brianusa

WADR to those who like all this gadgetry, as long as the car runs.................! Cars used to have about three gauges, now you need a computer to figure out what's going on. I'm no fan of such useful/less info; you put petrol in and go. Get it serviced every couple of years, wash it now and again - still runs well and looks good after 20 years or so which is why I still have it until one of us gives up!😁 Brian

The last car we had with a clutch was a '73 Mustang 2. Autos ever since. Brian.

At the risk of being non PC, I have to admit that me watching such forbidden programmes is hardly going to offend the offended - what you can and can't watch or listen to!!. As their list grows, the tail starts wagging the dog! Apologies to dogs everywhere!🙂 Brian.

Without delving into the library, a good start might be the 19xx/20xx saddle tanks of the era which were around then and before some were converted to Panniers.. Brian

Same here! Comes twice a week for an hour or so, same anti covid deal and neither of us has succumbed as yet!🙂 Brian.

Good on you, doc! I shall reach my 87th year soon and cancer free. I did have colon cancer years ago but it was cut out with no problems so should it return I'll live with it. At this age you can go go to bed and wake up dead!😇 Brian.

There's not a lot more that can be done to save the planet as theres not enough government support from anyone so far. It's all very nice that there are some who feel by their protest that they are going to change the world but no matter how many stick themselves to the street, or march in protest, nothing will change. There's just not the collective enthusiasm from everybody; and its got to be by everybody - or it doesn't work! A goodly proportion of the population doesn't even understand the situation especially from 'the poorer' countries. But we are all vulnerable, some of us older ones will miss THE END, but what about our children's children and their children who will be stuck with THE END and what it will bring! They will never know what a wonderful world it was as they continue on to THE END!😟 Brian

Good for him, he's had some bad static recently! At least he had the intestinal fortitude to go whether or not it makes any difference! Brian

Not really, those folks are the very ones who upset people. The recent hrh and Epstein are the extreme while if Joe Blow gets away with out paying taxes, he gets quietly cheered on. As mentioned the US has always been reluctant to pay any taxes and still is; hence all the political hassles!🙄 Brian.

It would seem that half the UK gets upset if some naughty MP or other notable gets something for her/himself! Trips to see relatives was a real dinger. Boris's parties elicited indignation and now theres somebody evading taxes. As though its not done in polite society!🤣 There would be a lot more of these goings on if only folks knew how to get away with it. You don't have to own half the islands in the Caribbean to be eligible, even then theres no guarantee you won't get caught. Fame is no excuse as some have found out! Brian

Thanks Keith for the maps! Never realised there was a runaround loop as the books would have it either an up or down train would drop off the relevant wagons in the correct sidings. I often wonder what was done with them then. Were they shunted by the loco, by horse, or did they wait for the next train? Presumably then perhaps shipped to Horrabridge to await the branch train? Interesting stuff!🤔 Brian.

The cover alone is brilliant as are its contents. Two big engines in great condition along with the usual lineside paraphernalia long gone from today's railways. Excellent series! Brian.

Thats you and me both, doc!😩 Brian.

Usually for this kind of venue a special occasion is required, birthdays, anniversaries, etc. The Princess Hotel in Victoria is one such big expensive place just over the border in BC and well worth a visit for afternoon tea, priced similarily! Brian.

Most of my morning seemed to be in front of a PC but recently I found time to do other things.! Suddenly my morning is back to normal - it's lunch time already. But thats OK, its back😌 although I hadn't a clue what it was all about even after such an extensive explanation.. Such things are beyond me! Brian.

Sorry team, but 'weathering' doesn't do it for me! Perhaps it's just this example, it does appear overdone a bit! Brian

After the trains, the RHS gardens are a main source of interest. The relatives are in the mix also! This one is particularly lovely! Brian.

Thanks for the picture Alex; this is close to the spot referred to in my previous post; never thought I'd get to see this entrance once more! Looks about the same after all these years! Brian.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< I like all the seasons, one of the reasons I chose to stay in the UK.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> One of the reasons we moved here to the PNW which has a climate similar to the UK, from the Bay Area, which was providential considering the water problems in Calif. these days. Brian.

Royal souvenirs are in the same class as holiday souvenirs. Made for the occasion, taken home, stored and forgotten! Except of course, anything to do with railways; coffee cups from various lines visited which are used every day! Brian.

As a Yelverton regular from day one, may I reminisce (on topic!). In the last years of the war, I would accompany my mother, knowing of my interest in all things Great Western, on the train to Yelverton. There we would walk up the driveway (ably modelled by Alex) and through the gate to the main road. Here there was a hillock (mound) by the wall where we would sit and have a picnic with a fine view of aircraft landing a few feet over our heads. Mostly Spitfires with D Day stripes which dates the adventure. Harrowbeer is going back to nature now but I learned to drive there: runways make for good practice with plenty of room! Great article on the area and as usual, the modelling! Brian.

Depending on PT - good luck. I've been through this mill ever since last Christmas - hips still not working right. I can walk better but it's nothing like it should be; its taking so long I've resigned myself that this is the way it is.. Perish the thought! Hopefully you'll have better luck - wish you well! Brian.

And what is a pep' pipe, pray? Brian

Nice to see Mum waving to the driver; hope she got a response for the kids sake! Brian.