Tangoman69

I spent 18 months based at RAF Binbrook, but working at Stenigot for us who used to be dressed in green

In our fledgling relationship we spent much time alongside the mainline at either Scout Green or Sunderland Bridge near Durham. I was open and honest about my hobby, for both real trains and models. Everytime we visit the NRM in York or Shildon, my wife admires my enthusiasm and love of trains. Now, 35 years later, my granddaughter wants me to take her to the Tanfield or Weardale railways or on a trip on the ‘big and long’ red and white trains on the ECML. She wants to help in her own way with building my layout. Christmas this year has the new Hornby Class 91 ‘For the fallen’ and a rake of TPE Mk5’s on my list from SWMBO, might be Easter before I see them though. There may be a stigma about our hobby in many peoples eyes, but I can think the same about many other pursuits but don’t.

If you’re feeling down, then please talk to someone. I log into RMWeb everyday and will speak you if you want me to. I’ve been there, it’s OK not to be OK My layout has fits and starts, some bits have come along grand, others are still awaiting bits to be added or painted. We’re not all professional, we don’t it as a hobby when we find the time and inclination Karl

Jools, It sounds like you have through the ringer mate for the past few years! I've not had it as bad as you (touch wood) but have found that I find solace and friendship in this forum, especially this topic. I don't set myself too many targets, I have good days when I seem to go hell for leather and get loads done, and others when just nothing gets done. I wish you all the very best with your various ailments and for the festive period. Regards, Karl

Stephen, I feel for you. Troutons was one of my favourites on the circuit and I travelled far and wide to see it, the first time being to see your pipe carrying BTAs. I for one will miss this one Karl

This is so sad, I have just been looking at a post from Kevan in 2017 saying the big C had been beaten, it’s a cruel disease. I followed Wigan Wallgate and tried to picture what he was trying to achieve when I changed trains at North Western for the train to Bolton where I used to live.. Condolences to family & friends

What? There’s highlights from a Scotland game? Couldn't have been a qualifier..

Do Voyagers cover RHTT duties on the North Wales Coast line? Looking at the state of that unit, they do.

Another golden oldie.... "SEX" isn't a good name for a dog .... Now, Sex has been very embarrassing to me. When I went to the City Hall to renew the dog's license, I told the clerk that I would like a license for Sex. He said, "I would like to have one too!" Then I said, "But she is a dog!" He said he didn't care what she looked like. I said, "You don't understand... I have had Sex since I was nine years old." He replied, "You must have been quite a strong boy." When I decided to get married, I told the minister that I would like to have Sex at the wedding. He told me to wait until after the wedding was over. I said, "But Sex has played a big part in my life and my whole world revolves around Sex." He said he didn't want to hear about my personal life and would not marry us in his church. I told him everyone would enjoy having Sex at the wedding. The next day we were married at the Justice of the Peace. My family is barred from the church from then on. When my wife and I went on our honeymoon, I took the dog with me. When we checked into the motel, I told the clerk that I wanted a room for me and my wife and a special room for Sex. He said that every room in the motel is a place for sex. I said, "You don't understand. ... Sex keeps me awake at night." The clerk said, "Me too!" One day I entered Sex in a contest. But before the competition began, the dog ran away. Another contestant asked me why I was just looking around. I told him that I was going to have Sex in the contest. He said that I should have sold my own tickets. "You don't understand," I said, "I hoped to have Sex on TV." He called me a show off. When my wife and I separated, we went to court to fight for custody of the dog. I said, "Your Honor, I had Sex before I was married but Sex left me after I was married." The Judge said, "Me too!" Last night Sex ran off again. I spent hours looking all over for her. A cop came over and asked me what I was doing in the alley at 4 o'clock in the morning. I said, "I'm looking for Sex." - My case comes up next Thursday. Well now I've been thrown in jail, been divorced and had more damn troubles with that dog than I ever foresaw. Why just the other day when I went for my first session with the psychiatrist, she asked me, "What seems to be the trouble?" I replied, "Sex has been my best friend all my life but now it has left me for ever. I couldn't live any longer so lonely." and the doctor said, "Look mister, you should understand that sex isn't a man's best friend so get yourself a dog."

Dicky, The units look great, as always Mine are still on the workbench awaiting my mojo returning Karl

THE LOYAL WIFE A husband had been slipping in and out of a coma for several months, yet his wife had stayed by his bedside each and every day. When he came to eventually, he motioned for her to come nearer. As she sat by him, he whispered, eyes full of tears, "You know what? You have been with me all through the bad times. When I got fired, you were there to support me. When my business failed, you were there. When I was involved in that car accident you were by my side. When we lost the house, you stayed right here. When my health started failing, you were still by my side. You know what?" "What, dear ?" she gently asked, smiling as her heart began to fill with warmth. "I think you're bad luck !"