Early Risers.

[polybear]

Bear here....

 

The pressure in Mickey's rogue Tyre?  Exactly the same as it was when pumped up yesterday......I'll go for a short drive tomorrow to see what happens; the trolley jack is living in the boot at the moment as it's a lot less agg than a standard cheapo car jobbie.

 

Bear's ceiling projection clock has been reset - I guess someone's bunged a new fuse in that Satellite.

 

Apart from that (and din dins) it's been a day of yet more progress work on "The Great Project: Episode One";  it seems I'm slowly becoming an expert on what doesn't work - but not what does work........

 

Bear Gone.

[monkeysarefun]

1 hour ago, Ozexpatriate said:

Time heals and people forget (including things they shouldn't).

 

If you look at contemporary viewpoints (like movies of the time) the "war in the Far East/Pacific" was very much front and center in contemporary American consciousness.

 

Here's a non-exhaustive list:

 

1943: Guadalcanal Diary

1944: The Battle of China (directed by Frank Capra in the "Why We Fight" propaganda series)

1944: The Keys of the Kingdom (from a 1941 book) - about missionaries in China (during Imperial/Republican pre-war conflict in China*)

1944: Fighting Seabees (John Wayne)

1944: Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo

1945: Objective Burma! (Errol Flynn)

1945: Pride of the Marines (about a marine blinded at Guadalcanal - has nice footage of a Pennsy GG1)

1946: It's a Wonderful Life**

 

* Included in the list because the film echoes the 1937 Nanjing massacre without being about Nanjing.   

** Harry Bailey's "medal of honor" was for saving a troop ship from a kamikaze attack

 

And later:

1957: Bridge over the River Kwai

1958: Inn of the Sixth Happiness (Ingrid Bergman) - missionaries in China

1958: South Pacific

1963: PT-109

1964: Father Goose

 

Long before more 'modern' views like "Empire of the Sun" (1987)

 

This is a random sample (mostly) from the top of my head. You can see how the focus changes over time.

 

The shock felt at Pearl Harbor and the casualty rates in places like Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Iwo Jima and Okinawa were seared on the consciousness of Americans at the time. It wasn't considered a 'sideshow' on this side of the pond contemporaneously.

 

In the political space, consider the Stimson Doctrine. Despite the common assessment of the US as "isolationist"/Munroe Doctrine, US policy makers were very aware of Japanese expansionism and this would result in Carl Vinson's "two ocean navy".

 

 

 

It was a big thing here too obviously, other than the disastrous start to the war where Australian troops managed to be in all the wrong places like Crete and Greece and North Africa our entire war was pretty much on our doorstep. Its a little known fact that  Northern Australia got bombed from February 1942 through until November 1943. Although the attacks concentrated on Darwin there were also raids on Wyndham, Port Hedland and Derby in Western Australia,  Katherine in the Northern Territory, Townsville and Mossman in Queensland, and Horn Island in the Torres Strait.

 

There was also a midget submarine attack inside Sydney Harbour that panicked the locals, especially the posh ones with harbourside properties, many relocated to the Blue Mountains for the duration.

 

I remember growing up in the late 60's and early to mid-70's when  animosity towards the Japanese was still strong, especially among those of the generation who lived through the war, (although pre-war policies and attitudes towards Japan and other Asian countries had been fairly racist to begin with.)  I recall some bloke at Ford getting into a bit of strife at one point for alluding to people who bought Japanese cars as letting the side down a bit. Certainly Japanese were unwelcome in RSL clubs (returned services mens persons clubs) in the more regional areas. 

 

I cannot reel off any Australian movies off the top of my head (maybe "A town like Alice?") but I remember the TV series "Spyforce" with Jack Thompson was big in the early '70's. It featured much derring-do by Australian agents against the "J@ps",  but did outline the role that Australian special forces did to aid the war effort and point out that the Pacific War was more than just the US marines and navy.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLvDTdksw5k&ab_channel=RomeoAlfa

 

Edited December 3, 2023 by monkeysarefun

[PhilJ W]

2 hours ago, New Haven Neil said:

 

I do understand where you're coming from.  Mine is all to go to a nephew who is interested, but there's stuff up there in Truss-land that really is junk now - things like a black 9F that is Triang-Hornby repainted from Evening Rat when I was about 16, and so on - moulded handrails, chunky wheels, crepe weathering and all - but can I dump it? No.....and there's heaps of it. 

Put it on E-bay in any old box (that will double its worth) at a price at least five times what it is worth and it will make a guest appearance on the 'E-bay madness' thread here on RMweb.

[Hroth]

6 minutes ago, PhilJ W said:

Put it on E-bay in any old box (that will double its worth) at a price at least five times what it is worth and it will make a guest appearance on the 'E-bay madness' thread here on RMweb.

 

And if its in a correct box, the skys the limit. Especially if you can vaguely claim that the box is in "good" condition.  Even empty boxes will make a mint!

 

[pH]

14 hours ago, monkeysarefun said:

 

 

And site of probably the greatest F**kup of the war.

 

 

My late father-in-law was a Royal Navy signaller on one of the last ships evacuating (mostly troops) from Singapore to Fremantle before it fell. He volunteered for the Navy in August 1939, because he knew he would be called up as soon as a war started, with no choice as to which Service. By a combination of some smart choices and (he always admitted) a lot of luck at certain times, he served for the full six years.

[PhilJ W]

Evening all from Estuary-Land. Despite it being dark now the temperature continues to rise, the temperature is now 8C up from 6C earlier. Not much else to report, now to tackle Farcebook after I've seen the rest of RMweb.

[Tony_S]

There is a sharp bend in the road down from the A13 to the station in Benfleet. The bend is known as Cemetery Corner because it is where the cemetery is located! Over the years we have seen a few cars that have had to be removed from the railings when the drivers have somehow not noticed the road turns through 90 degrees. This year instead of a wrecked car there is a banner advertising a Christmas Enchanted Forest. At first I thought it was an event inside the cemetery but when I was a passenger instead of driving I could read the sign and I then  realised the event was actually elsewhere. Easy to find in fact, on the road to the sewage treatment works. 
 

Edited December 3, 2023 by Tony_S

[polybear]

13 minutes ago, monkeysarefun said:

I remember growing up in the late 60's and early to mid-70's and even then animosity towards the Japanese was still strong, especially among those of the generation who lived through the war,

 

 

No surprises there - it was only 25 -30 years; I know of at least one Bear that still holds a grudge against several people from the best part of fifty years ago....🤬

Now if any fellow ER'ers know how to make Voodoo Dolls.....🤣

 

4 minutes ago, Hroth said:

 

And if its in a correct box, the skys the limit. Especially if you can vaguely claim that the box is in "good" condition.  Even empty boxes will make a mint!

 

 

Bear has sold empty boxes** on the 'bay - twice, in fact.

(**Both were from Corgi Lynx Diecast Models).

[New Haven Neil]

19 minutes ago, Hroth said:

 

And if its in a correct box, the skys the limit. Especially if you can vaguely claim that the box is in "good" condition.  Even empty boxes will make a mint!

 

 

The 9F IS in it's original box as it happens, I didn't often keep the boxes but for some reason that one survives.

 

Talking of e bay though, I did find a pile of unmade, original Airfix Presflows and Prestwins...hmmm.....

[Dave Hunt]

1 hour ago, polybear said:

 

(a)  Absolutely - show a Portescap, a set of Markits Wheels, a box full of unbuilt D&S Kits or a DJH Beyer Garratt Kit** to someone that doesn't know and they wouldn't have a scoobie of their worth.

 

(b)  Bear has had similar thoughts....

 

**I haven't got one of those

 

I'll have the Portescap.

 

Dave 

[PhilJ W]

38 minutes ago, PhilJ W said:

Put it on E-bay in any old box (that will double its worth) at a price at least five times what it is worth and it will make a guest appearance on the 'E-bay madness' thread here on RMweb.

 

11 minutes ago, New Haven Neil said:

 

The 9F IS in it's original box as it happens, I didn't often keep the boxes but for some reason that one survives.

 

Talking of e bay though, I did find a pile of unmade, original Airfix Presflows and Prestwins...hmmm.....

Just been looking at the E-bay madness thread, apparently putting a face on it as in Thomas the tank engine will increase the value considerably. And don't forget to put L@@K somewhere in the description.😁

[Hroth]

5 minutes ago, PhilJ W said:

 

Just been looking at the E-bay madness thread, apparently putting a face on it as in Thomas the tank engine will increase the value considerably. And don't forget to put L@@K somewhere in the description.😁

 

Remember, for the maximum effect, it has to be

 

L@@K RARE!!!!

 

Also KITBUILT!!! must be used to describe a stock RTR item...

 

 

Edited December 3, 2023 by Hroth
Forgot "kitbuilt"...

[iL Dottore]

All this talk about what is going to happen to our model railway possessions when we've gone to the big model railway show in the sky, has reminded me that I am now going through a process of getting rid of all my 4 mm model railway stock.

Being in the fortunate position of being able to acquire models that I wanted when they came out, I now have – I think – a number of models that are now quite sought-after. The majority of these items were bought, delivered, checked and put into storage in the workshop in the cellar. To be totally and brutally honest, I have absolutely no idea what I've got down there (just that it's a lot!). This morning, for example, I just took one box at random from the storage  cupboard and found that I had a DCC  and sound fitted Dapol Great Western Railway Railcar. I'd forgotten I had it.

 

In addition to a huge amount of RTR stock, I also have quite a few kits, parts and a number of scratch built buildings that I made which  I need to get rid of (these include the Brunel Pub and the Georgian Terraced Houses).

 

Why this tsunami of elimination? Mrs ID has decided we are going to down "downsize" which is likely to mean less space for any of my hobbies (mind you, I am not going quietly and if we DO have to go into a flat, then it needs to be big enough for our workshop as well as all the other things we have collected over the years (like the 5000+ books that we have)

 

 

[Dave Hunt]

And for ebay don't forget "expertly made" = thrown together using a tube of Evostik and painted using a wallpaper brush and a tub of tar.

 

Dave

Edited December 3, 2023 by Dave Hunt

[airnimal]

All the talk of what will become of our models after we depart to that great engine shed in the sky intrigues me. I have 3 daughters who have spent many hours giving me grief over the the value of my humble efforts. 

I know what I have spent on the things I have acquired from other people but how do you put a price on something that you have built yourself. Because my models are to S7 will probably mean that they will not be worth as much as if they were finescale O gauge. Does it matter that all the none engine stock can easily be converted back to finescale with the help of a screwdriver.  

How does one value a simple wagon when a kit built wagon to not very good standards goes for £40 on

e-bay. So how do I value a hand built model taking 50 or 60 hours to make that has won a competition or appeared in MRJ in the same ball park. Will there still be people around who will still want them. I have one or two that I have spent close to 200 hours building, what would that go for on e-bay ? Even the very finest don't go for the real cost that they probably cost to acquire. 

Unless your name is Beeson or Reynalds it is very unlikely.

[BSW01]

Good evening everyone 

 

After my post earlier, I went to the workshop and got it ready for when Max called, whilst getting an area cleared for him, I found 3 of Mike’s old car kits, which would be perfect for Max to start on. Max was dropped off my Ian, just after 2 o’clock, then after a quick chat with Sheila, he and I headed off to the workshop. We spent a productive couple of hours and he thoroughly enjoyed himself. considering this was his first attempt, he’s not done too badly, but he’s still got some way to go yet. The main thing is he enjoyed it and he wants to continue coming round. In fact, he’s asked if he could call round after school on evening, so a Tuesday afternoon was agreed. Unfortunately it won’t be next Tuesday or next Sunday, due to both of us having already made arrangements, but next Tuesday (12th) is definitely on. 

[BSW01]

Goodnight all 

[PhilJ W]

Goodnight all.

[Dave John]

Agreed Airnimal, I am in the same category, though perhaps not up to your modelling standard. 

 

I have no relatives that need money and anyone that disposes of my estate would probably regard me as a silly old man that played with toy trains. 

 

I honestly don't care about money, why should I ?  I have had the satisfaction of making stuff and whether it is of financial value is not important. As a parallel thoughtI have enjoyed drinking whisky, the residue from which has no financial value either. 

 

When I know its time I'll try and think of a way stuff might go for free to folk that appreciate it. They Caley wagons got all over the place ..... 

 

 

[jjb1970]

The two bits of advice I'd offer to anyone thinking of leaving a legacy to an organization are:

 

-Go with a local charity or worthy cause you are familiar with, one for which you know donations are used to good effect and not just helping pay for central London headquarters, marketing, chuggers and bloated programs etc, local hospices are often a good choice; and

 

-Define the donation either as £XX or list specific items, as some charities are notoriously aggressive if you define it as X% of the total and basically try and shaft everyone else.

[BR60103]

Another point on charities:  Get the name right.   Dayle's aunt left amounts to a couple of charities but the names were only approximate and the executors had a right headache dealing with it.

 

 

[Andy Hayter]

If you are a member of a society, they may help with disposal of modelling assets.  It is important however to check first, since the work involved is considerable and some societies just do not have the resources.  They may well ask for a cut in the revenue generated and this should be specified in your will.  Some societies will handle the estate of members but only as donations - so taking 100% of the value but at least you know the models will have gone to those who appreciate them. 

[Gwiwer]

Good morning ERs. 
 

Something over 90 minutes ago the alarm sounded and I took Dr SWMBO into Penzance for the early train to London. Not her regular horse but she is required “in person” at a meeting later today. 
 

Heavy rain made for some interesting driving conditions but this old hand - and former professional driver of these roads - took it all in his stride as did the Little Red Driving Box. 
 

It’s not often that I am up, out, mischief managed and back home by 6am but today was one of those. 
 

Now. What to do between now and bed-time tonight? 

[pH]

6 minutes ago, Gwiwer said:

Now. What to do between now and bed-time tonight? 

I know, I know! Nap!

[iL Dottore]

The ongoing discussion of the War In The Pacific is a fascinating one. like the equally brutal and savage war in Europe, the War In The Pacific had a very large racist aspect - but this time the perpetrators were the allies and not the Axis. And like the anti-semitism of the Nazi (and allied) regime, this racism emerged from existing pre-war social attitudes.

 

I think that a considerable part of the shock and horror experienced by the Allies after the Japanese attacks in 1941 was down to the fact that the Japanese - who were frequently dismissed as primitive “little yellow men” who could only copy and not innovate - proved to be a resourceful, clever and militarily innovative foe.

 

What is equally fascinating is how two sophisticated and cultured societies descended so rapidly into a Nietzschean abyss of genocidal total war. Perhaps the only explanation that makes sense is that financial disaster (the Weimar Republic’s hyperinflation, the 1929 stock market crash, the curtailing of Japan’s access to raw materials) pushes both nations and their peoples (en-masse, not individually) to a Nietzchean & Darwinian solution based upon the amplification of existing prejudices and resentments.