Baloo The Bear

Saw the layout in the flesh today. Even better. All the "Guys" were really helpful and answered many questions. Thank you to all concerned. It was getting admiring looks from many of the visitors old and young, male & female. Andy & Gringo did a talk at midday. The suggestion (by me!) that Andy was under DCC control with his hands free microphone gadget were not proven. PS - If you do introduce a scrap yard then I have a name for your consideration - it could be "Bentley's" as Ron Bentley from Lower Gornal worked in scrap metal business for many years. He worked for Dowd's and before that i think Arnie Youngs. http://www.macearchive.org/Archive/Title/atv-today-15011974-long-distance-runner/MediaEntry/20607.html He was also a renowned runner from Tipton Harriers setting a world best in 1973 for 24 hours when he ran 161 odd miles. We used to run to and from work. Like a lot of things from the Black Country they "bred um tuff". He's still alive and will be 83 this November.

Guys Just been notified of this on Saturday from Robert at the Tipton Library. Might be of interest. ------------- GRAND INVITATION Cuts and Cuttings - Tipton Library's Annual Local History Day In memory of Fred Barnfield Saturday 28th September 2013 10.30am - 1.30pm You are cordially invited to the annual local history day which this year is themed on canals and railways and events and activities include: · Opening by special guest at 10.30am · Canal and railway photo exhibition including the opportunity to cast your vote in our people favourite photo competition · Performance by poet Brendan Hawthorne at 10.45am · Local film shows throughout the event · Book launch by Billy Spake Mon at 11.30am Little Bigguns an’ Big Littluns A book of Stories for Babbys and The Bravest Wench I Know A Series Of Lyrics in Dialect · Local history booksale and the opportunity to buy the Canal Towns DVD by John Whitehouse (exclusive to this event) · Coffee and Cake Stall in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support · Black Country Food tasting including Gray Paes and Grorty Pudding · Pog rug making and special 'Care on the Cut' display by Della Sadler Moore · Canal themed colouring sheets and wordsearches · Presentation of Summer Reading Challenge Medals at 12.30 Hope to see you there! Robert Hazel Community Library Manager

Guys Was doing research up in Tipton Library & The Dudley Archives last week and came across this website link. May be of use. http://distinctlyblackcountry.org.uk/ Also mentioned to Robert Hazel, the Tipton Librarian, about the project - very interested. Next year they are focusing on transport in the Black Country for there annual celebration local history day at Tipton Library which is normally held in September. Might be a chance to show the layout in its' home area! An opportunity to sample some local fare.

Not wishing to interrupt "modelling matters" but please can I ask what software/tool and input device (mouse/digital pen etc) iLD uses for his drawings?

You might try the BCN society. http://www.bcnsociety.co.uk/?archive

Forgot about these sources as well http://www.middletonpress.co.uk/books/railways/midland-main-lines/birmingham-to-wolverhampton-via-tipton.html http://www.middletonpress.co.uk/books/railways/western-main-lines/stourbridge-to-wolverhampton.html http://www.middletonpress.co.uk/books/railways/western-main-lines/stourbridge-to-wolverhampton.html

Guys I can recommend an author Keith Hodgkins who is an expert on local history in the Tipton and wider Black Country area. http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/search?searchTerm=Keith+hodgkins&search=search http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/Tipton-Through-Time-Keith-Hodgkins/9781848681460 His books give an excellent pictorial insight to the area and industry that went on there. You may need to find some out via any of the second hand book websites such as abebooks or ukbookworld.

Forgot - what is the difference between a buffalo and a bison? You can wash your hands in a bison in the black country! PS As well as a railway enthusiast I also happen to be the historian for the "arriers" and proud Life Member.

Don't forget the sporting culture - The Tipton Slasher, Jack Holden, Ron Bentley 24 Hour World Record Holder, Tipton Harriers. There is also the excellent Black Country Bugle that chronicles the past every week.

Guys The good folk of Kernow Model Centre, who apparently are hosting the site/service, admit there was a problem but claim to have now sorted out. As my order is already in I don't propose to try it out! What I also find odd is that the usual Sentinel update email has yet to come out (to me at least) from Ben & his gang. Anyone else not had it? The latest "Model Rail" has also landed on my caves front door mat today and they have kept the Sentinel details remarkably low key. Baloo

Thanks. When you go through the process it is not an obvious option (this is my polite way of saying you do not appear to be able to do what they want or I am unable to find the facility) Baloo

Hi You do appear to be able to order online now via the shop. http://www.modelrailoffers.co.uk/ The telephone order line 01209-613984 does not open until 9.30am this morning (21st March 2011) However beware if you are a susbcriber there appears to be no obvious online facility to add your subscription number or leave delivery message etc. when placing the order and passing through the checkout process. Baloo