Natalie

I do indeed. It featured guinea pigs, gerbils, hamsters and frogs playing the main roles. They seemed to spend their time either in a boat floating randomly on some water (on Wootton Creek on the Isle of Wight I read) or charging about in what looked like an Action Man or Barbie/Ken Jeep type vehicle at high speed over some very lumpy earth with the car not spending much time on four wheels. Their wiki page also that they also used an air plane and a diving bell!!. I don't remember any kind of Beary type creature featuring though. Either way they were an improvement on the 'actors' that feature in the soaps. Maybe the cast of 'Tales of the Riverbank' felt that soaps were beneath them which of course they were. When you have been Hammy the Hamster or Wise Old Frog then you have reached the top of your profession.

A heartfelt post Rick. Your pain and frustration is clear. I would love to talk to you Rick and help you put the world to rights. If you would like my phone number then send me a message. I don't think we have ever met in person but I have always enjoyed reading your posts. I'm just an opinionated, stroppy, argumentative, gobby cow.

Am currently absolutely livid about the ambulance response time to a friend with a potentially limb threatening injury. It seems that they think 5 1\2 hours is an appropriate response time. We have to stop the politicians destroying our NHS right in front of us- otherwise we are going to lose it. (I was bullied out of my job as a Senior Staff Nurse in A&E and Medical Admissions for expressing the same view in 2011) I really could do with some cake right now (maybe something lemony will calm me down...)

Just a quick visit. Have finally caught up with all the posts. Thoughts are with those in troubled circumstances or bereavements. I hope that you can get the support and love that you need. I'm generally fine, the black dog (not our real black Patterdale Minnie..) is generally behaving but I continue to live with my usual problems, issues, anxieties and pain as I have little choice essentially. No attempts so far at doing myself in this month so that is something positive. I had a birthday last week but don't bother with them at all. I have no interest in them. Met up with Kelly (and Poppy too!) twice which really did me the world of good. Ideally I need to do it more often. Otherwise I continue to live in the past (mid to late 1950s would do me for the music and Spurs being a great side too though not the misogyny) and take very little notice of the current evil and corrupt world only emerging to watch Spurs testing mental resolve even more... The world and its people continue to both scare and confuse me hence why I prefer to hide away and isolate myself from it all. Something positive is that I have some writing and book reviews to do for the next issue of DEMU UPDate in the next day or so so that Editor Kelly (yes the same one ☺️ ) can get this issue to print. Once I get started it is something that I enjoy doing and I really need to make a concerted effort to do more. On that note I shall end my possibly bizarre message by offering love and best wishes to all who reside in here and not forgetting their magnificent doggies on whom we all dote. Nat xx

I am not an Early Riser this morning as such as I've not yet been down (as it were) and I don't know whether I'll actually bother. I have been awake all night- no big deal for me and I don't normally have problems sleeping. It is staying awake that tends to be the hardest thing.. I had Bracken the Dog sit with me earlier (0300) for 90 minutes which was nice before she retired to her own quarters. The last few days has seen me up all night and then dozing all day. I can even sleep all night and then all day as well much to Mother's irritation. I blame the podcasts I listen to - mainly football/ Spurs, music history and socialism. Who needs sleeping pills when there are podcasts that do the job more efficiently and safely? Its not that they are boring I just seem to find the voices soothing and relaxing. I think I shall stay up and continue to poke through my stuff on my device aided with tea drinking. Nothing much else to report really. I need to check with Mother regarding the food situation as there are a few things I can she that she needs. I no longer have access to a vehicle so have to utilise the local omnibus and Mother's trolley which makes things so much easier. Normally Mother has a lift with her friend on a Monday to shop but didn't go as she felt a bit off. Trouble is that Mother is most reluctant to let me go instead as it involves having to go outside amongst yuman beans which I find considerably anxiety inducing. As the authorities are not prepared to clear the town and supermarket of others then I have to endure it and take steps myself to ease my anxiety. Sometimes you can't avoid such situations and have to cope with them as best you can but Mother would rather struggle on the bus herself than let me go instead. She says it is her job to go not mine and generally has a hard time in letting me help. I can understand it to one extent but I am choosing/ offering to help not being forced. I have a hard time in trying to get Mother to rest properly and not overdo things. The last thing I want her to do is to fall and sustain a #NOF. We'll see what transpires.. All is quiet at present, in a couple of hours Bracken will be up for her breakfast and bd insulin. Minnie the black Patterdale, who absolutely loves her bed (and who can blame her?) may or may not saunter down for her biscuits soon after. Hope that everyone else has a good day. I did notice the absence of some familiar names whilst catching up and hope that they too are well and might return. Listening to these podcasts means I have no idea as to the day or date but am led to believe that today is December 31st which means only one thing- two terrified dogs at the stroke of midnight and for an hour or so because of those blasted fireworks that now seem to have become a 'thing' since we apparently celebrated the official heralding of the new millennium in 2000 at the the then Millennium Dome now Oxygen Arena. Seemed a lot of fuss over nothing at the time as in fact I believe that the new Millennium actually started in 2001 which passed by without anything. To those who do celebrate or mark such an occasion as new year then I hope that it goes well for you and you have a suitably enjoyable event. Best wishes and love to all. Now to make some more tea...

Wow thank you Flavio. That's a really nice thing to say.

I have now caught up with reading so hopefully can keep up to date. The best wishes of you all is much appreciated. It may not seem much of a gesture but for those of us who have been absent, whether through the black dog or otherwise, it is nice to receive the reactions and know that our presence has been missed. In the same gesture best wishes to Bear and hope that he gets any support he may require and that he is a valued part of this band of posters whom we hope to see back as soon as he is able to. His posts are never dull and always get me thinking. As for Kelly she is fine. I have been in regular contact, both in person and digitally. She says that her absence from ER is mainly down to forgetting to post here. I hope that everybody who has been unwell is recovered/ recovering and that any in isolation can soon safely re-emerge fit and well. I hope all those who celebrate Christmas or not had suitably enjoyable times and was everything that it was expected to be. I am in the not celebrating Christmas camp I am afraid as I am not a Christian but mainly because I am a miserable anti social cow.... It was good to read that Chrisf had managed to get a short trip away in knowing how important they are to him and hopefully he can grace a Pride event near you anytime soon. Glad that all seems to be well with his oncology visits. It was nice to meet Roll the daschund, he looks a fine beast indeed. Glad to catch up with the activities of Sydney and Ben, not forgetting Lucy (hope that is recovering) and the rest of the pack (apologies for forgetting their pack name- just remembered after pressing send that they are The Wolfpack.) I was pleased to read from Dave Hunt that Bob Essery had a suitable send off. I only met him a few times at the NEC when I was on the SRS stand and he (along with Graham Warburton and Mrs Essery and Mrs Warburton too) was on the LMS Society stand. He was always keen to chat and was great to talk to. He seemed fascinated that I had been a signalman in the Nuneaton/ Warwickshire and Leicestershire areas. He seemed pleased that I had read a lot of his works and agreed with his views on operating a model railway- ie as per the real thing. He could never remember my name but just called me "The Lady Signalman." It really was an honour to meet and chat with such an important and influential member of our great hobby. It has been interesting catching up on various conversations. With history I tend to be of the opinion that it should not be sanitised and should reflect all sides of the story was well as placing it into the context of its time. It is then perfectly acceptable to me to then say that nowadays such opinions or actions are not considered acceptable. We should be able to record what happened, good and bad and reflect on it but certainly not twist it or deny that certain things happen. Aren't we supposed to learn from the mistakes that we have made in the past? We can't do that if they have been whitewashed or erased. The detail regarding slavery was very enlightening and equally disturbing. I was unaware of the majority of it and found it quite disgusting what humans are capable of doing to other humans. Why can't we just all get on and treat each other nicely? Flavio also made an important point about the existence of modern day slavery and the need to do something about it. it is a travesty that we get upset by historical slavery (rightly) yet seem not to be as bothered by its continued existence. I will admit that people as a whole baffle me and I just can't get my head around it all. I generally find life very difficult to deal with and tend to just avoid people as a rule and keep myself shut away in my room. My black dog tends to be an all year round presence.... What does help though is the unwavering and unconditional love from our two magnificent hounds, Bracken and Minnie (our real black dog). They really are a big help and comfort at all times and have saved my life on several occasions. Anyways enough of my sufferings and apologies for the length of the post. I hadn't intended it to be so but I found the words flowed once I started.

Just a short note to say hello and I am still alive although struggling mentally at times. Today is generally a good day although the usual stiffness and pain persists.. I hope everyone is well. I am in the process of catching up with what I have missed. Am currently on page 10416. I do know that Flavin's beloved Lucy has been unwell but is now recovered which is great news. I also hope that Bear has been able to acquire some of his much referred LDC. Will comment further once finally caught up. Love and good wishes to you all.

This is a welcome addition for lovers of SR electric traction like myself. (Bulleid/ Raworth Co-Co electrics are 'quirky' too...) One point to consider is shades of green. According to the 4DD page on the excellent Blood and Custard website (written by ex-Controller John Atkinson) when the units were newly delivered in 1949 (4001- 10th September and 4002 3rd October) it was in the first (or early) BR Green (described as akin to malachite) with left hand numbers and no signs of ownership. The unit numbers although in the standard place appear to be larger than normal and not of Gill Sans type. At their first varnish at Lancing, the coach numbers were relocated to the right hand end and a lion and wheel emblem was applied to each motor coach. 4001 was in Lancing between 17th and 26th September 1951 whilst 4002 followed from 17th-28th September 1951. At their first overhaul, also at Lancing both of the units were repainted into a darker shade of green (probably Coaching Stock Colour 11 as per the region's loco-hauled stock.) Both units went into Lancing on 30th October 1957 with 4002 being released on 6th February 1958 and 4001 on 14th February 1958. Return to traffic for both units was 24th February 1958. Emblem was presumably the BR carriage roundel applied to the motor coaches but I need to have a nose through my books etc to confirm. The small yellow panels were applied by Eastleigh during their second major overhaul. 4001 was in works 4th January- 23rd April 1965 and 4002 9th February 1965 until 18th June 1965. 4002 was noted on departure sporting a temporary reflective band around the roller blind headcode. A pic with this is on KR Model's announcement/ advert in BRM. The emblem fitted remained as before- a BR carriage roundel on each of the motor coaches. During 1968 Selhurst applied full yellow ends to the existing green livery, 4001 between 5th-24th January and 4002 5th-25th January. The BR carriage roundels remained as previously. Selhurst was also responsible for the next (and final) appearance change and the renumbering into the 49xx series. The official renumbering date for both units was 15th September 1970 with 4001 becoming 4901 and 4002 becoming 4902. This was undertaken whilst both units were at Selhurst for a final repaint. Both units were at Selhurst between 14th and 26th September 1970 and were outshopped in Rail blue with full yellow ends complete with double arrow emblem behind the guard/luggage compartment double doors. This was the livery both units were officially withdrawn in on 9th October 1971 with 30th September 1971 being their last traffic day. I hope the above is of interest but again would recommend a visit to the excellent Blood and Custard website for further details (and of most other SR emu types too).

Hi As promised here are my photos of the MT6 plan at Kew for Central Croydon on its reopening in 1886. I have included the Inspection Report too for those who want to decipher the handwriting. Hope that they provide some answers. I also have the same for Greenwich LC&DR station if of interest.

Hi A very interesting thread about a station that I have an interest in too. There is in The National Archives at Kew the Board of Trade file for inspecting the signalling at this station. It indicates that it was a reopening of previous facilities. The file details are: MT6/417/17 Central Croydon LB&SCR 1885-1886. The file also includes a signalling plan provided by the LBSCR but does not have lever numbering (the LBSCR tended not to at this time) but is still of great interest. I photographed the plan and the file and if of interest will post it here. (I need to post it from the laptop rather than the phone am currently banging away at.) The TNA has much of interest for modellers seeking places to model or be inspired by, I would recommend a visit if that is your thing. Another interesting station is Greenwich Park which I have also photted the MT 6 file and additionally have photos of the diagram and frame and a drawing of the layout. Another interesting station.

"Computer (app) says no..."

A rarity for me, a genuinely early visit although to be strictly correct I am not an early riser as such as I got up at 3pm yesterday and haven't been to bed yet. I decided to go shopping at 0300- just a 3 mile walk along main roads that our dear county council have deemed to not be as worthy of lighting as those touristy and theatrical areas in the south of the county which retain lit streets. The walk I can normally do in an hour but my knees, feet and inability to breathe meant it took two hours which included a 30 minute break on a random bench as the light came up. Some time was spent staring at some object in the sky which had two lights but seemed to just hang there or move very slowly about but not really changing position. Maybe we are being watched by those who are "out there." The rest was very welcome and reminded me of when I used to work nights in the boxes and during the summer the rising of the sun was always a welcomed highlight. Working in an A&E Department later you tended not to have a clue what was going on outside... Return was by bus and am now resting with a cup of tea, slice o bread adorned with peanut butter whilst nosing at a programme about unmentionables. .. Soon the heat and sun/uv light will ramp up and the stinging eyes will add to the sniffy nose, nausea and headache that accompany this awful (to me) hot weather. Just a side effect of being allergic to ultraviolet light (not sure which version). Trust that all (including those who are missing for whatever reason) are well and enjoy their day doing their chosen/allocated activity be it to locate and consume LDC, observe how not to build/ alter houses, a bit of boat work (how is it going to be taken to the water? Surely there is a film to be made about it), dealing with new companies who seem to have the IT knowledge and common sense of a slug or those simply just chilling and enjoying the company of those dear to them. Special thoughts to those concerned about loved ones undergoing medical procedures. I trust that they are well cared for and that the ddesired outcome is achieved without much distress to all concerned. Apologies to anyone that I have forgotten. Time to go and shut the evil fiery gas globule out as it is starting to intrude. High time someone chucked a bucket of water over it- maybe those over possessed of monetary wealth from exploiting the name of rivers could do that instead of their vanity projects of trying to claim to be astronauts but without having the knowledge and skill of the real deal.. Time to shut up now as I am getting near to building the metaphorical wall and that could get political... Best wishes Nat

Hi Fortral supps? They sound good, could do with those if they are 'going spare' to help with the gyp this right shoulder of mine continues to give, in the absence of being able to obtain a face to face GP appointment (not my GP's doing btw)... ;-) I had a similar incident whilst working in a Cat B HMP. I was in the process of moving a substantial quantity of both liquid and tablet formed CDs to my department when I was met by one of the Dog Handlers. As the Handler also had a radio (but not the dog although he did have photo ID around his neck...) they would have known what I was doing as all prison movements except for mine had been frozen. I obviously also had my uniform on. (A uniform that looked like a nurse uniform as it was, involved trousers and was designed so that the wearer was both comfortable and not regarded as eye candy or 'fair game' from elderly mysogynsts or pervs...) I was asked would I mind if the accompanying dog who was in training gave me the 'once over' as a test for him. No problem as the dog (a spaniel) got to work. Hardest bit was just standing there and not being able to stroke him (the dog). That is classed as assault on an officer if an establishment guest was to. The dog declared me to be free of which I told the handler that I was loaded both in my bag and on my person with enough CDs to earn a hefty sum of money in the wrong hands. The dog found his training extended... Upset to hear about Ziggy. Can cope with human demise but not that of a cat or dog... Best wishes and comfort to Winslow Boy.

Hi In case it is of interest I have copied the details of the Met locos that were sold to other railways, rather than for scrapping. They are taken from Frank Goudie's book mentioned above. 6- Sold in 1906 to Fraser, Resold to Pelaw Main Colliery in 1926. 7- Sold in 6-1925 to Fraser who resold it to Mersey Railway (as No 2- to replace ex Met 61) 10, 11, 12, 13, 15- Sold in 11-1905 to Cambrian Railway (as Nos 2, 12, 33, 34, 36.. Nos 34 and 36 converted by Cambrian to 4-4-0 tender Locos (GWR Nos 1113 and 1114 allocated), with the remaining nos 2, 12, 33 allocated GWR Nos 1129-1132 respectively. 14- Sold in 1905 to South Hetton Coal Co. (Converted to 0-6-0T as No 6, later National Coal Board (No 2 Area) no 66) 20- Sold in 1905 to Bradford Corporation (Nidd Valley Lt Rly No 1 'Holdsworth') 22- Sold in 5-1925 to District Rly (No 35, later Underground L35) 24- Sold in 1913 to Fraser, Resold to Birtley Colliery in 1923 26- Sold in 1926 to Pelaw Main Colliery 28- Sold in 1906 to Sherwood Colliery 34- Sold in 1905 to Bradford Corporation (Nidd Valley Lt Rly No 2 'Milner'- resold to North Wales Granite Co, Conway Quarry in 1914 and renamed 'Conway') 37- Sold in 1907 to West Somerset Mineral Railway (later sold by auction ?? Bute Works Supply Co?) 44- Sold in 6-1925 to Fraser, Resold to Pelaw Main Colliery in 1926 61- Sold in 1907 to Mersey Railway (as No 2) 66- Sold in 1905 to Cambrian Railway (as No 37. Allocated GWR number 1132) A little bit more info regarding the Underground (ex District) examples post electrification: Nos 27,33,34,35,36,39 retained post 1905 for engineering and ballast train use. Nos 27,35,36,39 were withdrawn in 9-1909 leaving only 33 and 34 for works trains. No 33- withdrawn 10-1925 (replaced by 'new' 35 (ex-Met 22) No 34- Fitted with a narrow cab in 1927 and retained condensing equipment. Pic 'c1930' shows sleet brushes fitted. Livery appears unlined and caption states 'Underground black livery.' Lettered Underground and 34. Renumbered L34 in 1931, withdrawn 5-1932 Loco Profile 10 has the following: "Last survivor of the District stock, No 34, was fitted with a cab in 1927, and in 1928 was part of the District's diamond jubilee exhibition at Kensington; by then it was painted black, lined out in red, and lettered UndergrounD above the maker's plate with the number below." (p240) No 35- Was built as Met 22, sold to MDR in 5-1925 (as a replacement for MDR 33) and renumbered (MDR) 35, (Underground) L35 in 1931, withdrawn 1932. Pic dated 'late 1920s' shows it fitted with a cab, but with condensing equipment removed. Vac brake and tripcock in situ. Pic shows loco as UndergrounD 35 wearing "the final Metropolitan red livery." Single lined panel on tank and bunker. Lettered UndergrounD 35. Loco Profile 10 describes this loco as being "painted a still deeper and richer shade of chocolate, lined out in black and white." (p240) Note- There were two MDR Locos numbered 35. The first loco was BP No 2057 built in 3-1881 and withdrawn in 9-1909. The second loco was built for the Met as their No 22 (BP No 709), built in June 1866 and withdrawn in 5-1925. This is the 35 described above. 35 was used for this loco as it was simply the next vacant in 1925 when it joined the MDR fleet. On the subject of livery and District locos Loco Profile 10 has this to share: "Until 1876 District engines were painted an olive green much like the Met shade, but in that year a lighter green was adopted and the numbers were painted white on the tank sides. Then around 1881 the colour was changed again to a darker olive green with black and red lining; but lining was omitted in any repainting over the two or three years preceding electrification. Despite the similarity of colour, the brass numbers on the chimney and the contiguity of working, neither the Met nor the District engines bore any mark of ownership until the 1880s; then the Met adopted a large oval transfer on the tank sides with the company name round the border and the number inside, though the brass numbers on the chimneys remained." (p239) (The District opted to spell out DISTRICT RAILWAY in large letters (? white ?) underneath the loco number in the centre of the tank sides.) From 1864 to 1885, the colour of the (Met) locomotives was bright olive green; the chimneys had copper tops, and the dome covers and brass work were polished bright. The tank sides were lined black-yellow-black in a three panel arrangement. Under J.J. Hanbury, who came from the Midland, the colour was changed to a deep chocolate with dark lining (yellow edged in black), the tank sides had only one large lined panel in place of three, the domes were painted over. (p234) "From 1894 to 1905 polished dome and safety valve casings reappeared; and though the 'Hanbury chocolate' was retained the lining went back to three panels, and the large oval with the company's name and loco number was put in the centre panel." (p235) The so-called 'Hanbury chocolate' was also referred to as 'midcared' ( a dark red deeper than midland red). Natalie

Hi Just catching up with this excellent thread. Forgive me if I am mistaken but there has so far been no mention of the South Eastern Railway's three examples. Built in 1880 and intended for the Met as their (B Class) Nos 57-59, the Met instead hired them from new to the SER to work the South Eastern's cross-London local services that wandered north of the Thames (via the Snow Hill tunnel and the Widened Lines) - such as Woolwich Arsenal- Alexandra Palace/ Enfield/ Muswell Hill. The locos that were originally introduced onto these services had proved to be underpowered and in order to allow the SER to resume its North London services, condensing locos were required. The three Met locos were sourced as a stop-gap until more permanent replacements could be built. Bradley's RCTS book on 'Locomotives of the South Eastern Railway' states they were purchased at £2045 (Goudie- £ 2150) each with BP maker's Nos of 1941/42/43 of May 1880. The first two locos (Met 57/ SER 299 and Met 58/ SER 300) were delivered to the SER- still in Met livery- in time to allow the through service to the GNR to start on 25th May 1880. The third loco (Met 59/ SER 301) followed on 11th June 1880. With the arrival of the third loco this enabled each engine in turn to be taken out of traffic and sent to Ashford Works where they received SER livery. There are no specific details of what this entailed for this class but the general livery notes for the time suggest that passenger locos would have been painted "Holly green with black bands and white lining." With the arrival of the 'suitable replacements' in the form of twelve condensing Q-Class 0-4-4T in 1882 (Goudie- June 1883). The three 'Beyer Tanks' as they were seemingly referred to as, were transferred temporarily to Tonbridge for local passenger work whilst Stirling negotiated their return to the Met. Terms were agreed at £1900 each on 27th November 1883 with 300/301 returning in early December and 299 on 9th January 1884. The Met restored their original intended numbers and they worked, usually on the Hammersmith and City, until withdrawn in 1907 (57) and 1911 (58 & 59) being sold to R Fraser of Newcastle upon Tyne. Another use I've not seen mentioned is the loan of Met A Class locos nos 9,10,14,15,17,23 to the Great Eastern between July-November 1872 to tide them over during a motive power shortage on their newly-opened Walthamstow, Edmonton and Chingford Lines. All in all the locos as a whole are of great interest, my main area being the Met and District locos. The Loco Profile 10- The Met Tanks- Brian Reed (Profile Publications, February 1971) is a must. Also of interest are Don Bradley's various 'Locomotives of. ... ' series for RCTS and Wild Swan for the locos used on the Southern constituents. The South Eastern Railway and LSWR Locos Part 1 (RCTS) being the most relevant along with the later enlarged 'Locomotives of the LSWR' for Wild Swan. Finally is 'Metropolitan Steam Locomotives' by Frank Goudie for Capital Transport, 1990. Hope my ramblings are of some use. Natalie

Good luck. There are additional security measures in place. There is a secret detachment (thanks to Kelly kindly provided by SSS a subsidiary of SFI) that is that secret they don't know who they are....

Unfortunately security considerations result in my being unable to divulge such sensitive information for fear of an unprovoked bear attack/ mission. I'm sure that you understand...

Living Doll is interesting in that Hank didn't use the Antoria (this is all pre Strat 34346) but a borrowed semi acoustic which enabled him to replicate the sound of the tremelo arm manually. Not sure how good it was for the guitar. My equivalent no 1 would be Feb 1974. No idea what it would have been but doubt it was rock'n'roll or rockabilly! Edit- Seems it was 'Tiger Feet' by Mud, not as bad as I feared....

Hi Flavio (initially but anyone else who is interested) As a gent who I believe enjoys a challenge isn't a Telecaster whether Squire or Fender a bit well, mainstream? How about a nice 1950s Antoria /Guyatone LG50? Got a great ringin' n rockin' sound- listen to Cliff's first LP "Cliff" from February 1959 or Mean Streak, Never Mind or the Drifters' studio recordings of Jet Black and Driftin'. Only drawbacks are apparently, according to Hank, are a tendency to go out of tune quickly, are awkward to reach the higher end of the fret board and no tremelo arm. Another problem with this guitar, however, was that the neck bowed away from the strings from the sixth or seventh fret to the twelfth. For a good ringin' sound there was Roland Janes who played on a lot of Jerry Lee's SUN stuff or also at SUN was Don Gililland who played on Dick Penner stuff such as "Cindy Lou" Or "Fine Little Baby" "Your Honey Love" Instead of a guitar change how about an amp (I'm biased in liking a good VOX AC15 or 30...) or echo box addition or something like that? I have mainly been away from here because of being unwell for the past 12 or so days with a pyrexia of 39.9c (103.8F iirc) accompanied by rigors and tight breathing and generally made me feel totally unwell. At the time was no cause of infection but my right leg felt like it was bruised badly all over which was not visible. By the next day I was unable to even lower my leg let alone weight bear. On looking the whole of my lower leg was now engulfed in an angry, purple, hot, painful, orange peel like rash which I suspected as cellulitis. Photos despatched to GP who confirmed my provisional diagnose and has prescribed 2/52 Fluclox 500g qds PO. After about 6 day's use they have started to take effect and the rash is now reducing and I feel a lot better in my self. I am now starting to eat again after nearly a fortnight but still feel easily wallopsed. I have looked after people with cellulitis before plenty of times and really had no appreciation of how I'll it can make you feel nor its painfulness. . But it is at least improving now and I will of course COMPLETE MY COURSE OF ABx. .. Lastly I am aware I had words a few days ago about the forum, that is related to it being used to post details and discussions about that blasted virus. What didn't impress me was the comments that were being made as to what should happen to transgressors (I don't like the lockdowns, they have trashed my mental health to the extent that I don't care if I live or die anymore, but crucially I have followed the rules). Comments such as being left to die, having all possessions taken from them (I had this happen to me-including house- when I had my breakdown and without my mum would now be homeless or dead), facing firing squads, having heads put on spikes etc all seemed out of proportion particularly when no-one knows all the facts concerned. I believe that this thread should have been kept free of that blasted virus (and US politics too) as it was always going to be a highly emotive and divisive subject. There is a dedicated thread to talk about that sort of thing elsewhere if that is your want. You don't find debates, discussion on that blasted virus (which I am not a denier of, I know it is very real) in such august journals as Snooze or MRJ. Additionally it was not me (although it has not been suggested it was I know) who reported Bill Bishop for anything, I tend to be an avoider if something upsets or annoys me and disappear and only return when I am strong enough to deal with it rationally. As for LDC, isn't that Local Departmental Council (well what do you expect I am a raging leftie....). Trying to to get any attention from others (ie furry ones with paws and claws) my favourite c*&e has to be a Vic!%ria Sp@&e. I'm even told by Kelly that mine are very nice apparently. Am glad that everyone else seems to be getting on. SimonT having also lost items through mental health issues then you have my thoughts. It may not be much consolation but there will be someone who can get you through what seems pretty dire circumstances at the time. Mine and still is my mum. Glad that Chris F's aunties seem to be hanging in too. Best wishes to them and him. Lastly a word on the news about Mr Essery. I was really upset to read of his latest illness. He lives fairly near to me in a retirement village but one which had an attached nursing home on site. I hope that he has been able to get a place there and can at least be near to his wife. I did a shift there once and because I was qualified i was given a huge bunch of keys, not allowed to answer any buzzers and told that I was in charge.... Bob is one of my heroes and I share a lot of his views on model railway operation. I have met him (and his wife) on several occasions at the NEC when I have been doing the SRS stand and he was on the LMS Society stand (with Graham Warburton who would always kiss me on the hand!). Bob could never remember my name but seemed fascinated with the fact that I had been a signalman and always referred to me as 'the lady signalman. ' This isn't meant to be horrible but I really hope that he doesn't suffer too much (not that anyone should). He deserves more than that. Someone else I miss from shows apart from Graham Warburton is Bob Blood. A complete legend who seems determined to break the land speed record each time there is a show on. I really want to get back to shows! Am looking at joining in on Sat if able to technically and emotionally- until then keep well and apologies for the length.

When and why did this thread become so nasty and vicious? It used to be fun and supportive but not now.

Hi Jol, Sorry to hear about both yours and your wife's health issues and trust that they are resolved. I am hoping that you will continue to keep us all updated with the progress of your new layout. It sounds to be very promising indeed. There can never be too many London Roads especially to the superb standard that you build to. London Road remains one of my favourites of all time with the signalling and point rodding especially being exquisite. Having worked LNWR boxes the fitting of proper stirrup handles to the lever frames is a definite highlight. I have seen and photted the layout many times over the years and would like to thank you and your team for the pleasure that seeing it has bought to me, and for putting up with my presence and often stupid questions. I hope that I haven't been too much of a nuisance dribbling over it at shows. Whilst sad that it will not appear in its current form at shows anymore, I look forward to seeing what John does with his section and hopefully the development of your section. Thanks for your efforts, I've really appreciated them. Best wishes and Merry Christmas to you all.

Until issue 170 the magazine was known as Locomotives Illustrated with only one of those dealing with a diesel- the Deltics (no 19 I think). MLI started from Issue 171 with class 37s. I feel that there is so much more that can be covered. The obvious one is to update the previous issue's subjects as they have been doing subtitled 'The New Era.' A number of the subjects only really received scant coverage- such as BR first generation DMUs and the Southern emus. Expansion of the subjects would be welcome. Coaching stock is another area as is wagons. Maybe being even more radical how about non BR traction such as that belonging to LT, DLR, Metrolink, Tyne and Wear Metro... Metropolitan Electric locomotives sounds good to me... Essentially if there are no more subjects left to cover, then Colin won't be able to write them. He and Key obviously believe that there is still mileage in the magazine for which I am really pleased.

A factor in deciding the loco (AL6) above's identity is the AEI cross arm pantograph which I believe ten were fitted with from new.

Hi This is excellent news indeed. Thanks for posting this. My intentions were not to mislead anybody by posting incorrect info so my apologies for doing so and thanks to Antony for being able to clear it up. The announcement is still on the Key Publishing subscribe to MLI section: "IMPORTANT NOTICE This title will end with the December/January issue (on-sale 26 November 2020). As as a result, subscriptions are no longer available. All existing subscribers will be contacted shortly regarding their account." Is Colin able to contact Key to get this message altered to reflect your message as it is potentially misleading? Thanks again Natalie PS Has my original topic been deleted- if so thank you.