Jock67B

Any of our fans of the Universe stuck to the TV like me for 'Stargazing Live' with Dara Ó Briain and Brian Cox, as well as a few boffins. Fascinating, especially good to see how happy Tim Peake is to be up there on the ISS! It's on again tomorrow night at 9 on the Beeb. Kind regards, Jock.

Probably got some 'bin bag' stuck to the catalytic converter which gets very hot indeed when in use! Good luck with that, and a better day tomorrow, Kind regards, Jock.

Evening/Morning all, Just had to play catch up as, like Phil, I got hooked on TV for a couple of hours or more. I loved 'Coast' and they re-ran the episode where the team visited Norway and it took in many different points of interest, including the 1941 Commando raid which recaptured the Lofoten Islands from the German garrison. This was followed by 'Stargazing Live' with Dara Ó Briain and Brian Cox, supported by a team of boffins. Absolutely fascinating for anyone remotely interested in our Universe, and followed by another programme tomorrow! The interview with Tim Peake was amazing - he is so happy to be up there that he was grinning from ear to ear the whole time. They also roped in comedian John Bishop to try his hand at astronaut training, and he did better than even he expected. As a matter of interest Phil, I'm also on the look out for a programme on the archaeological discovery at Must Farm - we could find out more about Bronze Age living from finds on the site! Pete(pH), thanks for the link to the broken suspended bridge. From the eyewitness report, if it's accurate, a strong upward gust of wind caused it so it could easily be a simple error in the calculation of the lifting moment created by such a gust. I must say that I like the idea for an innovative temporary fix! Robert,well said post on the passing of Ed 'Stewpot' Stewart who was a likeable, friendly and funny DJ and presenter. Being fairly uncontroversial, he seemed to stay below the "celebrity" radar, happier on the golf course or working for charity, rather than chasing publicity like some of his peers, when he wasn't working. It's a sad society that almost dismisses someone for the crime of being mundane! He suffered a stroke apparently, RIP Ed. John(DMJ), sorry to read that you've joined the growing list of our ailing digital friends. I hope the outcome of your tests show it to be something easy to treat. Geoff(Ohmisterporter), I have a similar problem here as Joanna now wants to sell and downsize this year, and I've got approaching four and a half thousand books, several full years of Autosport, to name but two of the things I need to get rid of! Very difficult, especially as I've been poorly lately. Dave(r-a-r), 'Toxic Kangaroo Babies'? Who thought that name up? No wonder the house quaked!! Mal, good to read that you have returned safely. I'm glad you discovered some useful items amidst the carp as it makes your presence there worthwhile. Who knows what upstairs and the loft will hold - when I think of my own loft, it makes me shudder. When is your next treatment due? I re-start my chemo on the 14th, having paused to promote healing of the wound from my recent operation. I then have a consultation with the oncologist on the 21st. to check if I can continue the treatment for a further month as well as discuss the results of my recent scan. I hope they can pinpoint the source of the intense pain in my pelvis which at the moment requires an increased morphine intake! Haven't heard from Mick(NB) as to whether the two women in his life had returned home safely! (Probably find a post from him when I post this!). We've just started to climb the hump so I'll wish all our ailing members a swift recovery. Best wishes one and all for the rest of the week. Kind regards, Jock. G'night Pete! G'night Owls! PS Mick, glad my educated guess was correct - pleased they made it safely. Get well soon to Junior! J.

Evening Polly, I apologise for all the ratings but I've just caught up after some health issues since a hernia operation on 31st Dec. of all days for a Scot to then be denied a drink!! So a very late Happy New Year to you and Ray. I got a shock when I clicked on 'Great West Road' as you had been fairly quiet before Christmas and now it's buzzing! Good to see the track plan - do you have any idea when you'll make a start on the boards? I'm looking forward to the development of this layout as your planning looks very meticulous, Kind regards, Jock.

Afternoon all, Didn't really like DB or his music (mainly because I'm a dyed in the wood classical fan who also likes top quality guitar players), but I couldn't help but admire his ability to change not with the fashion of the day, but creating his own! To reinvent himself, as often as he did, was nothing short of amazing. Above all else, he seems to have been less controversial than many of his peers, and I understand that he didn't really hurt anyone throughout his life which is more important in my opinion! Kind regards, Jock.

Ed, Even knowing that termination is the correct decision for the sake of baby and mum makes it no less difficult. I am very pleased to read about the help the children are getting from their local NHS, but you haven't mentioned any for yourself. Do you have anyone close to share this with, or are you confident you can handle it on your own? Please don't think of yourself as useless and helpless as you are neither, your support at this time will be terribly important to them both, even if it will only be mentioned on the telephone! Please use us, your digital friends, to discuss absolutely anything either here or by PM. It sometimes good to just get things off your chest. Stay strong my friend, Kind regards, Jock. PS, typed this as Andy posted his! J.

John, I suspect she may have heard that one once or twice before? Kind regards, Jock.

That will look great with a rake of non corridor suburbans hooked on Ben, lovely gift! Kind regards, Jock.

Al Impressive craftsmanship in miniature, well done, Kind regards, Jock.

Morning John, Thought of you over Christmas as I was thumbing through David Cross's lovely book of plates from his father Derek's photography on the Glasgow & South Western Railway lines. Although I was looking for something else, I came across a couple of images of Brittanias from around 1963, and if anyone doubts your weathering talent (I seem to remember a couple of comments some pages back!) then you can refer them to these shots which make your efforts look very accurate indeed! The Grange is coming on well, model engineering of the highest order. Kind regards, Jock.

Morning Derek, I haven't got a problem with the walls - all of modelling is after all about creating an 'impression'! The '0' gauge locos looked lovely. If I had the wealth and space I'd consider it simply on the basis that all the bits are bigger and easier to handle with my old fingers! Hope the arthritis improves soon my friend, Kind regards, Jock.

Brian, Thanks mate, much appreciated! Kind regards, Jock.

Morning Duncan, I'm not surprised that you managed such an error because you seem to be working a lot of hours without a break, and then adding to your tiredness with sometimes hours of travel each end of your working day! Hopefully it will be plain sailing now, and you can get your first trains running soon. I admire your strength of character in as much as you didn't trash the lot in rage!! Good luck my friend, and kind regards, Jock.

Morning all, Not sure if I've had a memory test - must have forgotten! Like many on here, I was never a great Bowie fan but I did admire him as an innovator, and I must add that I went to see him in the film 'Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence' on release in August 1983 and remember thinking he could have a career in films without a problem as it was a very good performance in my opinion. This obviously wasn't in his plan however as he successfully reinvented himself and his music several times over the years. RIP a true star. We have a fantastic set of neighbours around us, living as we do in the turning circle of a cul-de-sac. All have been very supportive over my illness, offering to walk Archie, taking old fence panels to the 'tip', offering to go shopping with Joanna and so on. About seven years ago, we had a noisy couple with two children in the property to which we are link detached, but relief came in the shape of a divorce when she (source of most noise!) ran off with a younger man and the place was sold to the current lovely family. Chris, hope you got the right result at the bank today over your missing card. Dave(TG), that's good news about 'Is', she is to be much admired for her spirit and I find her an inspiration. Please thank her from both of us - you must be very proud of her! Lovely videos in your later post - It's hard to believe that line has gone though! Warren(BoD), good to hear you are keeping your spirits up, has your hearing recovered from this afternoons little accident? Gordon(gordon s), that is an absolutely incredible amount of money to raise for what is a very good cause. I almost wish I hadn't used your link to the site though, as it left me very touched to read about the people that you and your generous members have kindly decided to support. Donw and Dave(TG), whereas I agree with the bulk of your comments about cancer, my own feeling is that the development of our understanding of the workings of DNA and genetics is an area that could greatly enhance the chance of combating the disease in all its different forms. I just It is well known that early diagnosis and treatment proves successful against many types of cancer. The isolation of the rogue genes that point to specific types of cancer will eventually build a database which will enable specialists to test the likelihood of cancer occurring in an individual. There has been a lot of success with the research so far, and if we can just make the breakthrough, it is feasible that a simple blood test could allow intervention before the bad cells develop. Joining the Cancer Research team means I get regular e-mails on the discoveries and theories almost as they happen! Pete(lightengine), belated wishes for a Very Happy Birthday and many more of them. There is no use in you trying to keep it a secret as you can't stop the March of time - I'm glad you were happy with your presents though. Neil(NHN), I am truly sorry to read of the death of your friend and fellow Groudle Glen volunteer. You and Deb's have had some rotten luck in that respect over the last twelve months or so. Possibly the worst part of ageing is the fact that the older you get, the greater the chance that such losses amongst family and friends will occur. Mick(NB), wishing Mrs NB a safe and uneventful journey to Colchester and back to collect Sarah. I hope that she recovers quickly - food poisoning can be very nasty! Get well soon messages go out to Neil and Dom, as well as anyone else ailing at the moment. Have a good rest of the week everybody, but you'd better break out the winter clothes according to BBC Weather! Kind regards, Jock. G'night Pete! G'night all!

Evening Gordon, Good to see some coaches out there My friend, even running on paper. Must say that your signature prototypical looking curves look to be in this version as well - really looking forward to seeing the track down, as no doubt you are! Well done, I'll look back through at a later time, having been a bit restricted on time lately due to medical issues! Kind regards, Jock.

Mike, Whatever you choose, it's certain to produce a thread that will be well worth following and I'll be there! Kind regards, Jock.

Evening Brian, Just catching up mate, still recuperating! Like Andy, I thought the Standard5 looks absolutely superb. Obviously you'll be weathering the cocrrete eventually, but I like the method you used, very clever and well worth copying with your permission. Keep up the good work, Kind regards, Jock.

Evening Mike, superb and realistic images as usual, Any idea what you plan to do next? Kind regards, Jock.

Hi Mike, Late, but just had my fix, very nice thank you. Those detail items at the Stationmaster's house really enhance the scene, truly superb. Kind regards, Jock.

You'll both love every minute I'll wager! Kind regards, Jock.

Morning Shaun, Just wanted to say how good the kitchen woodwork looked mate, superb fit! The exchange buildings do look like they would make lovely models, but I hope you've got plenty of space to accommodate them? Kind regards, Jock.

Morning all, Despite the problem I have getting around at the moment, I couldn't allow Joanna to cope with the post Christmas graveyard duties on her own, as she is far from 100% fit herself. At Christmas, she always likes to switch the 'rose bowl' flower holder for a decorated potted miniature conifer which fits in the hole in the granite base of the gravestone. She likes a holly wreath placed in front of the base and secured against the elements by a couple of tent pegs. Today she wanted these removed, and fresh flowers put in their place. I normally sit on my garden kneeler/stool, scrub down the headstone, and arrange the flowers, finishing with water in the bowl. No way I could this week with the swollen appendage! As I had the 'rose bowl' at home, I cleaned it up and arranged fresh roses in the holes, carefully placing it in a plastic bag and we took this, a short handled brush, and half bottle of water to the graveyard with Joanna driving and me lying on the well reclined passenger seat. She placed Archie in his cage using a ramp and off we went. She was able to roll the wreath and conifer in to the bag, place the arranged flowers and 'rose bowl' into it's socket, and carefully filled with water. I then lightly brushed the gravestone clear with legs akimbo, then got back into the car and listened to classic fm whilst she walked the dog. Isn't it funny how we humans use a little ingenuity to overcome physical problems? My reward from a happy wife was a couple of slices of toast topped with scrambled egg and served with four plump rashers of Suffolk dry cured bacon, washed down with a mug of tea for lunch! Been resting since! Dave(TG), today's selection of photos was nothing short of stunning, especially the clever ones of reflections. I marvel at the number of times you must stop and restart on your constitutional. Will you update us with any news on 'Is' as the week progresses? Andrew C, good to hear that your pain has slackened and that you managed to get some sleep last night. Your lottery result exactly mirrored ours! Rick, it was lovely to read of your intention to visit the wonderful county of 'Kernow' later in the year. It might be a good idea to let us know the dates in case any of your digital friends happen to be in any of the places you will go to! For instance, if you visit Mousehole, you might bump in to 'Penlan' who posts on RMweb and lives there, although you probably know that? Warren(BoD), I know it's easy to say, but you must try to stay positive my friend and it will pass eventually. I understand your frustration as I too am essentially 'grounded' at the moment - I look out at what was my beautiful garden and I could cry, but I just have to be patient like you. Do you think an eye patch would remove the distraction of the bubble, or would that be going too far? I hope Thursday's consultation goes well, and at least you should leave with a plan to make your recuperation more bearable. Flavio, I hope you had an uneventful trip home, and it was pleasing to read how much everyone enjoyed the London meeting that you set up - jealous of Essex here. Bill, that sounds like a very interesting itinerary indeed - Joanna and I have visited all those places at one time or other, although a trip that gave us a few days in Budapest about four years ago, made that the top of our favourite cities list! Found a cracking railway museum at Vasuttorténeti Park as well, with plenty of steam locos on display! The company, and another meeting with Flavio would no doubt be highlights for you in any case wherever you go! AndyB - learned that lesson the hard way when dealing with car manufacturers. A telephone or verbal assent can always be denied, whereas a hard copy of an e-mail, with time and date, is actual proof. Yes it makes you feel a bit like a 'jobsworth', but it could save you serious trouble. The usual good luck to our commuters for later today, and best wishes, to those ailing, for a speedy recovery, Kind regards, Jock. G'night Pete! G'night all!

Jeff, Good to see you adapting ideas as you go along, and each step is a move forward in authenticity. How good it is to have accomplished and experienced modellers chipping in with very helpful advice (you know who you are!) which you then adapt to suit your own ideas. Much better than having rigid ideas to start with which doggedly adhered to, end in layouts being scrapped! Loving it so far, Kind regards, Jock. PS just seen the latest pics and like them very much!

Correct Neil, but I thought I'd probably bored everyone enough without going on to the 12LDA28 tandem engine which came with inherent unreliability! Effectively gluing 2 six cylinder engines together brought on all sorts of issues with heat, strength of the geared crankshafts etc. - it didn't develop its extra power for long! Kind regards Jock.

Hi Andy, Just been back to before Christmas and have to thank you for the Q1 weathering tutorial on P17, and the 'mug shots' on P18 are useful - it's nice to be able to put faces to the names you correspond with, especially Duncan who is a regular over on ERs! Kind regards, Jock.