DaveF

I've just been reading the posts about tastes in music. I like most classical music, but not all "modern" music in classical style. I do like opera (and operetta) but rarely have the patience to watch and listen properly. Some musicals and film music are OK. I enjoy folk music providing it is sung/played well, also most country and/or western. Then almost anything written from the late nineteenth century up to the early 70s. After that I lost interest in "pop" music except on rare occassions. My pet hate is radio stations who only play parts of pieces of music, I can underestand why but I don't like it unless I just have the radio on to blot out other noise. When I was young I learnt to play the piano, one of my regrets is that I gave it up before I could do much more than pick out a basic tune. David

I'm joining the ranks of those who are not sleeping well at the moment. For no apparent reason I woke before 01.00 and then dozed off and on until about 07.45 when I gave up an made a mug of tea. Consequently I am not on "top form" this morning. However it is lovely and sunny, soon I will get some fresh air before settling down to do not much for the rest of the day. I do wonder if my not sleeping is due to having eaten too much the last few days, not huge meals but just a little bit extra of almost everything - and hot cross buns contain more calories than one chocolate biscuit when eaten at coffee time. I don't like butter on hot cross buns so I just warm mine in the microwave. David

Switzerland again now, this time at Pfäffikon which is on the line from Zürich to Chur. It is where the Südostbahn line between Arth Goldau and Rapperswil and NE Switzerland crosses the SBB. The photos are from 1988 and 1990. Pfäffikon SOB BDe4/4 86 ArthGoldau to Romanshorn 1st August 88 C9898 Pfäffikon SOB ABe4/4 5 Pfäffikon to Rapperswil 7th Aug 88 C10416 Pfäffikon Ae4/7 11022 parcels 9th Aug 90 C15003 Pfäffikon RBe4/4 1476 Wallisellen to Pfäffikon 9th Aug 90 C15005 Pfäffikon Re4/4ii 11107 EC Pestalozzi Innsbruck to Zürich 9th Aug 90 C15006 Austrian coaches David

The weather has managed to stay dry so far which makes a nice change. On the way to the beach I called at church as I remembered there was a short service for Good Friday, I got there just in time to take a seat in the pew before it started. Then I went to the beach, it took a while to park as the car park was busy and most people are too lazy to park at the far end of the car park and walk back to buy their coffee so look for non existent spaces. It was very pleasant but there were more people than usual on the beach. It always amuses me to watch young women with their push chair dragging it over the stones and the bumpy bits of sand, I sometimes wonder what their child thinks of it. The sun was out so I took a few photos, some are below showing much the usual view but with the tide a long way out. It was just warm enough to sit on a bench and watch the world go by. As a result of deciding to go to church I didn't post my usual photos this morning so I've just done a double batch on my photo thread. Since then I've read part of a book, had a good look at the Radio Times and decided what I might watch next week - not much, as usual. I also did a bit more work on the model I am slowly making. Progress might speed up a bit now. I've also tidied up my scented geraniums and removed a few dead leaves. By making myself not rush around doing things I've actually achieved more today and feel a bit less tired. Low tide St Mary's lighthouse and a ship off the Tyne. People on the beach. The breakwaters on the right are getting a bit battered looking. David

Next are some photos taken around Pelaw Junction, between Newcastle and Sunderland. Normal service should be resumed tomorrow. Pelaw Junction 47218 up oil 1st Aug 85 C7033 Pelaw Junction 47305 up onto Leamside line 1st Aug 85 C7034 Pelaw Junction 47305 up onto Leamside line 1st Aug 85 C7035 Pelaw Junction Class 101 54390 and 53164 Newcastle to Sunderland 19th Feb 86 C7326 Pelaw Junction 143005 Newcastle to Sunderland and Metro North Shields to Bankfoot 19th Feb 86 C7328 David

This morning I had to got out earlier than I planned so didn't post a batch of photos, so here are two sets in quick succession. This batch contains photos from Scotland. Eastfield 37026 2nd March 84 C6425 Eastfield 20181 and 20175 2nd March 84 C6426 Dalmally from train 37011 Oban to Glasgow Queen Street 11th Oct 86 C8065 Gorton looking south 11th May 85 C6887 Loch Awe 11th Oct 86 C8097 David

RMweb is being odd again this morning, Early Risers does not appear in my "View New Content" so I deleted all the site data- cookies etc - it made no difference. Perhaps it is trying to tell me something. It's a fine bright morning with fluffy white clouds moving quickly across the sky. It is supposed to cloud over and then there will beshowers after lunchtime. Nothing much is planned for today, I still feel weary though I slept better so will shortly go and have a look at the beach and then do restful things for the rest of the day. As it is Easter weekend I shall not be going to any local attractions in the next few days, I prefer Northumberland when it is quiet and empty. David

Thanks very much for the loco IDs. As for the 03, it is on some track, in the photo there is a curved line visible from by the piece of red cloth going under the heap of coal and towards the loco. Also if you look at the 08 there is a point under it, it must set for the 08, so there must be ttrack leading off to the right towards the 03. Howevere I think the 03 was dumped as it was still there some months later. This photo on X (twitter) by @bowes railway just about shows the track. David

I went shopping in Lidl and bought the things I wanted plus other items including a long handled weed removing tool. Fortunately I also got some cash as I remembered that next week I have a podiatrist appointment and they only take real money. While I was there I met a couple of people I know which prolonged things. The place wasn't busy so our trolleys were not in the way of other shoppers. On the way home I had a look at the Quayside and beach but it rained so didn't take photos. After coffee I did a few bits of tidying up by putting books I've read back on the shelves or in a box to go to a charity shop in due course. After lunch I decided to try the new weeder which works very well. However I was pottering about for about 40 minutes doing that and turning on the outside tap etc. I wonder why I was exhausted when I came back inside? In the end I had a nap on my bed as I felt very frustrated and sad that I can't presently do as much as usual. I really need to give myself time to recover properly and be a bit more gentle on myself. To be honest there is nothing that needs doing urgently so why don't I allow myself to relax, read, make models and forget the bigger heavier jobs. Also if I want to do something then perhaps do it but afterwards say that's it for the day and rest. Looking back six years to the hernia repair on the other side exactly the same thing happened as I kept trying to do too much. I'll probably never learn. If I live to 100 I'll be the one who will still be trying to act like a fit 60 year old and probably causing a lot of problems. I was going to go to church this evening but am far too tired to do so. I really intend to take things easy for a while now. I wouldn't advise anyone to bet on that actually happening though. David

Swayfield on Stoke Bank in 1970 and 1972 with both green and blue locos. Swayfield Class 55 07.05 Newcastle to Kings X April 70 J2087 9004 Swayfield Class 47 1990 08.48 York to Kings X March 72 J2830 Swayfield Class 47 1993 up 08.50 Bradford to Kings X July 72 J2978 Swayfield Class 47 down 18.30 Kings X to Hull July 72 C0994 probably 1997 Swayfield Class 47 up 08.50 Bradford to Kings X Nov 72 C1167 David

I have often wondered why some things taste better hot than cold, this is a good explanation. I have also noticed that the same sauce can taste different depending on what it is eaten with, particularly different types of pasta. Now I just have to remember the combinations I like best when I am shopping. I would add another factor though. I had Covid way back in early 2020, ever since then my sense of taste and smell has been very erratic. A simple example will suffice. Yesterday I ate a small amount of chocolate, it had a very unpleasant taste. On Tuesday I'd eaten a piece from the same bar, the taste was normal. This morning I tried a piece again from the same bar, normal taste. It often happens with other foods. David

A change in plan this morning, I have decided it is too windy (Force 6 to 8) to go for a proper walk, certainly anywhere near trees or cliffs so have decided to visit a shop for a few odds and ends. The wind was noisy during the night so I woke several times but at least it isn't raining. Later on I may tidy some of the plants which have overwintered in the garage by the window, they need some dead leaves and flowers removing and a few weak stems cutting back. If the wind drops I might go out for a walk in the afternoon but probably won't. David

Back to the north east for this morning. There are 2 photos at Monkton Cokeworks, Gateshead and 3 at Middlesbrough. Monkton 08888 and NCB 03099 15th Aug 85 C7135 Monkton 08888 15th Aug 85 C7137 Middlesbrough Class 101 Middlesbrough to Newcastle 21st Feb 85 C6706 Middlesbrough Class 101 Darlington to Saltburn 21st Feb 85 C6709 Middlesbrough Class 101 left to Whitby right to Newcastle 21st Feb 85 C6710 David

The road at the dentists was quite busy when I got there, I had to park two doors away from the surgery. I'd left home at 10.04 and was parked by 10.10 so I was ten minutes early. Fortunately I was seen early, the required cleaning and polishing was done by the technician and then paid for. The good news is that it has been decided I only need check ups every six months in future, instead of three monthly. However I will still have a "deep clean" every three months. It is suggested that I am one a smallish number of people who have a possibly genetic condition leading to a build up of tartar no matter what I do. I called at the shop on the way home, had coffee and read a newspaper before lunch. After my surgery various friends had given me some ready meals, as well as the ones I had bought for myself. Today I decided to try frozen fish and chips. Once I understood the instructions it was easy and they were quite tasty. However if I really want good fish and chips I will either go to the chippy at the beach or the one a couple of miles along the coast which have both won awards in recent years. I used to go to a pub which did good meals, their normal fish and chips were delicious and large, the fish was always a bit larger than the dinner plate if you ordered the normal portion. I once took friends who ordered the large portion - it was at least twice as much as a normal one. Sadly the place has been sold and is no longer worth going to. Since lunch I have looked at some raspberry canes I planted in the autumn, they are just beginning to show signs of life so next year I should get some raspberries, if they don't drown! After that I continued reading a book. David

1976 and 1977 at Stenson Junction with photos taken from the bridge by the power station sidings. Stenson Junction Class 47 47343 down freight Aug 76 J5434 Stenson Junction Class 20s 20070 and ano down coal Aug 76 J5435 Stenson Junction Class 20s 20070 and ano on coal train view west Aug 76 J5437 Stenson Junction Class 45 Swansea to Leeds Jan 77 J5606 Stenson Junction Class 114 Crewe to Lincoln Jan 77 J5607 David

I've had a look and have no idea. Hopefully someone who knows about wagons will look at it and tell us. David

The rain has stopped, I have had breakfast, cleaned the kitchen and just about caught up with internet things. In a couple of minutes (literally) I am going to the dentist to see the the hygienist and need to make an appointment for a check up. After that It will depend on the wether but I still feel tired, though less so than yesterday. David

1970s at Loughborough Central showing a selection of preserved locos. Loughborough Central 71000 Duke of Gloucester March 75 J4163 Loughborough Central Hunslet Robert Nelson No 4 ecs March 75 J4167 Loughborough Central Littleton No 5 Dec 75 C2556 Loughborough Central King Haakon VII Aug 77 C3409 Loughborough Central Hunslet Robert Nelson No 4 and GCR 506 April 79 C4433 David

In 1991 most of the passengers were quite local still using the train as everyday transport plus people from the former West Germany living near the border just exploring places they knew of but had never seen. Foreign cars were few, in villages children used to gather round to see my car from England. The line to the Brocken had not been reopened when I was there, that came in September 1991. By 1992 there were a lot more tourists, organised car parking and so on. The Brocken line was very busy but again many passengers were Germans from the former West. There were still some Russian soldiers about at the summit., the last ones left in 1994. David

Very much so. Gernrode is completely different now, when I was there it was quite run down but still tidy. Of course then it was the terminus with the line from Gernrode to Quedlinburg still being standard gauge. Alexisbad looks much as it did back then. I hope you won't mind a link to my old photos of the HSB (when it was still part of DR) If anyone wants to see it as it was over 30 years ago some of the photos I took in 1991 and 1992 are on flickr in an album at at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/davidwf2009/albums/72157630495850084/with/7535447786 There are also some scattered in my photos in my photo thead on here. David

After dealing with groceries and some other bits and pieces I sat down and promptly fell asleep. I woke just in time to get coffee. The post came, one letter turned out to be an Easter card from friends I always send one to. Despite knowing Easter was coming in terms of church services I had forgotten things like Easter cards - I seem to have lost a few weeks recently. So I went into town and bought cards, they got posted later on. While I was out I called at the barber's but his shop was closed with a notice on it saying he reopens after Easter. Doubtless he is having a holiday again. After lunch I did a "simple" puzzle, the final and longest word was "Bafflegab" which is a real word meaning obscurity of language in official documents. I'd never come across it before so had to look up the meaning. As I write this I am watching Gilda, an old film with Rita Hayworth. This evening will again be book etc. I feel a little less tired, thank goodness, but I think I shall not do much until after Easter. David

Some black and white photos taken around Nottingham for this evening. Annesley probably J5 down goods c1951 JVol6153 Near Awsworth Occupation arch on MR Kimberley branch closed 1916 on right Awsworth or Giltbrook or forty arches viaduct on GNR Pinxton branch c1950 JVol3187 Nottingham London Road Goods GN J52 68814 c1952JVol3039 Nottingham London Road Low Level A5 69817 down goods c1953 JVol5137 Nottingham London Road Low Level J50 shunting goods c1953 JVol4278 David

Some photos taken at the ex British Steel site at Sewstern beyond the High Dyke branch during the preservation period. Sewstern Bass Charrington 5 April 73 J3156 Sewstern Peckett 1158 April 73 J3173 ballast train being shunted - BR wagons Sewstern Barclay Harlaxton Dec 73 C1444 Sewstern Hunslet Primrose No 2 and Avonside Fred May 74 J3682 ex LMS sleeping car, Pullman car and NER saloon Sewstern 35029 Ellerman Lines Aug 74 J4027 now in the NRM at York. The loco was sectioned at Sewstern. David

RMWeb is playing silly b.....s this morning. I tried to like a post, it didn't work so I refreshed the page. I then had to prove I wasn't a robot by marking the end of the path of a car on a sort of street map. Then ERs took me to the top of a page so I read posts and liked them etc, then realised there must have been posts earlier I hadn't seen, so went back a page. Half way down that page I came across the posts I'd just read. It is still raining here, only 13mm in all but once again it is much too wet to even think of doing anything in the garden, if the rain ever stops. Northumberland's vanishing beaches are causing comment, there is an article on the BBC news pages: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cv2yk3kgd13o Here the council are considering what to do about the promenade edge as the beach is now over 12 feet down in places, perhaps they will have to install railings. I slept reasonably last night but feel very tired again this morning. It seems that 2 days after I do something I feel exhausted, doubtless my body is using all its resources repairing itself after the surgery, I hope it doesn't take too much longer. I have to admit that looking at my diary from the previous hernia op I am doing more now than I did then so perhaps I should take things easy. The groceries are on their away, once they are put away I think I need to have yet another quiet day. David

It was during the school holidays so perhaps he was just with his dad "helping". It shows how different things were 50 years ago. David