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Following up on last weekend's ice event in Portland, you were quite right. Wintry precipitation began on Thursday night. By Monday afternoon we were finally in a full melt where I am situated. During the storm the Portland metro area was roughly bisected by a NW / SE line, north of which was mostly snow, south of which was mostly freezing rain. I got the freezing rain and ended up with almost 5cm of ice on my patio furniture. By Sunday things turned badly. I lost electrical power for about 23 hours starting on Sunday afternoon. I had a restless night listening to ice and branches falling. Had the melt started about 24 hours sooner there would have been much less tree damage. Most of the trees in the area sustained some damage including a lovely and symmetrical Japanese dwarf maple in front of my house which lost fully half of it's canopy when a branch snapped at the heart of the tree. At one point about 350,000 regional consumers were without power. Line crews from as far away as Montana had come to Portland to help. As of last night, about 50,000 were still without electricity, almost a week later. It is a bit of a helpless feeling being 'trapped' with impassable roads (to my rear-wheel vehicle) and no central heat, light, refrigeration, television, internet, or telephony*. I did at least have running water with the house being well insulated, the pipes weren't going to freeze. * My mobile telephone reception at home is poor. It really only works when connected to my WiFi. I kept some charge on the 'phone by using the laptop to charge it but it could handle little more than text messages. I also have a landline but the base station for the cordless handsets needs power and even the backup corded telephone has a battery in it somewhere that didn't make it through the duration of the outage. (The fibre to POTS converter has a finite battery as well.) Wednesday saw an all day outage of cable television and internet for some unknown reason. Truly a 'first world problem' but irritating all the same. Of course I can't really complain. Texas was far worse this week. They had frigid temperatures and rolling blackouts leading to broken pipes and boil orders.

The Nottingham to Grantham line at Radcliffe on Trent again today. For many years, from when they were new, Class 114s were the predominant dmu on this line. Radcliffe on Trent Class 114 Grantham to Nottingham July 76 C2921.jpg Radcliffe on Trent Class 114 Nottingham to Skegness Jan 78 J5909.jpg Radcliffe on Trent Class 114 Nottingham to Skegness Dec 79 J6749.jpg Radcliffe on Trent Class 114 Nottingham to Boston Jan 80 C4940.jpg Radcliffe on Trent Class 114 T223 Grantham to Derby June 89 J09991.jpg David

Morning, from a dry and breezy Rock - which IS the 'mainland' BTW, Mr Winslow! Poly, Debs isn't retiring in two weeks, just moving out of the DHSC freedom of information hell-hole job, to Fleet Management for the department of infrastructure - which includes.... ...and... ...amongst other things!

This mornings photos are from visits to the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway in Cumbria. Haverthwaite Bganall 14 Princess and Hunslet Repulse Aug 79 J6615.jpg Haverthwaite Fowler 22919 9th Aug 87 C8882.jpg Haverthwiate Hunslet Cumbria Lakeside to Haverthwaite 9th Aug 87 C8877.jpg Newby Bridge Hunslet Cumbria Lakeside to Haverthwaite 9th Aug 87 C8876.jpg Lakeside Hunslet Cumbria 9th Aug 87 C8864.jpg Lakeside Teal Aug 79 J6627.jpg David

Greetings one and all! It came so close to being 'good morning' but an attack of cramp in the left leg at 00.45 hours put paid to that. First, many, many thanks for all the kind birthday greetings. As some know, my mother died suddenly on my 37th birthday and I did not feel inclined to mark a difficult anniversary with much in the way of joy. Half a lifetime later there has been some healing. Yesterday morning I drove as usual to Cambridge Crematorium and reflected with bird song to help me before returning home and getting on with the rest of the day. On a post in the gardens was a sign which read "Fire Assembly Point". This struck me as a tad unfortunate at a crematorium. The time just flew by yesterday afternoon during the virtual gathering of ERs, a good idea so ably organised by Barry. The event did so much to lift my spirits but that was not its purpose. Meeting fellow ERs is always a good experience, as is knowing who they are when you meet them! When shows return my name badge will reappear. [Good heavens, I'm being positive, and at this time of the morning too!] So, one day, will The Tie. Best wishes to all Chris

The disused Princetown platform. A bit more bedding in is needed round the base of the building. A view through the trees of the footbridge and platforms. The footbridge is reworked Hornby/Gaugemaster. I'm going to have another go at the legs. The row of huts behind the signal box lead to the end loading dock. The slightly wonky buffer beam is one of those happy accidents. It slipped while the glue was drying, then I realised the real one wasn't straight either. Alex

A Claud has appeared in the old engine shed yard.

Nice to see so many of you this evening, especially as such an irregular contributor these days! Life has rather got in the way over the last couple of years, with various house moves and other events limiting my free time... I now have all my railway models in one place (rather than split between Durham and Edinburgh) and since Dad passed away in 2019, I've sold some of his models that don't fit my requirements, plus some of my older non-DCC stock. I'm in the process of selling my parents' house (as administrator of the estate) and my Mum is due to move to Edinburgh at some point in the next couple of months. I've started drawing up bits of my parents' house in 4mm/foot but I'm no good with CAD or drawing programs so at the moment I'm trying to hand draw it onto paper with a steel ruler but I'm perhaps not as accurate as I could be with more practice. The intention is to have a OO scale replica of the old house to remember it by when we no longer have it. I'm keeping my OH awake as I type this so better wish you all a goodnight for now!

Thanks to all ERs who could join our virtual get together. For some reason I feel a bit tired.. so.. Goodnight all! Baz

Morning. Another view of Sheep Dip.

Morning all, I was definitely an early riser today. The early roll out of bed was planned so that I could clear the few adult education assignments from my marking inbox before the girls woke up. Although today is technically my last "day off", a few assignments have dropped into my virtual marking tray that no-one else is able to sort. One essay in particular, a drama based study, is one that on-one else on the team is capable of marking. There have been five of them coming through during what should have been a week off. The "joys" of seemingly being "indispensable". The irony is that the essay requires the study of a play called "Permission to Cry" and it seems very apt because they are my feelings whenever it appears in my marking tray. It is a shocker of an assignment and students very rarely grasp it first time around. One day I may get permission from the powers that be to actually access the system and change it so that the instructions and course materials are clearer. It was the subject of a virtual team meeting a few months ago so I live in hope. I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all well. Special thoughts to those in our number who have experienced the difficulties brought about by the harsh weather in the US. I have not seen much on the news (but I have been avoiding the news as much as possible recently), but I know enough to understand how harsh it has been. Ironically some of my understanding of the situation has come from Instagram of all places. These days I tend to use social media for promoting the business. However, I confess to "following" a few of my celebratory "crushes" via this particular platform. One particular film and tv actress lives in Texas and has been posting photos and updates of the weather. It does sound horrific and I hope that those caught up this situation stay safe and warm. Today will see the daily exercise combined with posting Sarah's notorious Avon books. There may be a drive out to do a contactless delivery to a customer although that may hold off until tomorrow because they are in no rush. I would like to find time for some modelling on the new / revived / continuing project. Stay safe Andy

Afternoon all. We bought a new metal arch for the garden earlier this year and while Aditi mowed the grass I bolted the arch together. Aditi was suitably impressed by use of spirit level and tape measure to position the ground spikes. I was pleased that there was no sign of chest pains or breathlessness. Just back ache but that will soon go.

And finally, this'll really crack you up.....

Time to stop all this jesting about corn and tractors (well for a short moment at least) Here is a Pannier crossing the viaduct - again! But from a different angle...

My wife had a smartphone before me. When I was helping her to set up the email etc I put on an A4 chime whistle for the text alert.

Yes! It’s currently in the hands of the police. (it was a great Zoom meeting by the way) $14.95? Don’t make me larf. You should see the prices of imported delicacies here in Switzerland. A jar of British lemon curd, for example, costs as little as £0.65 at Sainsbury’s, here British lemon curd costs CHF 7.95 (£6.33) plus postage. The Swiss COOP also does lemon curd (in their gourmet “Fine Food” range) at a slightly more reasonable CHF 5.95 (£4.73). I know being a Supervillain is reasonably profitable (although the price of bear and hippo traps is bordering on the objectionable nowadays), but even so. It’s the principle of the thing. I and many of my minions are looking forward to the day I can go to London on a supply run (which will, of course, include a meet-up with the miscreants and old lags that comprise the ER brains trust). So, “what will be on the shopping list?”, I hear you ask. Well, the obvious Supervillain stables (Champagne, Caviar, Single Malt whiskies) I can get easily, and perhaps more cheaply, in Switzerland. The London shopping list will include the following: Selected meat products (Sausages, Black pudding, Haggis, Pork Pies) Individual puddings (sticky toffee, spotted d1ck, etc) Store cupboard staples (Bird’s Custard powder, Coleman’s mustard, piccalilli, Branston’s pickle) Hard to find (in Switzerland) Asian spices and ingredients. All stuff that either stores well or freezes well. Things are getting slightly “challenging” at the Alpine recount at the moment as Captain Cynical has run out of sausages, porkpies and haggis. Porkpies can be manufactured “under license” (if you will) in Captain Cynical’s kitchen, but proper bangers and haggis are more difficult to make at home. Certainly, with haggis, the problem is sourcing all the raw ingredients. Even the most open-minded and adventurous Swiss butcher is unlikely to be able to get his hands on a sheep‘s stomach. Captain Cynical is anxiously awaiting the opening of the borders so that the dwindling stocks of British essentials can be replenished. And on that sad note I bid you a great Sunday

One of the most depressing, yet thought-provoking, movies I have seen. Of passing interest is that a good deal of it was filmed in Frankston, including the railway scenes, which was home to Yours Truly and SWMBO for 17 years. The city has been significantly redeveloped since the movie was made and the station is now on its second rebuild! A shame to have missed the gathering but I knew I would be otherwise engaged and bowed out at an early stage of the planning. Hopefully another time. In the end I had a lengthy and pre-arranged chat with Former Neighbour (Upstairs) who spends much of her time currently talking to her yet-to-be-met man in the US of A via electronic means. They have regular movie-and-meal "dates" and earlier today had managed a "virtual karaoke" session. We had set tonight as a catch-up chat some time ago allowing her to not be otherwise engaged. It appears to be the early minutes of Sunday morning so Good Morning all and Good Night. Sleep well, stay safe.

Good morning from the Charente. It's a bit grey here but not damp. It was great to take part in the Zoom yesterday and to see old and new faces, and to be able to put faces and names to several avatars. A big thank you to Baz for organising it all. It was a good day her for other reasons as it was officially, at least according to our French neighbours, the last day of winter. How do we know this, simples, we saw and heard flocks of migrating common cranes going over us at lunchtime, many hundreds of them, sounding like a Parisian traffic jam with all the honking they made. This was the first flock with some in close up. App apparently they are heading from Spain/Portugal/Morocco, to Northern Germany and Scandinavia A few minutes later another large flock went over, moving very fast with wind assistance. We saw them in 2019 but missed them last year. We don't see them come south but in September do get Storks which roost on the electricity poles. Anyway after tea we watched TV. I had managed a bit of time in the shed, changing the colour of some things that move. This morning it's market day and after that who knows. Regards to all. Jamie

I tidied up the ballast this afternoon, starting by scrubbing all the track with a dry, stiff kitchen brush before running the end of a coffee stirrer along the running edge of all the rails to clear any bigger chips of ballast. Then I cleaned the track with the Gaugemaster track rubber and vacuumed up all the debris. Next, I pushed a wagon slowly and gently over all the track to find any remaining small lumps and bumps, which I chipped off with the coffee stirrer or, for more persistent ones, an old file. Finally, I ran a loco over everything to make sure all was well. I posed the long china-clay train on the Up Branch for a photo, then decided to run some trains, just for fun. That's when things went wrong (@Clive Mortimore please look away now). You will remember that since about November 2018 I've had intermittent problems with the DCC system "freezing", causing a loss of control both of the trains and the points, which only clears itself after switching off the mains power for about 20 to 30 minutes. It happened again today after about 20 minutes' running. I suspect that the previous advice that this is a command station problem still stands but I've asked Gary and Marcus to see if they've any further thoughts before I shell out on either a new PH Box or repairs to the existing one. A bit disappointing after all this time without problems, although admittedly I haven't run many trains lately.

Good to see everyone this afternoon-evening. Quite a gathering. Well done Baz and all - or should that be awl? It is that time again so, to the sound of a persisting wind, ‘ night all and nos da. Polly

Good afternoon Paddy, As I said a day or two ago, Hornby is aware of the assembly issues with some of the A2/2s. The firm is fully-aware of its responsibilities with regard to its valued customers. It's a pity the gloss has been taken off the launch of these (if they're right) excellent models. The situation will be resolved. Meanwhile, I've done a bit more on mine today................. Two simple jobs were to paint the rims of all the wheels matt black and also weather the motion. Full (heavy) weathering will complete the job. Then it was down to more running; in this instance on the Down 'Northumbrian' made up of 12 cars, mainly modified RTR but with a heavy, kit-built metal triplet catering set. I was surprised it struggled a bit on this, so I tested the nearest Bachmann equivalent (an A2) on the same rake. It took it with relative ease. The weight of the two seemed to be much the same, so I investigated further. The keeper plate on the A2/2's tender had been screwed up tightly, effectively 'applying the brakes'. Half a turn with a screwdriver, and the brakes were off. I then tried it one of my heaviest trains..................... 13 on, all metal kit-built! Though it wasn't as assured as my kit-built A2/2s, with a bit of (prototypical) wheel-slip it managed it. I think for an RTR Pacific this is outstanding performance. The straight ejector pipe is correct for 60502. Regards, Tony.

Cramp, you say. So, maybe, I should own up. Some of yesterday's ER Zoomers may have noticed, that a few times, about half way through and later, I left my chair - in other words, my screen was empty. This was because the backs of both legs severely cramped up, leaving me struggling to un-cramp them . Walking around; crouching up and down; and massaging calf, back of thigh and knee, each time, eventually did the job. A drink helped as well, probably. Thankfully, I had no bother overnight. So you have my sympathies, Mike.

Your mention of accidents at Slough reminded me I have this image (photographer/copyright unknown) taken the day after the up Pembroke Coast Express derailed approaching Slough at approximately 70mph. This is the scene on May 2nd 1959 as 5017 'The Gloucestershire Regiment 28th 61st' pilots 70024 'Vulcan' past Slough on the relief lines with a down service.

Had some friends over for a bit of a running session yesterday. So I took some pics today.

I'm singing in the rain, .............much to the displeasure of the Good Lady, well actually I'm watching it through the window and being told to be quiet and go down and get the Paper. I shall obey.

Ey up! Did not sleep well as I had cramps/spasms in my legs on and off. Pah! Of course a network of ER "posting agents" could allow items to be procured then sent on to other ERs... just thinking... @iL Dottore i don't think trying to mail our local butchers sausage (including dragon ones) or black pudding would work...sorry! I have been informed that today will be a "makedoandmend" day. I may just down load a new phone ring tone.. now should it be an L60 (Chieftain) or a CV12 (Challenger)? That may bring a smile to me when the phone "rings". Technology can be wonderful..but I am saddened by reading the "look at me I have reinvented the wheel" seen in many technology magazines... Have a great day! Positive thoughts to all! Baz

Michael, many sympathies. We never had it that bad, about ten inches of snow of which little bits remain in shady areas. We got around all right as our Accura is 4WD. Hope all is back to normal for you. Brian.

A view of Sheep Dip. Rob.

I have managed to find enough transfers to my brake van. I just have to fix all the lamp brackets and the axle boxes before I matt varnish it. Then it will will be toned down but not to dirty. The NSR letters are correct and not in the centre of the plank. That is how it is on the photograph.

Afternoon all, The roses have been pruned. The lawns have been edged. Weeds have been removed. Ivy has been trimmed. Soil has been raked over. Pots have been tidied. Paths have been swept. There is method in all this madness. We intend to have the place looking the best we can get it, and take "before" photos, in advance of New Neighbour plus children moving in next door. If they leave things well alone and respect us and our gardens then all well and good. If not then I shall also take photos of the "after" appearance and send both to the agent. We always approach new neighbours with open minds but we need them to understand that SWMBO is in a vulnerable place and must not have close contact with anyone except me. She also works from home and must not have young children - or anyone else - playing or making any sort of noise outside her window during working hours. Similarly I have to minimise my contact with others to protect her. We would also prefer that our g*****ing efforts are not trampled down by unsupervised (or even supervised) little feet. Children must be allowed to be children but adults adopting the "No English" attitude if we have to discuss anything will not be accepted. When Upon the Hill of Strawberries do as the Hill of Strawberries does. Where ever you have come from and which ever language you speak. We have been warned by their current neighbour that they are noisy and unreasonable. We shall see how things go starting with a clean sheet. The new iron has been initiated. It seems to be hotter than its predecessor. It makes my uniform nice and flat more easily and in less time. There is a chicken lurking in the kitchen which will shortly be placed in the oven. I'm sure I can find some vegetabilia to accompany it. There is also a nice bottle of Aussie Chardonnay in the fridge which needs emptying before I can recycle the glass. I am going to the kitchen. I may be some thyme.

Very pleased to see the first hints of spring here too! First snowdrops and daffs flowering.

Afternoon All It was really great to patricipate in yesterday's virtual meet up - and it lifted my spirits a lot - also relieved me of the fear of Zoom, which has been around me. Great to see that some of our overseas ERs also attended, and as I'd only met a couple of the fellow ERs before (Mike, Jamie, and probably about 197something Chris when I floor spotted Bedford folk club, and a belated happy birthday - I was aware as Barry mentioned it while the meeting was getting going, but I didn't visit again last night). Many thanks Barry for organising things so well, and apologies that I had to leave as 30747 had thought that it would all be over sooner and did the dinner - as the laptop was on the dining room table, discretion was the better part of valour. Any time you like Baz, any time you like, I think it all worked well, with your organisation and know how - many many thanks So for those whom I didn't greet yesterday the usual generic greetings. This morning has been a load of tasks domestic after rising at about 8.15 - hoovering, fire, then demolishing a rotten bird table - 30747 had wanted me to try to fettle it, but there wasn't enough siund timber to make anything at all with it. Then tidying the garage, as we are clearing some space there which has exposed the window for the first time - so of course, 30747 decided to clean the window, then asked me to try to loosen the opening casement at the top (success), and "why not try to put a lick of paint on it all as well" - so old clothes donned, and window duly painted - then she said "you can go and talk to your friends AGAIN now" - so here I am. Back tomorrow - who knows. Regards to All Stewart

Morning all, Fifty shades of grey in the sky at preseent but there are signs of a possoible break in the cloud off to the south. (I know it's the south because it's the bit of sky the sun passes during the middle of the day - on days when you can see the sun). Cramp appears to have been much in vogue overnight as early this mrning it struck twice in my left leg and simultaneously in my right leg on the second occasion - and for once it wasn't caused by a cat lying on my foot clearly my Zoom appearance needs some thought about lighting although erhaps being shadowy is not such a bad idea? Problem is that the 'puter sits in a corner and all the light is either behind me or at an oblique angle and both power sockets at this end of the room are in use for 'putery things although there might be a spare space on one of the adaptors. but that's just a first world problem so hardly a major concern. I note that as far as the ERbrains trust is concerned I see that The George in the Isle of Dogs is temporarily closed but hopefully will reopen once things are gradually unlocked. As others might recall the indoor dining area could readily accommodate a larger party should the trust happen to expand in numbers. No big plans for today but I do need to do some careful photo illustration checking as well as guiding 'the designer' towards a relevant photo which ought really be included of the aftermath of the historically important 1900 collision at Slough (easy to find on the 'net) while although not quite so relevant there are also several photos of the results of the 1913 collision at Yeovil Pen Mill on the 'net. I think it might also be sensible to draft some captions Have a good day one and all and stay safe safe PS Thanks NHN for the view of Laxey - a fondly remembered spot on the IoM

Mornin' Had to clear text editor again, #unpredictable Cuppa tea being drunk and getting ready for the day. I need to obtain some more glazing sealant for the summershed doors (I'll post a pic or two when it's habitable.....) as I somewhat underestimated. Toolstation have just confirmed my order is ready to collect; so I'm off to collect it. I'll be back In the meantime, stay safe, sane and well and make the most/best of the day.

Just to report a shiny round thing popping its hat on coming up over the top of the mountains behind us. Long time no see... Will catch up later. Kettle has boiled... Polly

Morning awl, Firstly, a belated HBTY to @chrisf. Our posts crossed over yesterday, so I was unaware of this milestone. Chris is a familiar face at the unmentionable ex*******ns in these parts and I hope I'll be able to meet with him and other ERs in person at some point in the future. Yesterday was a good day in that I managed to get outside into the fresh air for the first time in over a fortnight. It was windy but mild and I managed over 12.5k steps - a major achievement since I've barely troubled the scorers in the last two weeks. Consequently, I slept well and have the not unpleasant ache from muscles and joints that have been barely stressed. The walk was made all the more enjoyable thanks to an unexpected encounter with a gym buddy who I've not seen in several months. We had a good windswept, socially distanced chat in the Homebase car park while admiring the still under construction Costa drive through. An actual, indoors Costa would have been preferable though. Breakfast in the form of porridge topped with special offer blueberries will be enjoyed shortly, along with a second muggertea. I may do some housework until the weather brightens a little but today is another day to enjoy the outdoors. Regards to awl.

Newcastle to Manchester, with the Midland taking over from the NER at Northallerton. 2183 class on the 09.55 ex Northallerton stopping train, at Embsay (Canal Road) The return working is an express, stopping only at Skipton, Middleham and Leyburn Junction.. The train make up is of 54’ clerestory, corridor stock with the original Midland Compound, to the design of Samuel Waite Johnson. It came out of Derby Works in late 1901, as No 2631, renumbered 1000 in 1907, and finally rebuilt about 1914, and still exists.

As they don't seem to want our scallops I don't think we should let them have our sausages.

Flavio, remiss of me, I forgot to mention home made lemon curd. Beth also makes her own and it's very good. Unfortunately It is locked away as it is her emergency stache in case of a hypo. As such, I am forbidden from eating it.. Pah and double Pah. I'm not sure if the recipe is the same as above, but I am sure that I could obtain it and transmit it to the Alpine redoubt for a suiitable and exhorbitant consulting fee of course. Jamie

Once we have all been inoculated and travel is once again permitted, I am sure I can “organise“ some supplies to be collected at the first post pandemic ER “brains trust“ meet-up Thank you for the kind thought, I would love to try the sausages that you speak so highly of, unfortunately the only way to get fresh sausages into Switzerland is through the use of a personal courier (i.e. myself). Normally, I buy my sausages, black pudding and the like the day before I leave, storing them in the minibar. When I check out from the hotel on the last day, I ask them to keep the sausages etc refrigerated (which they normally can do). Then, when I pick up my luggage just before heading to the airport, I pack the meats which will survive the few hours outside of the fridge quite adequately (especially when you consider that the cargo hold in an aircraft is not usually heated). It’s quite interesting to note that many of the Anti-vaxxers are those who scream the loudest about “freedom“. Unfortunately, “freedom“ is not all fluffy, cuddly bunnies and lemon drizzle cake; “freedom“ also means taking responsibility and accepting the consequences of one’s actions. If the majority of the population are happy to be vaccinated and receive a document that confirms and attests that they are vaccinated and if the majority of the population are quite happy with the concept of “no jab, no job”, then those who refuse to be vaccinated will have to accept the consequences of refusing the vaccination. And as for the Israeli approach, I say “well done them!“. Starting with a vexatious claim from Captain Cynical, who is suing Mr P Bear for having made him (Captain Cynical) read about somebody who might have been hit on the head somewhere in another part of the world. Captain Cynical will be suing Mr P Bear for the sum of no less than 100,000 LDC (lemon drizzle cakes). The recompense for having suffered emotional injury, loss of earnings and the diminution of his Supervillain Sex Appeal. I know that it is a despicable thing to do to a hapless bear, but hey I’m a Supervillain - you gotta do what’s in the job description. I am most certainly going to give that recipe a go, especially as I can change the amount of sugar used in order to make the lemon curd slightly more tarter than the commercially available stuff. Thanks for the link! And on that culinary note, it reminds me I have to heat up the Panini Press for Mrs iDs toasted farinaceous product lunch. Enjoy!

It might be a bit of a grey day outside today, but perhaps a photograph of the gardeners in the allotments above Tetbury station might make things feel a little warmer. I finally managed to get a decent capture of this trio by using the focus stack app on the iphone.

Interesting to see the comments about those who claim to be “refugees“. It’s a very difficult situation, but what angers me about these people is that their selfishness impedes, if not prevents, real refugees (who do everything legally) from getting the asylum they need. I may be a cynic, but I couldn’t help noticing that a huge number of the Syrian (supposed) refugees were fit men of military age and yet, when you look at all the old cinema news reels documenting the plight of refugees in conflicts such as World War II, the Korean war and the Vietnam war, the refugees were women, children and the elderly, not fit men of military age. I have nothing against economic migrants. I could be classified as an economic migrant as I came to Switzerland for work. However, the difference was (and is), that everything was done legally, I was not given any handouts and was expected not only to make my own way from the very beginning but also expected to integrate and learn the language and customs of Switzerland. So why not welcome economic migrants, but on the proviso of no handouts, no support and a requirement for them to learn the language and customs of the country that they end up in. And for those who are truly destitute upon arrival, provide them with a loan that has to be repaid within, say, five years of arrival. Add to this “no handout“ approach the requirement for all economic migrants and refugees to have an ID card. By removing the attraction of free handouts (no matter how meagre they may be) and the ability to disappear into the undergrowth upon arrival, then I think we would see a significant drop in numbers. Properly managed, migrants, immigrants and refugees could bring and contribute a lot to the countries they end up in; badly managed....

Evening All, I have a confession to make. On the zoom meeting some of you may have seen some odd facial expressions for no apparent reason, well the reason was I’d got my laptop computer on in the background and was half, no quarter watching the Bristol City v Barnsley match. About 20 minutes into the meeting Barnsley scored the only goal of the match so you may have seen a rye smile. Unfortunately I had to leave before the end of the meeting as my tea was getting past it’s best and as it was something I’d asked SWMBO to make I thought it would be rather rude to let it spoil. Morning was a walk with Mil and after tea two films were watched. Both were a disappointment and it’s now four films in a row that have been a waste of time. Managed to get a couple of coats of paint on another small project but even small progress is progress. Once again I’d like to that the members of ER for the enjoyable meeting and at least I should be able to but some faces to the names I see on here. Its been nearly a year since I first posted on here and I’ve been made to feel very welcome. So on that note I’ll bid you all Goodnight, Robert

In the spirit of show and tell and classing myself very much towards the beginner end of the spectrum, I’ve made progress with my Comet D83 coach. Obviously not one available RTR, It seems to roll alright and went around our 6 by 4 literal trainset out particularly on the radius 3 and fine through points. I’m sure there’s stuff to improve on but I’m not dissatisfied with it. Still needs painting and one two detailing bits adding, rails at the end and alarm gear plus one or two grab handles. I suspect I will go for one of the simpler GWR liveries! Thanks to all who’ve offered me advice. David

Another loco thoroughly tested on LB today was Jesse's V2................... This took 14 all-metal kit-built cars - with ease! It now has balance weights, wiggly pipes and cylinder drain cocks. I'm amazed that it's so powerful give its white metal lump for a chassis, though the Jepson motor is a superb (if old-fashioned) prime mover. Is it worth building a Comet replacement set of frames?

Haven't the rules changed since January 1st? Or is that only if you get caught?

Morning all from Estuary-Land. Had a long lay-in and an equally long soak in the bath this morning but it's still morning (just).

Morning all, and belated many happy returns to Chris. And a thank you to Baz for setting up yesterday's zoom. I had to dip out y about 16.45 as the intermittent connectivity I have was only letting me hear occasional bits and bobs. Yesterday afternoon saw me get the sweet peas underway with a plan to put them on in a couple of weeks time to root trainers. Thereafter into containers as growing them in the borders last year adjacent to the youngest's football "pitch" wasn't a success! So. Where will the containers go? In the front garden...but that apparently means part of the lawn will have to come up....and be gravelled...and instructions are that the gravel should cover about 1/3 if the garden.....how did me popping sweet pea seeds in yesterday morph into landscaping work by breakfast time this morning?

Good evening everyone The weather has been a bit mixed here today, it’s been very windy and it was raining when I went to the workshop this morning. I needed to where a coat going to the workshop, just to keep the rain off, however, it was warm enough to be able to take it off once inside. The rain has been off and on all day, but thankfully mostly off, but the wind has slowly increased in strength as the day progressed. It seems to have quietened down now, but we still get the occasional gust. Now, back to the workshop, the turntable’s baseboard has now had its second coat of paint, a rather murky dark browny black colour, well the yards around steam locomotive sheds were not the cleanest of places. This coat is however a little different to the one applied last weekend, as it’s my home brew textured paint. It starts off as a normal coat of paint, (artist’s acrylic) and whilst the paint is still wet, I sprinkle very fine sawdust on top of the paint, this is then followed by a little more paint, which then gets mixed with the sawdust. When it’s dried it looks like bare earth that’s been well trodden. This could be used as a dirt track and vehicle tracks could be left if required. It’ll need a few more applications of slightly different shades of brown to break up the monotone look it has at the moment. Now, for those of you who are wondering where I got the fine sawdust, well, since you’ve asked, I’ll tell you. A good few years ago I sanded all the floors (with the exception of the stairs, landings, kitchen and bathroom) in the house. The sawdust from the final (extra fine sanding sheets) sanding was saved to make a filler for the gaps between the boards. I had loads of this, think 10-2 gallon buckets and that’ll give you some sort of idea of the amount. Some was used up, but I’ve still got about half of it left, so lots to play about with and it’s surprising how far a tea strainer full will go! Once I’d finished in the workshop for the day, I came back inside and I got washed and changed, I then finished making the fruit tea loaf that I had left soaking overnight.

Little Bytham no longer has two 'Cocks O' The North'.................... For 60501 to become EARL MARISCHAL, the backing for the nameplates needed shortening. A brand new curved blade in the Swann Morton, and GREAT care.................................................. I employed a rocking motion. There's no need to force off the original nameplate. Replacement etched plates from 247 Developments fitted perfectly. I ordered them yesterday and they arrived today. I call that service. Consult prototype shots because the A2/2s' nameplates moved around on the smokebox during their lives. Why 60501 and 60505 had their horizontal handrails cut short of the smokebox's front is lost in the mists of time. The other four had theirs clipped to the smokebox front ring. Thus, for 60502 they have to be added. They're formed of Gibson's small handrail pillars and .40 brass wire. The Hornby pillars are made of brass, but the rails themselves are made of steel. I exposed the brass and tinned it (WITH THE GREATEST CARE!). After soldering the new wire into the Gibson pillars, shaping it and then drilling small holes in the smokebox ring, the two were soldered together (WITH EVEN GREATER CARE!) and the new pillars superglued into the holes. Phew! Any chance of the original top lamp bracket surviving any treatment was instantly lost. The replacement is brass fret, formed/soldered and glued into a new hole. Rather than the fag of changing all the numbers, I just carefully scraped off the last digit. And the different front end, with licks of matt black to cover the brasswork. Since 60502 was shedded at York, then the 50A 'plate can be left. Complete and ready for weathering; heavy weathering, since York never seemed to have any cleaners. The replacement '2' isn't exactly the same colour, but weathering will disguise this. I sable brush-painted the cab roof eaves and the tender above the beading with matt black enamel. Worth doing? I think so. Strictly speaking, in this guise (numberplate above top hingestrap and early BR totem), 60502 is a little early for Little Bytham, but I'm prepared to be 'flexible'. Will others 'risk' doing something like this to their brand new acquisition. I hope so, but the chances of cock-ups are manifold....................