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On painting teak. A couple of principals that I wanted to incorporate, based on what I felt teak was like. 1. No multicolour effects. Rather a variation of tone, shade and hue of a single colour. 2. depth and variation of that tone and colour. 3. There is a real movement, flow and energy to the grain in teak, rather as if you could freeze frame a breaking wave. 3.graining in itself is not the most important aspect of teak, as compared to some tight grain woods, this is especially true in 4 mm scale. 4. I wanted a base colour that would literally shine through any top layers of paint and not be obliterated by them . My solution was to produce my own paint mix , this is basically a combination of my own colour mix of paint and gloss varnish. The effect is achieved by building up a series of translucent layers over the base coat, in fine art painting, this is called a glaze. The application of the paint is vigorous and designed to keep the paint flowing until I am happy with the look. I will often cut off just as the paint begins to bite for a more grained effect, or while the paint is still wet for a softer more flowing feel. As an example of paint application, the whole of the horizontal panels are painted in one go, with the brush (flat no 10) moving back and forth along the full length of the carriage. The side of the brush is used to remove paint if I require a particular effect. This is movement is absolutely key to the effect, think of those crashing waves. Teak grain can not be tentative, if I was painting an individual panel, I will mask it off so that I can get the full range of movement of the brush across the surface without worrying about the surrounding areas. The variation in tone, colour etc is achieved by the build up of the individual glazes. Usually two or three layers will get what I want. The final layer is reserved for picking out individual panels. Excluding any lining that may be required, the final stage is the weathering. This can be applied as a glaze mix of a darker black brown, or as a simple wash, or a number of washes as required. The BG up thread is yet to receive its weathering layer or layers. Fist layer on the vertical panels. First layer on the Horizontal panels. Second layer and third, starting to pick out panels.

A little more on the theme of 2020 achievements... I'd hoped to get more modelling done, but disentangling myself from a life in optometry took up a fair amount of time and effort, as did over 2000 miles of cycling during the year. I had the pleasure of seeing my son married too, on the last possible day before all of the pubs, restaurants and hotels went into lockdown in March. A near miss or what? And so to the modelling: I'd started building, more or less from scratch, a former ECJS 12 wheeled clerestory pantry-third just before the turn of the year, but I put that on the back burner for a while so that I could test-build a set of etches for a GCR self-trimming 4000 gallon tender, an essential counterpart to accurate models of some of the later, large GCR locos such as the B7s and some of the B3s in various periods. I also produced the masters and moulds for some of the resin castings required for details on that tender. That task completed I returned to the pantry-third. It is pictured somewhat strangely below, along with the restaurant-composite I built in 2019, the newer vehicle more or less finished, but awaiting removal of transfer backing paper - because I was still trying to decide whether the lettering was straight and where it should be. With so much that I wanted to do I had trouble deciding what to do next, but in the end it was a set of three of Bill Bedford's "Mousa Models" 3D printed GNR 6 wheeled carriages. Once those were done I felt compelled to do some alterations/corrections to the positions of the cornices on four D & S etched brass GNR carriages that I had built about twenty years ago so that I could if necessary run the vehicles in combination. After a nasty outbreak of home maintenance and improvement (or long overdue repair) I eased myself back into mid-autumn modelling very gently with a Cambrian Models LNER 6 plank wagon kit, which has at least been painted since this picture was taken, even if it still awaits transfers... ...and after that I rummaged in the box of wagon kits again and decided that the GNR ballast brake kit by D & S looked pretty. I had been meaning to build it for some time in order to go with a couple of ballast wagons I've had for years. It too still awaits transfers, and it probably needs to be weathered too before I do the final assembly as it won't be at all easy to remove and replace the glazing once fitted if I mess it up during a later weathering process! As it felt like a long time since I'd produced a loco, rather than putting the finishing touches to those wagons (something I can possibly do over the Christmas period) I decided next to get on with an engine before festive decorations and involvement robbed me of space and time. One of the easier options seemed to be to build a chassis to go under a Craftsman A5 etched brass body, built by A.N. Other, that I'd acquired a few years ago. My initial optimistic assessment of the simplicity of the task changed a bit when I started to find several features of the body that I would have to change in order to be satisfied with the final model, but as of yesterday the much molested body at last received a coat of primer and here it sits on its scratchbuilt main chassis with a Mike Edge leading bogie. Don't ask what the main frames are made from. The traditionalists would have a fit if they knew! All the best to everybody. I hope those who have been suffering due to the pandemic restrictions have something better in prospect for 2021.

Another Scottish medley this afternoon. Ayr Harbour 18th Feb 90 C14002.jpg Crawford Class 87 Euston to Glasgow 26th Feb 93 C18321.jpg Dunkeld 26040 up l e 15th Oct 88 C11529.jpg Glasgow Central 303040 2nd March 91 C15636.jpg Glasgow PS Waverley 26th Feb 93 C18329.jpg David

Somewhat belatedly I thought I'd post some of my modelling this year. I've had quite a prolific year but unfortunately my photo filing didn't keep up so it's taken me a while to sort out the photos for this post. I'll start with the coaching stock and come back to the locos later. This is a 66'6" Gresley sleeper built from cutting and shutting Kirk kits. It was the final piece in the jigsaw allowing me to backdate my Aberdonian rake fully to the blood and custard era. Here are two catering cars needed for my Hear of Midlothian rake in its 1951 Festival of Britain all mark 1format. The rest of the train can be formed from RTR, but there the original RSO and RK are not available RTR. The RK is Comet and the RSO Southern Pride. This Pullman car 105 is a bit different to the standard Hornby Pullmans with windows in different places. Cars 105/6 and 7 were all the same and all were common on ECML Pullmans in the '50s. I cut and shut two Hornby Pullmans to make this and then used John Peck's superb Precision labels to cover up the resulting mess - these completely cover the umber sections, just leaving me to paint the cream. I haven't worked out how to line round the oval window yet! This twin is an Isinglass kit for a D.307 twin SO. It seems from subsequent comments that it should have straight rather than domed ends contrary to the drawing. Andy at Isinglass has supplied me with some straight ends for the roof but I'm keeping it like this for now for some variety. I also completed a similar Mailcoach twin TO, this time the plywood sided variety. This was bought half built and badly painted off eBay, so I just had to strip it, provide the underframe fittings and roof and re-paint. And a similar Mailcoach tourist buffet from the same source. This is another Kirk cut and shut. This one is a D.16 RKB of which there were only three. One ran in the 1845 KX-Cleethorpes through most of the '50s so I needed one and no kit is available. I was very lucky to that Darryl Tooley provided me with some photos to base it off (thanks Darryl). Here are a couple of horseboxes. A D.4 and a D.5, one Parkside and one D&S. I finished off my Gresley steel 5 car set with this twin BTK/TK (Mousa on Hornby shorty donors). and this CK (Southern Pride on MJT chassis and roof)- sorry about the rather bilious teak rendition! I can now for the full 5 car formation as below. The rear twin was done some years ago by the same method. Finally, some rather more successful teak on two Isinglass kits. A GNR D.310 milk brake. And a D.78V buffet car (LNER conversion from a GNR TO). This is my first venture into O gauge - a Kirk BT. More details of all of these builds are on my work bench thread, Coulsdon Works as below. Andy

We haven't seen much branch action for a while and seen before we have small prairie 5551 doing the honours on a Santa Special from Kingsbridge. It's that time of year and what a horrible year 2020 has been , where I give my thanks and best seasonal wishes to the ANTB throng, both in the UK and overseas. We've all been affected by Covid in one way or another this year, so I hope RMweb and this humble thread on it, help to escape the real world a little. Friends, contributors and followers. May I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a better new year, 2021.

Morning All Sorry that I've been absent, but I'm feeling very low indeed, and it's not getting any better. Friday, I went out to try to summon the dog from her hidey hole, and slipped on the very wet and muddy grass, then went down onto the concrete path, blacked my eye, my specs went flying, and I landed on my hip, bruising all my hip and thigh, and it rendered me almsot unable to walk - this with 30747 at work, so I had to go get her. Symapthy was in shourt supply. A very bad night then ensued. Pink tablets still abound - six a day recommended by the quack. Then yesterday, 30747 called out to me that the mains electric had gone down - but where I was, the lights were still on - so it was a MCB fault - the main RCD tripped as soon as the downstairs sockets were reset, and yes, that's the circuit feeding the boiler. A call to Homeserve ensued, and they promised a four hour callback with an appointment - did not happen, and numerous calls and escalations were made, and it was only at 7.30 last night that they actually arranged an electrician for today - ETA "between 8 and 6". 30747 going frantic due to no heating or hot water, and still furious at all and sundry but mainly at me. I just hope that the electrician calls anytiime soon. Anyway, generic greetings to you all as we begin another lockdown. Regards to All Stewart

Ancient 2P is now regaining its strength ready for the last mile down to East. But it isn't long before it has to be on its way, as the West Riding is due.

Wow, busy morning today... Must be some Christmas specials moving about?

This morning we visit the Heatherslaw Railway, a 15" gauge line, which runs alongside the River Till from Heatherslaw Mill to Etal in North Northumberland. Most of you will need to look up the location - Etal is a small village with a castle, Heatherslaw Mill is just what is says, a watermill. Heatherslaw Mill The Lady Augusta 8th July 89 C12153.jpg Heatherslaw Mill The Lady Augusta 8th July 89 C12154.jpg Heatherslaw The Lady Augusta 27th May 92 C16922.jpg Etal 30th Aug 90 C15372.jpg Etal diesel 8th July 89 C12146.jpg Etal The Lady Augusta 27th May 92 C.jpg David

Ah, the pub quiz. We don't have that here, much to my regret! Anyway, in spite of everything it's time to wish everyone merry christmas. May all your stock run well and all your storms be weathered.

' afternoon all from red dragon land. We are, as from midnight last night, now in Wales' lockdown level 4 and doing our best to keep our heads above water. We have already agreed among us that there will be no family Christmas visits, anyway, so we, two, are just going to make the most of it, perhaps even more so. For instance the tree is going up, today, rather than Christmas Eve. We will both have Christmas stockings this year - hopefully, Santa will find something left in his sack to put in them. They will be hung up, today, as well - give Santa's little helpers a chance to have a mooch around and do something about it... Above all, looking forward to a Wales - England family Christmas video call. Not a lot to do now, apart from a load of tidying up, hoovering, etc and sorting out essentials from the stuff that really ought to be in the recycle bins! <sigh> Oh, and a bit of m*d*ll*ing to keep the bad bits at bay. Fitt and Elfie looking for excuses to sit down and relax. Wishing everyone well and able to find that inner strength that lies deep within. _________ Best wishes Polly

Walking further along the side of the potato field we get this angle. All carriage stock has been back into the workshop for more weathering attention. Since this picture they have been back in again for even more work.

A picture from one of my cousin's and family taken this morning Australia time, she has lived there most her life. Cleland wildlife park.

Greetings one and all Welcome to another day. In its cold light we can only come to terms with what is being done to and for us. Feel free to disagree but it would not surprise me if we are still in this unholy mess this time next year. We have every reason to feel sorry for ourselves but I would be the first to accept that many others have more cause than I do. My warmest thoughts are with them but as far as those who rule us are concerned I am minded to fashion an effigy from Blu Tack and stick pins into it, just in case voodoo works. The result of Strictly was always going to be close. Bill Bailey was the worthy winner but I was rooting for HRVY all the way! When the programme was first created I was rather put off it because I was never a fan of Bruce Forsyth and I have not followed it at all closely until this year. Chris Mason has just described it on BBC Breakfast as escapism and he is spot on. I do recall the precursor of Strictly, Come Dancing, from the days when the late Peter West used to present it. My father got to know him quite well having met him through work. Having not entirely given up on the C word, I went looking for a seasonal cake yesterday. What I found was a Bailey’s chocolate yule log. I need look no further! Later I caught part of a remarkably elderly Hairy Bikers programme – 2011! - showing how to glaze ham. The rescheduling I mentioned earlier means that the bacon joint is now set to be the centre piece of dinner on Christmas Day, leaving me to find something for Christmas Eve. An early trip to Tesco on Monday morning would seem to be a good idea as I still need a few ingredients to complete the feast. Let inspiration strike! Bah humbug Chris

Same here. I cannot bring myself to do anything remotely Christmassy this year. The cards are unwritten. I drift aimlessly from hour to hour wondering why I carry on. Having a job to go out to has been the only thing that has kept me above water. I have been to some very dark places in the past few weeks, increasingly so in more recent days, and have also had to deal with the aftermath of others for whom it all got too much. Last Monday saw five people struck by trains three of which were on my watch though perhaps luckily none while nor where I was watching. Many people have their plans made. Some will go ahead anyway. Some have been hanging on at the edge of despair looking forward to a glimmer of light and a family visit over Christmas. That has abruptly been denied them. I am expecting to have even more traumas to cope with next week. The cost of destroyed mental health and avoidable taking of lives is being ignored and ignored at the great risk of creating another and concurrent pandemic. I hope to be back here regularly in the New Year but there are no guarantees. Worse things do happen at sea. Speaking of lights out ours were turned off for an hour tonight in memory of friends (as GDB noted) and others lost.

A'noon. Spent a couple or three hours splitting wood, while we are still allowed to use the burner...#sigh# I wonder what the difference was in lockdown one, when the Fraggle-ites did what they were told, and we waved goodbye to Covid - TBH the Frags aren't usually the most quiet or acquiescent of folks and love a good political argument (politics here are not party based, but individual) and a moan, but they all behaved and we now reap the benefits. There must be some demographic difference, but it beats me where. I suspect that as quite a few residents are seen to be going away on the ferry this week, when they return (only residents may come on to the island) they may not do the required 14 days self isolation, and that will bring it back. The penalty of course is 4 weeks chokey, if they don't, there's plenty of room at the 'Jurby Hilton' aka our new, modern gaol. They are warned, face to face, individually on return. We'll see. Little else to report other than concern for our friends on here who are not best placed to cope with yet more isolation. Always available for a chat on PM.....

8°C SW 11kt, gusting 22kt Conditions seem to be settling after heavy showers and thunder overnight. Socially-distanced Christmas deliveries are planned today and unsurprisingly not much else. A quiet week was had at work fortunately as am on call all this weekend. Yesterday I made the most of being home alone finishing Christmas wrapping before making dinner, a chicken and chorizo traybake. I enjoy cooking, but rarely have chance, so for those with comparable culinary skills I recommend the MOB Kitchen cookbooks for simple recipes with (mostly) store cupboard essentials! I sympathise with, @Gwiwer following his post yesterday. Anxiety and depression have never been far away this year and the recent escalation of tiers has made a difficult time even more challenging. The continual rollercoaster of having plans snatched away is becoming truly tiresome - I woke this morning and broke down, I'm not embarrassed to say. Having worked throughout the pandemic with little break, Christmas (along with everything associated) was the glimmer of hope on the horizon. From personal experience, I can’t agree more that the support for mental health is inadequate, but that’s another story… Nevertheless, our Christmas shop will be undertaken tomorrow or Tuesday - nothing too outlandish, though I always treat myself to smoked salmon at breakfast during the festive season. Perhaps one of the only things of 'normality' I have any control over this year! When sat at work Early Risers is top of agenda and in the short time of contributing it’s been a cathartic exercise of a Sunday morning – so a big ‘thank you’ from me. Stay safe and catch-up a little later in the week.

Good moaning. It looks a bit grey and damp outside but the fire has cone back to life and it's warm inside the house. Good to hear from Rick and I hope that things improve for him. The hymn he posted, was always known as The Manx Fishermen's Hymn in our household. When we went on a cruise over new year we got into a force 8 gale in the Caribbean. It was Sunday so we attended the service in the ship's theatre. The speaker stacks suspended from the cieling were swaying well. What hymn did they choose but, Eternal Father strong to save, emotive in the circumstances. Anyway we will head for the market this morning then there is not a lot planned. Bon courage to you all. Jamie

Surely that should be “being positive said they at least now know how to block someone” Mrs iD, who is not qualified to do anything remotely connected with hair, does my hair and does a very good job (we have Wahl clippers). She refuses to let me do hers, though (can’t think why). Oddly enough, despite having a full set of dog grooming tools (bought in a fit of optimism when we got Schotty), the dogs never get more than a brushing - which they barely tolerate (and as for being showered when muddy or filthy, let’s just say that if they could call the RSPCA helpline when we get out the dog shampoo and shower hose, they would) Well, quite. I wonder how these enforced restrictions will affect people’s perceptions of what Christmas should be all about. It may have started out as a religious festival, but now seems to have turned into an 0rgy of mindless consumerism, badly cooked and bad for you food consumption, excessive alcohol abuse and strained family get togethers that even UN Peacekeepers would find hard to police. I say let’s dump this whole Xmas schtick, bring back Saturnalia and have done with it. As you are well aware, my ursine friend, these are not normal times, alas. But when we are back to a somewhat saner world, I’ll bake a couple of my (almost) award winning traditional boiled fruit cakes and bring them to the next Brains Trust, to which you are cordially invited to join (and thus sample a decent chunk of cake) Jeez, don’t you think it’s time to put things into perspective? There has been not only an increase in infections but also of hospital admissions as of late, across Europe hospitals are running out of ITU beds, front-line medical and nursing staff are burning out, life saving operations are being cancelled because there are no ITU beds for post-op care and a new variant of the virus has emerged which appears to be more infectious than the original strain (but hopefully nothing else) and you’re bemoaning the fact that people can’t get to see Aunty Mabel and eat overcooked turkey on Christmas day. I am the first person to recognise that the UK government’s response has been chaotic and unclear, but what would you have had them do? Let Christmas go ahead as normal and then send round the flat-bed lorries in January and February with gowned and masked officials ringing a bell, yelling “bring out your dead”? No. You. Can’t. This is a common, trite, saying trotted out by people who have no idea of what statistics is about (or what statistics can or cannot do). Most people just about grasp what an average is, some may understand the concept of median, but when we get to things like Standard Deviation, mode, Fisher’s t-test and the like, most people are so far out of their depth, their toes don’t touch bottom... How you present statistical data? That’s another thing Too many people’s behaviour and attitude during this pandemic has become pretty appalling. TBH, I think we should really get radical: either by requiring all those who want to socially get-up-close and not wear masks to register to do so and thus be banned from getting medical treatment when (not if) they get infected OR by imposing martial law, detaining all those who go out maskless or don’t wear the mask properly and rigorously breaking up all gatherings by any means necessary - up to and including the use of lethal force. A few high profile detainments and summary executions would do wonders Pour encourager les autres!

As was customary at all major stations at the time, the Christmas tree has now been put up at Henley on Thames. With so much work done on the station during our lockdown Earlier in the year, it has obviously changed the station quite a bit. So much so, from the normal viewing angles it’s hard to see that the tree is there! The first view opens the station up with the roof removed. Then I shew the view with the roof back on and my iPhone upside down to get the lens as low as possible. Maybe next year the tree won’t be on the concourse! It reminds me that I need to get back to work on the station.... a few odd jobs need completing... the bookstall; passengers.... and probably more signs on the back wall, as well as the station clock.

Like this?

I learned a bit about the origin of Christmas when I made a radio programme about it a long time ago. Essentially, there have been celebrations at the time of the winter solstice since the dawn of time, including Saturnalia as iD says. In what would be seen today as a marketing exercise but was then a pragmatic decision, Christmas was bolted on to the winter solstice in the 4th century by the Pope. The logic was simple: let us have our major festival at a time when there is already an established one. It follows that the practice of eating, drinking and being merry predated the birth of Christ by a considerable margin. No-one actually knows when JC was born, but I rather doubt that it was in December. If shepherds really were watching their flocks by night, December would not be the best time to do it. March and April would be better, but that's when Easter falls. The difficulty of marking the birth and death of Christ in the same festival are self-evident. 5C's post reminded me of this, which I have trotted out before. It is a song made in 1963 by Paddy Roberts and is not as well known as it deserves to be. Merry Christmas, you suckers, you miserable men That old festive season is with us again You’ll be spending your money on cartloads of junk And from here to New Year you’ll be drunk as a skunk Merry Christmas, you suckers, it’s perfectly clear That you fall for it all a bit sooner each year If it goes on like this you will find pretty soon You’ll be singing White Christmas as early as June That Christmas card racket will cost you a packet Each season it seems to expand The cards are so clever, though nothing whatever To do with the subject in hand You’ll be taking the kids round the multiple stores To be frightened to death by some old Santa Claus Then it’s parties with spirits and vino and beer Merry Christmas, you suckers, and a Happy New Year Merry Christmas, you suckers, you bleary-eyed lot You’ll never get rid of that headache you’ve got But I hope you feel splendid, you certainly should With your stomachs distended with turkey and pud Merry Christmas, you suckers, jump into your cars Roar off to your neighbours to sink a few jars Though your vision is double just keep smiling through There are others in trouble a lot worse than you Beyond any question acute indigestion Will plague you and make you unwell You won’t take the warning, you’ll wake up each morning Undoubtedly feeling like hell So stick to it, suckers, go swallow a pill For this is the season of peace and goodwill While we patiently wait for that nuclear blast Merry Christmas, you suckers, it may be your last Copyright © 1963 Romney Music Ltd. Recording issued on Decca F11552 Chris

Morning awl, Early start this morning. Couldn't sleep so I decided to get up and plough through a few chores. First up was writing Christmas cards. Yes I know I'm cutting it fine but yesterday was the first chance I'd had to go and buy a box of reasonably priced ones - considering I'm sending out what amounts to expensive recycling. TBH, I'd sooner donate the money to charity but it's easier than having to explain myself. As for Christmas, I'm with @iL Dottore. I'm actually quite enjoying it this year as it's nicely subdued and more in the background like it should be. I'm not religious but I do object to how it seems to have lost its spiritual significance and become an enforced indulgence and consumption fest. People feel pressured to spend money they don't have, for people they don't always like on food and presents they don't really want. All in pursuit of this perfect ideal of Christmas, which of course doesn't exist. Don't get me wrong, I like the idea that it's probably the one day of the year that most work-related matters get put to one side (I appreciate not for everyone) and I like meeting up with the family. It just shouldn't be something that disrupts the whole month of December and seems to start earlier each year. After the experience of earlier this year, I too invested in a set of Wahl clippers. They've already paid for themselves after one haircut. Number 3 at the back and sides and number 4 on top. I won't abandon my barbers completely though. Living alone it means the cut is self administered. While my technique is improving, it won't ever be as good as the professionals. Today sees washing, ironing, muddling and exercise. A brisk walk to the post box earlier was welcome but not really enough. More immediately a muggertea and bacon, egg and mushroom sandwich beckon. Regards to awl.

Really hope things pick up big style Rick. Robert

Bear is of the same view; however the downside is that those selfish tw*ts will then have a licence to continue spreading the lurgy to those of us who play by the rules. You might want to re-phrase that post.... In other news: Bear spent all morning planning, measuring and cutting four sheets of EML Mesh for those areas of wall to be covered. I've a feeling my paw is gonna hurt like bvggery tomorrow, despite using my bestest very sharp tinsnips. New neighbour next door knocked and gave me a card, along with a box of Co-op Finest All-Butter Pastry Mince Pies with Cognac, Brandy & Port . Bear doesn't drink, but since it's mixed in with Mince Pies I'll make an exception.... They'll make a nice accompaniment to the box of bikkies given to me by another neighbour a few days ago, for giving then various Pyrex dishes that I had no need for. They were doing me the favour, as it was an easy and very pleasing way of re-homing some items that I wanted to go to a good home. Win-win.

I've not got any clippers, but I have had a hack at my hair with a pair of scissors attacking what I can see, my ears had disappeared and I couldn't see where I was going with the long fringe, now sorted, look like a badly sheared sheep, but as I'm not going out on the pull clubbing, I don't think it matters lol.

Proving things with statistics. I think it’s more about choosing the right statistic for your argument. For example.’ The COVID situation is getting better as fewer people are dying on a daily basis’. It is true, at the ‘peak’ nearly 1000 people a day were dying and now it’s less than half that amount. ’The COVID situation is getting worse, the R number is at its highest ever level.’ Statement is also (I think) correct. The above example, though crude, does go show my point and I’m sure if I thought about it a bit more I could find better examples but I think we’re about to go out shopping. Have a good day, Robert.

And survived 700 years without a Buildings Control Officer overseeing the build. Nuff sed Fair do to the new owners - they could quite easily have covered the lot up quick for fear of Listed Building status being slapped on it - though I've a feeling that won't be far behind..... Bear has fortunately dodged almost everything that chrimbo has become (the mindless consumerism but being a right result, as I never have a clue what to buy anymore, and the stress just isn't worth the immense aggro); however the "bad for you food consumption" will remain firmly on the list, as there are limits to what can be scrapped and that would be a very big step too far..... Free Cake? You failed to mention compulsory extradition to some far-flung hovel for those not wishing to play by the rules. Lethal force and summary executions sounds rather fun - Guillotine or dropping 'em on a rope, or some other fun method perhaps? The executioner has to wear a body-cam though, so we can all watch in real-time (no editing allowed). The six-o'clock news could really go up in the ratings..... Saturnalia? Never heard of that one until I looked it up. Now who to sacrifice....decisions, decisions....

To tempt a pachyderm and a bear Taken just before deliver round the corner. Making another one tomorrow for other friends.

Well I'm back having just had the best electrician that I've ever had - he was fantastic, professional, and he kept me informed of his movements, and his ETA - which he actually beat by an hour - he wasn't all that expensive either, he charged £130 and he took a bit over an hour - we are now working on a temporary fix, and the boiler is working - shower now beckons, then a roasty toasty bedroom - bliss. I offered him a nice Chardonnay, but he declined, and said he'd prefer a good Google review and by God he got it.

I suppose it would be rash to report that part of our back garden is now something of a Muddy Hollow right next to the railway room and that I have just finished making a rather large and boozy fruit cake? (listens for the thunder of pachyderms) Dave

Can we PLEASE have that groan button back. It is sorely missed. Jamie

Spent some time on Rick's post so sombre mood at the moment following his experiences at the house of (no)-fun in recent days and viewing the video clips (well, a lot longer than a clip in one case). As you know from a previous post family members have been sea-going and lost friends and colleagues so even at the time we were keenly influenced and followed the Penlee situation and disaster with feeling. These have come back watching the video and I could not leave it. Rick I believe knew some of them personally so how he feels together with the recent work experience I cannot really comprehend but thoughts go with him.

Morning all. It is sunny here. I don’t think we have any specific plans for the day. I did a bit of pottering/tidying of my modelling toolbox and computer desk. I also cut my hair yesterday. Am I the only person who didn’t buy the Wahl clippers? Mine are Panasonic. Tony

Mooring Awl, inner Temple Hare, 4 hours sleep which was early, then internment dozing, caused by back pain. I forgot to put the back belt on and didn't notice until walking across the beach with Ben. Ben the I want out Collie, has already been on patrol, it's a cloudless sky, cool but dry. Our Christmas is unchanged and would not be if moved from tier 2 to 4. We're not going anywhere until both ends of a visit are vaccinated. We had emails from family yesterday saying had we gone to tier 4, because one of the broadcasters had displayed a map showing the whole of the South East and East Anglia in tier 4. I replied no it wasn't East Anglia,. just Greater, Greater London, aka Milton Keynes, to Kent and south Essex. There was an interesting bit on TV yesterday about a shop in Barnet, which looks like any other high street shop, but it was found the timbers were cut between 1315 and 1362.. An amazing survivor, especially as the black death arrived in 1348 and 30 to 45% died within 2 years. You would have thought house building would not be high on the list of priorities in 1362, there must have been plenty of vacant buildings. Plans for today, More doors in the workshop More keel work, I forgot to say the lifting tackle now works easily. I may do the fan belt on the car, but that may be put off to Monday afternoon as once the rain clears through as it's supposed to be the warmest time this week. Time to.. do nothing till breakfast.

Good evening everyone The weather was kind to me today, although it was dull and windy, it remained dry all the time I was in the workshop. I’d not been in the house about 10 minutes when it started to rain, so I think I was very lucky. I have a remote controlled plug in the workshop that the heater is plugged into. I switched it on 15 minutes or so before I went out to it, so the workshop was nice and warm when I got there. I keep the controller for it on a shelf beside the upstairs cellar door, so I can use it as it m making my mid morning muggertea, which I take with me to the workshop. There’s been more progress made on the turntable control panel, all the wiring from the output modules to the LED control boards has now fitted. I then made a start on the wiring from the LED control boards to the LEDs. When this is completed (hopefully tomorrow), I’ll start to fit the wiring between the switches and the input modules. The kitchen smelt wonderful when I came in for dinner, as by then the stew had been on for a couple of hours. Today for dinner I had something that I usually eat when we have the girls round for the weekend, pancakes and maple syrup, oooh it made a lovely change and there’s enough left for me to have the same again tomorrow, mmmmmm. The stew tonight was absolutely delicious and there was enough left over for another meal, which we will probably get eaten sometime between Christmas and New Year. Sheila, aka Vidal Baboon (she gave herself that name) has been cutting my hair with clippers for many years now. It’s now usually done without a guard, so when it’s cut, it’s very short (about 0.5mm) indeed. The evening was rounded off with a nice bottle of wine which we consumed whilst watching a couple more episodes of French police drama we’ve started watching.

I initially read that as a box of bikinis! It must have been the ladies swimwear ad that had popped up in the side bar!

I don't know what Port Erin Commissioners are on, but the public is certainly against them replacing the characterful Cosy Nook with that monstrosity. Their ignorance on what visitors find attractive about Fraggle Rock is also mind numbing. They have wanted rid of it for years, although they own the building they refused to pay to repair the roof so the tenant reluctantly gave it up - they had run it well for years - as they would not not pay t repair it, nor should they. It 'just may be' one of their number wants to run the replacement.....just guessing...allegedly.... The jet skier was a drugs drop, no way he came from Scotland on it by himself - with not even gloves on...in winter....plod missed it, good and proper.

there is only two ways out of the slough of despond.. good food and.. coffee (decaff of course!) I await my jab (sometime in March apparently if all goes well.. @New Haven Neil good idea about jail but ours are already full.. and some of the people involved don't give a stuff for anyone other than themselves.. I think the Fraggleites are a bit more aware of what happens their for indiscretions.. Any roads up.. sugar free fruit bars and decaff are ready for a mid afternoon snack...mmmh! Baz

1315 -1317 the great famine throughout Europe, cannibalism was resorted to on the continent.. average life expectancy dropped to 29 years.. It was a wonderful time to try to live...

Ey up! Lummy! Another lie in! Today has notalot scheduled. The binmen are due today.. a suitable list of when our bins will be emptied was posted through the letterbox.. that may be the major excitement of the day. I noticed that a company is selling "next slide please" Chris Witty mugs.. they have sold more of those than the Britany Spears ones.... Stay safe, Positive thougts to all ERs. Baz

Pre grouping 4.4.0s tonight. 62530 waiting at Platform 6, and will go on to Leicester. and a few minutes later 40452 arrives from there.

We have just cancelled Christmas Day with one Daughter and Grand Daughter, and will be home alone. That's no problem to us, but my problem is seeing the morons protesting, and they are the cause of the extra measures, and no Christmas for the majority of the UK. As Peter, @PeterBB said, whichever Party were in power right now, the opposition would shout the opposite advice. If people had obeyed, instead of thinking; I'm alright Jack, sod the rest of you, we might, just might not be where we are today and this week, and looking IMHO at another total Lockdown in January. Sorry Guys, Rant over and I hope this has NOT strayed into Political territory and gets removed.

The crossing keepers house now has a roof, ridge tiles in this case being raided from Wills country station kits that are being repurposed. I now have several thousand bricks to paint, which HAS to be better than Christmas TV!

Back again for another moan, as we have now discovered that the washing machine and/or dishwasher have been leaking for god knows how long, and the floor is absolutely sodden - also having spoken to an electrician locally, it appears that the probable cause of the problem with the electrics is damp or moisture in one or more sockets - and I have put him on standby for later today in case Homeserve let us down again. We were waiting for the present washer to be mended, but it is awaiting a part from who knows where and with a delivery date of who knows when so we have now decided to ditch the machine, and get a new one - it isn't irrepairable, so we can't get one on the policy - I've cancelled that repair now.

G'day all, Not bad weather for once (i.e. it isn't raining) am nd there are even occasional patches of blue sky. I too heatrily agree with what iD said about those who wish to expose them selves to and spread Covid - ideally their foreheads should be branded but that might be a littel extreme for contemporary Britain. It strikes me as strange that such behaviour seems to be almost tolerated in an age when school children can get a police record for calling somebody names or expressing an opinion which others don't agree with. Surely if we are going to have a controlling state which removes personal freedoms the first place to do that is when the health of others is threatened by stupid personal behaviour? Ah well it takes all sorts but there do seem to be an awful lot of the wrong sort about at present. On a much brighter note, and almost making me think of a scene in 'Love Actually', we have had a personal visit from the Mayor this morning to deliver a Christmas card and the compliments of the season. he also conveyed the interesting news that the current local programme of Covid vaccinations is excluding those aged over 85 who have no health problems but those in taht bracket can apparently ring the surgery and ask if anybody has cancelled and then take their place for a shot of the vaccine. We both very much reacjhed the conclusion that on the basis if what vaccine is said to be on order we aren't looking at a very different situation by next Christmas - time will tell. Nothing else of note today, the lad has brought the 'papers home for us before he set off on an exploratory trip elsewhere so we have no need to go out and teh GD finishes work at 20.00 tonight but no doubt the lasagne can be kept warm for her arrival home. One of my shoulders is giving me considerable gip for whatever reason so it will be an early call to the chiropractor tomorrow. Have a good day one and all and try to stay safe while so many around clearly aren't. Mask wearing guidance for Ian (RH) and anyone else who is interested https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own

I know what you mean.

I’m happy to forgo Christmas this year, I’m relatively young and expect to be around for next year though my mum is in her 80s. Having said that I really feel for those who are terminally ill or have relatives that are. I know a year is a long time and anything change.

Greetings all from Sidcup. Our world is unchanged; we were going nowhere and no-one was coming here. Well not quite true; I was going on my own to my parents for a few hours one day in the permitted period but that has now changed. And the accounts have not been signed off by our dear auditors either. One assumes that they don’t warp commit because COVID could cut any business down and they could get told off. Ironically if they put their pen to paper life would be easier for us too. But hey ho, what do I know. Worse things happen at sea. I have finished for Christmas now (subject to a year end panic) and so shall be sitting around twiddling my thumbs except for the daily exercise walk. Younger Lurker has done all his homework; I got a little bit carried away with the help I gave(wrote out for) him on Thomas a Beckett but I think he got a bit bored of me doing a Brian Blessed voicing of of “Who will rid me of this troublesome priest?”