Alex TM

Hi everyone, I've been looking through a few books on the southern region in the late 50s through early 60s; these have mostly been on the Hayling Island branch. One thing that I have noticed is that none of the freight services shown have ex-Southern pill-box type brake vans. Mostly the vans are BR standard types, though I am sure that there is an early LMS type (diag. 1657?) there too. This lead me to a question: were the ex-Southern vans withdrawn early? if so, roughly when? Thanks in advance for any help? Regards, Alex.

I'm told that's a sign of age!

It's the indicators that amuse me.

Except that I do not believe God, unlike a planner, would give an award for a flat-roof development in the west of these isles.

That they do, however they also look suspiciously like the handiwork of a former New Town development corporation here in Scotland .....

Hi everyone, Is the following unconventional enough? A few years ago I experimented with a scale of roughly 1:56 and a model gauge of 16.5mm to scale out at approximately 3'. It was an attempt to combine two hobbies (wargames figures and model railways). It never got further than a couple of card mock-ups of diesel locos and a few wagons but seemed to work. This was before I discovered the existence of the 5.5mm scale society. Regards, Alex.

Different - weird would be my description, though pleasantly so. On a good news front - just found out that my local music shop has started stocking Japanese metal cds (including Band Maid).

Wasn't there a line in one of the 'Lethal Weapon' films about plastic and Cher (though the plastic in question was explosive)? As to whether or not Cyndi Lauper is/was odd, I would have to say 'yes', though I think the polite term is eccentric. I liked some of her work, though not the David Bowie tribute ....

That's the first time I have listened to an Ian Brown track all the way through after seeing him live a number of years ago .... he sounds better in a studio. Can we go back to the obscure, the Japanese, and cut'n'shut MkIs?

Hi Jim, Another one glad to see you, and the layout, back. Regards, Alex.

Hi everyone, Saw the following yesterday. Try and enlarge the image as far as you can, and you'll see what's been done. Have fun. Regards, Alex.

Hi Jack, That's really helpful, thanks. Your brushwork is really good, as I was expecting you to say what you had 'sprayed'. I'll be brush painting the top coat too. I've now got to pluck up the courage to buy another one, and repaint it. Regards, Alex.

Hi there, I hope he's wearing his thermals as that looks like a summer's day there on the banks of the Forth. Regards, Alex.

Hi, That's a really fantastic paint job, especially on No. 19. I ordered her in the blue livery as it was something a bit different form my other locos. When Grahame, at my local model shop, called last week he told me that my "large logo blue loco" had been delivered. I hope you don't mind me asking but, in respect of No. 19, what paint was used for the green, and did you produce the lettering yourself? I ask as I wouldn't mind having a go at doing one of the other Scottish Austerities. Thanks and regards, Alex.

Hi, What a brilliant photograph. Could you tell me when and where it was taken? Thanks. Alex.

I would have thought that was the Klingons, or even the Ferengi, despite the hints and allegations of ST Picard ...

Wonder if trying that on a layout would result in howls of "wouldn't happen in the real world"? That aside, it's a fantastic picture.

Or in Edinburgh .... American tourist to her husband "honey, isn't it great that they built the castle so close to the railroad depot". To be fair to Americans, most of the ones I meet are intelligent, educated, and thoughtful.

A few years ago I was standing at the junction of Castle Street and Princes Street in Edinburgh; I had my back to the gardens and the large lump of rock beyond them. A couple of American tourists approached me and, while facing the aforementioned lump of rock asked, "excuse me sir, could you tell us where the castle is?" I pointed back over my shoulder, and said, "what, that one"?

What's truly frightening is that I am currently working with some folk who have this attitude to COVID-19 risk assessments for real .....

This was new to me - brilliant!

I don't know about orgies, but weren't Black Sabbath responsible for 'eavy metal?

Several world religions, and many theologians would agree with you!

Hi folks, Love the story. Two questions: 1. have you been reading Pratchett? and 2. shouldn't the words of death be in SMALL BLOCK CAPITALS? Regards, Alex.

Hi again, Thanks for that. Hadn't thought about shale traffic; it's not too far to West Lothian from Niddrie (and with a direct rail route). Regards, Alex.