edcayton

Interesting fact about the Renault 4, the wheelbase on one side was 2 cm longer than on the other. This was because of the rear torsion bars being traversley mounted one in front of the other with the swing arms being fixed to the ends of the torsion bar.

Same on several Renaults, including the 6 and 16. I drove my parents' friend's 16 quite a lot after he died, and quite liked it column shift and all.

Ed

Moaning all from the borough de boring. It was bright and sunny when I started typing but the clouds have rolled in. Meh. Managed to BBQ in the drizzle last night so hopefully the rain will come and go by late this afternoon so I can fire up the Kamado again.

 

Needles. Strange things. I can be cut, gouged, bleeding like a stuck pig and it doesn't bother me. One whiff of the antiseptic they use and the feeling of the needle digging about under my skin inside my elbow and I go wobbly. It doesn't help that like my dad, I've got hide and go seek veins. Found the solution from a rather good nurse a few years ago. Now I soak my hand in hot water to make the veins popup, lie down flat, and have the blood drawn or the cannula in the back of my hand. More painful but easier to handle.

 

And now a rant about excessive government fees. SWMBO has finally gone for her full citizenship. This has only taken 13 years. First they changed the rules so that it was 5 years of residency instead of 4. That meant her ancestry visa expired too early. That was another £300+ Life in the UK test another £80 by the time you get the book. ILR £1500. Citizenship £1300 + another £70 for the checking so that she doesn't lose her existing ID for 6 months. Then £90 for a passport. £3600 plus by the end of it. People wonder why so many immigrants don't get their citizenship done. They can't bloody afford it, that's why. Once upon a time a Right of Abode was £20 and transferrable on your passport. Now its £472 and you have to reapply every time your existing passport gets renewed.

 

Canada is no better. Canadian dual citizens are no longer allowed to enter Canada on anything except a Canadian passport. So for UK citizens that is $15 for a 5 year ETA. For dual citizens its $220 for 5 years or $270 for 10. Can you say ripoff? With the current sh*t exchange rate, that's £179 I've had to cough up this month. Not including the hour of time I lost sitting at the Canadian High Commission, or the schlep half way around Central London to find a place that can do the oddball sized passport photo they insist on. (used to be a place by the Northern Line entrance at Charing Cross but that's closed at the moment) They are all a bunch of thieving cockwombles.

 

and breathe. More coffee awaits, as does the ever approaching end to the 2 projects I'm on.

 

Enjoy your day.

What's ILR? My ex is doing the citizenship thing and I was aware of the other expenses but not that one. What country does your wife originate from?

#Ed

I'm not sure I understand the "so many engines/gearboxes in a season" rules. Can they not repair/rebuild? I thought gearbox ratios were changed for different circuits so how is this done? Are there any limits on how many chassis tubs can be used? 

Ed

Not really familiar with this generation of BMC products but the first iteration B-Series engine is a tough old lump. Presumably someone's kept ahead of the rust for it to survive this long. It seems to be missing some trim and the flashing indicator conversion is typically horrible but the interior and engine bay look quite original. According to Practical Motorist's guide to secondhand cars these were considered quite nippy and with good handling in their day ("A fast point-to-point car" was the quote IIRC ).

 

And what else interesting can you get for 1850 quid these days?

An MX-5.    I have an idea that the Somerset is pre-B series and that parts won't be as easy.

Ed

Listening to t'wireless just now and yet again people are moaning about the re-selling at a profit of concert tickets. We are a nation of shop keepers (!) and if you buy a lot of an item with a view to selling at a profit then you balance that with the risk of having a lot of cash tied up in stock and possibly having to sell at a lower price (Dapol selling 0 gauge Terriers and 08's for £150 at the weekend apparently) or in the case of tickets they will be worth nothing after the event.

Is it me?

Ed

Pete, look on YouTube for Grey Funnel Line, Sammy's Bar, Sally Free and Easy and a host of others for Cyril Tawney songs.In particular look for the Silly Sisters (Maddy Prior and June Tabor) doing the first.

Ed

Good morning.

What do we think of the revival of the vinyl LP record? I find it bizarre. 

I see the Beatles LP's are being re-released as a part-work by D'Agostini. The first one (Abbey Road even though it wasn't) is a tenner, then £16 IIRC. When I was made redundant by ICI all those years ago I rushed out and spent what seemed like a large part of the money on all their LP's. I haven't played them for years, but it gives me a warm glow just having them on the shelf.

It was an absolute defining point in my life when my cousin bought Please Please me (who could afford LP's then?), brought it home and put it on Fathers Dansette which I remember had a key tied to the arm to stop it jumping. One two three four, a-one two three FOUR! Probably the one disc I would rescue from the waves.

Best wishes

Ed

If I was expecting pizza then cabbage would not be a pleasant surprise.

Ed

My son has just been to visit. I know it's not really old yet, but I am so impressed by his Honda CRZ. I suspect it will be a future classic and I'm dead jealous!

Ed

Morning all.

Have just woken up having fallen asleep in the recliner in front of the TV.  Thinking about our recent discussion re CDT or technology as she is taught in schools. I remember mine having to "design" a sandwich, but can't recall them actually making one.

When I were a lad we made useful things to take home for Mum and Dad. Pipe rack anyone?

Going to bed now FWIW.

Best wishes

Ed

NHNeil. Whilst you are laid up is the perfect time to organise the IoM model railway exhibition. There must be enough modellers on the island to make at least a small show, There may even be sponsorship from your employer. I'd come!

Ed

My mother Grace, my sister Ros and myself wish to thank most sincerely all ERs who have offered messages of condolence and support after yesterday, both in the topic and privately.

 

So many people have commented that Dad seemed to hang on until I was there and it has been something Sharon has also said many times in recent weeks as time ticked away for him and towards our visit. It kept me going. Yesterday affirmed all of those thoughts as I had barely an hour with Dad before he passed. He was unable to speak but responded with slight changes in his very weak grip of my hand. He acknowledged the news that Sharon and myself have returned to live in London. And he acknowledged my thanks for all he has done for me and for the family over 60 years.

 

Cause of death is recorded as colonic cancer. Old age would also have played a part.

 

At this stage I am quite at peace and calm with everything. My mum and sister live minutes apart and are supporting each other though so far neither has suffered any great distress. We have, after all, had some months to prepare and this was not at all unexpected.

 

I shall take a short break from RMweb over the next few days because much has to be done both to finalise our new home and to arrange a farewell which does justice to a long life which has not always been easy nor happy but throughout which the character of the man, his determination and his love shone above all adversity and misfortune. He would have given his last penny to see his family happy if that is what it took. And I owe so much of who I am to his guidance, discipline, patience, knowledge and love for his fellows.

 

Thank you one and all

 

RIP Dad. You've earned it.

Rick, that was beautifully put. I am so glad for you that he waited for you. My friend's Dad also waited for her brother to come home from Oz, although he went back soon after. Don't be a stranger to your Mum and sister, they are going to need you.

I am going to miss your thoughtful contributions to ERs for a while, but fully understand your reasons. I wish you well and look forward to your return. Wish Sharon all the best in the new job.

Cheers

Ed

Evenin' all.

My son came around at lunch time with a present of pancakes from (ex-) Wifey. Jolly nice too.

I'm sure I saw a butterfly earlier. Is this likely/possible on March 1st?

Chrisf, I hope you are going to match Ivan's starring TV role this evening (Question Time coming from Bedford).

Best wishes

Ed

I'm sure I heard on the wireless that there are tunnels under Brighton (?) full of broken wheelie bins. Apparently they can't be recycled.

Ed

Toasters-my favourite breakfast buffet (at the Beefeater next to the hospital, so ideal after a fasting blood test) has a sort of conveyer belt toaster that only does on side at once, so you have to send it through a second time.

#Ed

Why do I keep getting # symbols?

Andyram, I understand that Deputy Heads are appointed by the Governors and not the Head. Is this correct, and if so were you the Head's first choice? Not that it makes any difference because you are where you are, but it may explain his/her behaviour.

Join the union while you may, don't wait 'til your dying day........

#Ed

Are you leaving room for a bed in the container for when you come to the UK?

#

#Ed

The fins make a good advertising hoarding in the joke of a "sport" that F1 has become. I'm actually looking forward to it being on pay-extra telly only so I don't feel compelled to waste my Sunday afternoons (or whenever) watching.

Mr Grumpy

I don't know why seeing a little train moving is so exciting, but I do know that I get a real "buzz" every time I turn the control knob and it happens. Coming on nicely and good to see the video.

Ed

Morning all from the village that's west of Dean Woods.   The boss has departed for Asda. The cats are fed and the house is now quiet.   Yesterday I went to a mates farm and inspected various storage options and have decided to buy a shipping container which will remain on the farm till our move is complete sometime next year.  This will be rent free but the farmer will gain a container when we empty it.  We're both happy with the arrangement.  After church and lunch it was time to watch the rugby.  An interesting game of two very different halves.   I don't pretend to understand the rule that was causing the trouble.  However I did enjoy the game.  I even got some modelling done later.  

 

This morning I've got to sort the container out and then hopefully will get into the modelling room before going down to the clubroom tonight. 

 

I have also resolved to give up abstinence for lent.

 

Dick, I hope that the little in progresses well.  He looks to be in good hands.

 

Regards to all.

 

Jamie

Morning all.

Jamie, I stored stuff on a farm while I was at college for a year. Mice got at it but no damage done apart from droppings which a good clean sorted. I'd be interested to know how much a container costs, apparently it costs more to ship an empty one back to China than the cost of a new one. I doubt it will be mouse-proof, perhaps you could leave a cat in it?

Best wishes

Ed

Ivan, there's lots of Father Ted on More 4 this evening, including the documentary where the writers take a trip across Ireland which ISTR is rather good. However, unlike the episodes of the show, I have only seen it once and don't know it by heart!

#Ed

A rather sad article in this week's "Autocar". All car production in Oz now finished. Apparently Holden went out in a blaze of glory.

Ed

Things you see when you're walking down the street #2

 

 

I think that would be badged as a Humber Super Snipe or Imperial in the UK. Presumably in Oz they stuffed a huge engine in it.

Ed

Just about to go to teach a nine o'clock and it's bl99dy cold

If they are going to reduce degrees from 3 years to 2 then presumably you'll be getting a 50% productivity rise. You will then be able to afford heating.

Ed

Greetings all. It's beautiful bright blue sky over London Bridge for now. Doris has blown all the clouds away. The worst effect of Doris for me was the irritating and loud noise of the wind between the two layers of glass on our office building. I wasn't delayed by trees on the line as the ones at Sidcup and New Eltham had been cleared by the time the train I was on got there. Apparently Mrs Lurker found a selection of bins in our front garden, none of which were ours. They had all been recovered by mid afternoon.

 

Only a half day today as I have someone coming round to give a quote on replacing the double glazing.

 

I hope that NHN starts to improve and that Rick has a safe journey.

 

Best wishes to everyo9ne else too!

If my recollection of double glazing salesmen is correct then half a day may not be enough.

Ed