Jock67B

Morning again Andy, Just working my way back through slowly, but I won't put too many ratings on, just for the railway related posts! One thing I noticed is the gap between loco and tender on that beautiful 9F - do you intend to close it up a bit, or are you restricted by tight curves? Perhaps cosmetic doors? You have lost none of your weathering skills mate, really superb! Kind regards, Jock.

Andy, They look like a superb collection and the shed is going to be well worth viewing when you get all the dirt and grime in place! Thanks for sharing so much with us mate, Kind regards, Jock.

Morning Brian(BSW01), We too have three, Lisa (who lives near Epping) and Karen (who lives here in Clacton) with three lovely children each, and our son Stuart who still insists on playing the field! Lisa's three look like going a long way because she married a high achiever who can afford to send them to Forest School, Snaresbrook, which has seen there son about to qualify from LSE, and both girls due to enter university this year and next! Karen is a nursing sister, and her three went to the local high school and also seem to be making their way in the world. Her eldest son is a builder, always in work and the second installs cold rooms - the former having given us three great grandchildren already, and the latter one more! Her daughter, my 'blonde bombshell', is due to go to university in London in September. Both Joanna and I dote on them all and we were lucky enough to be young(ish) and fit(ish) when the grandkids came along. The great grandchildren are harder work at our ages now, but not everyone is lucky enough to have one, let alone four! The biggest compliment we are paid is that they all love to be here with us, and I get a real kick out of letting them in to my study to refer to my book collection and computer for their homework! Long may it continue for you Brian, and I hope you are never stricken again, but since I was diagnosed as a terminal case, I've discovered a depth of love and care from them all that makes me feel cosseted. Kind regards, Jock.

Morning all, We got a lottery ticket today, which is downstairs in the kitchen cupboard, and neither of us can be bothered to go and get it for two reasons - the 'special offer' freeview TV in the bedroom for some reason doesn't have cee-fax, and the Sky+ one in the lounge would disturb Archie if we turn it on now so it's contain the excitement until morning time! Bill, your post would suggest that you and your friend 'Unravelled' thoroughly enjoyed your lunch yesterday - you all cut fine figures in Jamie's picture! I wish I could have attended, but such travel is simply impossible at the moment. At least I now know that my hair colour would have matched that of the assembled company. I have to agree with your suggestion about the unfortunate position that Ed and his family find themselves in, it's the only logical solution but then I'm not the one who has to make the decision! Neil(NHN), the picture of the Sulzer RND90 did cheer me up but then I'm the 'nut case' (Joanna's description at the time!) who attempted to buy a cut-away sectioned Rolls Royce Merlin engine mounted on a display stand. Only £8500 some twenty eight years ago, but I think I'd have been divorced before we married as she felt that a house was more important - we've got the house! The Sulzer brothers were clever Swiss chaps who had Rudolf Diesel working for them in 1879, and bought the rights to some of his Diesel engine designs in 1893. The company has been producing them ever since. The allies weren't impressed with them during the war when they sold some to the axis countries but it didn't stop them buying the 6LDA28 engine in the fifties to fit in the Type 2 Diesel Locos of Class 24/25. Developments were also sourced over the years to equip up to the Class 47 and beyond. It would be interesting to have a view on their performance from Mike on his Dent Station thread, who used to work on them! If you do take Deb's to see Fingal's Cave to tick it off her 'bucket list', it would be a nice idea to have Mendelssohn's 'Fingal's Cave' from the 'Hebrides Overture' playing on your phone as you sail up to the breathtaking attraction as it truly does match the scenery beautifully. Richard(HH), I'm not sure that such an image would be allowed on such a genteel site as RMweb - I've not seen any porn on here yet, although I've read several posts elsewhere that appear to emanate from one of the organs that show in such publications! Ian(RH), very sad news about the passing of your friend - perhaps you can draw some comfort from the fact that he had some quality of life right up until the end, not always the case with that most dreadful of cancer's. One of the young lads I taught to sell cars is currently working during a period of remission, but has no idea when it may appear again - really deserves a bravery award! Much to dwell on as I try to get to sleep tonight, although I'll probably be musing on the existence of Neil's amphibious camper van. Hope everyone has a good Sunday, and our poorly members pick up as we head towards next week, Kind regards, Jock. G'night Pete! G'night all!

Afternoon all, A post seems a bit superfluous after reading Ed's, but I've already written this so I'll type it anyway. Chris, Baz, Dave(TG), Phil, Neil and Mike, and probably others who haven't read the comments on Flying Scotsman yet, have my complete agreement - it must be the deepest 'money pit' that has ever graced our rails. When you think of Alan Pegler and Tony Marchington who both went bankrupt over it, and a great businessman like Sir William McAlpine who had the sense to sell up and get rid of it before the same happened to him! It makes you marvel at the NRM's decision makers for not noticing the pattern! Other locos which are if anything more complex are running on the main line without having cost a fraction of this one. Amazing that, when there was a close up of the valve gear and connecting rods on the BBC News bulletin, I thought they looked as good as new. It was only after some research, I discovered the reason for this was simply that they are new!! Most would also agree with the urgent need to spend heavily on preserving and sorting the archives, a large percentage of which are recorded on degradable media. Dave(TG), I'm glad that the medics have discovered some of the reason for the seroma that troubles 'Is' constantly re-filling! I hope they can now speed the healing process so that they can get on with the radiotherapy as soon as possible. Peter(DD), will mother in law be able to follow such a diet regime? If she has carers, perhaps they can assist, but it looks like a bit of a difficult road ahead for someone that age. You and your good lady have our sympathies. Dave(r-a-r), ten out of ten for observation on the page number mate! Jamie, many thanks for the post and photograph showing us all the attendees at yesterday's lunch. If the devil could cast his net.......? Thanks too for the subsequent post with the key to who's who - it is always nice to put faces to the 'digital friends' as I'm currently unable to travel to such events. I'm truly sorry to have missed such an interesting meeting - who knows, the medics might be able to mend me enough to travel in the future? Neil(NHN), your post is not boring at all, but more deserving of all our sympathy! As a sufferer of intense pain from a couple of places on my pelvis, I can fully sympathise. When the cause of the pain is so near to the spinal chord, it seems to hurt everywhere. It really is unfortunate that the original scans failed to show the full extent of the damage. Do they plan to try to rebuild you any time soon? Andrew C, desperately sorry to hear of your terrible start to the year. I really hope that the local NHS get their finger's out as there is little worse than not knowing what you're up against! You have every reason to feel miserable mate. We are all here if you feel the need to get things off your chest. You certainly didn't need more neighbours from hell to add to your woes! My current problems seem somehow minimised by all that's gone on today, and the 'space hopper' appears to have diminished slightly so as long as I can stay awake, I'll post again later. Can anyone help with some good news please? Kind regards, Jock.

Afternoon Ed, Like others, it is hard to know what to say, but many years ago my sister had a similar experience with her second pregnancy and aborted on advice of the medical professionals involved! Sometimes it is necessary for the sake of both mother and child. She subsequently went on to have two more children without any problems. The worst worry for us was that, although she already had a daughter, she was deeply depressed for a time, blaming herself for the incident! I hope you can stay strong enough to support them in their time of need, and you can rely on us to support you as best we can, whether here in open forum or by PM. You are in the thoughts of both of us, Kind regards, Jock.

Morning Al, You're burning the midnight oil to good effect my friend - that is just the sort of craftsmanship in miniature that we've come to expect of you, very well done and thank you for sharing it, Kind regards, Jock.

Sorry mate, I must have lost the plot, or I'm trying to follow too many threads but for some reason this thread disappeared from my 'followed' list - almost certainly pressed the wrong button when falling asleep so there might be a load of ratings over the weekend if I feel up to it! Unforgivable with me being such a loco shed fan as well? Looked in for the weathering pictures mentioned over on Pencarne, Kind regards, Jock.

Morning Jeff, I love the way you consider the advice offered by some fine modellers and act on their comments. Having said that, I know that rule one would be applied if you felt strongly enough about this but I think you've made a wise decision. I too love the way that Jason comes up with such well reasoned comment! Look forward to the weekend's efforts, Kind regards, Jock.

Evening all, I've rested most of today and certainly feel better for it, having modified some underpants to prevent chafing in what is a delicate area! It's strange how you lose all inhibitions about talking on such a subject after being subjected to all the medical procedures necessary. When young you wouldn't even mention a pimple on your bottom. Stewart, sorry to hear about your pain my friend. It was very lucky that you should have been seen by a pain control expert though, and so we'll cross our fingers that the new regime works, and quickly! Neil(NHN), your pain on the other hand, seems to be lingering much longer than it should - must make it awkward when you climb on one of your bikes! My oncologist assured me that no-one should feel pain in this day and age and will be working on my little problem when I see him again on the 21st. January. The Colchester General hospital has a pain control expert on the staff. Do you have one on the 'Island', or does it mean a trip to the mainland? It might be worth some research. Thought of you, and your love of older bikes today - one of my neighbours has invested in a couple recently : a Greeves Trials with what he thinks is a 150cc Villiers engine, and an almost completely restored 200cc Tiger Cub. He was bemused when I remembered how to modify the little chrome rocker covers - they were renowned for leaking copious amounts of oil after service, due to over tightening of the single bolt which secured them. The problem was that they were a fairly thin piece of chromed sheet steel, cup shaped, with the bolt in the centre which flared out the edges if tightened too much, and they wouldn't seal again! I came up with a fix which worked well in that I cut a short length of steel tube of similar diameter to the bolt. This was placed under a new cover and being exactly the correct length, allowed the bolt to tighten enough to 'crush' the gasket without deforming the cover. Someone made a ribbed alloy replacement but we couldn't locate any. He rode the bike round to my front door this afternoon to show me that he had successfully fitted the modification which I had sketched up for him. He has seen my old fibreglass Bell helmet hanging in the garage and asked me if I wanted to go for a short ride and it really tugs at my heart being that close to a bike again, now that I'm banned. I'd never get the 'space hopper' on the saddle in any case! Are you all asleep yet? BBC news programme riled me today with its insistence that the Flying Scotsman was the first steam locomotive to achieve the magic 100mph recorded speed. They did highlight that it was the first 'official' record of it but all railway history buffs will believe that the feat was in fact achieved by the 'City of Truro', making 102.3 mph, on 9th of May 1904. The journey was recorded by the renowned time-keeper and railway journalist Charles Rous - Marten. No one doubted the veracity at the time when It was published in 'The Railway Magazine', a trusted favourite through the years with railwaymen, including my dad! I know that all sorts of controversial views have been expressed in the years since then. Your views please folks, if indeed you have any on the subject? Hoping for some reports on the RMweb members London lunch later today. That should get some discussion going then! Tired now, so it's time to wish all our ailing friends better health, and to those who manage to dodge too many chores - have a great weekend! Kind regards, Jock. G'night Pete! G'night insomniacs! PS Brian(BSW01), your post came in as I was typing but it appealed to me that you are yet another proud grandfather. Hope you get as much joy from yours as we do from ours! J.

Gordon, We're very lucky as our GP has become a family friend. I first met him around twenty eight years ago when my dealership supplied him with a Renault Espace. He has purchased many vehicles for himself and family since then, and all his children enjoyed their 'starter cars' that my staff located for them. He is of course now enjoying the reward of a top of the range Mercedes that his surgery is now successful enough to fund. He is undoubtedly responsible for saving Joanna and my life by fast tracking us when necessary. Sadly proves the old adage about "who you know, not what you know"! We are well cared for but there are some terrible areas without GP cover of any sort! Both piers at Clacton and Walton are doing fairly well, although the Walton one has suffered a bit financially as the 'bowl' has become a bit tatty, and a new one opened in Clacton a couple of years ago. I'm not sure you'd recognise either place as their have been massive changes over the last twenty-five or so years - not all for the better! Kind regards, Jock.

Hello again! I've caught up while lying here under doctor's orders - swelling still very uncomfortable although not painful. Made better by all the kind comments doubtless! Chris, I for one would be very interested to read your views on '4472' as I have some interesting opinions of my own on that iconic locomotive. If what you have to say is a bit contentious, you could always put it in a PM. Ian(RH), after sixty-eight mainly great years, during which time a lot of fun was had whilst fuelled with alcohol, I certainly don't propose to give up now! This, like most such pronouncements, is likely to change in the future and in any case is essentially an opinion or interpretation of statistics! I look at how the French thrive on wine from a very young age. I hope all goes well with 'Banbury' in Bognor. Gordon(gordon s), life's ups and downs are indeed strange when it is almost as if one departs to make room for the new arrival. 'Hope' (a lovely name!) seems to have entered the world in a similar state to Ella, my blonde bombshell of a granddaughter with whom I appear to have a special rapport. She was really beaten up during delivery but now at approaching eighteen years of age, she has certainly reached the 'swan' stage being beautiful inside and out. I would wager that you will be able to say the same about Hope as she grows. Prepare to be 'wrapped round her little finger! Richard, the not knowing what is causing your eye trouble must be very frustrating - let's hope for a resolution after your next appointment in May. Dave(r-a-r), I actually new a 'Nina' very well, and I was driving a 'Dagenham Dustbin' as a company car at the time. The back remained unused however, sadly! Phil, I hope your back improves soon, such pain impacts on everything you do. Ian(Abel), bet your chest puffed out when Gemma waved from the cockpit - was there a crowd around to see the incident? Baz (or 'Baez' if you don't notice the auto-correct!), I did remember to e-mail Tex but without any result yet. Best wishes as usual to our sick members, and I hope all those that sought the 'E' today, got their wish. I'll try to stay awake to post later, Kind regards, Jock.

Afternoon all, We have a real parking issue in Clacton that never fails to rile me. As you possibly can guess, my knackered pelvis restricts the distance I can comfortably walk, let alone sit down, and the local council have made a few areas near the centre of town available to blue badge holders. One such is a short stretch of road which was blocked off by the one way system, leaving disabled only spaces either side, one of which could accommodate three cars, the other four. Poor parking of course limits this to two and three most days, thanks to thoughtless drivers who are after all only making things difficult for fellow disabled people. The number of idiots who drive in forwards, even on such a short piece of road, and then execute something like an eighteen point turn to get out, simply beggars belief. I reverse in to spaces as a matter of habit, having the obvious knowledge that the front of the car can be moved left or right, whereas the rear is rigid in terms of sideways movement. Perhaps I only make it look easy after so many years putting cars in to tight showroom displays? How these people ever passed a test is hard to divine. If there is a medical reason for being unable to turn your head or neck, the simple solution is to have parking sensors fitted! Using mirrors is also useful. It is even more embarrassing when I note how many of the transgressors were actually supplied a car by me (several hundred per annum over just under thirty years here means there is a good chance!). Stepping off my soap-box now, but it upsets me when I see disabled people acting in such a thoughtless manner to folk in the same state as them! I'll be back later when I've calmed down!!! Kind regards, Jock.

So realistic Mike, I especially like the ones with reflections showing in the pools! Keep them coming my friend, Kind regards, Jock.

Regretfully no time frame as it's one of those 'how long is a piece of string' scenarios apparently. Catch 22 really as light exercise should help dispel the fluid, but walking too much and standing/sitting in an upright position exacerbate the problem. On advice I'm having a couple of days complete rest, then I'll start to do some measured walking around indoors. Thanks for your kind interest my friend, Kind regards, Jock.

Mikkel, Just read the lot - fantastic thank you. Exceptional modelling too! Kind regards, Jock.

Morning Jeff, I sense a rising interest on here, and with it an increase in excitement. Almost every day brings another modelling 'nugget' to file away! Jason's little lesson on terrain is a case in point and I'm reminded that even Hurlford shed area would not be entirely featureless. Thank you, and of course Jason, Kind regards, Jock.

Evening again all, How nice to have some good results on the health front for a pleasant change : Chris not having his plumbing assaulted for the foreseeable future, Jamie's Beth on the mend, Tony_S with a happy result, and Peter(DD)'s mother in law allowed home (although with gall stones - my daughter assures me that they often successfully treat some of her older patients with pills to avoid the risk of a major operation). Dom, I hope you join that list soon my friend and I'm sure the company appreciate you owning up to being 'unfit for duty' as the alternative outcome doesn't bear thinking about! As to my own situation - the surgeon from last week examined me first and deemed the swelling to be nothing to do with the hernia. He duly booked me in to a urology ward where I was physically examined and then treated to an ultrasonic scan. The urologist eventually arrived and looked at the whole history of my various problems. He put my mind at rest in that all the swelling is caused by fluid (principally water, which will eventually disperse if I take regular short walks indoors, with periods resting almost prone in between, with my feet higher than my abdomen. Lying about on doctor's orders - should have asked for it in writing for Joanna! By the way, after 6 hours, nobody could pinpoint exactly why this happened!! Baz and Gordon s, many thanks for the Coronation images which will always cheer me up. My father had several turns at the regulator of those most powerful looking (UK before Neil trots out his Big-Boy!) locos and I actually had one footplate trip from Glasgow to Carlisle. Coming down Beattock Bank was really something, but unbelievable as it might seem, I didn't record number or name - just crossed it off as a 'cop' in my Observer's Book! When well in retirement, My dad was given permission by Mr Bloom to take the controls of 46233, Duchess of Sutherland when it was at Bressingham, and he'd also driven it in service which really impressed the Eastern Region man who was driving that day. Baz, it was in fact me that e-mailed Tex without success sadly - I'll attempt to remember to try again tomorrow. Dave(TG), that 2FS Templot track work template looks very impressive - wouldn't leave it on the chair in case someone accidentally sits on it! I suspect that those of you who join the good Dottore Flavio in London for lunch tomorrow will have a wonderful time. Wish I could have been there as doubtless a solution to some of the world's most pressing problems will be discussed! Seriously, I hope it goes really well and that you all make it home safely. Good luck to all those hoping for the 'E' in Poet's tomorrow, and continued health improvement for all our poorly digital friends. Kind regards, Jock. G'night Pete! G'night all!

Evening all, Popped in to say thanks for all the good wishes - glad to say they worked and, after six hours I've been given the all clear! I'll post more later, not long since I got back! Whilst on, does anyone know this 'Keith George'? - what a comment to make. Like any level headed person, I think we can trust Dom to know if he's unfit for duty! Well said Bill and DD. Kind regards, Jock.

Morning Shaun, As Al said WOW! That really is a major project in the making, although I'm confident that the skill you have demonstrated will allow you to pull it off. Like your other 'followers', I will now be anticipating lots of ideas worth copying on your thread as the layout develops. Good to hear that the kitchen is almost complete - pretty sure Joanna would have been less understanding about waiting that long. (Strange really as I do most of the cooking!). Looking forward to this new one very much - will you put a link to the new thread below this one? Kind regards, Jock.

Mike, Thanks for the news about Richard Gibson (Otto Flick in 'Allo Allo') - I used to like his character in that daft programme although Joanna was convinced I only watched it because of his love interest Helga (Kim Hartman). Then there was Vicki Michelle but that's another story! Lost sight of them all for years now but you really have brought back some memories as I also used to visit the Mill - always good value around 1980/81 and what an interesting building. I assume that still pertains today? Thank you for bringing back a forgotten but lovely time in my life, Kind regards, Jock.

Morning all, Thought I'd have a quick catch up as I don't feel sleepy yet! Thanks are due as usual for all the kind, supportive good luck messages. Grandson Matt is luckily taking his baby son to Colchester General tomorrow and so has volunteered to go an hour or so earlier to take me as Joanna still isn't comfortable with a longer drive since her shoulder damage. I'll obviously fund their fuel costs and lunch in the restaurant whilst they wait for the baby's appointment, as his partner and two and a half year old Amalie will be with him. They really are sweet kids, and they know Joanna will be on hand to collect Freddie their son from school if our return is delayed. I am blessed with a lovely family! Dave(r-a-r), I loved the cartoon and I'm (sorely) tempted to blow up a copy for the study. Dave(TG), looks like you probably got damp on today's constitutional. I hope the draining situation 'Is' has soon settles down so the radiotherapy can start - sooner the better as she would no doubt agree! Duncan, it took me a couple of moments to notice what was wrong with the sign - don't suppose anyone flies aircraft low and inverted along that road? Hope today doesn't get too stressful. John(CB), I was sorry to read about how your first week back has turned to carp - if there is a silver lining in your particular cloud, it is that things can only improve. A large single malt (or beverage of your choice) while you and Sandy pore over holiday brochures would be my recommendation! Mal, not sure if you've found a wi-fi connection yet, but from my own experience, as Don wisely counselled, you are entitled to request 'reasonable expenses' but not recompense for the valuable time you will doubtless spend on the task. Brian(BSW01), what a nuisance that you have to wait so long for your results - my oncologist always insists that I have my bloods done a couple of days before a consultation, and a scan before that, so he can then give me a result on the day. The blood unit at Colchester normally have the results on screen next day by the latest! Next 'swelling' report sometime tomorrow and meantime, good luck to all those still unwell and hopefully a positive bulletin on Peter(DD)'s mother in law. Anyone got an update on the lovely Debs, and we now haven't heard from the 'squid' for a considerable time? Kind regards, Jock. G'night Pete! G'night all!

Afternoon all, Thought I'd better post earlier today as I know that a few kind souls would like to know how I'm coping with my 'little problem' down below! When I told Joanna that the swelling had gone done, not a lot but noticeably after a night in bed, she thought it a good idea to use the reclining sofa during today and lie almost prone. Bit of a nuisance when I should be doing light exercise, but so far it has helped although very little. I phoned the surgeon's secretary this afternoon and he is going to fit in a consultation at 10.00am tomorrow so I can't complain about that for service. DD, it's ok to laugh at any time - it's the way I cope with it in any case. BoD, the handle it has got was once big enough to fill a pram! Jamie, we are really sorry to hear of Beth's latest problem - we really are vulnerable organisms! There really isn't any excuse for the pain however, so my oncologist assures me, and the hospital should have a pain control specialist that might be worth contacting? Pete(pH), although I only lived in both places for a few years, and the distances involved are much smaller than those you moved, I found the switch from the East coast of Scotland to near the tip of Cornwall produced a big change in prevailing climate. Where we lived, almost on Belhaven beach in Dunbar facing the North Sea could be bitter in winter. The move to Porkellis near Helston yielded much higher average temperatures, but oddly, we felt colder as a result of how damp the county was! Nothing like the extremes we now read about in posts from the USA members it must be said. Ian(RH), it's good to have you safely back, but rather sad that you are straight away experiencing carp commuting! Was there a marked difference on the railways in the US? It amazes me that X. they can't get staff when there is so much unemployment around. AndyB, thanks for the link to the 'burping' black hole - the question is will it still be doing it now, as it is 26 million light years away, and so the information is fairly old! To do the sums, just think that the light from our own Sun, 93 million miles distant, takes 8 light minutes to reach us. As Phil said, the New Scientist (which I subscribe to) is worth a look for anyone interested and now we have 'white holes' - wonder who dreams up the names? Dave(r-a-r), although I lived in Newcastle for a time, I hadn't heard about the 'Willows Flood Plain' until your post. The poor old CO-OP appears to be shrinking nationwide - our 'Fiveways' supermarket has just closed, having lost the store they had in the town centre, a Peugeot car dealership, a furniture/white goods store, all in the last twenty years. Now ASDA have bought the site, complete with petrol station! Very sad for someone whose great, great grandmother was one of the founders of the CO-OP in Hurlford in Ayrshire, but you are absolutely right - they haven't shared nor cared enough for years! I might manage to post later, but I'm going to try to get an early night to be fit for my journey, atop my new appendage, to Colchester General in the morning. Kind regards, Jock.

Rick,That is terrible news about your neighbour's daughter - let's hope there is a happy outcome, but in these days of Internet grooming etc........... Every parent needs to be vigilant. Our thoughts are with the family and friends, Kind regards, Jock. Just read Rick's update thank you mate, but thanks also to DD for enlightening me - a relief to say the least as it really is every parent's nightmare! Kind regards, Jock.

Dave(TG), you can't possibly work and be available full time but if 'Is' follows the example of our distaff side here, shopping will represent adequate compensation!! Kind regards, Jock.