Jock67B

Wicked Witch of the NorthJock67B.

Just been reminded that mowing is a no-no! Our GP is getting married today and we are going to the evening bash and so must preserve strength for some heavy pint lifting. It's his second sentence beginning so I hope he will be as happy and close as we are - over 30 years with this one now and married 25 of those. We are so lucky as we both had disastrous first attempts, but have discovered that, if anything, we are now closer than ever. Whether it is anything to do with my illness, I don't know, but we think the same things at the same time - uncanny! I like the comments on confirmation ; hate to disappoint you all but I wasn't christened either, though I did sing in the school choir and got an 'A' at 'O' level in RI if that counts. That and studying Latin at school in Scotland has led me into many discussions on religion over the years! The lovely vicar of the old wooden church at Greensted near Ongar in Essex used to be a regular visitor to the cottage I leased nearby(he had a particular fondness for single malt!). We had many in depth discussions but to end one I remember : he asked me what I would do if I was proven wrong and came to meet the maker, I replied that I would simply say 'I'm sorry' because your good book tells me He is all forgiving. No answer was the reply! I mean no offence to anyone with deep feelings and must declare that I have always seen it as a 'right of man' to follow his or indeed her own path with my full support. This evenings post may be a bit garbled due to the above but as said doctor has become a family friend over 25 years I think it would be rude not to help him celebrate!! Kind regards Jock67B.

Thanks for that, so we can look forward to sparks flying in the future! Sorry to clog up your thread Jim! Back to looking at your superb pictures!! Kind regards, Jock67B.

Morning all, sunny, so it looks as if, after helping the boss with her graveyard duties, the dandelions will have to be beheaded (along with some grass!). DDolfelin, Living near the seaside is bad enough in terms of 'bird-strike', but we have an industrial unit on the other side of the railway tracks with a flat roof which has become a gull roost (they even had some young there last season!). They appear to use our driveway to line up for their practice bombing runs as I'm forever soaking piles of poo on the car to avoid marks on the lacquer. Didn't see 'ideal gull bomb aiming platform' in the brochure spec. for the Citroen C3 Picasso!! Ian, I guess that Alison will discover that 'leopards never change their spots!' When is the VIP due by the way, in order that we might all wish for good weather for you. Just an idea, but if it's bad, you'll simply have to stay indoors, so start working on plan'B' now! John, although a confirmed atheist, I love visiting old ecclesiastical buildings, as much for the architecture as anything. There isn't much of the old Cistercian Abbey left at Hailes but it is a beautiful part of the Cotswolds. Claims were made, I understand, that they held as a relic - a drop of Christ's blood! Hope you enjoy and the weather holds. Enjoy the remains of the weekend, Kind regards, Jock67B.

The train wheels definitely seem to strike it with a sort of thudding sound and there are several cables running through it! In addition, there are several more such devices further up-line - I sadly can't get access to measure the distance apart. Unlikely to be a cracked rail though as this was fixed to the newly laid track less than 3 weeks ago and at the same time! Kind regards, Jock67B.

Hi Jim and Stationmaster, I'm going to attempt to upload a pic., Kind regards, Jock67B.

Night cap time again! Watched a programme on Sky about the train crash at Santiago di Compostella. Horrendous result from the enquiry shows that though the driver was distracted by a phone call just before the crash, that section of track did not have the latest European safety device enabled. Seems the authority had known for more than a year. Once again shows that you can design the most sophisticated piece of engineering but, when some of the components are human, things can go terribly wrong. What a senseless waste of life! Anyway, that off the chest, I hope your day has been calmer than AndrewP's - discovering a serious baseboard fault in 'Kingsley', he scrapped it then went out and purchased a new layout complete! The new thread is called 'Swad Lane' and I'm sure you'll all join me in wishing him well with the task of imprinting his own inimitable style on it. At least you can guarantee that the thread will be entertaining and well worth a look : HaHaHa as he'd say!! Found a new friend today, an Ayrshire lad called Stewart '45156'. Just found the PM so I'll reply tomorrow. Have a good night and get the energy levels up for the rest of the weekends chores. Kind regards, Jock67B.

Ian (Abel), you could always go to Falkirk and use the amazing Falkirk wheel - if you haven't seen it, type it into Google and enjoy a marvellous piece of engineering! (One of my old customers daughter was involved on the engineering side and mum is fiercely proud as any 'Fifer' would be!). Whatever you choose, enjoy and remember which way is up!! Kind regards, Jock67B.

Big Jim, I'm sorry to say that I've only recently found your thread. My father was a top link man in the 40s and 50s and so I find the modern day tales fascinating! I've thoroughly enjoyed reading back through the pages (the youngster who gave you grief sounds like the snotty kid we all had in class at school - the one with the specs and attitude that you wanted to punch on the nose!! He should also have learned spelling and grammar if he's going to attempt big boys writing!). The changes since I lived in railway accommodation next to the shed are quite incredible! Perhaps you could throw some light on a piece of the new track technology? We've just, at long last, had new welded track on steel sleepers installed on the 'up' line out of Clacton on Sea. There is a black box fixed inside the rail edge (c. 18 inches or so long), it appears to make a sort of clonking as the wheels pass over it. There appears to be wiring running from it too. Any idea of its purpose? It's certainly new to an old steam man. I have to say that driver courtesy is superb on this line - my great grandson Freddie is fascinated by trains, tho' not quite three, and I often take him to a vantage point where he can get a good close view (regrettably only EMUs but very exciting 66s and the like at track renewal time) and almost all the drivers wave or toot, and often the guard, if they're still called that, waves from the rear!! Great to get them keen at an early age eh? Thanks for lending me your ear and I shall keep adding my 'likes' regularly, kind regards, Jock67B.

Funny how life balances things and don't forget, the deeper your love, the keener the 'hurt', Kind regards, Jock67B.

Really pleased to hear the news Debs - you deserved a lie in. Spent quite a bit of time at Ayr as Hurlford isn't far away! Memories flowing in again, thanks. Kind regards, Jock67B.

Morning all, lovely to see that ER is such a lengthy read this morning. Not sure about the scans mentioned by 'Il Dottore', I've only had CAT ones, about every three months to check on progress! As an 'engineer', I was fascinated by the speed of the reader as it rotates whilst traversing your body. Luckily the bone and kidney oncologists are really nice guys and I think, possibly because of my determination, they let me view my body on their computer screens - scanning downwards slice by slice (wife and nursie daughter were amazed to be told that the liver was remarkably healthy !). You can clearly see the holes in my pelvis and ribs as well as the kidney tumour which is luckily(?) growing on the outside of the tumour - it really is good to know what you are battling and shows why you can't afford to fall over! Pretty scary over breakfast eh? The best news is that the last scan showed the nasties to be contained by the wonderful chemo pills - thanks for the comment Flavio. Ian, in my experience it will be difficult to satisfy Alison's budget if she insists on such luxury. I used to hate the 'wheel kicking' job as you always feel responsible if something goes wrong - good luck my friend. This site is a marvellous modelling resource as well!! Happened to click on a highlight below one of Polly's (Southern 42) posts and discovered her relationship with 'tender' which led to a lengthy read about the creation of 'Camel Quay'. Not only is the layout an inspiration, but the method of modifying Peco code 75 and then the ballasting look ideal for my needs! Have a great what remains of the weekend. Looks like the sun means that the dandelion patch will have to be attended to! Kind regards, Jock67B.

Evening all, that time has arrived again! Debs has been in good humour today - kept me amused anyway! Beast, thanks for the explanation of the modern jargon : a VSTP was known in my youth in Scotland as a 'proper' engine pulling one of those unreliable diesel things they sent up from England!! Gave my monthly copious blood supply to the NHS today (couple of days early because of B Hol.) - always a slightly worrying time for me as based on the results, I will find out on Thursday whether I can continue with the chemo for another month. Been on it for a year now and it seems to be containing the b*stard so I really want to continue. My condition is balanced of course by taking grandsons partner to her final ante natal appt. All is well and next Friday we should gain a great grand-daughter. Kind of evens things out! I posted a couple of pictures of me at sixth-form age on Kingsley. Mistake! Madam decided to show the kids on the big screen and poor little Freddie, not quite three, struggled to understand how someone who has only been 'old' throughout his short life, could ever have been young. Gave me a chance to agree with no.2 grandson who thought I looked like a 'crumpet magnet' ; not sure everyone would concur!! Hope you all survive the weekend in one piece and look forward to more dialogue tomorrow - this site really has lifted my life, so I thank all concerned. Kind regards, Jock67B.

But have you met Dr Doolittle yet??Kind regards, Jock67B.

Morning all. Debs, I hope mum and dad have a wonderful time in Scotland (not that I'm biased of course!). Funny how posts on this site bring memories flooding back ; I took memsahib on a 'Rail-Drive' holiday to Scotland in the eighties (in the days when I thought I was a wealthy MD of the family garage!). Deposited Renault 25 V6 on the train at Euston and retired to bed after a couple of 'nips' with the guard and apart from waking to see the Tyne from the bridges, awoke in time for breakfast in the wonderful 'Inverness Station Hotel'. Full Scottish anyone? No wonder we've got the bad heart reputation!! Lovely touring holiday around the Highlands and back finally to Edinburgh for the journey home, wonderful - thanks for bringing this back to me Debs. After seeing AndyB's pristine patch and now looking at my 'dandelion meadow' of a lawn, I think the only solution is to borrow Ian's 'Alison' for a while!! What a treasure she seems - a pity that her life appears to be in such turmoil but is it just possible that she finds helping you therapeutic Ian? 'grandadbob', it really is great to have a dialogue with another who is as adept at getting into the dog's house as I am. Hope the weekend is fun and safe for everyone - I'm off to set up the Sky+ box to record my Superbike racing at Oulton Park on Monday. (watched while madam is otherwise engaged as the week progresses!) Kind regards, Jock67B.

Tired out tonight so slurp night-cap and keel over on the cards. Got in trouble this morning, no surprise there, - madam uttered 'white rabbits' like she does at the start of every month. I, coming to, loudly yelled out help! And when she said what?, I said 'Mayday, Mayday' then ducked. Little things etc.! Good night all, Jock67B.

Ian, hope your epic 'road trip' goes by without incident - probably your biggest problem (I certainly found it in the states) will be staying alert on those endless featureless ribbons of tar the yanks call roads! Beware of the boating holiday! My favourite anecdote concerns a splendid art teacher who decided on a Norfolk Broads holiday with his lovely pottery teaching wife on a 'Hoseasons' boat. He really was a splendid bearded fellow of 'Falstaff' proportion who most certainly enjoyed a pint or nine (this from one who tried to keep up on occasion!) His boat was a lovely broad beamed affair with the heads(nautical name for loo?) at the sternmost end of the beam length companionway. When nearing the third or fourth broad-side pub, he mistakenly allowed madam to take over the helm so he good answer a call of nature ; he had (literally) barely sat down when she managed to ram the bank bows on!!. This shot him off the seat, through the door and sliding down the fairly worn marine ply! Apparently it was several days before all the splinters were finally removed - shudder to think how much he had to drink to keep the pain at bay? Needless to say, she was banned from wheel duties for the rest of the holiday. You have been warned Abel family : it isn't only the water to beware of !! Have a great time whatever you choose to do. Kind regards, Jock67B.

Jeffs back hooray!! The banter with AndyP has a broad grin on my face already! (Not necessarily a pretty sight?). Kind regards, Jock67B.

Ray, you may notice some ratings from me today as I have to apologise for only just finding your thread (a link from under Polly's posts on ER!). I hope to use Peco code75 and your tip about the sleeper spacing is particularly interesting. The ballasting method too looks great and if it excites 'Bodgit' then it's certainly good enough for me! Thank you for sharing your expertise with us dunces! Kind regards, Jock67B. PS methinks AndyP picks his friends well, what with you, GeorgeT, Jeff(Physicsman) to name but a few! As he would say - Hahaha!!

Morning all, dog duties done and more clothes ordered on line from 'Cotton Traders' to supplement madams' holiday wardrobe! To finish on teaching, (I meant to add this last night but got too tired!) I think we should give a vote of confidence to 'our' teachers within the RMweb who seem to be the committed and caring sort!! It's easy for an old f*rt like me to forget about the other influences on the kids : the disintegration of society (see Leeds Monday), the drop in support at home (thank you Mrs T and her sort who have forced most parents out to work) then add in outside interference (Ofsted and the like) and it is easy to see that it is an entirely different job now than it was when most of us were at school! Keep up the good work folks. Great to hear from Sherry on her travels - if you can pick up on this, hope you enjoy the rest of your hols. Not long now Neil (bet it's dragging for you!). Try to remember which way up it floats!! Have any of you seen the locos that AndrewP is selling off (pics on his 'Kingsley'. Thread) - if only the funding was in place I would adore that Duchess - he truly is great at weathering. Have a good if damp day for most (hopefully not Neil), Kind regards Jock67B.

Sorry to hear that Don, but sometimes it might propel you and your friends/members to better things - I'm sure that in the cold light of day you'll all come up with a plan even if it seems like the end of the world tonight! Well done on the shed by the way and best of luck. Don't forget that there is a vast pool of knowledge in the forum which I'm sure will be freely offered in support (and that from a recent member to one as experienced as yourself). Kind regards, Jock67B.

Good evening, late as ever! On the teacher subject, I wonder how many of you went through the old 'UCCA' system where you chose six universities in order and then waited for the window envelope to arrive with either a black dot (acceptance) or red (rejection). I was lucky enough to get black on my first choice but my point is that some of my friends got 6 reds ; they were then actively encouraged by the appointed careers advisors to apply for teachers training college. Sadly, forty or so years down the line, this must have left some pretty disgruntled people who found themselves trapped in a job which they wouldn't have chosen initially. My own experience leads me to believe that those who chose teaching as a vocation are more likely to be committed to excel. Like 'Oldddudders', my most charismatic teachers and tutors seemed to have in depth experience, (whether learned hands on or theoretically) and indeed a love for their subject which they wanted to impart to the students in their charge. My favourite was a physics prof. at Uni. who had the enthusiasm of a 'Sir Patrick Moore' - you could hear a pin drop in his lectures and he never had any dissent. He is now responsible for a lot of the points I score whilst watching 'University Challenge' (I know - sad bas**rd before you say it), such was the concentration he engendered in what was more like an audience than a class!! Great to hear from 'IlDottore', same best wishes and good luck extend to you in the job search as to George, you've got a great crowd behind you in this forum! And 'Don' has reappeared, fantastic news! Makes tomorrow look better already!! Good night and kind regards to all, Jock67B.

Thanks Ian - Sebring eh? One of the tracks I would have loved to visit. Managed Laguna Seca (Can-Am) and the 'Brickyard' (no racing on!). I take it from that, and your current geographic position that you are a more than average endurance racing fan. One day I might bore you with tales of one of my 6month periods in industry (Part of my engineering course) with 'Weslakes' at Rye in Sussex. Worked in the design office and was responsible for the cam box covers and valley cover of the 'Big Engine Chevy' unit for John Surtees' Can-Am car.(Eventually topped 900BHP on the dyno - a lot for the time!) Got to mess with final layout drawings of Dan Gurney's fabulous 'Eagle -Weslake' V12! working under the wonderful 'Aubrey Woods' (designer of Graham Hill's championship winning BRM engine). Strange how the mention of a single word like 'Sebring' should set my mind racing back to such a vibrant time in my life. From this you can probably deduce that, although now stricken, I have had almost 67 mainly fantastic years thanks largely to indulgent and loving parents and some superb teachers/tutors. I feel very lucky despite everything! Thanks for re-awakening the memories!! Kind regards, Jock67B.

Morning all, stretches me a bit to go back to primary, but juniors gave us Mrs Wilson, beyond retirement age and complete with black clothes and silver hair bun. She was a bit of a tyrant but had us doing algebra, reading novels and and speaking French before we left for seniors. Sudden flash to senior school after move to England - got Mrs Tebb for maths complete with cleavage and Dusty Springfield hair-do as well as divorced! Ah the m*mmaries!! Got 'A' grade at 'O' and 'A' level probably due to intense concentration! Neil, the 'old girl' in Scotland taught me how to use factors and to this day I do 7 x 10 - 7 for that kind of sum : makes for impressively quick dartboard scoring so of some value? George, fed up to hear your news but impressed with your fortitude - hope it helps that so many members are supportive and it looks as if the same can certainly be said of your wife! Keep at it mate. Today's taxi roster includes great grandson to nursery and then the boss to an eye clinic in the creaking Victorian building aka 'Essex County Hospital' in Colchester (largely sans parking so something to look forward to!) Ian, have you had nightmares about that experience - it is a virtually irresistible force and still makes me wonder why people build homes on the likely paths? Hope you enjoy your day folks, Kind regards, Jock67B.

Late good evening folks, like AndyB, our bindweed comes from elsewhere - the railway embankment at the bottom of our garden! This is only 8ft high and so I live in hope that one of AndyY's weed killer wagon trains will pass by soon. Thought they might have done it before laying the new welded track on the 'up' line! Great to hear it went well Dom, what with your first lesson and 'andyrams' little darlings, I think that my school days in Scotland were much easier on the staff. Apart from requiring fairly high qualifications (minimum degree level at Kilmarnock Academy for secondary studies ie.) - what they had as a great advantage was undoubtedly the discipline! Now I'll probably start another tangential thread, but the standard of output from the Scottish system in those times was demonstrably high. Hope you all have a good night to gather strength for the morrow and it would make my day if George (CathcartCircle) could chip in with good news on the job front. Ian, hope you are dusting off the red carpet for the imminent VIP visit? Kind regards, Jock67B.