bbishop

Evening all, A successful day (almost). German classes booked; two hats ans two pairs of trousers (all in sale) purchased in M&S; a camera case purchased in John Lewis (with zipped pocket for my keys and a belt attachment so it can double up on CFR duties); an important document delivered to Diocesan Office. But, I attempted to log onto the St John website. Complete gobbledygook. Bill

Hey, what about Robert Urie's S15 class for the LSWR. Nothing poncy or frilly here (and two are preserved on the Mid Hants). Both the B16's and S15's were designed for fast freights, where the most important factor was stopping the train, and were also happy on medium paced passenger trains. Bill

Morning all. Chris, I have no objections to your profundities. An enjoyable lunch at the PoS. The eagle eyed will spot an invoice in my top pocket. My lateness was due to the computers at the Strand branch of the Nationwide being on terminal decline. The invoice was later paid at the Cheapside branch so something large and black/red will appear in due course. Bought MRJ on the way home, full of the devil's work. Bill PS:- a BR 86

Jamie, I did --- weren't interested. Bill

I was in the bath yesterday morning, when an Irish gentleman rang the bell to say he was repairing next door's roof and could he come my side to sort out some flashing. Next thing I know is a racket from a different part of the roof, which Paddy has put his foot through. A rapid series of phone calls from Paddy's boss (Owner of the company) provides me with a quote, then a discounted quote for cash, then the urgent request for an advance for "materials". Meanwhile Paddy turns up with a tarpaulin. So off I go to the building society and withdraw the cash, and the moment I get home Paddy re-appears. Perhaps a bit too quickly. Can he have the advance please. I request company details such as headed paper, so Paddy disappears and the boss is on the phone, warning of torrential rain and the urgency to get the materials to make the roof safe overnight. All too pat, I'm aware of a reasonable forecast and whilst the internet shows the company, the boss gave me a different address. So when Paddy's mate turns up, I stall him and ask where they are parked. Round the corner. By the time I've found pen and paper and shut the door, there is no sign of Paddy, his mate or a van. So the next call is to my insurance's legal contact, confirming it was a scam, then to.my builder. A call to Paddy's boss went straight to voicemail. (Phone probably already binned) Today, I've contacted the Action Fraud line and my builder has replaced the tarp. Paddy's is at the end of the drive. Tomorrow my builder will repair the roof and I shall make Shoreditch via the building society. Bill

Happy birthday to Beth. Bill

A very stressful day yesterday, which meass a possibility that I will miss lunch on Friday. I'll explain, if I make it - and will write it up here sometime. Chris, you raise some profound topics in the time between running your bath and getting into it! Something for Friday? Bill ps - corrected the date, told you I was stressed. Bill

Consider Bristol. Bill

Morning all, Back from the USSR! Worrying news about John but hope to see him on Friday. Meanwhile a fair bit to get on with, including clearing about 120 e-mails from my in box. Also delaying the builder from starting on the shed roof as it is raining rather heavily. And paying for something large, Teutonic and black and red. And a question to our single members? How do you deal with your house keys when you are on holiday? I had a couple of scares, because they weren't on my "current" trousers but were in the pocket of a discarded pair. Bill

Pig knuckle and only about 60% consumed even after a 24 hour fast (except for beer). Accompanied by a Latvian dark, then a Latvian light and finally a Westmulle, that took 30 mins to sip. Nicely sated. Bill

Evening all, Now in Riga. Fairly good railway museum and some nice trams. Off to eat, sorry about the caps. Bill

Morning all from a very hot Moscow, Two railway museums and some touring on the Metro this morning then the overnight train to Riga. At our age, we lose many friends to the scythe (but that is natural in the cycle of life) but is sad when we lose them to arguements. It's happened twice to me in the last decade or so; I've patched up one, the other is sadly gone for good. There will be photographs next Friday - see some of you then. Bill

Evening all from a hotel in Moscow, I've caught up with events in Ambridge but not really on ER, except thar Chris is having a bit of a crisis. Don't panic, old son, you are one of the nicest persons on this big, wide world. Lead your life as you want, but keep in touch with those who appreciate you for whom you are. So far I've done Finland, Estonia and the tourist side of Moscow. Railway museum tomorrow, then overnight to Latvia, Sweden briefly then home. See some of you next Friday. Bill

So you mean Operating Superintendent? Bill

Evening all, I've been loitering, rather than posting, recently but am off tomorrow to points east. Back in time for lunch with Flavio et al. I've just checked the fridge - one avocado and a pot of houmous to consume. Otherwise empty. Plugs will be pulled. Keep well all for the duration. Bill

What's the point? The property is unoccupied! Bill

The Q1's were great locomotives until it came time to stop an unfitted freight train. That is why the Urie S15s weighed 90 ton. Bill

Evening all, I had a look at ER this morning then off to Mike's to work on my baseboards, then leave some with him to ensure the builder can walk through the garage in a couple of week's when he re-roofs the shed. (The shed is an extension to the garage.) Seven boards complete, the other seven require a cross piece and/or connecting dowels. I've just contributed to the cyclists v. pedestrians thread - surprised it hasn't be been locked yet - probably will be after my reference to Brother Boris! The strange sight as I cycled through Hyde Park late last night on the downhill stretch past the barracks was the appearance from Knightsbridge of a phalanx of roller bladers - from a distance of 50 yards they looked like a horde of orks. They were using the horse lane of the main carriageway, in due course I tucked in behind to turn right towards Hyde Park Corner. Just one prom tt come - tomorrow - but it is Bruckner! Now for some admin for the South Western Circle. Keep well all, Bill

A few observations - then I'll duck! To respond to Mike; there is in Lewisham, a clear indication that one can cycle on a pavement. Which I do, using my bell to warn pedestrians and slowly enough to stop within a bike's length. It means that I avoid a particularly nasty junction. But there is no indication to tell me where the dispensation stops, I have to use common sense. I normally cycle from Grove Park to Kensington for a prom, then back to Charing Cross and catch a train home. Most of this journey is now on a dedicated cycle path through Hyde Park and The Mall. This is great, I can build up some speed and burn off a few calories. The problem is that the paths are badly lit and infested with pedestrians, either crossing or strolling along the path; and perambulating into Boris territory if they are wearing a burqa, they are a slightly denser black shape against a black background. I have lights, of course, but they are more to be seen than to see. Bill

Rick, Was she pregnant when she boarded the Green train? Bill

Afternoon all, Haven't been in touch for quite a while, I just seem to be too busy. So I've done my last Lord's duty for the year, disposed of the layout that has cluttered my garage for a couple of years, attended a prom and spent two days in Hants playing with Southwark Bridge. I have three proms in four days, clear the shed for re-roofing, taking some boards of Höchstädt 2 to Mike's for storage and to ensure they don't block access to the shed. Just reported a HMRC scam to the police action line and now off to the Albert Hall. Bill

So you lot like big diesels. We had the Cromptons, the size of a Class 2, officially Class 3, expected to keep time on a Class 4 duty when the Warship failed - as it usually did. Sort of the Jack Russell Terrier of the diesel world. Bill

H, talking or wearing? If the latter, I may not attend. Still getting over Friday night at Lord's ..... think Conchita Wurst. Seriously, I will be with you if I can get to East Croydon by 9:20. But no guarantees. Bill

Harry, I'm double booked in Croydon. If you could provide an estimated finish time, I could bail out at NXG and come along. No promises thou. Bill

Andy, I wasn't the patient, but part of the LAS team! Bill