Andrew1974

I don’t know anything about SM32 but what is the other, clearly much bigger, railway I can see?

Not sure it helps but, here goes. We have a US$ account at work with a UK bank. In theory the only saving compared to a GBP account is the exchange rate loss. The last cheque we received for the US was for circa $5,000 and the fee was $15 This is with RBS. It amazes me that with the wonders on modern banking some people still insist in sending cheques

Hi Penrith, Bit confused by your posts. First you state what, in your opinion, hattons should do: the stated action being your view on what makes good customer service. Secondly you suggest the OP contact CAB to enquiry about legal rights. The two are obviously not the same. As an as aside, Hattons website clearly indicates there 20 day policy. The response of hattons, despite the displeasure of some, seems perfectly reasonably to me. Andrew

If you want a twin bladed catch/trap (please don't go there!) and you don't fancy scratch building one, you could always cut down a regular point, I have done this before and it worked OK.

Surely it depends what you initially signed up for. If it was work for a fixed fee then I would suggest you are correct, however the OP refers to a retainer, which can (depending on wording of the contract) be more akin to a payment on account, with the detailed bill to follow, even if that is the case, going back several years does seem out of order. Good luck sorting it out.

I have a barn....but I don't speak German (assuming it is in fact German)...what am I looking at

I've not been able to find any prices yet. If any one does know I am would also be interested in finding out

TMS at its best

I've previously been a member of a model railway group, but moved across the country and have not yet (10 years later) joined another one. I really enjoyed my time as a club member but circumstances seem to conspire against me. Clubs typically meet from say 7 until 9 or 10, my modelling time typically starts around 10 on an evening, once the kids are in bed etc....unlikely to ever be club appropriate. For the last year I have been working a lot in London, typically Monday to Thursday. I did pop down the the model railway club one week, and had an enjoyable evening but I am rarely in London on a Thursday night (their club night) and have never been back. At some point I'm sure I'll join a club again....if life would just stop getting in the way of my hobbies!

Whilst others may have a different opinion, my review of the results suggests the year has not been as good as the report is trying to make out. The reasons for my thinking is as follows: Revenue: has reduced year on year by 15%, however if you use the interim accounts to split the revenue into two six month periods the revenue in the last 6 months to Mar 17 has reduced by a massive 26% (sales in H1 were down just 2%). This suggests to me that sales will be lower again next year when there will be a decrease in sales in the first 6 months as the plan to reduce sales in less profitable areas has a full year impact. Gross Profit: has reduced from 47% in 2015 to 39% in 2016 to 38% in 2017, this despite the stated intention of focussing on more profitable lines. Distribution costs: distribution costs in 2017 are pretty much the same as in 2016 (both £8.4m) despite moving to a new distribution model and presumably, given the reduced turnover having actually had to distribute less product. Distribution costs, as a percentage of sales have increased from 10% in 2015 to 15% in 2016 to 18% in 2017. These shows a lack of control over costs. Selling costs have decreased year on year, but have remained as a constant 22% of revenue, so the minimum you would expect. Admin costs have also decreased year on year, but again have remained at constant % of sales, in this case 12%. The result of all of this is the loss, before exceptional (one off) costs has actually gone up from £5.3m to £5.9m, not exactly a resounding turnaround. Cash. Cash generation at first glance looks quite good, with last years net debt of £7.0m changing to net cash of £1.5m, an Improvement of £8.5m. However, of this improvement, £7.5m was from issuing shares, £3.3m was from selling off property and £3.0m from improvements in working capital all of which would be difficult (if not impossible) to replicate next year, meaning that underlying cash flow is also very negative. As the company only has a £10m banking facility, if results do not improve significantly going forward then the company will be out of cash again within 2 years, when you consider it has raised £7.5m from shareholders this year after raising £14.2m last year you can see why shareholders might be underwealmed by the companies performance, they has invested £21.7m in the last two years on a company that is currently only worth £27.0m and is loosing money year after year. What a takeover will mean for the future is obviously uncertain, but it's getting to the stage where, from a business perspective, they can't really do much worse than the current management. Obviously these are just my thoughts, but would be happy to hear alternative opinions. Andrew

They definately have both codes in abundance and I quite enjoy both. Although I will agree that at the amateur level the club environment I have experienced has, with a few execptions, been better in Union than League.

The ones we use are similar to these https://www.specialistmats.co.uk/pebblesafetyantifatiguemat.html There are lots of types etc

Most community rugby clubs I know of are showing games live in their clubhouses....might be a great way to meet people with similar interests as well. Watching rugby with rugby people always seems better to me.

Special mats can be purchased that work even better, we use that at work for machine operators then tend to be stood in one place for most of their shift, makes a huge difference.

My 9 year old son who is type 1 diabetic uses Jaffa cakes rather than mars bars when he needs a boost. But back to the initial point, as long as it is clear and understood what will / won't be claimed before the invite is accepted and everyone sticks to it then all will be well. As long as the 'unusual' requests are agreed upfront then at least exhibitor and manager know where they stand.

At the last election I was away with work unexpectly, I was able to arrange for my wife to vote as proxy the day before the election. I am sure you will be able to get it sorted.

Surely it's both a competion and a marketing initiative.

Springhead was the old H&B loco shed, probably about 1-2 miles away from Botanic Gardens. Springhead is now totally gone, a small portion of Botanic Gradens still remains.

My current "cameo" project is about 7'6" by 2'3" probably a bit on the big size....but it will meet the other criteria....probably not entering the completion mind....as there is no way it will be done by the deadline!

Pretty essential rather than handy....as it is one of the criteria for entering that you have bought the said book!

I am sure it will be great in 7 years time when it finally gets released. I for one will not be holding my breath.

When I come across people that have a different perspective to me I try to understand things from their point of view, and this often helps me in terms of understanding, even if I don't agree with them. In the case of transgender issues this is something in really struggle with. I hope that I would never do anything that could be perceived as prejudiced, but I really struggle to understand the thoughts, feelings and emotions that they are experiencing. My wife's uncle is now her aunt, she is just as much a part of our life as she would be if she was still her uncle, and she really is lovely, but I just don't understand- I am trying, just not there yet. Perhaps some of the prejudice that transgender people encounter is for this reason, so discussion of the subject may help. Good luck, and I hope that you don't get any unkind comments on here.

Looking good. Keep considering upgrading my model...need to stop thinking and start doing.

Sorry for the delay in replying...couple of photo's (hopefully) attached Andrew

Just removed an Owl from my Son's room....flew in through an open window then could not get out again!!! Not sure it is the done thing...but a landing net and gardening gloves did the trick!