Mike J

I've been watching this silently for quite some time now, but thought it was about time I stuck my two penneth in. This is jaw droppingly good. A real layout of a lifetime, and of my favourite railway in my favourite period. Congratulations to all involved and I'm only sorry I cannot make Barrow Hill to see it in the flesh. Thanks for sharing this wonderful project. A very impressed and slightly jealous fellow LNER modeller. Mike

This made me laugh. Enjoy, Mike

Best wishes for a full and speedy recovery Ron. Mike

Mr. King. I would have to be scurrying for my reference books to tell you that the coaches do not comply with any prototype diagrams. Does it matter? I suppose that depends on your own point of view. So, do they look right.....yes Have you made a model.....yes Are they nicely modelled.....yes Do you have a unique model.....yes Of course, these are my own opinions and others may disagree. Most modelling is a matter of some compromise anyway. Thanks for sharing. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished 'teak' paint. Lovely stuff, Mike

I haven't been too vocal in this thread but read all the postings and must say a big thanks to all who contribute. I was a railway modeller long before joining RMweb, but it is the fine models produced by you all that have been truly inspirational, and are one of the main reasons that my collection of locomotives and rolling stock does not now include a single item that is straight out of the box. If only I could find a Farish 2P chassis or donor loco (anyone?) my next project would have to by a BHE D16/3. Best wishes for 2014 to you all, young and experienced, thank you, and keep the inspiration coming.

If you want to hear someone who can be funny, insult foreigners and make you proud to be British all at the same time, try this for size. Check out parts 2,3 and 4, after this one.

Update 6.11.13 Work has recommenced on NoEL 2 and trains have been running . Progress, albeit slow! Bridges are being constructed as the centrepiece to the layout. A bow girder bridge and one similar to the King Edward bridge will span the river. A slight cant on the centre tracks has been created and the wiring is complete, but being tweaked as faults are identified. Scenic plans and placement of buildings is ongoing.

The superb weathering on these locomotives certainly sets them apart. What a wonderful setting in which to run these fantastic looking locomotives and trains. Very atmospheric...more please! :-)

The signals are a work of art and I must congratulate Graham on his superb work which will only enhance LB. One question. Do they bounce? Three afternoons including naps, and the J69 is complete. I've not a hope in hell of working this quickly to create a masterpiece. Modelling mojo returned. Finally Tony, a P2 on the Queen of Scots? (Only joking) Best wishes, Mike

Sunday morning sex. Upon hearing that her elderly grandfather had passed away, Katie went to visit her 95 year old grandmother to comfort her. Ever curious, Katie enquired as to how her grandfather died. "He passed away from a heart attack while making love on Sunday morning," replied her grandmother. Horrified, Katie told her grandmother that two people nearly 100 years old making love was just asking for trouble. "Oh no my dear," replied granny. "Many years ago, realising our advanced age, we figured out that the best time to do it was when the church bells would start to ring on Sunday morning. It was just the right rhythm, nice and slow and even. Nothing too strenuous, simply in on the ding, and out on the d0ng." she paused to wipe a tear from her eye. "He'd still be alive today if the bloody ice cream van hadn't turned up!"

My other half bought a cook book the other day 'Cheap and easy vegetarian cooking'. Which is perfect for her, because not only is she a vegetarian......

I recently went shopping for some camouflage trousers, but despite an extensive search I couldn't find any.

TOY STORY Ever wonder if Woody and Buzz found Andy's mums toys? And would they have the same names?

Seven dwarves in the bath all feeling happy....Happy gets out, so they all feel grumpy!

What do you call a septic cat? Puss!

Hi Asmay 2002, I should maybe have qualified this by saying most accounts I have read. (There is no 'by all accounts') I cannot ever recall reading a single sentence that described Edward Thompson as amiable. I can only form an opinion from what I read, and agree that these accounts may be biased and somewhat coloured by some authors, but am happy to hear of a first hand account that is more complimentary. Thank you, Mike

I agree with Southernboy on the less is more comment. The suggestion of space and open countryside is well captured as well as beautifully modelled. I look forward to seeing more as I follow your progress. Great work. Mike

You are entitled to stand on your soapbox, and you make very valid appraisals of the many points that you've addressed. Maybe you should write that book even though you admit to a lack of an engineering background. I agree with your points regarding the relative merits of Thompson's designs and strategy. The single biggest reason why Thompson is so decried is that he upset so many people, as by most accounts he was not a particularly nice individual. His engineering capability in evaluation suffers because many of his contemporaries simply disliked the man. He went out of his way to upset the Gresley followers and seemed to actively enjoy getting a reaction. (Literally a small man following in a big man's footsteps.) I have read many of the well documented accounts on the relative merits and problems with Gresley and Thompson designs. Alot are polarised and your more balanced view would certainly make a more interesting read, especially if you could co-write with someone from an engineering background. I'm well read on these subjects, but from your writing above have nowhere near your knowledge, so would look forward to such a book. It's food for thought! Mike

Liverpool FCs plan to ruin Chelsea FC by sending them Fernando Torres and Rafa Benitez seems to be working a treat!

Paddy's wife has never had an org**m so they go to the doctors. After a few tests the doctor suggests that Paddy's wife may be overheating during sex. Paddy refuses to buy a fan and decides to get his mate round to waft them with a towel during sex. After 20 minutes of wafting, still no org**m, so his mate suggests a swap. "I'll have sex with her and you waft the towel". Paddy agrees and within seconds his wife is screaming in pleasure and has the best org**m ever. Paddy turns to his mate and slowly says... "And that, my old mucker, is how you waft a bloody towel!" edited due to the starred word not being allowed.

Although I've contributed to this thread already, one that has come to light since my original posting is Bradfield Gloucester Square. I'm in the process of planning something in N gauge which started out as something quite similar, but has moved on a bit now. (I didn't want to do an exact copy) I find this layout stunningly realistic in both its modelling and operation.

Due to a water shortage in Ireland it has been announced that Dublin swimming pool will be closing lanes 7 & 8.

I got a letter from Screwfix Direct thanking me for my interest, but explaining they were not a dating agency.

In the case of Robin van Persies' flat burning down, police suspect it was Arsene!

Usain Bolt, fresh from his Olympic exploits goes to a posh London restaurant but is stopped at the door and refused entry on the grounds that a track suit is not proper attire for a high class restaurant. "I'm sorry sir but I can't let you in wearing a track suit. There's a McDonalds ten minutes down the road." says the stuffy maitre d. "Oh come on man, I'm famous" tries Usain, "I'm sorry, try the McDonalds, it's only ten minutes down the road" "Can't you make an exception?" "No, ten minutes down the road!" "But I'm Usain Bolt" "Ok, three minutes down the road" retorts the maitre d