SHMD

...but who received the 30 bob? Kev.

I've been to a few "Warley" shows, as a paying punter, and will miss it in future - even if I wasn't going! I was invited to help operate "a large layout" but life, family, and the universe got in the way. Sounds familiar? I now really regret that missed opportunity to witness the event "from the other side". I fully understand (and support) the reasons for pulling the show in future but can't help thinking that they have "missed a trick" in having one last show. I'm sure everyone would have pulled out all the stops and many of us would have made a special effort to visit it one last time. Kev.

The "I know you're in there" look! Kev.

I visit a lot of Labs around the world, (Industry, research, universities, etc - Professors, Lab Technicians, Geologists, Chemists etc ), and I was asking questions about asbestos and was given a lot of good advice from safe* "one off" handling procedures to different types - and probable risks - through to testing and "common knowledge" debunking. A lot of the staff, in the Labs, are aware of my hobby and are interested in what I "do". As I was interested in these controllers, and their risks, I asked many questions about "how", "risks", "testing", "background", etc which lead to further discussions on the subject. A couple of my customers have kindly offered to "examine" some samples for me. (Expensive equipment is needed for this.) I'm still l undecided as to whether to accept their generous offers, but I am pretty loath to actually publish any results! Why? Such a small sample size, that's why. We know asbestos WAS used (which type we don't know - some types are safe but could still contain the dreaded "un-see-able" dangerous fibres types - and roughly when. Thought experiment. I get a couple of samples tested:- Option1 Let's say I got the results back and they confirm the sample is unsafe. Loads of readers would then use that to say all production over several decades MUST be disposed of safely. Option2 Let's say I got the results back and they confirm the sample is safe. Loads would then use that to "say theirs is safe too" and then use, modify, pass on, expose potentially harmful substances. Even if I get the "safe" signal I MUST TREAT ALL future controllers as unsafe - so just assume all are unsafe and save testing/exposure. The risks are very tiny here, but in IMHO, but are still just not worth it. If you must use these controllers - definitely don't disturb the innards and especially the "insulation". Three "NO NOs":- 1/ Don't go near anything resembling asbestos - especially if asbestos was know to have been used in the production process over the years. 2/ NEVER disturb (suspected) asbestos. EVER! 3/ Repeated exposure (to disturbed asbestos) is by far the biggest risk. * Reducing exposure to an acceptable level. (Read very small risk here.) Kev.

A "Cameo" Fireless loco on 70s 80s "blue Diesel layout is quite attractive - due to the lack of smoke and wasted steam. (Industrial siding etc.) Hmmm...... Kev.

For "cutting" you need CAM software. (I use "VCarve, but you have to pay for that.) This will produce the "paths" that the cutter needs. However, I have found CAM software not to be the greatest package for drawing (CAD). For purely drawing, I use LibreCAD. It's free and there are lots of tutorials - plenty of help on here too. I think some "cutters" come with some form of CAM software - which should be able to import "industry standard" CAD files that most CAD software produces. Kev.

Whilst I absolutely %100 agree that "Quality will out", availability (numbers made) and subject must also be a factor. Kev.

Besides simple 2D and the more complex 3D drawings, there are more specialised programs for producing PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards) or even CAM (Computer Aided Machining - for driving routers, millers, Laser Cutters, etc) ? What do you want to draw ? What's the end use ? Kev.

Now I was good at Tetris in my yoof, bally good! ...but not this good! https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-67871775 Kev.

With your abilities and (available) time, I would recommend a mixture of options 2 and 3 but... ...finish the loco using the most readily available bits, and more importantly, capturing the main features - cab, fittings placement, livery and weather it to the prototype you actually want from a photo. (Don't shorten the chassis for this!) This will be the quickest, so if you are not happy, you can then build the %99 accurate one from scratch later. Get something running first, that "looks" right and fits the part being played. Kev.

Those "dints" on several fireless locos, are they caused by collisions or are they "vacuum" related? Kev.

Santa did bought it "ages" ago! Didn't you know? Kev.

I thought the answer was a shilling, or one bob. Kev.

That really is a minute wheelbase! Thanks for the thread, Mol. My interest in these is that we had a Fireless loco locally at Heartshead Power Station near Stalybridge. Although, 'our' 0-6-0 loco was made by "Hawthorn Leslie". Link to info here... https://rogerfarnworth.com/2021/02/18/the-micklehurst-loop-part-1c-including-hartshead-power-station/ Kev.

That's a pretty good "security" feature! Kev.

I actually live in "Staly Vages", (not sure if you knew that or not), but otherwise there are not too many similarities between the too except: - Greasy cafes; Nightlife (a few remaining Pubs); and some of the weather... The weather!?! We just had a tornado. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-67832935 This hit 2 days ago, on the other side of the valley, only about a kilometer from me. Very localised (short and very violent). Whilst they had a lot of damage, (I've seen it), we only suffered a loose empty plant pot moving around the garden! Kev.

Yes, not "whacky" at all. Where is it? (Asking for a friend...) Kev.

What the hell's that gauge for below the "check list"? I also like the USB points beside the gauge. Is it to power your phone while it's in "SAT NAV" mode! Kev.

York has been removed from BeiJiao's, 2024 itinerary, due to a clash of dates. Kev.

"Esbjerg" could fit the itinerary. Kev.

MOOOoooooo.......

" In the mid 70's to early 80's the company built a few twin screw ships in Germany the memory of which permanently altered my opinion of German engineering." How so? Kev.

I think that would be good posted in the "Ghosts in the Machine" thread! Merry Christmas David, and a big thank you for ALL your posts, pictures, memories and time. Kev.

This just about sums up travelling by (UK) railways at the moment. Whoever you book with - it's a gamble every time now. Everyone who has been tricked/suffered the current situation, is now voting with their feet. The railways ARE appalling at the moment. Kev. (Long time TPE sufferer.)

"Cycle reservations essential" my son booked this one year - he got it. Kev.