Early Risers.

[Grizz]

Interesting……Possession, failure to secure scrap / rail materials, possibly in the 4ft, before handing back possession / worksite within the possession - for normal operation at line speed, struck by train at 90mph, train derailed towards 6 ft (foul to gauge of oposite road ) smashed up sleepers and ….catapulted rail onto neighbouring property…..allegedly…

Photo shows one wheel, derailed in between the conductor rail and the running rail, the juice rail is displaced onto the deck, with the sleeper end broken. Damage to the wheel tyre from running derailed. Luck no one hurt. Lucky ‘object’ did go up through the floor of the train….luck that no train passing at line speed on oposite road, at time of derailment, with derailed train foul to gauge.

 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-surrey-68466494

 

Long possessions, with long work sites with inadequate numbers of suitably trained and competent staff to physically check and ensure that worksites and possessions are walked and visually checked…prior to hand back. See it loads. 

 

 

 

 

 

[polybear]

12 minutes ago, Grizz said:

Interesting……Possession, failure to secure scrap / rail materials, possibly in the 4ft, before handing back possession / worksite within the possession - for normal operation at line speed, struck by train at 90mph, train derailed towards 6 ft (foul to gauge of oposite road ) smashed up sleepers and ….catapulted rail onto neighbouring property…..allegedly…

Photo shows one wheel, derailed in between the conductor rail and the running rail, the juice rail is displaced onto the deck, with the sleeper end broken. Damage to the wheel tyre from running derailed. Luck no one hurt. Lucky ‘object’ did go up through the floor of the train….luck that no train passing at line speed on oposite road, at time of derailment, with derailed train foul to gauge.

 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-surrey-68466494

 

Long possessions, with long work sites with inadequate numbers of suitably trained and competent staff to physically check and ensure that worksites and possessions are walked and visually checked…prior to hand back. See it loads. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bear predicts HMRI/HSE are gonna be all over that one like a rash - not to mention the Plod....

[Grizz]

Yeah but the root cause…this weekend there will be a 35 mile possession in one area I know of an it is unlikely that sufficient numbers of staff will be paid for to carry out the checks that should be carried out. Everyone wants the hand back job because it pays. But the responsibility you take when you sign that off and hand back the road is huge. 
 

Three possible outcomes from carrying out hand back…., it is safe to run at line speed,

it is safe at a given reduced line speed because of blar blar and until blar blar is sorted TSR remains…

or it is not safe to hand back until blar blar. 
 

Agency, temp staff…construction companies running railways. Bob the builder playing trains….because anyone can do this job. 

Edited March 4 by Grizz

[Grizz]

Two guys I worked with got killed in separate incidents for exactly this line of thinking. 
 

Anyone can do this job. 

[Coombe Barton]

... I realised when I placed an order on Friday for Amazon that I hadn’t ordered from them for the whole of February. Wonder why they sent me a get well card. ...

https://johncolby.wordpress.com/2024/03/04/covid-enquiry-in-wales-day-5-admin-and-resits-and-plans/

[woodenhead]

Packed train, lady across from me has taken two seats and the guard does absolutely nothing even though it’s obvious what’s she done.

 

Some people are so selfish

[PhilJ W]

Evening all from Estuary-Land. Choice of dinner tonight was pulled pork or liver and bacon. I settled for the pulled pork and very nice it was too. Now to tackle Farcebook, be back later.

[Grizz]

Mmmmmmmm pulled pork…..😋..

 

I can’t mention what I actually had, because I don’t want to upset a distant, distant relation…who isn’t allowed to have any. 
 

Particularly the non straight ones…like I had. 

[Peter Kazmierczak]

Like Dave mentioned above, when you are teaching in a school you know your working pattern for the whole year ahead. No flexi-time or days off in lieu...

 

But when I made a career change and became a librarian, I found it very strange to sometimes have a day off in the middle of the week. Why are these people not at work, I'd wonder? Took me ages to not feel guilty having a day off that wasn't at the weekend.

Talking of cruises, we've never been on one. Rather ironically, our next-door neighbour is the entertainment director for Cunard...

[Grizz]

I know what you mean, I’m off shift tomorrow, but it still sometimes feels like I’m bunking off school, because it is midweek.

Edited March 4 by Grizz
Added a bit

[Grizz]

Did anyone else ever have one of these as a kid? Me and my mate had one each and +5000 1/72 scale slodiers between us. 
 

Bluddy brilliant. The Howitzer box had a warning on it, something like, not to put anything else down the barrel. Only use the plastic shells provided….HA. Didn’t use them…anything but. 4” nails and various screws were popular.
 

But the absolute best was when my dad gave us a couple of hundred empty / spent 9mm brass bullet casings. They fitted comfortably down the barrel and we used to fill them with fine lead shot (fishing weights) as casement shot and cut up paper caps to stick on to the end that the strike shell struck. The cap would go off bang and smoke would come out the end of the barrel. It was soooooo cool. 
 

[Grizz]

Sadly I made a fundamental error with my original one. I stuffed what I thought was a loose fitted banger down the end and lit it. But the strike shell didn’t fire it clear of the end of the barrel and it blew it to bits. 
 

Years later I bought a couple of replacements through auction. Number one cub and I had great fun with them when he was young. 

Edited March 4 by Grizz
Spelling auto correct

[PhilJ W]

Goodnight all.

[Gwiwer]

On 03/03/2024 at 16:49, iL Dottore said:

Blunt Scalpel of the Döctörs of Destructiön (possibly @iL Dottore) on lead guitar.

Like all guitarists of that generation, Blunt Scalpel went through the obligatory "Indian Mysticism" phase....

The use of the “Rock Umlaut” has not göne unnoticed. 
 

As used by the likes of Motörhead for effect more than for pronunciation. 
 

I sometimes reflect upon what words might have passed between Lemmy and myself. We yelled at each other over pints in the Ruskin Arms (London E12; a famed hard-rock venue in its day) but truthfully could never really hear each other above the band. 
 

In any case the sum total of the late Mr Kilmister’s “conversation” was often no more than a husky “alright?”  
 

Ah the days. Puppers et al might in passing care to note that the younger and carefree Gwiwer - complete with waist-length pony—tail - was the only non-biker in the place and the only one not wearing leathers. Patchouly was optional 🤣

[polybear]

12 minutes ago, Grizz said:

Mmmmmmmm pulled pork…..😋..

 

I can’t mention what I actually had, because I don’t want to upset a distant, distant relation…who isn’t allowed to have any. 

 

😢

 

12 minutes ago, Grizz said:

Particularly the non straight ones…like I had. 

 

Curly Wurly?

 

ION.....

 

This afternoon's highlight was sorting muddlin' "stuff" - 95% done, so almost a Tick awarded.  No wandering achieved - hopefully I'll make up for it tomorrow; I am still behaving like A Good Bear when it comes to scoff though......honest guv.....

 

Cruise Liners?  Not for this Bear - if I go somewhere I want to be able to explore at my own pace and not worry about clock watching and having to be back onboard at X o'clock.

On the subject of Hols though - no idea what the plan is for this year where to (hopefully) visit; I do like the idea of minimum aggro/preferably no bluddy hire car/outside the UK/enough to do (ideally) in one place/airport not too far from the destination/not sitting around on beaches etc./good chance of reasonable weather/not long haul.....

Venice ticked all these boxes - but since I've been there three times now in recent years I reckon it's time for a change.

Suggestions welcome please.....

 

BG

 

 

[woodenhead]

Don’t think I mentioned 2 hours 15 minutes of two people cramped on the seat next to me.  I’ve had my personal space constantly invaded and back cramps plus hands on my leg.

 

I love the train☹️ 

[monkeysarefun]

35 minutes ago, Grizz said:

Did anyone else ever have one of these as a kid? Me and my mate had one each and +5000 1/72 scale slodiers between us. 
 

Bluddy brilliant. The Howitzer box had a warning on it, something like, not to put anything else down the barrel. Only use the plastic shells provided….HA. Didn’t use them…anything but. 4” nails and various screws were popular.
 

But the absolute best was when my dad gave us a couple of hundred empty / spent 9mm brass bullet casings. They fitted comfortably down the barrel and we used to fill them with fine lead shot (fishing weights) as casement shot and cut up paper caps to stick on to the end that the strike shell struck. The cap would go off bang and smoke would come out the end of the barrel. It was soooooo cool. 
 

 

 

 

Wow, that brought back memories, I had the 155mm Atomic Cannon.

 

It used the same spring-loaded  shell delivery system, and I too experimented with  nails, ball bearings and so on, but didn't progress to pyrotechnics.

 

 

 

 

[New Haven Neil]

13 minutes ago, polybear said:

Suggestions welcome please.....

 

 

 

Err, second from left.

Edited March 4 by New Haven Neil

[Gwiwer]

1 hour ago, woodenhead said:

Packed train, lady across from me has taken two seats and the guard does absolutely nothing even though it’s obvious what’s she done.

 

Some people are so selfish

It seems my p.a. skills might have been needed. 
 

During Reading Festival when the teeming hordes of testosterone and Chanel were bound for that event the platform announcements were 

 

“Bums on seats - beers, bags and bongs on the racks or on the floor”. 
 

If I saw a seat “bagged” I would not let the train go if others were standing. Which they usually were. Often indecently close together. But hey - teens and twenty-somethings, y’know? 
 

Royal Ascot brought out the well-heeled and well-endowed (i.e. having multiple credit cards). Champagne breakfast parties on the platform were de rigeur.  Lady’s Day was the best. No matter what the weather there were minuscule frocks and faintly ridiculous fascinators. Unless you had a Royal Enclosure pass in which case it was a bit more discreet and sober. Chaps in toppers and hired suits …..  

 

Aside from working the crowd by shoving the microphone up their noses and asking for their race tips I wasn’t averse to asking what they were drinking 

 

- “Good morning madam. Very pretty in pink there. What’s in the can this morning?”

- (flustered and flattered mode) “This one’s a merlot”

- “Ladies and Gentlemen “Merlot Lady” is here this morning. Let’s giver her a big cheer”

And they did

 

When the train arrived it was a case of “All runners and riders to the yellow line please. No stepping over the yellow line until I say so. ……. NOW!  Go on Sir, squeeze up tight, your lady won’t object!  Shake hands with a stranger as you board.”

 

”Ladies and Gents the white bat is up and they’re under starter’s orders. And they’re off!  The 8.28 is off and running. The early leader is Richmond followed by Twickenham then Feltham and Staines. Close behind it’s Egham then Virginua Water with Sunningdale trailing behind Longcross and last of that pack it’s Royal Ascot who is the back marker at the moment …..”

 

Miss Management would have had a blue fit if she had heard. I got a lot of thanks, cash tips and even written / emailed compliments. 
 

Bag on seat?  No problem 🤣
 

 

[Hroth]

15 minutes ago, monkeysarefun said:

I had the 155mm Atomic Cannon.

 

All I had was a 25 pdr field gun.

 

But you could put caps in the breech to make it go bang and matchsticks down the barrel....

 

Still got it!

[PupCam]

Evening All!

 

16 hours ago, polybear said:

ION....

One for @PupCam:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-68426263

 

Ha!    You don't get that nonsense with a 1939 Beeza!

 

11 hours ago, polybear said:

....... piddled in the pool this time; for some strange reason I noticed that the slow lane was inhabited by just one Bear + A.N. Other from Lap 15 onwards.  I wonder why?

 

I do wish you'd stop doing that.

 

7 hours ago, polybear said:

 - including the dreaded once-fortnightly "Bike Oil" reminder, which involves revolving Harry the Honda's back wheel round and the engine over TDC/compression ten+ times whilst the bike is in top gear (750 DOHC, with the plugs in...) - gets everything turnin' & wobblin' in order to keep the engine free & lubricated.  Good for building up forepaw muscles too....

 

You do realise that bike's now got 19000 miles on the clock and it's not been out of the shed!

 

6 hours ago, Hroth said:

 I would have thought that Bear would have dived head-first into the cake, sending it flying everywhere, rather than bother with trying to manipulate it with a mouth held implement...

 

It would also have made a more dramatic picture!

 

Completely unbelievable picture.   Bear would never avoid a cake that big.    Must be a Deep Fake.    Next thing you know we'll be seeing a photo of "old pals"   Trump & Bear taking a selfie down the pub!

 

1 hour ago, woodenhead said:

Packed train, lady across from me has taken two seats and the guard does absolutely nothing even though it’s obvious what’s she done.

 

Some people are so selfish

 

I seem to be using the train far more now since the regular and frequent "Up the smoke" hospital visits than I did in the rest of my entire life.      The thing that really, really gets my goat and I see it on EVERY TRIP WITHOUT EXCEPTION are the INCONSIDERATE VERMIN who insist on using the opposite seat as a foot stool.  It isn't it's a seat for sitting on,  and who knows what sh*t you've been walking through beforehand.   Maybe it's just me ..... ?

 

ION

 

Busy, busy, busy.   

 

The morning (up to a latish lunch) was spent cutting, chiselling, filing and drilling pergola timbers and then erecting the first half of the second side.     All finished off with a very generous drowning in Creocote with special emphasis on the end-grain.      I was completely done-in at the end of it but it was a good job jobbed so that's a big tick.     After lunch was a trip to the (local) hospital for an appointment.   Due to unpublicized free parking arrangements this involves a walk (good) but I was already worn-out from this morning's exertions (bad) so I felt even more tired on my return.       Then before dinner I had to jump in Monty and drive to a friends house ~15 miles away with an RD200 silencer* that seems to have a hole where it shouldn't.  He's going to remove the hole with the aid of his TIG welder.     So that's used yet more energy!

 

* Used in a fairly loose manner

 

So time for bed said Zebedee

 

Night All

 

 

 

 

 

[Compound2632]

13 minutes ago, Gwiwer said:

It seems my p.a. skills might have been needed. 
 

During Reading Festival when the teeming hordes of testosterone and Chanel were bound for that event the platform announcements were 

Royal Ascot brought out the well-heeled and well-endowed (i.e. having multiple credit cards). Champagne breakfast parties on the platform were de rigeur.  Lady’s Day was the best. No matter what the weather there were minuscule frocks and faintly ridiculous fascinators. Unless you had a Royal Enclosure pass in which case it was a bit more discreet and sober. Chaps in toppers and hired suits …..  

 

Aside from working the crowd by shoving the microphone up their noses and asking for their race tips I wasn’t averse to asking what they were drinking 

 

- “Good morning madam. Very pretty in pink there. What’s in the can this morning?”

- (flustered and flattered mode) “This one’s a merlot”

- “Ladies and Gentlemen “Merlot Lady” is here this morning. Let’s giver her a big cheer”

And they did

 

When the train arrived it was a case of “All runners and riders to the yellow line please. No stepping over the yellow line until I say so. ……. NOW!  Go on Sir, squeeze up tight, your lady won’t object!  Shake hands with a stranger as you board.”

 

”Ladies and Gents the white bat is up and they’re under starter’s orders. And they’re off!  The 8.28 is off and running. The early leader is Richmond followed by Twickenham then Feltham and Staines. Close behind it’s Egham then Virginua Water with Sunningdale trailing behind Longcross and last of that pack it’s Royal Ascot who is the back marker at the moment …..”

 

I was fortunate in my commuting days to be going against the race day flow. Too early in the morning, of course, but Reading-bound in the evening one would see the hordes at Ascot and, if lucky, the Pullman. There would be a few uncertainly-clad inebriates heading back Reading-wards, with their lads looking uncomfortable in morning dress, and a smattering of Irish touts and bookies.

[Gwiwer]

14 minutes ago, Compound2632 said:

uncertainly-clad inebriates

That is perhaps the finest description I have yet come across to describe them!  
 

Freezing, drunk, barely dressed, falling everywhere, well past caring who might see what that should not be showing. 
 

And their uncomfortable and embarrassed chaps in, as you say, morning suits by now in need of a very good deep clean before going back to the hire-shop. And also often drunk, relieving themselves liberally in full sight of everyone whilst trying to drag or cajole their uncertainly-clad inebriate ladies safely home.
 

 

[jamie92208]

10 hours ago, woodenhead said:

Packed train, lady across from me has taken two seats and the guard does absolutely nothing even though it’s obvious what’s she done.

 

Some people are so selfish

I usually enjoy myself by insisting that they move the bag and then sitting in the seat.  I have great fun. My ex colleague and I also enjoyed ourselves one day on a crowded cross country train when some fellow in a suit and tie with laptop and phone insisted on sitting in our reserved seats.  He did get up rather fast when assisted by Keith and I. 

 

Jamie. 

Edited March 5 by jamie92208

[BSW01]

Good evening everyone 

 

I’ve had another busy day in the cellar and I’ve made a bit more progress. In fact, I got a little bit more done than I anticipated. I’ve completed the small alcove as well as the fireplace, although I still need to fit a short piece right at the back. So, I’m now about 95% done, there’s just the large alcove to do, which is roughly 6ft x 1ft. This should get done tomorrow morning. I can then begin fitting the skirting boards. 

 

Here’s a couple of photos, excuse the tool box,