Early Risers.

[Ashcombe]

Good moaning from my sunny corner of Devon!

 

This is rather different from the rainy conditions of a year ago today when I moved into my apartment in Babbacombe. Since then, I've become divorced, helped Ian through surgery, planned our welding and attended the funerals of my aunt and my sister. Quite a year!

 

Here is my (not very tidy!) living room, captured a few minutes ago!

 

[NGT6 1315]

Morning all. Raining and generally unappealing again, confirming that autumn is firmly upon on us! There were no open early shifts we could have taken, so another day off it is. Is it strange that at the same time, I am actually missing being out on the rails? 

 

Currently attempting to find out if there may be any examples of the LVB NGT12 model by Halling left to buy. They do seem to be almost unobtanium at this time.

[Barry O]

Hey up! From a sunny,but chilly, hotel off the M5 in Birmingham.

 

Off to visit a colleague in Walsall before returning to Leeds today.

 

Have a great day!

Baz

[roundhouse]

Good moaning from my sunny corner of Devon!

 

This is rather different from the rainy conditions of a year ago today when I moved into my apartment in Babbacombe. Since then, I've become divorced, helped Ian through surgery, planned our welding and attended the funerals of my aunt and my sister. Quite a year!

 

Here is my (not very tidy!) living room, captured a few minutes ago!

 

image.jpeg

If you call that untidy then there is no way I am posting a photo of ours at the moment with stock boxes on the floor whereI am currently building stock trays to go inthem!

 

Morning from an overcast Surrey.

 

Ususal journey into work which was runnig a few minutes late and the ususal queuing to get off the platform at London Bridge.

 

Off to help an ex work collegue set up his iMac laptop tonight so the living room floor will remian untidy for now.

Edited October 15, 2015 by roundhouse

[jamie92208]

Morning all from  a slightly damp village.  Another day at the clubrooms beckons.  SWMBO has departed to the first of three things that will keep her busy all day Fat club followed by Whist followed by some sort of birthday do so that gives me a day to go modelling.  

Jock I hope that things settle down and that your sleep pattern gets back to normal.

Dave (TG) I do like the way that the two of you are dealing with your current situation.  Many years ago when Beth had a series of hospitalisations and the kids were young I found that honesty and information was the best way forward and the kids have all told me recently how much they appreciated this approach.  However as you say not everyone around you appreciates this method.

 

All the best to all.

 

Jamie

[Gwiwer]

Sunday night - visit the GP with a swollen knee

Monday morning - return to surgery for Xray
Monday afternoon - return visit to GP for Xray result: inconclusive but all appears in good order

Thursday morning - return to surgery for ultrasound

Thursday afternoon - return visit to GP for US result.

 

It seems I have a swelling on my knee.  No sh1t, Sherlock!  U/S shows soft tissue swelling over and under the patella but with no defined cause.  No evidence of an injury, bite or other trauma.  No medical explanation.  Officially put down to "One of those things" and I am under instructions to rest for the next three days before deciding whether I need further rest or can return to the Palace of Attendance.

 

It has responded slowly to anti-inflammatory medication.  Very slowly.  I shall keep that going for now.

 

Happy Thursday all.  I still have a smile to share.  

[The Lurker]

Morning all. There are clouds over Borough Market Junction of the light grey variety, with hints of blue.

 

I spent most of last evening waiting for Elder Lurker to be released from school after his turn of showing prospective parents and boys around, and also 3 other lads who live in the vicinity - we were told it would take no more than 75 minutes and that it would start at about 6. He and one other lad came out at about 7.50. But the next was not until 8.30 and the last a quarter of an hour after that. I was tired, cold and hungry. And the boys were complaining how hungry they were too (they're 13, of course they were hungry).

 

I hope the prospective parents and boys were duly wowed!

 

I see I am not the only one who can't be bothered with the Apprentice. Not only do the contestants generally appear to be arses but I am no fan of Sugar either.

 

In other television news, I see Stephen Fry is to leave QI. Which is sad - although he can be a bit pompous at times. To be replaced by Sandi Toksvig. Which is good. I've always thoughts that she is a good presenter/contestant on these sort of programmes. Time will tell.

 

I do wonder about prescription charges. It seems to me that the most regular users of prescriptions; the old, the young, the poor, the chronically unwell; get prescriptions for free and it is only the rarely ill like me who have to pay, so the present system probably costs more in admin - processing prescription claims -  than it brings in. Having said that, if it stops gps doling out antibiotics like sweets, then maybe it is a good thing.I wonder if anyone has studied the relative levels of prescriptions in, say, Scotland vs England, or even vs the US where they have no truck with such "socialist nonsense".as an NHS

[iL Dottore]

Morning All,

Today was a day out with a good mate of mine, basically trainspotting with some modelling research. Blackburn - Bolton - Manchester Piccadilly - Sheffield - Doncaster - Leeds - Todmorden - Blackburn (just to traverse the recently - last year) reopened Todmorden curve all for the princely sum of £10

 

The research pics are mostly boring stuff, but here's a few more intersting pics of the day.

 

...

 

Cheers,

Mick

All very nice (and a wonderful tribute) but am I the only one that finds such liveries garish? Perhaps I am a boring old fart (some would claim that indeed I am a boring old fart) but I think a simpler livery would inspire confidence and convey seriousness and reliability. As an aside, quite some years ago I was looking for a new(ish) car and through much reading came away with the impression the cheaper and nastier more basic the vehicle, the more garish the colours, the "trendier" the advertising and the more bizarre the name (such as the Koreana 0.75L Pringo Gran Turismo Sport), whereas the more expensive the car, the more subdued the colours and the advertising and bizarre names replaced by numbers (e.g. The Deutsch Auto Fabrik 721). Of course there were exceptions: Citroen with their advertising for the 2CV and Bentley and RR with various Azures and Wraithes (for 10 bonus points: RR and Bentley have not made a decent looking car since The RR Phantom VI and the Bentley S3. Discuss)

 

Morning all. 'Tis dreich ootside! Think I'll be doing some laundry first thing and be buying some food later…

 

I was thinking that…

 

 

…a model tram layout might have a special kind of appeal, but it would, of course, require you to be particularly careful in landscaping. I suppose a 1:1 representation of any particular city, even if only a chunk of it, would be a really major challenge, so I wonder if capturing the look and feel of it might be good enough?

 

On the plus side, you would not need a lot of rolling stock, and could even limit yourself to just one or two tram types to begin with!

I think that, unless you are representing a tram line that goes through a particularly undistinguished bit of (say) FFaM flanked by boring concrete tower blocks, what time, money and effort you would save by having minimal rolling stock would be more than clawed back (and then some) by having to scratch build practically every building flanking the line (if you want to prototypically accurate)

 

I wouldn’t dismiss “Statins” out of hand, Mick. They’ve saved many lives since they were introduced - dig deeper!

 

Makes a change for me to give you advice, anyway......

 

G’night all you guys on the East side of the Atlantic!

 

Best, Pete.

I would agree whole heartedly. I once asked my friend (and GP) what has made the biggest difference to his practice and he answered without hesitation "the statins" There are a number of statins on the market [e.g. atorvastatin (Lipitor), fluvastatin (Lescol), lovastatin (Mevacor, Altocor), pitavastatin (Livalo), pravastatin (Pravachol), rosuvastatin (Crestor) and simvastatin (Zocor)] so one may end up trying out a few different types before settling on one that is best tolerated

 

Here you go Jock.

 

DSCN2374.JPG

 

The plastic sleepers and chairs were printed on an older model 3D printer. The newer printer will (I hope) be a bit more consistent.

 

There is no magic here. All I'm trying to do is point out that a compromise might not be such a bad thing.

 

Cheers!

Andy

Oh Andy, Andy, Andy, what have you done? You have taken away the magic of the pretty bright colours and I was so looking forward to your promised multi-colour/multi-media layout... The link to your thread about track was very usefu, thank youl. Initially (a number of years ago) I toyed with the idea of going EM (not having the confidence to go P4) but for me the rate limiting aspect is availability of materials, not conversion of rolling stock. Purchasing bog standard OO stock is problematic enough (one always has to hope that the online store hasn't sent out a duff example) without extending the fun and games of "Buying British Outline From Abroad" to the trackwork as well.

 

Glad to read of Jock's and Deb's positive steps toward feeling (and being) better.

 

A bit of good news/bad news sort of thing. I have a face-to-face interview with a company in the French part of Switzerland, unfortunately it isn't really in an area I would be happy working in (I only agreed to talk to the company as a favour to the headhunter who is handling a position that I really do want), plus it would be a 2.5hr commute every day.... Let's see what happens...

 

Regretfully, cyclists (or at least one particular one of them) are currently on my "terminate with extreme prejudice" list. The day before yesterday I was walking the Wolfpack and a cyclist came up behind us, at high speed, without ringing his bell and shot past us with just a foot or two to spare. Needless to say, Lucy was startled and reacted by going towards the cyclist - barking to warn him off. The scrote on the bicycle not only didn't slow down but hit Lucy with the bike! Fortunately, she was not hurt and the cyclist had sped on before I could really react. Which is perhaps as well as I was so angry that my gut reaction at the time was to get him off the bike and give him a right kicking with my steel toe boots (and I know enough anatomy to really make it hurt). Anyway, after I had checked Lucy was OK we walked on and up came another cyclist at speed - this time the cyclist rang his bell well in advance allowing me to ensure the wolfpack were out of his path (and that they felt "safe") and as he whizzed by Lucy just looked at the cyclist as if to say "a cyclist, how interesting". Which just goes to show that for every inconsiderate cockwomble there is a considerate person.  (Y'know, re-reading this last paragraph made me angry all over again, so I'd better move on...)

 

Finally, an open question to all those on ER who play guitar. Many years ago guitar playing was my main hobby and, as a DINKY, I was able to afford some nice gear - including a Line 6 M13 Modelling Pedal Board. Now that I returning to playing guitar (in addition to.. not instead of... model railways) I was wondering if anyone amongst the ER Guitarist has used/owns one of these devices and could pass on some tips.

 

Well, back to work. Have a great day

 

iD

Edited October 15, 2015 by iL Dottore

[PhilJ W]

Morning all from Estuary-Land. Sherry, your lounge is immaculate compared to mine, my house is a typical bachelor pad, add to which I am an inveterate hoarder. Hope everyone's feeling well, commiserations to those that are a bit under the weather. I see that Debs has given a like to something on my Facebook page, and whats more its railway related so stand by your beds she'll soon be back. Waiting for the postman to deliver a pre-ordered model, hopefully it won't be to long, the postie usually arrives well before lunch.

[NGT6 1315]

I see that Debs has given a like to something on my Facebook page, and whats more its railway related so stand by your beds she'll soon be back. 

 

That could – ahem – be misunderstood most gravely… 

[The Stationmaster]

Morning all,

 

Thanks for the list of statins Flavio - I think I've been through the card.  After several trouble free years (nearly a decade actually) on simvastatin the side effects finally struck so the others were tried in turn and were no better so I'm now on feno fibrate, an older drug with the same idea behind it but probably less effective  (which reminds me that I must check again today to see if my resupply is waiting collection from Tesco pharmacy).  Metformin, in the shape of metabet (usually) also figures among my daily intake.

 

Anyway to nicer things - the sun is was is shining but probably a bit nippy out there.  As herself doesn't wish to go to the auction I'll probably give it a miss - at least that way I'll avoid the rush hour traffic through Sonning although by the time I'm likely to get there no doubt the hordes working on George Clooney's mansion will have already departed.  The one good thing about the route through Sonning is at least you can't see Uri Geller's parting gift to the village -

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-34446955

 

And on that happy note, and hoping you've recovered from the sight in that link, I'll wish everyone everything they wish themselves for today.

[DDolfelin]

Looks like a giant ring-pull.

[PhilJ W]

Looks like a giant ring-pull.

There's a modelling use for everything.

[Jock67B]

Here you go Jock.

 

DSCN2374.JPG

 

The plastic sleepers and chairs were printed on an older model 3D printer. The newer printer will (I hope) be a bit more consistent.

 

There is no magic here. All I'm trying to do is point out that a compromise might not be such a bad thing.

 

Cheers!

Andy

Andy,

That trackwork certainly looks superb - will you be producing point bases to make a similar job of junctions, as it would seem to be a shame to spoil the realistic feel of the line with mis-matching point-work? What is the production process for the plastic as a matter of interest - does it involve a moulding process? I must get around to studying the 3D printing principles!

Kind regards,

Jock.

Edited October 15, 2015 by Jock67B

[trisonic]

 

Finally, an open question to all those on ER who play guitar. Many years ago guitar playing was my main hobby and, as a DINKY, I was able to afford some nice gear - including a Line 6 M13 Modelling Pedal Board. Now that I returning to playing guitar (in addition to.. not instead of... model railways) I was wondering if anyone amongst the ER Guitarist has used/owns one of these devices and could pass on some tips.

 

Well, back to work. Have a great day

 

iD

I have a couple of modeling amps but none that are Line 6, I’m afraid. I do use one of their A/D devices for connecting analogue instruments to my Apple and that’s about it.

 

You might try The Gear Page (the RMWeb equivalent for guitarists)  http://www.thegearpage.net/board/index.php

 

I’m also on there as “trisonic” but my visits are few and far between nowadays...

 

Best, Pete.

[Jock67B]

Mornin' Jock,

 

The side effects are pretty much limited to tiredness. Our policy throughout has been 'open book' where we've updated everyone as to 'where she is at' as progress happens, that way the chemo or condition has never been 'the elephant in the room', conversation wise. Yes, one or two friends have found it more difficult than others but that was likely anyway. We've continually felt it to be the right approach for us. She is stoic, sensible and realistic and we share the same views on making the best of our time together....not much choice with a 22 year age gap.

 

This approach could benefit one or two who have similar experiences, in terms of what to expect and being able to maintain a reasonably normal routine.

 

Rgds

 

Dave

 

Morning Dave,

I really admire the way that 'Is' and you approach the subject of 'the illness'. I was surprised to discover, when first diagnosed, that some people were 'frightened' to talk to me as they 'didn't know what to say'! One of these was the chairman of the last company I worked for and when a fellow director pointed this out to me, I telephoned him at home to 'break the ice'. He then called to visit me at home where my positive approach showed him that he had nothing to worry about, as open discussion actually helped me! This worked well as he called in to the garage and told them all how approachable I was, which made it easier when I called to visit them for the first time after the event. It occurred to me then that it is actually the responsibility of the person diagnosed with such illness, to reach out to everyone they are involved with to remove the uncertainty they might be feeling. I've since discussed this with local sufferers at the hospice, as well as staff at the oncology unit that care for me, and they are going to suggest this action to newly diagnosed patients now! Obviously, everyone is different, and some people simply 'bury their head in the sand' Ostrich like when told they have this illness, and they would prefer to keep it secret, which is their prerogative.

I hope that 'Is' continues to shrug off the side effects, and I think your efforts in that respect are very laudable,

Kind regards,

Jock.

[Happy Hippo]

Good moaning from my sunny corner of Devon!

 

This is rather different from the rainy conditions of a year ago today when I moved into my apartment in Babbacombe. Since then, I've become divorced, helped Ian through surgery, planned our welding and attended the funerals of my aunt and my sister. Quite a year!

 

Here is my (not very tidy!) living room, captured a few minutes ago!

 

image.jpeg

If you think that is untidy, you'd have quite a turn looking into my 'office'.

[The Stationmaster]

If you think that is untidy, you'd have quite a turn looking into my 'office'.

And I'm told (repeatedly) that our dining room would also qualify;  I am again being asked to 'clear it up ready for Christmas' (and it's only October    )

[Tony_S]

Every time I take a photo in our lounge guess who appears!

 

[Simon G]

I have given Happy Hippos last post an Agree as my 'office' is a permanent tip.  It is much too small, but in truth if it were bigger, I would just fill it with more rubbish useful stuff.  This is before looking at the bedroom which is destined to house my planned layout, which has all my stock, loose track etc, not to mention some new garden furniture and more rubbish useful stuff.  I have always said that I am good at hoarding things, but Mrs G is world class at hoarding!

Edited October 15, 2015 by Simon G

[Happy Hippo]

Well, I suppose it is back to business again after our jaunt across the pond.

 

The flight back was not too bad; I was amazed by the amount of leg roon we were allocated, although I found out this was achieved by the latest cattle class wheeze of non-reclining seats.  Need less to say we survived, but are both complaining of stiff backs this morning.  However, we got rid of the jet lag, by the early to bed, late to rise sleepathon. 2030-1100, so now I'm eager to get going once more (not)!

 

In our absence it would appear that the Pygmy Hippo has been up to his usual tricks of helping everybody else out, but neglecting household duties.  So the Obergrumpenfuher, having brought clean clothes home (we washed and dried prior to abandoning the villa in Florida) is now running another wash of his stuff!

 

His girlfriend, on the other hand, has painted and stained my workshop in a rather fetching tone of grey.  This has been enhanced with  darker grey trimming of the door frame, window frames and barge boards.  all I need now is for him to finish off the insides, so that I can get all my stuff out of the office( see #104624) and the garage.

 

I now have to prepare for the Cradley Heath MRC show on Saturday, where Doug Brown and I are demonstrating the delights of EM gauge.

 

An interesting observation on  rural roads is that in Staffordshire the A519 through Woodseaves, which is subject to a 30 mph restriction and is totally ignored by most motorists, now has a set of average speed cameras monitoring the road.  Funnily enough, speeds through the village have taken a dramatic downturn. I'm going to suggest that this approach to speed control is adopted through our village.

 

I notice it is nearly time for lunch..................and i've only just had breakfast.

 

As an aside I was going to join a fat club, but was put off by the fact that apparently you are supposed to lose weight after you join.  I would have thought that calling it a thin club would have been more beneficial, and would then not confuse poor souls such as myself

[Torr Giffard LSWR 1951-71]

Morning Dave,

I really admire the way that 'Is' and you approach the subject of 'the illness'. I was surprised to discover, when first diagnosed, that some people were 'frightened' to talk to me as they 'didn't know what to say'! One of these was the chairman of the last company I worked for and when a fellow director pointed this out to me, I telephoned him at home to 'break the ice'. He then called to visit me at home where my positive approach showed him that he had nothing to worry about, as open discussion actually helped me! This worked well as he called in to the garage and told them all how approachable I was, which made it easier when I called to visit them for the first time after the event. It occurred to me then that it is actually the responsibility of the person diagnosed with such illness, to reach out to everyone they are involved with to remove the uncertainty they might be feeling. I've since discussed this with local sufferers at the hospice, as well as staff at the oncology unit that care for me, and they are going to suggest this action to newly diagnosed patients now! Obviously, everyone is different, and some people simply 'bury their head in the sand' Ostrich like when told they have this illness, and they would prefer to keep it secret, which is their prerogative.

I hope that 'Is' continues to shrug off the side effects, and I think your efforts in that respect are very laudable,

Kind regards,

Jock.

 

....managing friends and family in terms of how we can be approached about cancer has been and is a very real stage Jock....we've commented about this to each other often. Being open and honest to all is just the first step.

 

Dave

Edited October 15, 2015 by Torr Giffard LSWR 1951-71

[Jock67B]

Afternoon all,

Where did that morning go? Pretty ropey night's sleep again, but the pain appears to have further receded so I'm not too unhappy.

Sherry, I married a minimalist in Joanna, and it shows in most rooms of the house! My 'mess' is allowed in my study, the loft (although that is supposedly being cleared now) and the garage. I have to say that yours looks more homely.

Lurker, I'm another who doesn't like the 'apprentice' or Mr Sugar - he really didn't impress me some years back, when I observed him reducing his grandson to tears at the Chigwell nursery school nativity play. We were there because No1 daughter sent her brood to that school, and when the little lad 'corpsed' on stage, the unkind Lord took him apart in front of his friends, mainly it appears because the family would lose face if he didn't perform! Haven't had any time for him since.

Rick, you do show true grit over this knee business. There isn't anything worse than not knowing what you are fighting against - I hope the medics can guess a solution soon!

Flávio, great to see you posting in your usual erudite style. Cyclists are becoming a real hazard around here as well, racing on pavements with complete disregard for the elderly or the dog walkers alike. Several nasty accidents have occurred this year but the constabulary seem powerless to prevent it! Can't understand the large number that now ride without lights in the dark, lots with dark clothing as well, and all simply flaunting the law. On the train livery front, it would appear that I'm in the minority on the 'Kernow Today' thread as I found the new main line dark green livery going to Penzance much classier than the purple and pink we had before. Hope you sort out your work situation soon, and the favour you are doing this HR exec. you mentioned eventually brings you a dividend!

Have a good remains of Thursday all, I'll try to check in later!

Kind regards,

Jock.

[BoD]

Ive always commented on the number of people who drive to their local slimming club.

It's a bit like those who drive 5 miles to a gym and back to do 10 miles on a treadmill or bike.

[Gwiwer]

Morning Dave,

I really admire the way that 'Is' and you approach the subject of 'the illness'. I was surprised to discover, when first diagnosed, that some people were 'frightened' to talk to me as they 'didn't know what to say'! One of these was the chairman of the last company I worked for and when a fellow director pointed this out to me, I telephoned him at home to 'break the ice'. He then called to visit me at home where my positive approach showed him that he had nothing to worry about, as open discussion actually helped me! This worked well as he called in to the garage and told them all how approachable I was, which made it easier when I called to visit them for the first time after the event. It occurred to me then that it is actually the responsibility of the person diagnosed with such illness, to reach out to everyone they are involved with to remove the uncertainty they might be feeling. I've since discussed this with local sufferers at the hospice, as well as staff at the oncology unit that care for me, and they are going to suggest this action to newly diagnosed patients now! Obviously, everyone is different, and some people simply 'bury their head in the sand' Ostrich like when told they have this illness, and they would prefer to keep it secret, which is their prerogative.

I hope that 'Is' continues to shrug off the side effects, and I think your efforts in that respect are very laudable,

Kind regards,

Jock.

 

As another who has walked that road may I say how much I whole-heartedly agree with the views Jock expresses here?

 

My diagnosis wasn't entirely unexpected - to me - as I'd done a little internet research of the symptoms and was therefore not totally gobsmacked and mortified to be told the news.  It was, however, a huge shock to all around me some of whom felt unable to talk about it - or indeed anything else as though I had suddenly developed Plague and was the social pariah of their universe.  My taking people aside, one or two at a time, to tell them and being able to manage any reactions at that time made it easier for us all.  There were some tears and there were some hugs (the latter both given and received) but above all there were thanks for open-ness and frank honesty.  Family all stood solidly by me though that wouldn't be a given for everyone.  Five years on I can still talk freely and do so when the moment is right in my current employment where they don't know my history so well.  I've met others who have endured similar journeys and one who suspects he is about to.  All have been offered my unequivocal support and friendship.

 

Other news.  A few hours ago I received word that a friend of very long-standing and his quite recently-married wife (whom I have met only once) had been involved in a very serious car accident.  The vehicle they were travelling in was in collision with a bus in circumstances not yet known to me.  She was able to get out and was treated as walking wounded.  He was cut free and is badly hurt.  Their driver wasn't so lucky and passed away almost immediately at the scene.  Had my friend or his wife been the driver that would have been their moment.  It's too early to make any contact as both are going to be under hospital care for some time yet.