweb is en panne and it is very useful for that plus things we hear from various folk who don't always post here. Twatter appears to be aimed at the totally vacuous members of the (in)human race so no need to bother with that nonsense. I'm not sure what the latest set of so called 'restrictions' are apart from pubs having to close by 22.00 (an interestingly ofd fashioned idea which no doubt reminds many of us of our youthful years when the pubs closed at ... wait for it. ... 22.00). And apparently you will have to be served only while sitting at a table - what a delightfully continental idea and you no longer need to go abroad (if you could) to enjoy it. and that seems to be that unless I'm missing something. However shutting pubs at 22.00 will apparently be the death knell of the hospitality sector - strange then that there were far more pubs in this town when they had to shut at 22.00 than there have been at any time since. Oh and you've got to work from home if you can as offices are no longer as safe as they were last week (although it no doubt really relates to the gauntlet folk have to run in order to reach their office). If that's it, and all of it, I really can't see why all the existing rule breakers who are busily spreading the virus are getting so upset - maybe it's the threat of bigger fines reduciing their beer and drug spending? And back to normal real life - today is preparation for bin day tomorrow which could be interesting because shall be trying to have something of a clear out of stuff from the freezer in the garage. the indoor temperature remains way in excess of the outdoor, even on a fairly sunny day but soem sections of wall are now down to about 18% water content so progress is progressing. Enjoy the rest of your day folks and stay safe.

Been a busy morning so far therapist been and district nurse Baz i hope you manage to escape back to the better side of the pennines. Farcebook and twatter are not something i bother with but i do know it can cause massive problems. Anyhow im just watching the avengerd on itv4 wondering if the writers were on some sort of mind altering substances at the time

Many years ago I built several Dawson kits for a friend. I built the Stanier 2-6-4T, 8F and Britannia. The it was the turn of the Jubilee. I cheated on that one, I made templates from the first and built two! The second was sold to another friend. In retrospect I wish I had photographed all of them. I do have photos of the Jubilee (attached) and a poor one of the Britannia. I don't know what happened to them as my friend died some time ago. ArthurK

Evening all from Estuary-Land. Had a call from my friend this evening. His daughter, the one with autism and learning difficulties is to be placed in sheltered accommodation. Hopefully they can find a place not to far away. I was wondering how the extension that enables you to stay on the old Farcebook works. Apparently there's some very old browsers about that cannot accept the new Farcebook and there's something set up so that they can still use the old system. So what the guy who set it up has done is moved it onto Google Chrome and Firefox as well. Farcebook are not happy but there's not much they can do about it other than take out the group(s) promoting it. This is what I understand to be the case but I've probably got it completely wrong.

One more look at the Elizabethan. I got the ISO and white balance a bit better on this one. Then off to the other end and back up in the air to look down on the Claud in number 1 bay.

A fascinating website, but the food! https://clickamericana.com/holidays-seasons/christmas/vintage-christmas-party-appetizers-you-dont-see-much-anymore Did we ever eat such stuff.... https://clickamericana.com/recipes/dessert-recipes/magic-tomato-soup-cake-recipe-1950 (this one sound positively vile) https://clickamericana.com/recipes/side-dish-recipes/lamb-chops-with-peas-confetti-1965 https://clickamericana.com/recipes/retro-dinner-recipes/spaghetti-pie-recipe-from-1974 https://clickamericana.com/recipes/chicken-recipes/moist-n-crispy-chicken-recipe-1982 ....and consider ourselves as sophisticated whilst doing so!

I actually had a running session this morning, first time in a few weeks I think, I almost enjoyed it, but I did take 89 photos, so at least I got something out of it. First up, a waver from the Driver of the 08, No 08173 as it moves the loaded Catfish into the No 3 Siding, pics of that later.

Those who like "system" layouts, such as @t-b-g, @LNER4479, me and others, might enjoy these photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/86020500@N06/albums/72157633314925287.

That's a very nice Andy Burnham you have there. Would it be presumptuous to suppose you have another Andy Burnham on the other side of the step to match it?

ECS for York tonight, seen from Crescent Bridge as it runs into platform 6. and then at rest, where it will remain for some time.