andania 213

Like the caring and responsible eejit wearing a mask in our local supermarket yesterday that obviously though his mask allowed him to totally ignore social distancing, picking up only what you're going to buy and the one way system I fear that too many folk will, like that prat, think that wearing one is ALL that they need to do now, ( ISTR, the jury is still very undecided on their true effectiveness of them.) Errm, so, with a masks on for protection, what do they do with the ciggy ?? !! K

Hi, that was actually a Padd Worcester, How do I know?, well, as well as the notation on Flickr site from the photographer stating that it was 47 821 working the last ever Padd / Worcester, I was actually on that train from Worcester to Moreton In Marsh. To explain further, Me and my Bruv spent many happy hours chasing and Photting 47/8's on the OWWR in 91-93, Amongst the many ICCX workings that were sent on that line on Sundays, our favourite was the Sunday Padd-Worcester, which we travelled on a few times from Moreton In Marsh to Worcester and Back, ( ISTR the Seconds were often downgraded Mk2D firsts). Anyhow, the day that pic was taken, we knew it was the last advertised loco hauled Padd -Worcester, and, after photo'ing the usual ICCX stuff on the line, we set off to catch it However, somehow we managed to mis-time it, and at Moreton to see the thing rolling in, with no time left for us to park the car, get tickets etc., Crestfallen wasn't in it! We then tried to rescue things by hightailing off down the A44 to Worcester. Hence, I have a similar pic of that particular working We did however at least get a ride on it from Worcester to Moreton, returning on a HST. It also sported a Cathedrals express headboard on it's way back to Padd. Hope info of help K ps, IIRC, that working arrived at Worcester at 5pm, then went onto the depot area to run round, and set off for Padd about 5 past 6. Also seem to remember it was marked in public Timetables as Sunday only

Darwin A-Go-Go K

Was that for folk who'd scoff the odd sneaky pork pie or bacon sarnie when nobody was watching? ( hat coat, usual pack drill ! ) K

It's absolutely true to say that life isn't without risk, and that we can't carry on as we are at the mo, neither for the sanity of folk or their financial well being. However, it would seem to me, that right at this moment, and in the immediate foreseeable future, playing fast and loose with the risk from this virus is essentially the same as playing Russian roulette, but with only one or two bullets missing from the chamber. Do you feel lucky?, well, even if I did, I'm not taking the risk;, and, just supposing I that did, given my circumstances, that kind of cavalier attitude could risk wiping out an entire care home, hence, I'll remain averse to this risk until the coast clears somewhat if you don't mind. What 'normality' returns, first must be the real important stuff, ie jobs, being able to see family in relative safety, all folk being able to step outside their doors to do essential stuff in relative safety etc etc. If we have to forgo Model Railway shows for a while, then so be it. We've just got to live with it anyway, as Public gatherings are currently banned, end of, and until those restrictions are lifted, any griping about it is no more than shouting at Pigeons , OK, it's obvious that shows are a vital part of the hobby, but, they aren't the entire hobby, and in the pecking order of the grand scheme of things???. As for applying Social distancing in even a space as large as the NEC?, just look at the free for all once you're inside your local supermarket these days, social distancing?, More cats have been herded successfully. So until a handle has been obtained over the virus by whatever means, I'm struggling to see how a show can be run in line with keeping folk safe. So far this year, 2 shows ( one very large, 1 very small) that I help with the organisation of, have had to be cancelled, and as for the 3rd, who presently knows?. Concurrent with that, all but one of the shows I was to attend with a layout have been cancelled too, and there's a high chance that'll go as well. it's a pain, it's a bit of a disappointment, but, so what?, I'm not down about it, as at least I'm still here (at the mo, fingers crossed!!!). Will we go back to things as they were?, who knows, I think things will be at least a little different. However the important thing is surely to patiently and safely bide our time, have a sensible attitude about the risk factor, and be prepared to adapt to the new normal. K

Reading the report flagged up in the OP, it seems in many ways that they'd have been ideal. however, one point wasn't considered in the report, though it was listed. The 503's had at the insistence of the Mersey Railway, whose tracks they shared, been fitted with 135hp motors, instead of the larger ones the LMS had wanted to fit. So, although their lighter construction ( compared to 1938 stock) would have helped, they'd have been ponderous compared to what had gone before. The 503's were never as sprightly as the 502's, which had far larger motors Overhauls were indeed done at Horwich, the last set to be overhauled being sent there in Dec. 82. Other than fitting emergency end doors, they were never 'refurbed' in the way the DMU's of the time were. As for the condition of the 503's?, well, as someone used them regularly from 1965, right to their end, my memories are that sure, they were at best lively riders, but were indeed degenerating to awful just before their end, However, I honestly can't remember them as being rotten, either outside or inside ( This being borne out to me by a fellow Wirralian) . Traditional the interiors may have been, but they were at least fitted with what you'd call seats compared to what came after them. Ultimately, I suspect it would be the cost of altering Ryde Tunnel that killed the idea stone dead before it got any further. Don't forget, the early 1980's were a time when BR was under severe financial pressure, especially on infrastructure costs. K

You travelled on them regularly then? !! K

I've just had a quick look at the relevant Government page re who is eligible for these grants ( trying to help a friend who's battling to keep his business/livelihood afloat). Having read these, I would point out that I did notice that it does actually state quite clearly in the official guidance, that, even if you do technically qualify on such things as the rate rebate aspect, that there are exclusions The first/main one main one being if the premises are basically for private use ( there are other exclusionsas well). Suspect most MRC's, if not all would fall into the latter category, given that they are basically private members clubs. Being a wary sort, & given the above, I'd be double and even triple checking that I was totally eligible for a grant like this, £10k is a lot of dough to find in a hurry, if you end up having to repay it. K

Hmmm, my lair has been sprung!!, Usually, I am mostly, ( If not on a recce or some task of sorts ) lurking somewhere behind that poster!! Oh and many thanks to Crisis rail for the memories, reminds me of seeing my first 'white cab' ( no. 3 ) after visiting the show in '78, cheers Ken

Mal and me are doing our 'virtual' last minute check round the show, Best get a move on, it's T minus 10 !! Roll on next year when it's for real Cheers Ken

Hopefully, by now, the place would be marked out &, and John, Ian W and myself would have been able to put the following instrument together with the chalk and marking tape back in their boxes Anyhow, after a cuppa, off to assist any arriving stands, layouts etc. as necessary, and hopefully grab a few moments in between tasks to set up the Hull MRS stand, in the virtual show that is!! Looking forward to doing the above jobs for real in 2021 A safe and happy Easter to all Ken

Hull MRS Summer show Please note that our summer show, due to have taken place on the 13th June is for obvious reasons now cancelled. We hope to return in 2021 Please note, we are still, fates willing, going ahead with our main show in November, Updates for the latter will as ever be on our website : www.hullmrs.org Ken Gibbons Hon. Chmn. Hull MRS

Many years ago I got a couple of so called 'chromatic blue' small yellow panel Heljan Hymeks for an absolute song. Really wanting one to be an FYE version, I wondered what it'd look like if I gave one a full yellow end. The result?, the one I attacked with the yellow paint looked an utterly different shade of blue to the one I left as supplied, and, to my relief, it matched perfectly my mate's factory BFYE one. My previously held thoughts re 'Chromatic blue' were immediately shatttered and revised K

Knowing as I do, very well , a very hard pressed and frankly p7ssed off Northern staff member ( who understands passengers frustrations all too well) , this seems very unfair, as it ignores the even greater elephant in the whole of the north's room, I've given up count how many times TPE have nearly left me stranded in Leeds, K

I wouldn't have a clue re spares for Pacers, given that they ( probably ) have a lot in common with Sprinters I should imagine keeping them running & mobile isn't too much of a problem. What I do contend as precluding any further onward use as frontline units,,'as is' , is that their Bodywork is totally shot. Tacking just one problem, sure, they might be able to cure the leaky window seals by wholesale replacement of same ( the silicon seal bodging failed ages ago) , But a cursory glance at most 142's and it's apparent that taking the windows out to do this will probably lead to the surrounding 3-4 inches of metal crumbling into iron oxide powder , thus needing some tricky and inevitably costly metalwork and welding before you re-fit them ( Market 65's pic in the 'pace yourself' thread shows this problem ). And that's just addressing one their bodywork troubles Given the designed lifespan of bus bodies ( 15-20 years average), they've done remarkably well, especially given that rust, and we're not talking cosmetic rust, on Leyland Nationals was a big problem. The thing is they really are at the life expiry point in terms of bodywork, Other classes mentioned are pure heavy rail designs, designed for a long life, thus are way more robust, and economically repairable Sadly, the Pacers initial cheapness, due to lightness has become their Achilles heel. Some things do wear out beyond economic repair kg

I'd just comment that on a run across the Hope valley last May, during a deluge, required my waterproof jacket to be worn, with the hood up, Not just an isolated incident either; every 142 I've travelled on during rain, over the past 4 years is just not watertight, they all leak quite badly into the passenger compartment, and not just from the perished window seals, the roofs especially near the heating pods leak like mad ( often causing seats underneath to be tape barriered out of use). Cl 144's , whilst nowhere near as bad, are now getting that way too, though they don't have a heating pod a la 142 to cause a potential leak point. When the weather dries up a bit, they then stink like a stagnant pond, (until they dry out) after a week or two). So, not wishing to offend in any way, I honestly couldn't apply the term 'perfectly serviceable' to them, not nowadays, not in any country, and definitely not in their present state . I'd go no further than just about serviceable frankly. Their bodywork is just too knackered ( 142's especially). KG

Well, the day's been and gone. Hopefully everyone there enjoyed it, I got the feeling they may well have !!. Many thanks indeed to our exhibitors and traders, plus our gang for the legwork I've a strong suspicion we'll be be having a Summer 2019 show, so, watch this space, (and look pout for our main show in November, details soon !). Cheers Ken Gibbons Hon Chairman, Hull MRS

Just back from the initial set up, pretty much in place now, so, it's time to relax, for a bit !! Doors open 10.30 tomorrow, hope to see you there. Cheers Ken Gibbons Hon Chm'n Hull MRS

2 weeks Tomorrow it's the big day,.so a/ shameless bump, and, b/ a couple of amendments to the programme. Due to Holiday commitments, The Hessle MRG are now fetching Battersby North Junction ( replaces Cayton Bay) Due to, well, life !!, Our NG won't have Stamley ready in time, and have had to withdraw it from the show ( watch this space for next Year!! ). Otherwise, it's pretty much going as planned. If you're in the area, or visiting, we'll be pleased to see you. Cheers Ken Ggibbons Hon Chairman Hull MRS

As one of the 'organisers', I'd like to add my thanks to each and everyone who helped put the show on, ie The Exhibitors and traders, (without them, there's no show !!) The Tea Bar gang for keeping us supplied with refreshments, The Stewards and helpers for all the lifting, shifting,moving and general 'organizing' The York Racecourse crew for their help and assistance over the weekend. And last, but certainly of course the most important group, the Folks who braved the less than spring like weather to visit us. To all of you, many thanks indeed, we hope you enjoyed the show. On a slightly more personal note, The show marked the last outing, of Crumley and Little Wickhill ; AKA, Hull MRS' Stealth Bomber. Thought it apt to include a pic of the last train slogging up the bank from Little Wickhill for the last time ever ( you'll have to imagine the detonators firing !! ) See You next Year!! Ken Gibbons

Hello All, 2018 sees Hull MRS celebrating it's 70th Year, and, as part of the celebrations, we present our 4th Annual Summer Show, details as follows:- Date: 16th June 2018, Opening Times10.30 am until 4.00 pm Admission, day membership rate:- Adult £2.50, Child, £1.00 Venue: Walton Street Leisure Centre, Goathland Close, off Walton Street, Hull HU3 6JB Wardwood, cty Ian Woodward Layouts confirmed:- East End, O gauge, LMS, 1930's East Midlands, Wardwood, OO BR South Yorks Ca. 1970 , Cayton Bay, OO, East Yorks Ca. 1962 New Hornsea Town, OO, East Yorks, Ca. 2000 Brancaster, OO, BR in Norfolk, Ca, 1955-65 Stoke Gabriel, OO, BR Hydraulics in South Devon Ca 1964 Dolwyn, OO9, Welsh Narrow Gauge Briding Noora, OO9, East Lincs 1960's Stamley, OO9, Westmoreland 1930's ** Duncan's Mine 2, American short line set in the 50's/60's Martini Junction, N gauge, 'Somewhere in the UK' Lockwood Street , n gauge, The Hull & Barnsley's, Hull Cannon Street Terminus 're-imagined' ** (** Layouts are shown in progress as the latest Hull MRS layouts ) Trade support, Caistor Loco, MTFG, CM3M, Oddbitz, plus the Club secondhand stall Modelling Demonstrations, Children's 'drive it yourself' layouts, plus Brio for the youngsters !!, Light refreshments More details at www.hullmrs.org Updates as/if they occur !! Cheers Ken Gibbons Hon. Chairman. Hull MRS

As someone who exhibits my own / friends / club layouts at least 6/7 times a year, I feel Someone needs to point out a few facts from an invited Exhibitors POV. If you get invited to a show with your layout, you get paid your travel expenses, and if it's a long distance, you get put up in a comfortable ( hopefully!!) B&B / hotel. Teas and coffee are provided during the show is provided, as is a basic lunch. Errm, and that's it.. no appearance fees, No 5 star digs, No free slap meals paid for by the Show organiser, they are on a tight budget anyhow, and all exhibitors know that. In my own experience, doing a show usually ends up costing the exhibitor as there are often nice goodies to buy on the trade stands!! Often the exhibitors miss out financially due to not being able to work at that weekend, those who are self employed especially so. One final point, if the exhibitors did expect to be get paid, it'd be at least at 'living wage' rates surely. This would result in your admittance fee reaching London West end show prices (and I don't mean the cheap seats!!!). Finally, the guys at Spalding Show will be hoping / praying the show will just about break even ( as with every club show across the land) . That's about it, it's done for fun basically Hope that the info gives you a better insight into the whys / wherefores Cheers Ken G Hull MRS.

Well, That's that one. The wrap up 's done, OK the tea bar/canteen at the club looks like a disaster zone, chocked full of gear, but sorting that's the next Club night's task!!. On behalf of the Society, a big thank you to all who attended, as visitors, as exhibitors and as traders. The kind comments on here are very much appreciated. As a whole, we're very pleased that the show met with such approval. We certainly enjoyed it and hope everyone else did too.. As Suddaby mentions, it was our last show at Costello - However, rest assured, we will be back next year, with 2 shows, at our new Venue, details for your Diary below:- Hull MRS Summer show 2018, June 16th, And, the Hull MRS Exhibition, 10th & 11th November 2018 Both at -: Walton Street Leisure Centre, Goathland Close, Off Walton St., Hull HU3 6JB Watch this space, we will keep you posted !! Ken Gibbons Hon Chairman Hull MRS

Just back from the set up, All but done, dusted and ready now. Curtain up, 10 am tomorrow !!!! cheers Ken G

Strangely enough, in all instances I've done this journey, my tickets/journey were booked/planned not just through the NR website, but via Tpex's own site !!! As you very rightly intimate, you don't get journey options that don't have the necessary connection time when booking thro'; these sites. The crux of it, as in all things, is I suppose, what happens to sort it out when things don't go as they ought to.. Must admit, in all the travelling on Rail I've done since 1973, ( an awful lot ) I've yet to be actually stranded, I must be very lucky ( though I am well aware of the phrase 'Railtour standard time! ) I'm quite a frequent traveller on this route, and fortunately, quite well up on likely stop points, & where the connection will go from. However, that also means I'm well up on the way that they love to 'change' platforms at Leeds at the drop of a hat !!!, stopping at say, 9a, instead of 9d . With through platforms split a-d, long enough to accommodate 2 HST's nose to tail, plus a bit, that means a bit of a trek via 'b' and 'c' if you've got to get your skates on!! To add to the fun, you'll only get advised of the platform 'change' if you're actually on the platform. Not exactly helpful if you're on the train that's arriving at it, and needing, through such circumstances to then make a swift transfer!!!. Glad I'm still able to shift when needed Ken G