Early Risers.

[81C]

Only trouble is that route out of Bracknell might have traffic backed up from the road towards Windsor.  however I see the media are repeating the official line that if you want to drive to Windsor on Saturday you are advised to aim to be there by 04.00 as it is expected all the car parks will be full by 06.00.  Mrs Stationmaster did suggest that if I wanted to avoid a day of wedding watching on Saturday maybe I could go to the model railway exhibition I had mentioned as being on in Bracknell - I thought it only fair (and very prudent) to remind her that I'd be going to Stoke Mandeville the following weekend, i think that had something of an effect.

 

Count yourself lucky with 98 quid for a windscreen job - the Good Doctor's service and MoT etc cost me £246.49 yesterday! (but she will no doubt promptly repay me as she's usually good at that sort of thing)

Mike normally people will travel via the Motorways and just sit in the queues, Slough M4, Staines M25 and Bagshot M3 will be choc'o'block you might get snagged

at Maidenhead for a while  but Joe public motorist  doesn't know what an A road is neither do those bloddy Sat-Nav things   you can alway cut through White Waltham

and down to Bracknell if the traffic grinds to a halt. I can't see what the attraction is to go to Windsor to look at back of some ones head or a castle wall and if your into

third rate Royalty and Z lister actress it's best watched on telly at least you will see someting  , it's not my cup (MUGA) of tea but I do wish them well.  

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  enjoy your evening  O. Cromwell   

 

I nearly forgot I had 5 hours today operating the layout and doing minor repairs great fun better than doing buqqer "awl" 

[Ohmisterporter]

Evening all. Been on a touring holiday for a while and avoid papers and telly so I am a bit out of touch. What's this royal wedding I now read about? Have Liz and Phil been living over the brush for seventy-odd years and now want to make it official? We should be told these things. 

 

Best wishes to all those ailing at the moment, perhaps it is because I am out of touch but the list does seem to be getting longer. Stay safe all.

[Barry O]

EGM completed successfully so the Leeds Model Railway Society is now a CIO....

 

Some discussion ongoing about building another "front" for the Chapel en le Frith fiddle yards...

 

Feeling carp again so night all!

 

Baz

[Gwiwer]

Evening all. My apologies for absence during what has been, and will continue to be a crazy busy week. Alas there has been no time to read or rate the past several days-worth.

 

Saturday’s meeting went well. Sunday’s breakfast likewise. Monday passed in a blurry haze. Yesterday found me more tired than might be ideal on duty followed by probably the last trip to clear out the parents’ home. We are at the pointy end of that now with only the furniture, some boxes of books and a few bits around the garden left to dispose of. Some is coming here. The girls upstairs are also taking some small items of furniture - better they go to those in need of establishing a home than to the tip.

 

Today is the last when I shall be able to call myself 60. That relatively inauspicious occasion was marked by attending to something called Clan Line which snorted and hissed its way through the morning peak towing something called the British Pullman. Passengers bound for Waterloo were not impressed at the five minute delay caused to their train by a suspect regulating decision which put the water-boiling kipper-smoking special across their bows turning on-time into officially late.

 

Much anticipation upstairs as it is the end-of-term party season. I have been called upon to calm nerves, reassure and make tea. It must be hard growing up. I’m not sure I ever did it.

 

Tomorrow will start as usual at the House of Fun after which I am required to attend SWMBO’s workplace in order to collect dinner. This, I am told, will arrive in a Fortnum & Mason hamper to be enjoyed later on the Terrace. Neighbours (Upstairs) then wish to escort me to a place of alcoholic refreshment. It could get messy. You’re only young once and a lot of me still is .

 

Best wishes to one and all. See you when I’m older!

[laurenceb]

Night awl

[The Stationmaster]

G'night all

[BSW01]

Good evening everyone

 

It was a bit of a dull start to the day but there was no rain overnight, as had been forecast, so everywhere was dry. This morning’s first task was to finish the cheesecake that I started last night, so that it is ready for tonight’s tea.

 

Once that was done it was off to the workshop to continue with the new shelving unit that I made yesterday. It has been put in its permanent place and all then shelves have been stacked. I’ve also remounted the wall convector heater, which had been removed last year, when I initially wanted to start the reorganisation work. All that is left is to dismantle the old shelving unit. I’ve made a start but I didn’t have time to complete the task before I came in for a mid afternoon muggertea, before our guests arrived. Our guests were Evie and Max, we were expecting Ava as well tonight, but she went to her friend Elliot’s house for tea instead.

 

When I took them home I arranged with Vickie for someone to take Max to the train station on Saturday morning in time to catch the 9:19 train into Manchester. She also presented me with a bottle of wine as a thank you for looking after, dropping off and picking up the kids up from school last week. It was totally unnecessary, but a very welcome gesture all the same.

 

The evening was rounded off with a bottle of Guinness pale ale, very nice.

 

Goodnight all.

[Robert]

Morning All,

 

We had rain again overnight, so this morning is rather cool and misty.

 

There isn't a lot else to report, so I guess it is time for a coffee!

 

Have a good day everyone...

[chrisf]

Good morning one and all

 

Yesterday afternoon was quite fun.  Area Group members "helped" Strawbrick finish his outdoor test track and Mrs Strawbrick had made Welsh cakes, truly a delicacy in Hemel Hempstead. 

 

Meanwhile there is no movement as regards he who messes with my head.

 

 

Chrisf everyone has their own ways of dealing with problems, sometimes you might have to upset others sorting it out to your satifaction if they are true friends

they will come round and see your side of thing at some stage I had the same thing years ago and I popped the matey on the nose to my amazement everyone

else gave me a pat on the back I'm not saying that's what you should do but you could mention thing in front of the others you might just twist that nasty mind of

his, he could be that ignorant that he doesn't know that he is doing it.

 

Parts of this plan have their attractions.  Popping him on the nose, as you so delicately put it, founders because you have to be with someone to do that and I have yet to find a way of sending a punch via Messenger.  That medium is the only one available to us with which to communicate, unless things change.  As I type, replies are outstanding to two messages.  This could be because he is abroad on business and cannot reply.  On the other hand, he could be fed up with questions aimed at helping me understand the reasoning behind recent developments and the anomalies that they have thrown up.  On past form, if I upset him I get to know about it quickly.  The other day he chewed me up because I sent him a message at 5.30 am and the beeping of his phone woke him.  Yesterday I mentioned "Jealous Guy" partly in jest.  On reflection, it is possible that he is not in full control of his new relationship and the embargo on meeting/seeing certain people may not be entirely of his doing.  How on earth do I discuss that with him?  Taking a few days off from walking on eggshells is probably a good idea.

 

Today I must unload the weed killer from the car [no connection with the last paragraph!!] and decide whether I can wait until tomorrow before venturing out to buy more runny honey.  When I water the strawberries once I have bathed I will check whether the ripest is ready for harvest.  If it is, that would be a month early.  I should be so lucky.

 

Warm thoughts and best wishes as usual go to Debs, whom I still do not envy one little bit, Andyram, Robert and his dad, Tony and Aditi, Simon, Mal and all others in distress.

 

Chris

Edited May 17, 2018 by chrisf

[NGT6 1315]

Mawnin' awl. Well, the t-storm activity which was predicted did happen, so we're down a few degrees with intermittent precip continuing. Which isn't that bad a thing as we planted some new vegs in the garden!

 

Not much else to report here, but having attempted to catch up late last night made me take notice of the sad news concerning Andy's former pupil. I guess no conceivable answer can ever fully make such an event comprehensible… Sending my thoughts to her family and everyone who knew her, including Andy.

 

Also continued supportive wishes for Debs, Simon, Robert's dad and everyone else I may have missed.

 

Happy birthday to Rick, too!

 

A brief trip to the blue and yellow furniture house may occur later, really just to get the simple baby chair they sell. We do have a different one but found it's a pain to clean after a meal, much unlike the Ikea one which FiL has!

 

Cheers, everyone…

[jamie92208]

Morning all from a very sunny village.    Yesterday went quit quickly but I did finish clearing the modelling room.  I even mopped the floor.  Eldest son had foolishly bet me a fiver that this task would never be accomplished.  He and Katie are stopping Saturday night and the said newly cleaned floor will be their bed, after they've inflated the airbed.  He didn't believe me but even his mother has confirmed that the task has been completed.  Sadly the proper entrance to the black hole was not found.   All I found were some traces of small items en route to it. Perhaps the new owner of the house will discover it and market it as a feature.   I then part cleared another room and much of the rest of the day was spent taking a car load of rubbish to the tip and another car load to the container where pallet 4 is taking shape.   Then after tea a final church meeting.

 

Today, once I've breakfasted, I'm off to a village near Clitheroe to see my best mate from my childhood.   We had sort of lost touch but I'm glad that we have made contact again. He's done quite well for himself and apparently has a huge collection of classic cars which includes a blower Bentley.  He also has a very large collection of Massey Ferguson tractors.  I'm looking forward to the day.

 

Thoughts are with the rather growing list of those in need, 

 

Regards to all.

 

Jamie

[TheQ]

Mooring Awl, Inner temple Here,

5 hours sleep in bed followed by about 1/2 an hour on the sofa at the wrong time, so It was run around like a lunatic time this morning.

 

We have a fairly cool true Northerly this morning, which is supposed to turn into an easterly for Saturday and Sunday so there is a chance a bonfire may be lit, I certainly need to have another burn.

 

Yesterdays event of me being chief cockwomble, made me forget another one, a large motorcycle who decided to accelerate hard as the traffic lights turned green, at the cremated Swan,   from behind me to overtake. He then had to hit the brakes as the car in front of me came to a near stop for a 90 right. The motor bikes tyres were sliding, then imediately as we did our 90 left on the main road, he hit the accelerator hard again, with tyres slideing again,  overtaking two more cars down the long straight. A future organ donor I think..

 

As predicted a reporter this morning was standing alongside a big stone wall say "I'm here standing outside ...... we are all getting excited" as the camera showed a long shot of none but her and a few parked cars in the distance. at about 05:05 this morning....

 

Well, after work ,I'm going to have another attempt at going to the model shop named after a Brunel ship on this side of the country, I really do need some paint..

 

Time to go delete some comapny spam from the internet.(well my bit of it..)

[Barry O]

Happy birthday Rick! Hope you have many more orbits of the sun!

 

Sunny here this morning.Today is paperworkcarchupday...pah!

 

Have as good a day as you can.

Now for a mugatea (or two).

Baz

[BlackRat]

Chris.......get rid.....he's no friend, just a pain in the arse and your head by the sound of things.

 

Rick......have a good un.

 

Suns out again, making hay whilst it shines........have a great day one and all.

[BoD]

Many happy returns, Rick.

[grandadbob]

Good morning all and Many Happy Returns of the day to Rick,

 

Sunshine and mainly blue sky here at the moment and it should be a fine day.

 

Sainsbury's run is scheduled at about 9.30, quelle surprise!

 

I might garden today as the grass seems to be growing along with the weeds. Some of our new plants are starting to flower, some appear to have been nibbled a bit notwithstanding the slug pellets that I scattered liberally t'other day.

 

Really pleased with the mpg on the new car, already hitting mid 50s without really trying and doing (mainly) short runs. The Focus was mainly low 20s and only got to mid 30s on a long run.* This will probably not surprise or even impress some of you  but to me and my wallet it seems that the modelling fund could prosper.

 

More tea required and it sounds like The Boss is stirring. (After years of getting up at 4.00am for work she has gradually adjusted to rising at a sensible time) It seems to coincide with shortly after whatever time I've taken her up a cup of tea. 

 

Have a good one,

 

Bob.

 

 

* PS and I've got quite a light right foot.

Edited May 17, 2018 by grandadbob

[Tony_S]

Good morning.

Very many happy returns to Rick.

I am off on a train today. It is for a routine visit to the Royal London Hospital. So this will probably be Benfleet to Barking and then tube to Whitechapel. I suspect there will be bloodtests after seeing the consultant.

Tony

[jamie92208]

Just a quick second visit.  I had some very good news yesterday.   I had found a small growth on the back of my hand back in March and was referred to the skin cancer unit. I had a biopsy done in April as they thought it might be a form of pre cancerous growth.  Yesterday I was told that it is something totally benign and that no treatment is required.   Great news.

 

Also happy birthday to Rick.

 

Jamie

[BSW01]

 

Once again the sun is shining, I should have been doing some more work in the workshop this morning, but we seem to have some kind of leak under the bath! So I will be removing the bath panel and investigating the source instead. I don’t think it’s a constant leak, I suspect the bath overflow my well be passing, which if it is, will be a bu99er to fix! I’ll make a start once Sheila has left for her Zumba class.

 

Rick. Happy birthday

 

Tony. Good luck with your hospital appointment.

 

Jamie. Great news.

 

Back later

[laurenceb]

Birthday greetings Rick

Great news Jamie!

Mornin awl

[45156]

Morning All from a sunny village close to Lancaster,

 

Both 30747 and I have managed to pick up a bug which is causing sore throats and many other things.

 

As ever, greetings are on offer to all - and a happy 61st to Rick.  ChrisF - I would seriouly suggest ditching the e-friendship which is causing so much anguish.  Is it really worth it?  Jamie, pleased to hear that the growth was benign, must be a worry lifted so you can get on with the move with another issue resolved.  And of course, the usual wishes for Robert, Tony, Mal, Simon, and Andy - and of course her Debship - anybody whom I have omitted is an oversight, and please forgive me.

 

30747 has again been called into work, due to illness - and at 61, being stuck in a room with 30 screaming under fives is becoming a little tiring for her. 

 

Car is in for a major service and MOT this afternoon, so a minimum of £205 before any other remedial work which might be involved - and that is in a cheap garage, though the mechanic is Peuguot trained.

 

Back tomorrow

Regards to All

Stewart

Edited May 17, 2018 by 45156

[Purley Oaks]

Good morning all

 

Bright and sunny here... again.

 

Happy birthday, Rick. In case you missed it yesterday, perhaps a good birthday pressie would be one of these https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/may/16/melbourne-puts-retired-trams-up-for-adoption

 

Our staircases have all been installed now and it looks great - well, all apart from the fact that there's mo carpet and the wallpaper's stripped.

 

Meeting an old friend for coffee at the Balmoral this morning, then oncologist, then meeting the friend again for lunch. Her Jewish parents decided to leave Berlin in 1935 and settled in Sheffield.

 

Hope you all have a good day, and thoughts to Debs who is a little closer to the end of her current treatment.

 

Mal

Edited May 17, 2018 by Purley Oaks

[Simon G]

Happy birthday to Rick.

Good news for Jamie.

 

Currently sitting in the chemo ward of West Cumberland Hospital getting my 5th dose out of a planned 6. Lots of banter going on with the nurses and another patient. One of the nurses quoted “a happy wife for a quiet life” to which I responded “a quiet wife for a happy life!” Much laughter followed along with a dare to repeat that at home. I am not that brave!

[beast66606]

Morning.

Thoughts and wishes to those who are in need.

 

Happy Birthday Rick.

Goods news Jamie, my Mrs had a small lesion on her face and got similar good news after tests - and it's gone now so she's doubly happy.

Hope all goes well Tony.

 

One of my sites, back in the day, was the old Royal London, it's claim to fame for me was I had been there for a meeting and was heading out when the bomb at the post office tower went off. I have been nearby to several bombs (at detonation), quirk of fate.

 

The scanning has resumed this morning. I've shared some of my photos on relevant Facebook groups and they are attracting a lot of attention so aside from my own personal enjoyment, others get to see them to.

The last batch of tapes has been converted to digital by a third party, bill duly paid and they should be back in the next few days - although the quality is not as high as I could achieve, without investment in old kit, which may not even work correctly, I'm now snookered. The moral of that story is don't put off for tomorrow what can be done today - especially with technology which changes rapidly such as the analogue to digital progression of film / video material. So that's around 400 hours of movies, and each hour contains roughly 60 train movements (on average) thats a lot of history recorded and a lot is mundane stuff, that's often overlooked for the sex and sizzle.

 

As I type this the scanner is on a pair of 25s, the front one is carrying a teddy bear on a lamp bracket - happy days of BR (Birkenheads Railways)

 

Enjoy the sun if you've got it - I have !

[Tony_S]

This train now has Wi-Fi. The C2C stations have had it for some time. The National Express branding has been replaced by subtle Trenitalia logos though C2C remains most noticeable.