Smiffy2

I like those very much. Sometimes the facial detail gets a bit blurred or vague on 7mm figures, but those seem very crisp. Should be a delight to paint. I'm toying with the idea of having a Sam Vimes scan done. All I need is a model, a costume and £25!

7mm and 54mm. 1/43 and 1/32 >edited due to faltering memory<

As I understand it the first batch of ten V Class were not fitted with smoke deflectors when new. Subsequent batches were, and the first 10 were retrofitted during 1931. Repton was in the 3rd batch (1934) so should really have the deflectors. I stand ready to be corrected.

Me either. And I've got a degree in English Language... Much of the National Curriculum is intellectual thing-swinging by the Higher Beings who write it. When music was added there was consternation, as the curriculum designers had chosen to include incredibly obscure composers, some of which didn't have extant recordings. But it proved how clever and avant garde they were. Similar in history with the optionaal topics.

What's a Bongo? Asking as a non-gricer.

These are mostly lay people working hard to help their fellow citizens who may have been less fortunate. They're doing good work, whatever you might think of the priesthood it seems a little unfair to tar them with the same brush and suggest they shouldn't be doing what they are doing.

Morning all, an infrequent check-in from La France Profonde, where it is cloudy after a lovely day yesterday. Enjoying the calm and quiet, except for the hornets and our neighbour having her roof replaced and insulated. This involves many vans and heavy plant, apparently. We went to Emmaüs yesterday and bought an armoire - now we're not sure it will fit in the available space... it arrives tomorrow, so we'll find out. There must be somewhere to put a spare cupboard. There must. If you've ever watched Dick Strawbridge's TV filler on his chateau, Emmaüs in Fougères is where they buy a lot of their furniture. Good old-style stuff, very cheap, run by a Catholic organisation in aid of ex-offenders, all of whom seem to be very personable and charming. Unless I'm only meeting the con-men. Off in a bit for lunch with English friends at a new couscous restaurant in St Hilaire du Harcoüet. None of us have been there before so it's a bit of a punt. I'll do a review if it's any good. BTW in the Strawbridge programme St Hilaire is referred to as Saint Helier du Harcourt. So might be a bit tricky in the sat nav. It's also inhabited by the short one out of the Hairy Bikers, who is sometimes to be seen in the LeClerc supermarket. Hope you're soon on the mend, John.

A thorough read of his website seems to be in order! Alan is on holiday at the moment, so may not reply instantly to emails.

I'm surprised that so many people thought I was being funny when I posted about elastic shoelaces. I was trying to be helpful, and I hope ChrisF doesn't think I was taking the mickey. I have some in my old trainers, and they are very comfortable, but take some getting in if you have arthritic hands (the reason for getting them in the first place. They look OK, too. So, sorry Chris if you thought I was being sarcastic - though for the life of me I can't see what was funny. Worth a try for a couple of quid.

Because the trainers/boots don't already have them? Retrofitting them might be tricky, and they make you look 6.

How about elastic laces which turn your shoes into slip-ons? https://www.amazon.co.uk/TuffenMark-Shoelaces-Elastic-trainers-Reflective/dp/B073JY1PD2/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1534710812&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=elastic+laces+for+trainers&psc=1 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Joyshare-Shoelaces-Waterproof-Athletic-Multicolor/dp/B06Y5B9176/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1534710812&sr=8-5&keywords=elastic+laces+for+trainers

You forgot the pointing.

Much cooler here, which is nice. Huge storm yesterday, small branches from the trees etc. Kids' tent gone, I'll have to go and see the farmer. I tried to retrieve it yesterday, but failed. I didn't know you could electrify barbed wire... Kids (and grandparents) a bit knackered now, getting ready to go home tomorrow by playing on their ipads. It's been good, but the heatwave has been dreadful.

Henry, who has declared himself to be our thermonitor, tells me it's 38.5º. I believe him. Today is the day the kids shop and cook for us - they've decided on burgers and chips. So we've been out to buy the necessary, a watermelon and a load of sweets. Apparently these are essential to the process. As it's too hot to go outside they are making lavender bags with Julie. We've had requests to go to the Mémorial museum and the Bayeux Tapestry - Daisy is worried that it will be much harder after Brexit...

We're in France with the grandkids. Elisabeth brought us some courgettes: We're not that keen on courgettes, and we're only here a week... We also had a bit of wood delivered: Yesterday we went out for dinner and on the way home saw a dead cow (very inflated) and a house on fire. Henry then showed up in the garden wearing a pillow case. Just a normal evening... Today is a crafting day, but I'm off to pump up the paddling pool using a naughty tortoise. May be a while.

Hot here in Carshalton-sur-Mer and no sign of rain. In my shed yesterday it was 35ºC and the garden was noticeably hotter. Yesterday we took #1 son and his new girlfriend out to dinner. She is very nice and seems to be good for him, much more supportive and less selfish than his ex-wife. We sat out in the garden until midnight. My new bottle-opener got some use and received praise for efficiency. Concerned at the stories of delays on Eurotunnel - up to 5 hours - because the air-con in some carriages can't cope with the heat, and therefore can't be used. Easy to moan, but remember that train has 120 hot cars in it that have just been thrashed down a motorway. My concern is that we are taking Daisy and Henry out to France next week, and five hours stuck in a car in this heat is a killer. Not many places to play at the Folkestone terminal. Wet towels will be needed. We're still hoping for rain, but no sign. I've taken to hosing down the patio and sitting in the coolth whilst it evaporates. An idea I pinched from Muslim Spain. So a good day to all, and if you are working or in distress you have my best wishes.

How very clever of them...

But is that true for everybody?

Isn't that how he started?

The Foreign Legion does a nice sapeur... 400px-Pionnier-legion.JPG

The new battledress, blouson instead of tunic and gaiters instead of puttees, came in in 1938 I believe.

Hmm. He mis-spelled 'chassis' as 'cassis' in Google translate, and hence it's got a blackcurrant with bogies. If you transfer it back into French it makes a bit of sense.

Me too!

We're exactly the same! Always hedge our bets at the first booth. I did have to patiently explain to Julie that the 30 sign meant kph, not mph... We've just got our bill for June, Channel Tunnel to Normandy, both ways, £48.

Approximately 7x4cm, and it works a treat. The Volvo also has loads of sensors, but the black area is big enough. If you are concerned, contact SANEF, they are helpful. Also - Eurotunnel are offering a discount on setup if you travel with them.