greatcoleswoodhalt

On 17/01/2021 at 10:28, jafcreasey said:

3°C

NW 10kt, gusting 19kt

 

The sun is shining this morning and what a difference it makes – another walk of Wakehurst, Ardingly planned with 535 acres to explore.

 

The week was long despite only venturing to the office on Thursday.  Working from home has been okay, made easier refreshing RMweb (and Early Risers, naturally) a little more frequently than I might have done otherwise...

 

Another night of disturbed sleep with the dreams experienced during the first lockdown returning.  I've struggled with sleep for many years now, with some weeks better than others, but was hoping that the routine of continuing to work might help…  Alas not to be.

 

Little else to report, but before signing-off, a quick mention of @andyram's post on Thursday discussing the traditional English breakfast and more.   The ‘reliance’ on the Great Central Railway really resonated with me as I would venture to Horsted Keynes station near enough every Saturday morning, timed to catch the down and up trains cross, with just a coffee and Kit Kat for company.  Such a simple thing which in hindsight I took entirely for granted at the time.  I'm sure many others have similar tales and hope they've managed to fill the void - I know I haven't as yet.

 

Stay safe.

1°C

SE 13kt, gusting 25kt

Early snow in West Sussex has turned to sleet and is forecast to continue for the next hour or two.  The Sunday 'big walk' is on hold and so Mrs C made us an egg shakshuka with the plan it'll keep us going until dinner.  We'll see...

Very quiet otherwise, a visit to the supermarket the only highlight during another week working from home.

Little excitement expected during the coming week though it's the Big Garden Birdwatch next weekend so may invest in some new feeders and dabble with suet for a change.  It's something to look forward to at least!

Pictures on the KMRC website are looking good, @Graham_Muz - looking forward to the 'formal' update.

For those that have also pre-ordered SB003C (DS 54538) I found the following, which might be of interest: -

3 hours ago, Neal Ball said:

There are some Pullman carriages at a B and B at the old Petwirth station. Although it was up for sale a couple of years ago, I think the carriages are still there.

They are indeed!

https://www.old-station.co.uk/

4 hours ago, Frank Sharp said:

Now  we've got these coming what locos are there that would look right pulling them. Terrier, Beattie Well tank suitably back dated, Dean Goods, but very few.

Hattons (funnily enough) published one of their Formations Guide last year which gave a few options: -

https://www.hattons.co.uk/newsdetail.aspx?id=867#formations

7 minutes ago, leopardml2341 said:

For all those feeling a bit down in the dumps for whatever reason, here's my attempt at something humourous.

 

If you're a cup half full sort of person; you probably need a smaller bra

I heard this only last night on I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue - thank you for making me chuckle again!

Following Hornby's announcement this morning, you can never have too many generic carriages, apparently... 

I look forward to receiving my pack of four 'Genesis' carriages in LB&SCR umber as and when they're ready.

59 minutes ago, KNP said:

5355 passing by with a short freight train

 

Cracking way to start a Sunday... 

The sheep seem to appreciate it too - perhaps @NHY 581  has been influencing...

On 27/12/2020 at 12:08, jafcreasey said:

6°C

W 10kt, gusting 24kt

 

Firstly congratulations, @AndyB!

 

Storm Bella crashed through overnight with gusts of 61kts in the early hours.  Little sleep was had and am looking forward to getting out for some fresh air shortly, Mrs C breaking-in her new wellies as we do our usual circuit to Horsted Keynes station and back.  The sun is now shining though for how long we’ll have to see – the Met Office have just issued a yellow warning for snow and ice in the south east tomorrow.

 

Upon our return the fire will be lit and no doubt we’ll continue our over indulgence in some shape or form.

 

@The Stationmaster mentioned films a little earlier and was glad to see a post on Facebook with a link to Runaway Railway dating back to 1966 (and filmed on the Longmoor Military Railway).  Growing-up in the early 1990s I must have re-watched this umpteen times on VHS however over-time it faded from memory.  For those familiar, I have no doubt that the scenes (specifically) with Ronnie Barker and the model railway had a lasting effect!  I'm looking forward to sitting-down and watching this again shortly.

 

Re @iL Dottore's predictions, I likewise generally agree with all.  Certainly “cheap airline travel” will disappear for the foreseeable - in addition to the ticket price you have the cost of a PCR to consider too (Boots currently charge £120); travelling with a family will mean a considerable investment...

 

Stay safe.

1°C

N 8kt, gusting 14kt

A belated happy new year to you all.  Little fanfare heralded the arrival though fireworks in the village suggested not everyone shared our lethargy - something akin to an invasion warning a fairly accurate description of proceedings.

Sunday dawns cold and grey, again.  Unsurprisingly little on the agenda today though attempting a slow-cooked Marmite roast chicken for dinner.

Back to work tomorrow with the highlight of the week likely Tuesday's announcement from Hornby and their 2021 range.

Stay safe.

21 hours ago, Firecracker said:

You can tell I got bored over Christmas, can't you?  Here's a bit of worldbuilding nonsense, explaining how some of these locos ended up in this corner of NW England.

Great read - there's something absorbing about alternate history!

I enjoyed doing something similar for Great Coles Wood Halt: -

https://www.greatcoleswoodhalt.com/history

It reminds me of a thread discussing why preserved railways tend to be "so unpopular" - I think a good backstory always helps.

On 24/12/2020 at 13:23, jafcreasey said:

4°C

NW 14kt, gusting 31kt

 

Dry and cold with a rare view of clear skies beyond swiftly moving clouds.  Certainly feels nearer freezing in the breeze.  The office has been quiet this morning (despite beginning to type this before 09:00) and hope to be heading home soon to try and enjoy the festivities.

 

Christmas Eve seems to have arrived all of a sudden - traditions typically undertaken forgotten for this year at least.

 

Plans to see my parents over Christmas have been scuppered with the introduction of Tier 4 from Boxing Day and so Mrs C and I will head round briefly this evening for a quick exchange of presents.

 

The Christmas shop was undertaken Tuesday with vegetables severely lacking (as were toilet rolls, of course) but managed to get most things.  We timed it well as they were queued around the car-park by the time we were leaving.

 

As my mind begins to wander and the first Hobgoblin looms, stay safe and seasons greeting's to you all.

6°C

W 10kt, gusting 24kt

Firstly congratulations, @AndyB!

Storm Bella crashed through overnight with gusts of 61kts in the early hours.  Little sleep was had and am looking forward to getting out for some fresh air shortly, Mrs C breaking-in her new wellies as we do our usual circuit to Horsted Keynes station and back.  The sun is now shining though for how long we’ll have to see – the Met Office have just issued a yellow warning for snow and ice in the south east tomorrow.

Upon our return the fire will be lit and no doubt we’ll continue our over indulgence in some shape or form.

@The Stationmaster mentioned films a little earlier and was glad to see a post on Facebook with a link to Runaway Railway dating back to 1966 (and filmed on the Longmoor Military Railway).  Growing-up in the early 1990s I must have re-watched this umpteen times on VHS however over-time it faded from memory.  For those familiar, I have no doubt that the scenes (specifically) with Ronnie Barker and the model railway had a lasting effect!  I'm looking forward to sitting-down and watching this again shortly.

Re @iL Dottore's predictions, I likewise generally agree with all.  Certainly “cheap airline travel” will disappear for the foreseeable - in addition to the ticket price you have the cost of a PCR to consider too (Boots currently charge £120); travelling with a family will mean a considerable investment...

Stay safe.

On 20/12/2020 at 11:18, jafcreasey said:

8°C
SW 11kt, gusting 22kt

 

Conditions seem to be settling after heavy showers and thunder overnight.  Socially-distanced Christmas deliveries are planned today and unsurprisingly not much else.

 

A quiet week was had at work fortunately as am on call all this weekend.  Yesterday I made the most of being home alone finishing Christmas wrapping before making dinner, a chicken and chorizo traybake.  I enjoy cooking, but rarely have chance, so for those with comparable culinary skills I recommend the MOB Kitchen cookbooks for simple recipes with (mostly) store cupboard essentials!

 

I sympathise with, @Gwiwer following his post yesterday.  Anxiety and depression have never been far away this year and the recent escalation of tiers has made a difficult time even more challenging.  The continual rollercoaster of having plans snatched away is becoming truly tiresome - I woke this morning and broke down, I'm not embarrassed to say.  Having worked throughout the pandemic with little break, Christmas (along with everything associated) was the glimmer of hope on the horizon.  From personal experience, I can’t agree more that the support for mental health is inadequate, but that’s another story…

 

Nevertheless, our Christmas shop will be undertaken tomorrow or Tuesday - nothing too outlandish, though I always treat myself to smoked salmon at breakfast during the festive season.  Perhaps one of the only things of 'normality' I have any control over this year!

 

When sat at work Early Risers is top of agenda and in the short time of contributing it’s been a cathartic exercise of a Sunday morning – so a big ‘thank you’ from me.

 

Stay safe and catch-up a little later in the week.

4°C

NW 14kt, gusting 31kt

Dry and cold with a rare view of clear skies beyond swiftly moving clouds.  Certainly feels nearer freezing in the breeze.  The office has been quiet this morning (despite beginning to type this before 09:00) and hope to be heading home soon to try and enjoy the festivities.

Christmas Eve seems to have arrived all of a sudden - traditions typically undertaken forgotten for this year at least.

Plans to see my parents over Christmas have been scuppered with the introduction of Tier 4 from Boxing Day and so Mrs C and I will head round briefly this evening for a quick exchange of presents.

The Christmas shop was undertaken Tuesday with vegetables severely lacking (as were toilet rolls, of course) but managed to get most things.  We timed it well as they were queued around the car-park by the time we were leaving.

As my mind begins to wander and the first Hobgoblin looms, stay safe and seasons greeting's to you all.

Edited as picture no longer available.

Day 21 of the Rails of Sheffield Advent Calendar

Hornby R3767

A1X Class 0-6-0T No 32655 (British Railways-Early)

https://railsofsheffield.com/products/37301/Hornby-r3767-oo-gauge-br-black-0-6-0-terrier-locomotive-no-32655

On 29/11/2020 at 10:03, jafcreasey said:

7°C

NE 8kt, gusting 14kt

 

The sunny spells forecast haven't materialised and so another walk of Wakehurst, Ardingly will be under grey, overcast skies.  A further COVID-19 test beckons this evening and so plans to settle-down and watch the football are scuppered.

 

The week started in Rennes, however the French lockdown prevented any hopes of exploring the city.  Understandably the hotel restaurant was closed therefore found myself confined to in-room dining for the duration.  My only takeaway from Rennes was seeing the trees below my hotel window each individually wrapped in netting to prevent leaves falling to the ground!

 

Highlight of the week was on Friday when Q Class No C1 arrived courtesy of UPS from Locomotion - an early Christmas present after weeks of dithering.  One of those rare occasions of luck as looking back on the Locomotion website yesterday it's now sold-out.

 

 

Talk of sausages last week and tomato ketchup this, a pattern seems to be emerging!

 

Stay safe.

4°C

N 5kt, gusting 10kt

Brunch this morning in Brighton with Mrs C - possibly my least favourite place, I know not why.  My last travel of the year is planned this week but thankfully no Sunday COVID-19 test having returned a home test kit Friday morning.

This week saw a trip to Seville - I last visited thirteen years ago when Spurs played Sevilla - remembered not for the score (we lost 2-1) but riot police charging the away fans…  This time was slightly more relaxed with clear skies and temperatures in the late teens.  Spanish restrictions were kinder than France and enjoyed a walk of the city Wednesday morning.

Our family Border Terrier, Bryn, had been struggling with a swollen eye in recent weeks and after a couple of visits to the vets returned Friday to have a couple of troublesome teeth removed.  Whilst the majority looked in good condition, unfortunately the true extent of the issue was only evident after extraction - he was picked-up early evening twenty-two teeth lighter and more than a little dazed! 

Thankfully he showed improvement yesterday so my father and I visited Eridge, East Sussex late morning to see visiting ex-GWR 64xx Class 6435 at the Spa Valley Railway, suitably adorned in tinsel with 'Santa Special' headboard.

Stay safe.

1 hour ago, melmerby said:

I assume these planes have been sitting around in storage for a while and Boeing want rid of them.

Indeed, a few pictures can be found here: -

https://www.airportspotting.com/the-best-places-to-see-grounded-737-max-aircraft/

On 22/11/2020 at 11:22, jafcreasey said:

10°C

NW 5kt, gusting 12kt

 

Another grey morning, though hopefully dry.  An early start was had for a COVID-19 test ahead of work-related travel tomorrow - not a pleasant experience!  A quick walk is planned for this afternoon before essential shopping, no doubt.

 

As expected, the week was long and slow, outdoor plans mostly curtailed due to persistent rain...  I did however manage to tidy-up the garden, squeezing-in a final mow of the lawn for this year!

 

Our visit to Wakehurst, Ardingly on Wednesday was better than expected with the grounds significantly large enough that the one-way system didn't feel too restrictive.  On Friday we abandoned Petworth House and Park when the heavens opened, managing only a quick drive-by of the former Singleton station to check on the extensive renovation.

 

 

Turning back to the present, all this talk of sausages means I know what to add to the shopping list...

 

Stay safe.

7°C

NE 8kt, gusting 14kt

The sunny spells forecast haven't materialised and so another walk of Wakehurst, Ardingly will be under grey, overcast skies.  A further COVID-19 test beckons this evening and so plans to settle-down and watch the football are scuppered.

The week started in Rennes, however the French lockdown prevented any hopes of exploring the city.  Understandably the hotel restaurant was closed therefore found myself confined to in-room dining for the duration.  My only takeaway from Rennes was seeing the trees below my hotel window each individually wrapped in netting to prevent leaves falling to the ground!

Highlight of the week was on Friday when Q Class No C1 arrived courtesy of UPS from Locomotion - an early Christmas present after weeks of dithering.  One of those rare occasions of luck as looking back on the Locomotion website yesterday it's now sold-out.

Talk of sausages last week and tomato ketchup this, a pattern seems to be emerging!

Stay safe.

On 15/11/2020 at 11:34, jafcreasey said:

12°C

SW 21kt, gusting 46kt

 

Showery start to the day though drier and brighter conditions hoped for this afternoon (before the next band of rain, at least).

 

Still we wait for quotes for our roof repair; the second roofer to visit did however clear a lot of debris which has helped no end.  Our drive is now finished, ready for a ceremonial return of cars later today.

 

Mrs C and I had been due to holiday in Cornwall this week, so for a second time this year I'm having to use my annual leave during a national lockdown.  Our first wedding anniversary is Wednesday so a to visit to Wakehurst, Ardingly is planned.

 

For now I return to my coffee and continue to ogle over @NHY 581's Sheep Dip in December's BRM.

 

Stay safe.

10°C

NW 5kt, gusting 12kt

Another grey morning, though hopefully dry.  An early start was had for a COVID-19 test ahead of work-related travel tomorrow - not a pleasant experience!  A quick walk is planned for this afternoon before essential shopping, no doubt.

As expected, the week was long and slow, outdoor plans mostly curtailed due to persistent rain...  I did however manage to tidy-up the garden, squeezing-in a final mow of the lawn for this year!

Our visit to Wakehurst, Ardingly on Wednesday was better than expected with the grounds significantly large enough that the one-way system didn't feel too restrictive.  On Friday we abandoned Petworth House and Park when the heavens opened, managing only a quick drive-by of the former Singleton station to check on the extensive renovation.

Turning back to the present, all this talk of sausages means I know what to add to the shopping list...

Stay safe.

On 01/11/2020 at 11:42, jafcreasey said:

16°C

SW 18kt, gusting 36kt

 

Weather much like the news overnight, though the sun is now making fleeting appearances.  Slow start to the day but a tour of the Bombay Sapphire Distillery, Whitchurch awaits with Mrs C - desperately trying to make use of gifted vouchers before expiry.

 

The poor state of our roof means that the lounge continues to leak, but hopefully assistance will be forthcoming soon.  Yesterday's announcement presumably means our new drive will be okay to start Wednesday, but wait with bated-breath.

 

With little now on the horizon, I look forward to what Bachmann will announce on Tuesday.

 

Stay safe.

Thank you for the warm welcome last week and I continue to keep abreast of everyone's updates in these difficult times.

12°C

SE 5kt

Weather much calmer than last Sunday, and fortunately so, as we still await a quote for our roof repairs despite a couple of visits now.  Work on the drive commenced as planned though not without issue as our neighbours sought clarification of the boundary and the intended finish alongside their drive - fortunately all now resolved but crippling for the anxiety!

With national restrictions now introduced and Mrs C's salon regrettably closed until December, the news that I'll remain in the office was bittersweet, but I'm sure she'll make the most of the break before the build-up to Christmas.

Trying to keep some normality at the weekends, we managed to book a visit to Ightham Mote, Sevenoaks later this morning though it seems strange to still be able to go to the National Trust during 'lockdown'.

Bachmann's announcement on Tuesday was a welcome distraction - how I would love a layout big enough to see a malachite green ex-LB&SCR H2 Class stretch her legs!

Stay safe on this Remembrance Sunday.

Quote

https://poetrysociety.org.uk/poems/for-the-fallen/

 

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

4 minutes ago, Damo666 said:

Why have you created a www.t.co web link to the Rails page and not the proper one, either as:

https://railsofsheffield.com/groups/3244/oo-deal-of-the-day

or as this?

I copied the link address of the Rails of Sheffield Tweet and then the forum embedded it.  Nothing has been deliberately added or changed - my apologies for trying to share a 'bargain'.