tomparryharry

I must confess, I'm glad Bachmann are bringing out this loco. As things stand, it's probably the last GW locomotive that might be made by one of the larger producers. By my reckoning, there's only the 94, 15 & 16 class panniers left to make a good model. I'm making this assumption based upon the amount of people left whom would provide a viable 'market'. I can't see any hope of a good Aberdare, or a Taff Vale rebuilt A...... What's this? Great Bear? But they only built the one...... Just like Duke of Gloucester.... Ian

Aaah, I had that problem as well... Our next door neighbours used to come home a 2am, and then put Max Bygraves on! Oh, I was so happy.... Anyhow, a couple of weeks later, Mrs Smith went to visit MiL, and I was on weekend turn, so..... Up at 04:30 (start at 06:00) Select cassette 'Led Zeppelin-Song remains the same'). Place cassette into player, and turn volume to 7. Turn speakers to wall. Leave for 12 hour shift. The cassette turned over & over, so I reckon they got Jimmy Page & John Bonham around 8 times. Volume 7 meant that the neighbour got it, but not the rest of the street. No more 'Singaloga Max at 02:00 any more.... Ian

Yes, I most probably will! I will probably want to model 6425, which (according to my 1950 photo) had not acquired top feed. If the photos prove correct, it seems the top feed will be detachable. Just need to remove the clack delivery pipes. Ian

Oh dear, I had hoped for a non-topfeed model. Ho Hum.... Ian

Rookie second Lieutenant, approaches seasoned 'other rank'... "I say, do you have change for 5 pounds, please?" "Hang on mate, I'll have a look." says the private, fumbling in his pockets... The second goes into a rage. "Don't talk to me like that! I'm an officer! Stand to attention!" The private snaps to attention, and pulls off a sh*t hot salute.. "Sorry Sir, I don't appear to have any change....."

The Shin. A useful item for finding things in the dark.....OUCH!!!!!

Usually, no. When you withdraw the pump head, you usually withdraw the impeller, as well. I mentioned the integral ring within the pump body proper. This acts as the thrust washer, and it should be in acceptable condition, IE no cracks, etc. If replacing make for make (Grundfos, etc) the PCD of the bolts should remain the same, making replacement that less fraught. Ian

Quick tip for changing central heating type pumps.... If you look at your pump, it will normally have between 2-4 hex Allen type bolts, holding the head onto the body. The secret is to buy a pump that's the same make, as the one you are replacing. Isolate the pump, both electrically & mechanically. The mechanical side is accomplished by shutting the valves above & below the pump. Remove the 2-4 Allen bolts from the pump head, and remove the pump head. Note there will (should) be a large rubber ring, behind the pump head. Have a suitable receptacle handy, as you will lose around 1/2 pint of fluid. Strip down the new pump, as per the old pump. At this stage, it's easier to re-wire the new pump, as you can manipulate the new head to your advantage. Check the pump body internally. There should be a raised integral metal ring, that butts up against the pump impeller. Using the new rubber ring (about 3" diameter), replace the new pump head, onto the old valve body. Hand tighten the bolts only, and then tighten the bolts diagonally, using the Allen key. Re-open the 2 large valves, that abut the pump body. The system can now be switched back on. If in doubt, please contact a suitably qualified plumber/electrician. Regards, Ian

I've actually worked in Llanddewi Breffi. We installed some solar panels for a client a few years back. Funny thing was the village sign, quite small by normal standards, about 600 x 450mm. Planted about 3 metres up 2 very large traffic sign posts, each about 150mm in diameter. It wasn't coming down! No, we didn't try the pub. End of work, we hightailed it back to civilisation. Well, Lampeter, actually! Ian

Going the other way, there's the pubs in Tongwynlais & Taffs Well

Too many Ian's on this thread. It's getting confusing.... I'm starting to respond to my own posts.... Ian (No, not that one, or the other one, or the other, other one).

No Dave, Peters were in Caerphilly. IIRC, there was Clarks, and another, who sold real meat pies, with a really rich gravy, and good meat. Blowed if I can remember the name however. There used to be an Indian restaurant along Bute terrace, who had a nice line in dog curry, just down from the Golden Cross. Never went in there myself, as it's reputation preceded it. Some lunchtimes were spent in the Quebec, and sometimes the Owen Glendower, on East Canal Wharf. This was back in the late 70's, early 80's. Interesting times!

There are pubs in Wales where you need a black eye to get in...

Dave, What were the other pies in Cardiff (sorry- Karrdiff)? Different to a Clarks, had a bit more steak in them. Half's were for ladies... Now, repeat after me:- English:- Penarth. Cardiff:- Penarfff. Penarth:- Pennorth. Ian (No, not that one, the other one).

Ahh, now we appear to be getting to the root of the problem.....

Seeing as we were talking about Brains (Cardiff) beers, then it has to be a Clarks Pie. Valleys readers will no doubt be familiar with a Bracchi pie. Ian

Will there be any charts? Coat ready, door open, awaiting taxi.....

Oooh, Skull Attack. Does what it says.... They say it couldn't travel, as you really never saw it outside Cardiff in the 70's. Are Brains still in Caroline Street? Used to drink Dark in the Quebec, part way between Bute Street, & East Canal Wharf. I think that's all gone now. As an aside, one of my work colleagues had a relative working in the UB, at Pontyclun. They had a tasting every so often, and I was always wrong shift. Blast! Ian

Hello Don, Don't know where you are on the Island, but we only seemed to have drizzle in Newport. Grass is still brown... A bit cooler today, but I reckon it will heat up quite soon. Ian

Turned out hot here again today, although quite cool this morning. Mrs. Smith has a paddling pool out for the dogs....

Edwardsville, Rhondda

Morning folks, Bit of flashing & banging here last night. Oh, hang on, that was the neighbours.... No rain yet, and the early mist is burning off. Looks to be another hot morning on the Isle of Wight.

Given the delays with this model, will this impact on the 64xx, I wonder? I do like the look of the Duke, just wish I could justify one on a South Wales colliery...

That takes us to Upper Norwood, near Crystal Palace

Lets go to Shawford, just outside Winchester. Pleased to say that the beautiful viaduct is till there, waiting for a train that will probably never come.