Jock67B

Pete, Nursing sister daughter has full instructions on how to post in ERs on either my iPad or PC, both of which she is conversant with! Good reminder though - well said, Kind regards, Jock.

What a touching 'bluebottle' post that landed as I was typing! A touching tale indeed, and a timely reminder of why it is a good idea to get 'the house in order'! Rick, you and I have had a couple of coincidences in the past, and now a couple to add! Joanna has long held the wish that when she and Archie the Westie have both become ashes, the children are instructed to scatter all three of us together at a specific place on the Cornish coast and a fund will be provided to have them all gather nearby and have a break and a party to celebrate our life together. I would never have dreamt of such a thing, but I'm very happy to go along with her wishes, and I'm certain our youngsters will comply. The other is that I chose Thomas' 'Do not go gentle..........' to recite at both my father's funeral, and that of my old ex tin miner friend (and second dad while I lived in Cornwall) neighbour. It's on the short list for me as well! G'night again, Kind regards, Jock.

Morning all, Our thanks go to everyone for the kind and supportive comments and suggestions, all of which have been added to the discussion agenda. Joanna has related a few comments to the 'kids' this evening and like her, they were very touched indeed. I'm pleased to say we've had a positive response from everyone today! I'm also delighted to receive such good advice, and to have so many pit-falls pointed out. Rick, I'm not certain that anything I said would merit an Oscar, but as usual your posts today carried a great deal of sense! Baz and Mike(SM), I have first hand experience of the humanist funeral approach, as it what was decided on for Jock Senior's event. This was arranged at the crematorium in Harlow where he had lived many years, moving us there as a family from Scotland. I have been at some where a local 'jobsworth humanist' has been supplied, and try to take control. I was elected by the rest of the family, to write and present the eulogy, as well as supply the music list as dad and I had very closely matched tastes! The lady humanist from Harlow council was superb, acceding to my wishes that we met to discuss our roles, and she was happy to let me take the lead on the day. She pointed out that speaking in such circumstances can sometimes be very difficult, so she kindly copied my full speech and took the trouble to learn it herself, standing by my elbow throughout in a position to prompt or take over if I choked! This really helped to get me through it all. We do have a superb humanist locally who is known to us, although I intend to let the family decide how much of his input will be needed, and I will advise that this matter is discussed beforehand. Sherry, I'm not sure we'd be allowed to use cardboard now, but I know where there is enough unused 'baseboard' ply to cobble something up from. Thanks as ever for the kind comments. Dave(r-a-r), your post did amuse me, but it also reminded me of how lucky I have been to have such loving, caring parents who allowed me (with a great deal of their input both financial and intellectual) to do things that many only dream of - so no regrets! Simon, the problem that you and your friend have come across with your good ladies is not uncommon, but not very helpful for either party. If it gets difficult to bear, the MacMillan people have some very experienced people who can help a great deal, so long as you can get the ladies to agree to a discussion. I believe that contact by either you or your friend in the first instance would even elicit advice on the best way to approach the problem. Good luck to both of you! Health hasn't been brilliant again today, but that subject is boring me now - I see the oncologist on Friday morning to hopefully clarify things. Wishing you all a safe negotiation of the 'hump' for the rest of its duration - another week slipping by at speed! Continued improvement in health to those who need it, Kind regards, Jock. G'night all!

Morning all, Bit of a nuisance that the headache is making something of a comeback, but I've only been taking the new medication since late Thursday so should be patient. The oncologist will be at my radiotherapy planning event on Friday so I should be able to check things out then! Had my meeting this evening with those older members of the family that were available, eldest girl by 'Facebook' and No1 Son on 'face-time' link. The purpose was to ensure that, after what I consider to be a wake up call health wise, we could open a discussion on their thoughts on my 'end of life scenario'. When my condition inevitably gets worse, I wanted to make sure that they understood that as far as I'm concerned, what Joanna would like has to take precedence, and she has made it clear that she doesn't want me to be cared for anywhere other than at home. Nursing sister daughter has assured us that this can be arranged, and that assistance is also available from the MacMillan Nurses. This topic was discussed in depth and all agreed that they would work to meet mum's wishes. The girls in particular were keen to know what my feelings were about a funeral celebration. As a life long atheist, I'm certain that I won't know what is going on, and so any such event should be centred on what pleases them, but I've now been charged with producing a disc to contain what the piper should play at the crematorium, then a couple of my favourite pieces of classical music. They also wanted to know a couple of favourite pieces of poetry. The one thing I stressed, was that I wanted no religious input and they are happy to have words spoken by family members. I suggested that it would be a good idea to retire to a conveniently close and well run venue for a Scottish style 'wake' afterwards! This all might seem to be a bit macabre, but we have attended so many funerals lately, and noted that the preparation was most difficult for those relatives where no-one seemed to know the wishes of the deceased. My main purpose is to see that Joanna has the least possible distress at such a time. Naturally, I hope the actual event will be some way off yet, but health problems of the last couple of weeks have reminded me that I'll soon have had eighteen months more time than my original prognosis, and I would certainly welcome comments, especially from those who have attended some of the more farcical events. I must re-iterate that I've written clear instructions for nursing sister daughter to access 'early risers' on iPad or PC to let my digital friends know. Please don't look on this as me in any way 'throwing in the towel', but more the engineer and scientist's approach as I have been adjusted to what my condition means since the start and I'm going to keep on fighting. As I've said on many occasions, I'm more upset by the effect it is having on the many I have who love me, for I have had a mainly wonderful life. I certainly intend to enjoy every day that remains of it to the full! Dick, I made a note to hope that the diabetic nurse didn't give you too hard a time, but I read in your later post that you have indeed had a positive meeting that has made life easier for you. Good news my friend - it's down to you now on the 'diet' side! AndyB, thanks for the advice mate, but if you don't mind, I think I might just stick to my tried and tested system - very kind of you to think of me though! Dave(r-a-r), that 'PN' you have sounds very nasty indeed - is there absolutely no possibility that the condition can be reversed? I have such numbness only in my left heel, following a bed sore there whilst recovering from my major operation in 2014, and I find it a real nuisance so I can only guess how awkward it makes your life day to day. Dave(TG), another superb set of images (especially the pub!), I hope 'Is' enjoyed the diversion? Matt, very sorry to hear about the loss of your grandad. I'm pleased he didn't seem to suffer towards the end, but it is such a wrench to lose someone you have known all your life. Commiserations to you and your family. Neil(NHN), your mention of the oft missed issue of shiny check rails happens to be something that has amused me for years, especially when it occurs on some fine award winning layouts. My guess is that it results from taking the easy way when track cleaning, but what do you see as a solution? It would be a bit tedious to repaint them after every cleaning session! That should start something rolling if you threw it into the mix somewhere like the Peco thread? Time for some much needed sleep now, so once again, best wishes for improvement to our resident sufferers and a hope that the week progresses as planned for the rest. Thank you for lending me your ears in regards to the start of this post, and although it caused some tears, all involved seemed happy that I brought the subject to light! Kind regards, Jock. G'night all (and Pete if you're listening)! PS I've managed once again to press whatever removes all the links below posts, and I've managed to the lose the instructions I copied last time. Do any of our kind IT specialists know of a 'dummies fix' please? J.

Dave(r-a-r), Still not asleep as you might guess! Not such an uncommon occurrence as you might think in the trade but I always insisted that my service department told the truth to the client and then worked out a satisfactory resolution with them. I used the following as a teaching device when training staff : When I ran the family Renault dealership, we had a local company MD leave his car for the then required first 500 mile check - my top man was entrusted with the task on our second most expensive V6 Renault 25. A bizarre accident occurred whilst the vehicle was up in the air with the ramp on high whilst the engineer checked a comment the customer had on slight stiffness in the automatic gear lever movement. Luckily, he called the young apprentice from between the car and the steel topped work bench ahead of it, to fetch a tool, as for some unaccountable reason, said lad banged his head on the very lever, engaging first gear which caused the powerful 3.0l engine to drive the car over the stops, performing a nose dive on to the bench and doing an amazing amount of damage! What turned me pale white, wasn't the responsibility which I assumed to be the one to have to announce the accident to the customer, but the thought that the apprentice would have been cut in two if he hadn't moved (even if the accident would not have happened!). Luckily, with the help of Jock senior, then working as my sales manager, we were able to come up with a plan! I called the customer to the garage in his courtesy car, and explained truthfully about the accident. Dad took over and explained that 'yours truly' had just taken delivery of the latest turbo charged and most expensive version of the 25 in a colour similar to that which he had chosen - he proceeded to talk the MD into a deal, taking several hundred more pounds off him, and I ended up using the repaired version as my demonstrator! I believe the old chap could actually sell fridges to Eskimos!! Thanks for bringing back to mind some forgotten incidents Dave, Kind regards, Jock.

Morning Mike, You probably read of my recent period on the sick list so I must apologise to everyone for leaving lots of ratings. Glad to see the great work has continued in my absence and the standard of photography is as high as ever. Good to see the 'vital spark' still puffing and Clive's jokes running at their normal level. Well done mate, and I like the 'hidden banking' solution as well as the workmanship on the Stationmaster's house. My favourite remains the Jubilee however - predictable eh? Thanks for sharing the pics with us, Kind regards, Jock.

I'm with Peter, Andy, well worth the wait mate - all we need is 'smell-o-vision' to make it perfect! Thanks mate, Kind regards, Jock.

Evening/Morning all, Slightly less pain at both ends so far tonight so we await the middle of the night again to see if it gets sore again then! The correct order of taking all the medications I'm imbibing at the moment is only really possible using my mobile phone reminder page with each element allocated its precise time and an alarm call with the drug itemised. Keep a written list as well, and the hospital have me itemising blood pressure, temperature and weight twice daily (I have my own machines!) - this is so they can judge the side effects after two weeks and hopefully increase the strength. Hopefully the 36 doses are doing some good!. Rather sad tonight to be saying goodbye and RIP to Sir Terry Wogan and Frank Finlay, and for such diverse reasons - loved listening to the Wogan banter on the radio whilst on the road early. For some stupid reason I liked the silly names he made up such as : 'Gatport Airwick' and that's one of the 'clean' ones! I was lucky enough to see Frank Finlay on stage as Iago opposite Laurence Olivier in a strange modern Othello at the National in I think the mid sixties! We do seem to have lost so many already this year? Duncan, I hope today's work went well, and I truly feel (largely due to seeing what happened when my self-employed builder grandson had to have the open heart surgery and is still off work!) that going 'on the books' will offer you so much more security, even though you'll still doubtless have to work as hard. You've obviously given it lots of thought and we would like to wish you all the best in any new venture. MickB, good news on the health front, and I hope that work doesn't prove too stressful tomorrow if you make it! Peter(DD), many thanks for the news update on our Debs - I'm really struggling with the image of her as Dorian Gray however and I'm certain that Oscar would have a preference for an effeminate male! John(CB), are you absolutely certain that you aren't trying to top the actions of our resident 'head banger' 'grandadbob'? Talking of whom, I hope that he's OK as we don't appear to have heard from him for some time. (PS, sorry Laurence, just seen your post!). Ian(RH), I've never known a modeller as busy as you - with the good lady, and your various layouts, you must clock up more mileage than most on the circuit! I'm glad to read that you enjoyed the Erith show and I hope to see your handiwork in the YouTube 2016 video. I watched the 2015 one today and found it most impressive. Chris, I have to agree about the late great Jeremy Brett as probably the best of Sherlocks on film - Joanna watches all such programmes, but he seems closest to the well drawn character in Conan Doyle's books. She always records those which star him on the Sky+ in the knowledge that I will normally be happy to join in watching it with her. I certainly can't take to the latest manifestation! Best wishes to Dave(TG) in this week's task as the radiotherapy that 'Is' will have to endure can sometimes produce some nasty side effects. Good luck also to all the others who are currently recuperating, and let's hope that the 'white rabbits' day is trouble free for our commuters for a change! Fingers crossed that all our friends in the path of the next storm forecast escape too much damage. Off to try to get some sleep now - hope to be back on again tomorrow after I've hosted a bit of a family meeting I've called late afternoon, which I will enlarge on tomorrow evening. Kind regards, Jock. G'night all (and Pete if he re-appears!)!

Lovely images Andy, Especially the Black5 and the 'Mickey Mouse', both of which I had several footplate rides on when a youngster living by the Hurlford shed!mthanks for them mate. Don't forget to give us a clue when the North Road thread starts, for some reason your layout list at the bottom of your posts seem to have disappeared on my iPad! Thanks for the kind words as usual, Kind regards, Jock.

Still feeling carp and lacking sleep, but well cheered up by the last couple of posts! I ended up putting together a CAT model of a self building crane with great grandson on Christmas Day ( Luckily I'd done some work wit them for real during one of my six month working in industry periods whilst at uni!). What was a shocking realisation was that it didn't seem that long since I was doing it with his dad and uncle (now 27 and 24!). Kind regards, Jock.

Looking forward to this one John, we had several 9Fs visit at Hurlford so I intend to have a couple of very dirty ones on display towards the end of the shed's life. Can't say that mine will be anything like as well done as yours but I'm sure to be inspired following your workmanship! Kind regards, Jock.

Love it Jeff! It is going to look great when the greenery and walling start to appear. Kind regards, Jock.

Evening/Morning all, Still feeling rather unwell but I must be patient after only two days. As usual, I must say a big thank you for all the kind words which really do help me. Lack of sleep can get you down, but Joanna and I just watched a couple of repeat episodes of 'Mock the Week' which brought out some proper belly laughs - it is great to go off to bed with a smile on your face! Things moving apace as my radiotherapy planning appointment came through for Friday next, and I hope to hear about the brain scan early next week. As to the Peco (Pecorino according to auto spell checker!!) bulhead site, I haven't bothered to go and look as I'm sometimes known to speak my mind and the effect it's had on some of my ER friends is sufficient to make me shun it! Can I take it however that bullhead will now be available in Code75 - if so, I'll be glad that my illness has delayed my first order? I often visualise 'rivet counters' as lacking in self esteem who can battle in the media when they doubtless wouldn't say the proverbial 'boo to a goose' in real life. Why can't they all be like John(Killybegs) who counts rivets and attempts absolute accuracy in his own models but retains humility and happily shares his skills with anyone interested. Anyone who doesn't know what I'm getting at should check the recent pages on his 'Britannia' build in his 'Worseter' thread. Don also pointed out that Mike(The Stationmaster) with his exceptional knowledge, freely offered, is often pilloried for offering actual facts which are wrongly taken as opinions! Rant over!! Duncan, you kept that signature event very quiet - I'd like to wish you a very Happy Birthday and very many of them. Hope you have a well earned celebration over the weekend! Mick(NB), please wish 'Junior NB' many happy returns from her term time neighbours - hope she is fully fit again. Peter(DD), lovely to see you posting again, you really have had some trying times of late. Hope things soon improve as I really miss your special brand of humour, liberally sprinkled with kindness and humanity. Neil(NHN), I know you've been busy just lately, but as our regular oracle on topics mechanical and marine, I wondered what your take is on the Type 24 Destroyer debacle! Over a billion pounds each to make, and now breaking down frequently with a lot of the fleet in dock. The diesel generator engines (Wärtsilä 12v200) from Finland seem to be most at fault. Fewer complaints about the RR WR-21 Gas Turbines which also serve the complex high power electric propulsion system first used in US warships. I googled the Finnish engine and it looks good on paper - I read somewhere that Cummins have a connection with the company? Apparently the 'fix' will require cutting open the hull to shoehorn in a further unit at a cost approaching £1bn again! There seems to be some similarity in the efficiency of the system of tender in the Royal Navy with that of the Railway system of today? To health, and best wishes to all who are poorly, and a great Sunday for the rest. I hope the weather isn't as bad as predicted, particularly in N. Ireland and Scotland. It's almost embarrassing that we have spring flowers on show in the garden, although on the other hand, the lack of frosts has meant that there are still lots of leaves on the trees and plants like Christmas Rose(Helicrysum) haven't been 'triggered'! Hope to be back on again tomorrow, Kind regards, Jock. G'night to all of my digital friends! G'night Pete if you manage to look in!!

Craig, Lovely sharp images as always to enhance an informative post, thank you. Kind regards, Jock.

Evening Andy, Quick visit as I'm still feeling a bit ropey. Glad I did, what a superb bunch of images, and all locos I love, especially the 'Jube' - really cheered me up mate! Thanks and kind regards, Jock.

Jeff, Quick visit as still feeling a bit ropey, but cheered up by the images and I agree totally with Ben's comment! Also with John(Killybegs) - as many images as you like as far as I'm concerned, Kind regards, Jock.

Evening all, Quick look in since I posted this afternoon. Much too early to tell but the headache is more of throb now rather than a piercing pain, and if I lie on my side, the pelvis isn't quite so bad either so who knows what tomorrow will bring. Thoroughly amused by Dave(rar)'s garage anecdotes - could probably write a book on the subject, or at least a handbook for people in young Dan's position! Neil(NHN), I'm pleased that the funeral went as well as can be expected, although they are always emotionally wearing affairs. I love the touch of the drivers cap and replica smoke box door ring, and it is a measure of how much he was loved and respected that you are complying with his wishes about the scattering of the ashes. Really weary now so off to sleep, A repeat of my wishes from earlier and , Kind regards, Jock. G'night to the Pete's if they reappear tonight, G'night all the rest of my digital friends!

Apologies due once again folks, Still lots of pain but the new regime seems to be going in the right direction, so I'll have to be patient for another couple of days! I haven't had a chance to read all the posts but a very quick scan tells me that I owe heartfelt thanks for the supportive comments, which I really do appreciate. My oncology team and I are certainly trying to hit this thing as I've consumed 30 different medication items since 7.30am this morning! Only 6 more to go by 10.30pm tonight. I have a list, and warnings on my mobile phone to remind me. Hopefully I'll get more sleep than last night as I'm ready to doze off now. I really am struggling with concentration whilst typing this so I'll sign off and try to read some posts tomorrow. Meanwhile, commiserations/congratulations as usual and best wishes for better health to those who need it. I note Pete(trisonic) appears to still be missing, hope he makes contact soon. That goes for Peter(DD) as well, although they appear to be suffering with the weather again. Kind regards until tomorrow, Jock.

Evening all, Sorry, but I'm feeling really rough tonight, and a fairly lengthy visit to the hospital has left me exhausted and I haven't had a chance to catch up on here. Did however take the first of the new chemo tablets tonight, and I start a course of steroids in the morning which my oncologist thinks will help with the headaches. He has booked me for a brain scan (no jokes please!) and more radiotherapy. Have to do the usual commiserations/congratulations and apologise for missing anything important. My thoughts are with you all, and I'll try to check in at some time tomorrow, Good luck and kind regards, Jock. G'night Pete! G'night all!

Evening all, Sorry to say that I've been feeling rather poorly today, with a lot of pain in my pelvis and left buttock. The headache is back as well so lots of questions for my oncologist tomorrow! I simply haven't had a chance to read any posts on here today, and I've got an early start for tomorrow's appointment so it's off to bed for me I'm afraid. I will try to post an update tomorrow night if I feel up to it, and catch up at the weekend. Best wishes to all who ail, and commiserations/congratulations where deserved, Kind regards, Jock. G'night Pete(if you've re-appeared)! G'night all my other digital friends!

Blimey Jim, It's certainly never boring for you! Good luck for the rest of the week, Kind regards, Jock.

Morning Shaun, Missing for a while through illness again mate, but another appointment Thursday to try to sort it out. Goodness, I've missed a helluva lot! Brilliant workmanship all round as we've come to expect - I'm sure many of your followers have picked up several useful ideas, I certainly have. Thank you, and kind regards, Jock.

Focalplane, I thought the Jubilee wheelbase was 54ft 3.25in which makes me wonder why the wheels on the model seem very close to the ends of the track? Kind regards, Jock.

Morning all, Stinking headache tonight, so that has been added to the list of queries for my oncologist on Thursday morning. Can't sleep so attempting to type a post after a busy day. I felt I had to read some Burns after last nights supper, and I was reminded of what a homespun philosopher he was when I read 'To a Louse' ( on seeing one on a lady's bonnet in church in 1786) : 'O wad some Power the giftie* gie us To see oursels as ithers see us!' (*God) Always raises a smile, and worth a read if you've got a copy with marginal translations! Flavio, I'll be thinking of you on the 5th of Feb. I hope it's a post that you would really like, and that the hours/remuneration suit your lifestyle these days. Ian(Abel), don't Hornby any longer do an on-line instruction/service sheet for their latest models? I can retrieve one for one of my models which is over 40 years old. I thought one came in the box at the time! Glad to see that Ian(RH) managed to do a great job with his photo tutorial - extremely friendly and informative! AndyB and Donw, as to BT help, I used to resort to doing the line check from my PC at work, but now I've retired, I have the iPad to resort to if needed. I must say that this hasn't been necessary since the switch to fibre optic. I have to also mention that on the couple of occasions I've had to call for help, the engineers, although based in Mumbai, have all had a good command of English, and managed to solve the problem efficiently. 'lightengine', I'm with the cheap bulb theory - Joanna bought a couple of standard lamps for the corners of the lounge, each with five stylish little glass globes. At the point of sale, the assistant supplied her with bulbs to suit, including spares, from their Diall range. Several blew in a matter of weeks and so I replaced them with much more expensive ones from Phillips. They are still going after over a year! They are the little glass LED ones with two protruding wires. Geoff, what great news on the eyes! Take good care of them. AndyID, an impressive looking piece of kit and the gearing device looks very well engineered indeed. I recall you mentioned the modification to the ducting months ago. You really must try to post some pics of it in action! I've refrained from entering your competition as I have in the past designed drive shafts for racing cars (whilst at Weslakes!) with independent suspension! Neil(NHN), Oh dear, not much fun for Deb's and you at the moment. I am terribly sorry to read about Jayne's descent in to depression - it must make you both feel very frustrated that you can't come up with a solution, but if she still won't seek professional help, there is little more you can do. Are her family aware of the deterioration? The funeral won't be much fun either, but what a compliment to you that the whole 'team' decided to postpone the 'event' to accommodate your situation! Thinking of you both, and hope you have a great party when this is behind you. Duncan, good luck with your two exams - I'm sure you'll sail through! Best wishes to all our ailing friends and a trouble free 'hump' day, and rest of the week to everyone. I'm hopefully off to sleep now, musing as I do on the fact that yesterday was ninety years to the day since John Logie Baird demonstrated his first 'television' in Soho, London! Kind regards, Jock. G'night Pete(if you're back with us)! G'night all!

Jeff, Moving apace now - very impressive! Kind regards, Jock.