PupCam

Evening! Puppers went to see the widow of my good mate (and ex-work colleague) and to collect the foam cutter this morning. Try as I might, the two inverted U shaped main frames would not fit in Monty even after removing all of the mechanism parts. I had hoped to keep them intact for the time being (even though it is unlikely that it will be used as a foam cutter again) but it was not to be and they had to be cut-up to get them in the car. It was a strange, uneasy feeling fiddling about in his garage, using his tools to dismantle something that we'd discussed and worked on many* years ago. More than once I asked him where I'd find a screwdriver or Allen Key! At some point there's a vertical mill and two lathes to dispose of and that's going to be interesting. I do hope that his widow doesn't end up calling in the "We'll get rid of them for free Madam" merchants and that we can find recipients who want and will appreciate them and also won't mind giving at least a token amount in return. Those recipients will of course have to be "strong old boys" though because they'll have to remove them from their lair! * Hard for me to believe it's very nearly 20 years since we built our first foam cutter On my return this afternoon the stack of bits that is the scaffold tower was moved to a more appropriate position. Its owner is away walking for a couple of weeks so I've got to hang on to it for a bit. We don't want to be tripping over it every 5 minutes🤣 Now, I wonder what the weather is going to be like in the morning? There's talk of a run over to Woburn to Pure Triumph tomorrow which reminds me, a friend has two tickets for a trip around the Triumph factory. Looks like I'll be driving up the M1 next week! 😀 TTFN

Afternoon! Bluebells were spotted in Hitch Wood and very nice they were too. On the way back we detoured via St Evenage as shopping had to be shopped; "a few bits" aka ~£100 from Sainsbugs and some wool from Hobby Craft. Like many things it appears wool is becoming a difficult item to source. All of the traditional local retailers, whether independents or chains, seem to have disappeared in a puff of smoke. This is not good when Mrs Puppers has just been commissioned by Junior Junior Puppers to knit yet more toy snakes! Still, we found some in the end but how much! This afternoon I have been engaged in the death defying feat of dismantling the scaffold tower with the assistance of Mrs Puppers and a neighbour (who reported that this mornings VMCC ride was extremely pleasant - that's right, rub it in 🤣). Anyway, I'm very pleased to say that the entire activity is now complete without any physical damage to my body including that that would be created by the sudden stop at the end of a long drop! I'm getting way too old to be scrabbling around at the top of a braced but still wobbly scaffold tower. On disassembly I tried one of the frames for size in the back of Monty. It looks like I'll be able to return it to it's owner without troubling him to come over with his trailer. Good old Monty who, incidently, clocked up 198,000 miles on the way home this morning. Whilst engaged in this activity I noticed a glider thermal soaring nearby. It's only a phone shot and it was a way away so it is included for interest rather than photographic merit. The other day we were visited by a couple of Wildcat helicopters that clearly used the local church (stuck on a hill) as a turning point. Reminds me of the days years ago when we used to get A10 Warthogs doing the same thing at about 800' Fortunately we never heard the very distinctive sound of the "Gatling Gun"* * Actually the GAU-8/A Avenger auto-cannon This evening it's downt'pub with the ex GE Biker mates. I wonder if the world will have been to rights in the morning? Probably not ..... TTFN

Morning! Me neither. I think we can detect a theme here ..... ION Had very few interviews during my career. One to get my first position. One 10 years later for a position with the then opposition. I passed but declined the "kind" offer. History shows another bullet dodged as I probably would have ended up where I ended up anyway but on different terms. Looks like I failed my last informal interview. It's a beautiful day! I had an invitation to go on the first local VMCC "Summer Saunter". I think they are heading out over Saffron Walden way. No doubt it will be a nice run but I declined the offer as I'm out with another group (ex GE bikers) this evening and this morning Mrs Puppers and I are out to visit the Bluebells. TTFN

Evening! Which reminds me, I have to go and collect a foam cutter gifted to me that was built by a late, good friend and colleague in the next couple of days. We first built a fairly substantial foam cutter together for a project about 20 years ago. Essentially 2 giant XY plotters with a hot wire stretched between them it would cut objects up to just over 2m long by 1m by 1m - it was a bit of a beast! It used some really cheap (and extremely poor) commercial software to convert the 2D template drawings into sequential cut paths. We had no knowledge of G Code at the time and persevered with "FlakeySoft" once I'd identified workarounds to its software "features". It did the job rather well in the end even if we did have to invent some devious cut-paths to produce the required, rather complex 3D objects. When my friend retired sometime later he used his collection money to buy the necessary components (bearings, leadscrews, stepper motors, drivers etc etc) to build a better albeit more modestly sized one for home use rather than the standard clock. Why did people always get clocks or watches when they retired? 🤔 Anyway, unfortunately he succumbed to the big C last year and his wife has asked me if I'd like it. Even though I'm now unlikely to make use of it as a foam cutter (for model aircraft wing cores most likely) the components may well have a number of other potential uses particularly for the astronomy department so, yes I would. Great photos Rick! Although I don't ever recall going to St Ives I feel I know the place fairly well now as I pay a virtual visit using a roving webcam sometimes when taking my blood pressure (it's a nice scene that distracts the mind). The second photograph has answered a question I had. I've often wondered if the arches in the quay were blind. Apparently not! Anyway, we really must pay it a proper not virtual visit sometime. ION I've been up and down the scaffold tower a few times this morning tidying up and fine tuning the work I've done up there. Just got to take it down now and return it to its owner. I'm definitely getting too old to be shinning up and down such things and me with a heart condition! This afternoon may have involved an extended eye lid inspection. Other than that. not a lot .... Night All

Yes .... 🤣 Whoops, I've just thought. When Puppers was a young Pup (circa 1970) his father had a model shop. We used to sell MiniTrix N Gauge stuff. The small radius curve part number was 4912, the larger radius curve was 4922 and short straights were 4916. The registration number of father's Triumph Herald in 1964 was GMG***B ...... On second thoughts, no Bear that's not sad at all it just show's you have* a very good memory. * In my case it shows I had a very good memory albeit it's shot to pieces now! 🤣

And in some cases all of those things simultaneously! You can't beat multi-tasking.

No the bloke on the HD took some of the weight of the Duke as he was actually sitting on it about to leave. Richard's mate rushed to his aid to lift the bike off of the HD. I presume the HD was not actually damaged as there appeared to be no swapping of particulars and he drove off. His body language clearly suggested that he was less than chuffed!

Perhaps different rather than necessarily better? Once is more than enough and worthy of applause as mentioned 😀

Monty did the Hardknott Pass a few years ago. What fun! I always find it ironic that the off-road vehicles are (usually) the ones to force you off of the road ... Maybe I'm just unlucky? Wasn't certain how to rate your post but in the end I think anyone who can do the pass without an engine thingy deserves a might big round of applause!

Gel batteries are lead acid, it's just that the acid has been turned into gel form to provide maintenance and spill proof characteristics so should be fine with the original system. Do not go for Lithium batteries which generally require different and carefully monitored and controlled charging regimes. As you know, Lithium batteries also have a secondary use as incendiary devices if physically abused (mechanical damage, incorrect charging etc .....)

Afternoon! A mitre is cut at half the angle so (usually) 45° - that's diagonal for a square chess board so just about spot-on 😉 They do round here! BEAR STOP RIGHT NOW! Puppers does not have room in his garage for another bike, he probably couldn't reach the ground and he certainly couldn't pick it up unaided if he dropped it! Does look nice though and very shiny indeed considering it's been living in shedland for 30 years. Is the fully enclosed chain standard or a Beary add-on? A note of caution or, as the boss at the Great Empire used to say, "expectation management"; It's a buyer's market out there at the moment with prices of second hand bikes generally depressed and going down. I've no idea what it is worth other than "whatever someone will pay for it" (which reminds me, I'll mention it to my mate (Note 1) in the VJMC to see if he knows of anyone likely to be interested. ION Went for a wee thrash this morning with a couple of mates (See Note 1) first to Jordans Mill for brekkie and then on to Shuttleworth. The Cambridge Classic Car group were meant to be having a meet there today. Saw a few interesting cars but not enough to constitute a "Meet". As we were sitting in the sunshine enjoying coffee and putting the world to rights a couple Ducatis arrived and (attempted) to park up. The first one slotted in between a Harley with Ape bars (but we won't hold that against him and I think you get counselling now) and another bike. The second which looked like a race replica complete with a rider in IIRC racing leathers (I think his name may have been Richard Head) attempted to fit in the non-existent gap between his mate and the Harley. He got off and as there was no room between him and Mr HD (who had just started up with difficulty due to lack of space) over-balanced, dropped it and it fell against the HD. Mr HD was, quite rightly, "a bit p*ss*d off! There was plenty of space elsewhere to park. As I say, I think his name must have been Richard Head. On my return I collected some tools and ascended the scaffolding tower to attend to the needs of the gutter/soffit/facie/tiles. I'm definitely getting too old to be at roof level at the top of a wobbly scaffold tower. Nevertheless the mission appeared to be successful. I will leave the tower in place for a couple of days just in case I need to do any "fine tuning" and then I'll grab the neighbour and get him to give me a hand getting it down again. Apparently dinner is almost served. TTFN

I rest my case ...

Green, blue or black* is the correct colour for locomotives but each colour MUST be of the correct shade and red (of the correct "Indian" shade) should of course be reserved for the wheels of blue locomotives 😀 * Three contrasting shades of grey (emulating "silver") are of course eminently suitably alternatives for certain locomotives. Simple really .....

Evening! You have to ask! 🤣 ION Today I have been erecting (up to house gutter level) the scaffolding tower that a mate has lent me. That' an interesting exercise and one designed to wear a Pup out! I took the precaution of buying a couple of ground anchors so that I could tie it down to the ground and provide a bit of triangulation for stability purposes. Also arranged so that there's a slight bias of tension towards the house rather than away from it. Unfortunately it was just too tall to fit nicely under the soffit right up hard against the wall so I think a couple of spacer blocks may well be added between the tower and the wall to provide additional stability. I used to quite like heights and going up ladders .... After today's and the remnants of yesterday's exertions I feel another early night is in order. Night Awl!

Evening! Well it's been a long and busy day today. Up at the crack of sparrows, set-off to drive to St Evenage before 8:00 in order to get parked and to the station in very good time for the 9:30 Thameslink service. The train started well departing at 9:31 but was parked at Welwyn Garden City for more than 30 minutes due to signalling problems between St Pancras and Blackfriars. My first appointment time "up the smoke" came and went, phone calls to the hospital to advise them that we'd been delayed but were on our way and would arrive ASAP. When the train did finally get going again it turned into a non-stop express to Brighton at London Bridge but that was OK, we were off of it by then! Anyway, when we did finally arrive at the hospital two consultations and a number of standard procedures later plus a longish wait (as usual) at the pharmacy for a specific medication I was finally free to leave ~3:00pm. Unfortunately the signalling problems were still ongoing so our return was slightly delayed but we made it in the end. Nevertheless, the news on the important matters of the day were all good and agreement on the way forward over the next few months so a big smile and even bigger tick from Puppers 😀 Completely bushed now so a very early night is on the cards. Night All.

Morning! I’m a real ER today. It’s much too early …. 🤣 Back later, TTFNQ

Morning! Oh, I think they are if you drive some makes of vehicles (I don't like to promote stereotypes but they are often of German origin). Which reminds me, an acquaintance of mine described themselves as a "vibrant Audi driver". Certainly had me wondering ....... Conversely, other drivers get far more of an indication of my intentions when I'm out on my bikes and two out of the three don't even have indicators! (and I think the brake light is not actually a legal requirement on one of them due to its age). You can't beat positive (legal) hand signals but of course the one problem with them is they are not persistent throughout a manoeuvre as those hands / fingers are required for other trivial things at times like changing gear, operating the throttle and the front brake. My emphasis but I think you need to add "and will be dealt with severely". Being caught, told you're a very naughty boy and released is no deterrent for people with no morals or empathy for others. Clearly the following options don't work or unacceptable. a) Letting them go free (by either failing to track them down or in, really bad cases, not bothering to look for them at all) b) Taking their liberty away and locking them up for a long(ish) while. BTW - I still have no clue as to why Life Imprisonment rarely means that but I'm a simple soul. c) Taking their lives So for a philosophical Thursday, and in the absence of a Higher Being or Authority "Doing the right thing" on our behalf, what is the answer then? The world is mostly broken* how to fix it? * It always has been and no doubt always will be and WE ALWAYS FAIL to learn the lessons of crime and war. Most of (if not all) the banks in Bank Court in Hemel Hempstead new town (yes, I know it's 70 years old now and looking like it) have gone. But then all of the fine logic used in its original planning has gone as old "new" buildings have been replaced, main thoroughfares have been pedestrianised, a half empty shopping mall built, the main entertainment venue demolished but not replaced, the Civic Centre demolished and a host of other disasters choices made. There was a good deal of thought and logic applied to its original layout all those years ago now totally abandoned with the rush to provide "more housing" and some might say** a fast Buck. When we moved to the area many many years ago there was talk of a new hospital. I moved away in the mid 70's, they are still waiting for a new, decent hospital ....... The words Fat***, Chance and Now spring to mind ** Not me of course! *** That's probably not PC perhaps it should be "larger than average"? ION A very convivial lunch was had yesterday in a Hitchin hostelry with a couple of rely-in-laws otherwise not-a-lot to report. Really, a walk should be walked this afternoon if nothing else. TTFN

Morning! Good luck with that. My original surgeon's medical secretary had an answerphone with pre-recorded message/menu. If you persisted with a "No, I want to speak to you" option a further recorded message was issued "Mailbox full - Good bye" followerd by "Click, Brrrrrr". Happened numerous times so it wasn't just a one-off due to exceptional circumstances. I've said it numerous times; the NHS is one heck of a Curate's Egg! True but, the problem there is with the justice system not the punishment. Fix the justice system and retain the deterrent ...... Anyway, you can never "fix" miscarriages of justice, e.g. tell that to Sub-postmasters. Those that sadly were forced to take their own lives through absolutely no fault of their own because both the organisation and justice system were seriously flawed can not now undo their actions. And for those that didn't, once a life is wrecked you can't make out as if it never happened with any amount of compensation. ION Travel planning for my trip "up the smoke" underway (to see my very good consultants as it happens). Revised plans will mean a trip to St Evenage rather than Hitchin to catch a train that will get me there in good time and not cost two arms & two legs. I'm prepared to drive the extra few miles to halve my rail travel costs whilst retaining at least one option if the only train that would get me there in time is cancelled (Yes, I know they never do that ...) Seems like we are out to lunch down the pub today with niece and nephew-in-law. Should be good. TTFN

I don't know but it seems highly likely.

That’s for me to know and you to wonder 🤣

It seems like that in general it’s a Buyers Market out there at the moment. Here’s the results from last weekend’s Shuttleworth auction. https://www.iconicauctioneers.com/the-shuttleworth-spring-motorcycle-sale-2024/2024-04-07/page-1/session-113/ipp-100

You just can't get the bears these days .... Whoops, I nearly became a supporting statistic for that a few years ago. My birthday treat turned out to be getting an electronic device implanted in a hurry. Perhaps the most worthwhile present I've ever had, I must get the battery checked soon 🤔 Night All

It's becoming tiresome now ....

Afternoon Just about anything and everything is game for counterfeiting. I've always thought the two specific examples mentioned are particularly worrying. Many years ago I was working on a job that required many Sandisk flash memory cards. The organisation responsible for purchasing them chose Amazon as the source. On arrival I tested them and found a good number didn't work correctly. After some searching I stumbled across a page on EBay detailing how to detect counterfeit Sandisk memory cards. I think there were about 12 different signs e.g. the font on the labels, the labels having square corners not round corners etc etc. I was able to tick off 10 out of the 12 on the list ....... The cards were returned with a "Please try harder and don't go for the cheapest next time" note. Over recent years with my vastly increased consumption of meds I've gone from a "Never bother reading the leaflet" type to a "Read every line on the leaflet and keep a copy of it and note how you're not meant to take Drug A with Drug B or C which is a shame because A, B, C & D (along with others) have been prescribed. A good number of those aren't really leaflets they are more "Mini books" and, with the best will in the world and the smallest of fonts. you'd never get that lot on the back of a bottle. Quite how useful the molecular structure diagram is for the average user (they are after all user notes 😉) I don't know. Maybe a case of BS B B? Oh how careless! ION Nice chug over to Woburn Saturday on the Beeza. I had an invitation to a run out yesterday which would have been a thrash on the RD but I was feeling a smidge below par and it was blowing a hooley. I don't do wet, dark ..... hooleys so I declined. However, it's been much better today so a walk (~2.5 miles) was walked and then a thrash was thrashed. The thrash included visiting a a station on the BedPan line to check out parking arrangements, cost, apps and all that carp. It might provide a useful alternative to the ECML when I go up the smoke for my next consultation. On my return I was informed that "we really must book our holiday". So we did. Fortunately no Boeing 737s (or any other 3D buses) will be involved. Puppers is in need of a scafold tower. He needs to get up to the soffit/facia to deal with some maintenance issues. He has a long ladder plus a stand-off but is basically too much of a coward these days re-enforced by statements such as "You're not going up there on that ladder, it's not safe". As a bit of a long shot a plea was placed on one of my Whats Ap groups of biking mates produced dividends. One of my mates has one. I only need one and he's going to drop it round in the next couple of days. I'd call that a result! 😀 Right, I'm off to sort out dinner. TTFN

In my Beeza's case I think the butchery was far more recent as was the replacement of the standard piston with a Triumph high compression piston that took the CR from the stock 6.2:1 ish to over 11:1. It ran when I got it but it didn't keep running for long (no surprise) particularly as they failed to ensure that the plain main bearing was and remained aligned (which it didn't). 11:1 CR plus no oil to the bottom end ..... It didn't end well but it wasn't a problem; it was an "opportunity" for Puppers to have a go at building an engine from the ground up. Shame the oil passageway between the bearing and the casting is only about 1/8" diameter ... Other butchery involved replacing almost unobtainable cam followers with more common jobs. This was done by forcing the new guides into the old guides with a great degree of force resulting in bits of the crankcase casting falling off. Still, not to worry ... Making sure that the oil pump mounting face is in good condition ...... Never mind, it's all part of the fun of keeping an 80+ year old machine on the road and it's such fun to ride now. Hopefully any "butchery" that I've added for pragmatic reasons has at least been done to a reasonable and acceptable standard (it's certainly an order of magnitude better than what a previous owner managed!) 🤞