Sasquatch

And definitely the smallest structure,
Trigger’s house!

11 hours ago, JRSS said:

As a local to the old great northern route not too far from Queensbury and a regular visitor to the nymr, I have to say I am really enjoying watching your layout progress. 

 

The speed and quality of your scratch building amazes me, you have things built, painted and on the layout in the time it takes me to just think about building something.

 

Keep up the good work and I look forward to the next update.

 

Thank you. I have plenty of time for modeling during the winter months and should be in the garage finishing off Queensbury but I’m needing to stay off of my feet as much as possible. 
There’s always plenty to do, so just get on with what I feel like doing, this month it’s structure modeling or painting them to be more precise!

Regards Shaun

36 minutes ago, ChrisN said:

Interesting.  I have just wanted to fill in the corners of a carriage, and opened a tube of Humbrol filler.  A smelly clear liquid came out, I think it had separated in the tube.  I tried shaking it then read the warnings, : Use Eye Protection, Gloves, protect your clothes and use in a ventilated area.'  It also said, if you put too much on it will eat away the plastic.  It is for a model!  I hastily put the lid back on and returned it to the drawer it came from.   

 

Wood filler seems eminently more suitable, or something similar, but perhaps not for coaches.

 

Looking good.

Yes I like wood filler because the hardware store is only 8 miles away as opposed to 83 to the nearest model railroad shop, who might not even have model filler!

I use Squadron putty for rolling stock, and keep it in the fridge!

Regards Shaun

7 minutes ago, BoD said:

You have time for jigsaws too?

12 hours ago, gr.king said:

For a split second it looked to me as if you'd hung that panel in the lounge. Then I thought "don't be silly", and then I saw the rest of the image...

With the staggering amount he seems to get done I was wondering where the sofa bed resides, that's if he sleeps at all! (It has been known for Mrs. Sasquatch to kick the garage doors in the small hours after I've nodded off in the office chair).

On 08/01/2024 at 08:18, woodenhead said:

I've been told my cholesterol was high and my father did suffer a number of mini-strokes before he passed from liver failure caused by a doctor prescribing the wrong painkillers for gout.

 

So when my doctor insisted I take statins I respectfully declined, I didn't want a long term reliance on a drug when actually a healthy diet and exercise should look after me and I believe my Indian genes are more likely the cause of a higher cholesterol level.

 

I'm not perfect, I know I will sometimes pig out, but I recognise everything is ok in moderation, so not too much alcohol, not too much chocolate or cheese, definitely not too many take-aways and plenty of exercise.  I'm over 55 and able to run a 5k in 32 minutes, it's not rocket speed but at the end I am not overly tired and my heart rate drops back quickly so I think I am doing ok, I lift a few weights too I certainly don't lool like Arnie but I fit into medium clothes so that's a tick to me.

Sounds like we’re both on the same page

Like I’ve said “Humans ran around eating raw food for millions of years”

So on that basis anything processed, artificial, synthetic or genetically modified can’t be good for you, modern medicine included. 
When I was taking all the prescribed drugs walking up that mountain wasn’t an option. Now I feel like going up there in the snow with nothing more than an omelette and a hot cuppa!

Talking of which Bobo is looking at me in full anticipation 

Regards Shaun 

16 hours ago, St Enodoc said:

And most of them were probably dead before they were 40.

Thanks for the encouragement! 

I'd have brought it at 22 if it wasn't for insulin but that's beside the point. Most people I know can barely walk to their mailbox! Because they eat junk!

2 minutes ago, Jonboy said:

Been trying to resist that line of speculation all night as don’t want Andy and Phil getting the hammers out….

Yes, I guess that would trigger some speculation! Remember I'm 9 hours behind most people so have much catching up to do.

Personally this comes as a real blow. Hatton's were extremely efficient and trustworthy. The only way I could afford anything really was to buy it used through them and have it shipped at a sensible price!

As sad as it might seem, I really only look at two internet sites Hattons and this one! 

Come to think of it I'm not at all surprised when I consider that the price of a small steam loco which has doubled in price within 2 years, 207 quid for a class 2 is way beyond most people's pocket. Prices have doubled but income has not!

I fear that this is the start of an avalanche and am glad that I can scratch build! 

Just now, Sasquatch said:

Talk about having a bad day. This Hattons closing down announcement is going to be a real blow to my hobby.

I'm in the process of changing banks (because my old bank is kicking me out after making an automated decision over my faultless credit situation). So as I'm getting frustrated trying to activate another card everything on my wish list at Hattons has sold out in the past hour! Add your choice of nasty four lettered word here 

Thank goodness for scratch building!!!!

Talk about having a bad day. This Hattons closing down announcement is going to be a real blow to my hobby.

I'm in the process of changing banks (because my old bank is kicking me out after making an automated decision over my faultless credit situation). So as I'm getting frustrated trying to activate another card everything on my wish list at Hattons has sold out in the past hour! Add your choice of nasty four lettered word here 

Totally shocked! As an expat this will be a huge blow to my hobby as Hattons are the only people I trust and have been a cost-effective way of supporting things on a very tight budget. Very sad about it too because I wrote my first ever check out to Hattons over 40 years ago!

Let's hope that all the staff find reemployment promptly! Or someone steps with a takeover.

Getting back on topic (before we scare all the youngsters away)

The new farm house is looking more the part. 
There’s well over 150 bits been added since Last time along with the usual paint job. Windows have been finished with a varnished wood effect (white primer, burnt orange and burnt umber oil and Liquin)

The top left window hasn’t been fixed yet and is set deeper in the wall for demonstration purposes 

I’ll get around to further details and more weathering effects once I’ve finished tackling the very fine glazing those Grandite Line window moldings

26 minutes ago, woodenhead said:

I've been told my cholesterol was high and my father did suffer a number of mini-strokes before he passed from liver failure caused by a doctor prescribing the wrong painkillers for gout.

 

So when my doctor insisted I take statins I respectfully declined, I didn't want a long term reliance on a drug when actually a healthy diet and exercise should look after me and I believe my Indian genes are more likely the cause of a higher cholesterol level.

 

I'm not perfect, I know I will sometimes pig out, but I recognise everything is ok in moderation, so not too much alcohol, not too much chocolate or cheese, definitely not too many take-aways and plenty of exercise.  I'm over 55 and able to run a 5k in 32 minutes, it's not rocket speed but at the end I am not overly tired and my heart rate drops back quickly so I think I am doing ok, I lift a few weights too I certainly don't lool like Arnie but I fit into medium clothes so that's a tick to me.

Sounds like we’re both on the same page

Like I’ve said “Humans ran around eating raw food for millions of years”

So on that basis anything processed, artificial, synthetic or genetically modified can’t be good for you, modern medicine included. 
When I was taking all the prescribed drugs walking up that mountain wasn’t an option. Now I feel like going up there in the snow with nothing more than an omelette and a hot cuppa!

Talking of which Bobo is looking at me in full anticipation 

Regards Shaun 

44 minutes ago, ChrisN said:

 

Shaun,

I often think that if I run out of Statins I will go on low dose asprins as it should stop any clotting.  I tried dropping my cholesterol by diet, mainly by cutting out a weekly fried breakfast and cheese.  My eldest son then said, as I had found the high cholesterol out by going to the doctor because I was always tired, "Dad is not only tired, now he is depressed as well, (from cutting out fried breakfasts and cheese.)"  The diet never worked.  The only person I know it worked for was my sister-in-law who is vegetarian, she cut out cheese and it dropped like a stone.

 

Still there is no cholesterol in anything when you are on holiday, or in really, really strong cheddar, or stilton  Honest!  😄

Couldn’t give up Gorgonzola not after everything else 

It would be much quicker to list the things I do eat than that which I don’t. 
Then there’s the list of things in moderation and I have to admit that I do like chocolate which is my food of choice for treating hypoglycemia🤫

2 hours ago, ChrisN said:

 

Ah, Statins.

 

I have had high cholesterol for years.  My last GP said that I did not need statins as they would not reduce the risk of a cardiac event by very much, but I could go on them when my risk was at either 10%, (the then proposed guidelines for prescribing statins), or 20%, the then guidelines.

 

My current GP when I joined him advised Statins as my risk was 13%.  I declined and said I would wait.  Long before my risk reached 20% I threw a blood clot that, fortunately, went into my right eye and has damaged my vision in that eye permanently.  My only risk factor was the high cholesterol, so I went onto Statins then.  I said, 'fortunately as if the eye had not stopped it, I would have had a stroke.

 

I have had no side effects from Statins.  I would always ask people why they are taking Statins and what risk are they at.  Knowing my experience I could not advise people not to take them.  I at least had been given some information to base my decisions on.  (Note:  In the States, in general, the policy is to prescribe and treat for any and every condition, the cynic would say, and with some justification, because the doctors get paid for it.)

 

 

That's very unfortunate regarding your eye Chris. 

My endocrinologist recons my high cholesterol is inherited, I think that decision is a shot in the dark personally having not given any DNA samples to prove it. I'm prepared to take baby aspirin, something that is proven to work. My grandfather for instance did very well on it following a heart attack in 76. He was from a generation who fought their way through their youth on bacon sandwiches, woodbines and stress, then following that ate every hot meal cooked in beef dripping for 20 plus years and who's knowledge of nutrition extended as far as eat your greens!  

We'll see what my next cholesterol sample throws up after cutting out all the grains, alcohol, seed oils etc.

We eat lots of fresh farm eggs, that will give anyone a high result but isn't it about a healthy balance.

Having said that I'm feeling guilty after buying a family size pack of breakfast sausages last time I went shopping. By accident of course! (As a type one diabetic I need the protein!)

Incidentally My doctors have both lectured me about not taking the statins, but neither of them praised me for giving up the grains, something which has been much harder than quitting smoking and probably just as much if not more so beneficial. 

Regards Shaun.

9 hours ago, ChrisN said:

 

Shaun,

Is this 5mm foam board?  Is it too thick for the windows or at a scale 1ft 3" does it mimic the thickness of the walls correctly?

Yes, it is Chris! The windows can be set as deep into the wall as required. If clad in brick it is about correct for a cavity wall and probably wouldn't be too far off for an old stone Yorkshire farmhouse. It definitely makes for a stout construction and looks more solid than say a Ratio goods shed or Wills engine shed.

Regards Shaun. 

On 06/01/2024 at 16:13, jcredfer said:

 

Somewhere after the turn of the Century, I developed strange vague, spaced-out feelings around mid morning, which slowly went away by midday.  It went on for quite a while - until I went to a 50 Yr check-up, a few years later than the opportunity was offered.  After the usual checks, I mentioned these odd feelings and after a brief conversation, was asked which alcoholic beverages I might consume. I replied with my favourite refreshments, expecting to be told to cease and desist, in totality.  He said, stop drinking "whiskey", my general choice for relaxing after dinner, tv watching, and after preparation for the next day's lessons.  I asked if that was alcohol that was causing the problem and I should cease from consuming any, at all.  He replied no, but I should cease the Whiskey and replace it with another choice.

 

I was surprised at that comment, but took it onboard and thought that a glass or two of red wine might make a pleasant alternative, apparently having some nutritional value, too.  Within 3 days, the symptoms had reduced to almost negligible.  At Christmas that year, Bro-in-Law bought me a really nice boxed whiskey glass, with two bottled doubles, of very nice whiskey, like you might ask for on a long distance flight.  Boxing day was finished off with the glass of one of the bottles.  The next morning was an instant return to feeling really spaced out, really rather grim.  I didn't ever bother with the other small bottle, but how did the Doc know that was the problem??  

 

J

 

 

 

 

Were you on any medications at the time?

I had the same issues from statins! It got so bad that I couldn't get out of the chair and don't understand how sitting about getting bored and stressed was helping to reduce the risk of a heart attack! Besides there's no proof that the statins do that either!!

Shaun.

37 minutes ago, manna said:

G'Day Folks

 

Don't know if I could give up Whisky and Cake !!!

 

manna

The whiskey was hard but we did get brandy for the hot coffees and rum for the rum balls over the hols.

We haven't given up cake either, just made some from almond and coconut flour!  Amazing...

Regards Shaun

36 minutes ago, jcredfer said:

 

Interesting dietary thoughts, I hadn't come across that one before, I will have a look at it, although Mrs R has a strong passion for cooked flesh, so it may a search in vain.  {I never contemplate standing too close to a barbeque, or bonfire...  say no more...!!}

 

An amazing reservoir is a mountain, snow and rain fall on them throughout the year {mostly...} and it falls through millions of small passageways, enlarged to pools / lakes in places and exits to us in tiny brooks around the edges.  It doesn't take very long to look at the vast bulk of any mountain to get an idea of how much water there in inside there and how controlled it's exit must be.   It's also easy to forget what it's origin is, when it does eventually stream forth into our part of the world. 

 

I was reminded of that, with a trip to walk up to the top of Toubcal, in the Moroccan Atlas mountains, at 15.000 ft they get lots of snow.  Having decided that it was time to get a decent wash which included the hair.  Out came the bio-degradable shampoo, rapid wet and scrub, until satisfied, then plunged the whole scalp, upside down into the little stream flowing from the rocks.  The shock was simply like having an instant freezing vice hammered onto the head.  It was so instant and mind blowing, that extracting the head from the stream became a distant problem, which required assistance from Mrs R, who was fortunately close by.  

 

Thanks to Mrs R, I can still place a glass of Sherry / Port, or similar for Santa and Rudolph, so as not to burst the traditional18 year bubble.  I really enjoy a glass of Port and as a result, a nice bottle appears every Christmas.  I love it and like to treasure it for a special treat moment, so much so that it remains, there for much of the rest of the year, by which time so many small portions have been added into so many sauces, that I have to await the following Christmas for another taste of a favourite glass.  Santa was very good this year and replaced a skiing anorak, which had served a quarter of a century, whereupon the stitching on the seams was giving up in no small measure.  

 

Best wishes to you and yours, for a delightful New Year.

 

 

Sorry, I might have misled you there a bit J. We're OK with meat and dairy just stopped eating grains!

Apparently, before money came into being wealth was measured in goats. This led to much over grazing and eventually starvation in Northern Africa and the Middle East. Those who found their way to fertile valleys such as the Nile and Euphrates became enslaved. These numerous poor souls were fed on bread. 

The latest science proves something that I had been saying for ages, "That humans ran around for millions of years eating raw food and have not evolved fast enough to do otherwise". That latest finding has shown any type of grain will be broken down by the digestive system into a very low form of LDL cholesterol which our livers have not evolved to removed efficiently from our bloodstream. After decades of toxification we inevitably get sick! So, no wheat, barley, oats or rice!   

We usually start the day with a pasture raised egg based cooked breakfast, have fruit and nuts for lunch and alternate between big salads and such meals as chicken tacos or even a full roast turkey dinner, just no Yorkshire puddings! We've also taken to drinking Kombucha and will soon start on correcting the balance of gut microbes by making our own Kombucha. As a side note I'm very proud that my last HBa1C was in the normal range for the first time in 35 years! The graph on my insulin pump seems to stay quite flat in the normal range all day.

Skiing will keep you very fit. I have an Italian friend in Ashland who regularly climbs Mt. Shasta and skis back down. His idea of excitement is getting lost up there. I learnt long ago never to jump in the creeks during early summer, it's enough to make you sterile!

The bigger picture of the water table in the mountain behind us (about the same height as Ben Nevis) is that last year the creek almost stopped running. There were a few days in September when it actually became just a few muddy puddles on our property but was still running at about two gallons a minute or less up the road through the culvert. The west coast having been hit twice by the pineapple express last year which filled most of California's lakes coupled with the heavy rains which never seem to fail in the North of Oregon I'm hoping it will be our turn next! We need it!

Now I'm going to get back to finishing off that farmhouse roof. Before it snows!

Best regards and may you have a happy and prosperous 2024.

Shaun.  

On 24/12/2023 at 11:58, ChrisN said:

Merry Christmas to you Shaun, and all the best for the New Year.

 

I assume you actually have snow, we have record high temperatures, about 15 degrees.

On 24/12/2023 at 15:27, manna said:

G'Day Folks

 

Merry Christmas Shaun. From a cold and wet South Australia.

 

manna

On 25/12/2023 at 01:40, jcredfer said:

Good morning all, Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year, from an, also, cold wet English Salisbury [even the dog has retired to bed after a wet walk.]  The mince pie and glass of Port have disappeared, so it should be worth checking under the tree.....   🥳

 

Best wishes all

J

 

Apologies for not replying sooner. Three months ago, we made a drastic refinement to our diet by giving up all grass-based food which has left me feeling twenty-five years younger and I have the same energy like when I was in my thirties working 60-70 hours a week. First, all the upset stomachs went away, and a sort of cleansing took place. This was followed by a general feeling of well-being and we both started sleeping better which in turn led to a clear head (no more foggy brain syndrome), I then tried quitting all prescribed drugs without any problems.

Food has become more interesting and tastier. Bog roll consumption has diminished considerably, there's no beer in the house of course but most importantly I can focus and am not depressed anymore, in fact it's quite the opposite!!! Mrs. S. has lost 15 pounds and is looking a lot younger too😏.

Chris. Unfortunately, we haven't had any snow yet not even on the mountains which could become a problem later in the year when there's no snow melt. They have however forecast snow for tomorrow.

Terry, A cold and wet Aussy summer. You are kidding right?

Julian. Mince pies and port. 'Spose it's only once a year right! Did the guy who consumed these delights leave any hobby related items under the tree? we actually made our own mince pies with an almond/tapioca flour crust! They didn't last long and so forgot to leave one out for you-know-who, hence no hobby stuff!😞

Regards Shaun.

A start has been made on the next building. This one’s actually for Queensbury, it will occupy the empty spot at the bottom of Brow Lane. ( I was never going to be happy with the Mossy Bottom farm house!)    
 

Same proven scratch build construction of embossed plastic stone/brick stuck to foam board. 

A Happy New Year to you all

Shaun