Early Risers.

[jamie92208]

47 minutes ago, Sidecar Racer said:

  Better watch out  jamie92208 , they are coming to get you .

 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-62717599

Fortunately not.  Ours is a Piscine Hors Sol which means above ground.   You are allowed to have them sunk up to 60cm into the ground before attracting extra tax fonciere.  Apparently above ground pools are classed as temporary structures.  A few years ago I was in the tax office and an expat was complaining bitterly about the tax that they had imposed on her in ground pool. Apparently they had caught up with her when she came to sell the house. I kept quiet and tried not to smile too broadly.  There is also a major drive against expats who have added umpteen extra bathrooms and not declared them.   A former barn with no bathroom may now have two or three.

 

Anyway. Smitt London was mentioned earlier.  here is my my only photo of mine sailing.  It is at a lake in Leicester where I met a modelling friend from Essex, Geoff Dixon, who brought his 1/96th HMS Neptune.  I was starting to scratchbuild my own 1/96th HMS Conqueror at that time.

 

Jamie

[iL Dottore]

Whilst on the topic of model ships, does anyone remember the galleries full of beautifully crafted large scale ships covering everything from Roman Triremes to modern destroyers* that could be found at the Maritime Museum in Greenwich?

 

I say “could be found“ and asked if anyone remembers, because as of my last visit to the museum, nearly all the ship models had been removed and replaced by “relevant“ displays, interactive stations (most of which did not work) and CBeebies style presentation (“can you say destroyer? You can! Wow That’s a big word isn’t it“) and now all any lover of beautiful ship models can do is rely on is his or her memory.

 

 

* if I recall correctly, these beautiful models were made by engineering apprentices, sailors (both on board the ships or as prisoners of war) and by shipbuilding companies as examples of what the proposed ship would look like. I have no idea when things like scale brass cannon, capstans, stanchions, etc. became readily and easily available, but I suspect the vast majority of those beautiful models that were once in the Maritime Museum were all completely scratch built.

Edited August 30, 2022 by iL Dottore

[iL Dottore]

And whilst on the subject of CBeebies style presentation, why is it that a certain middle-class demographic, safely entrenched and embedded in certain areas of British cultural and political life, tend to infantilise everything for everyone else.

 

Could it be, he asks cynically, that if a large part of the population was encouraged to think for themselves and thus wean themselves off a toxic diet of soap operas and Sport, would these bastions of privilege for this certain middle-class demographic come under threat? That they might have to, metaphorically, “pull their socks up“?

 

It’s not much of an investment in your country* and society to dumb everything down, life is complicated; always has been, always will be. Kowtowing to the isms of the moment and obfuscating the complexity of life and existence, does no country any favours in the long term.

 

* sadly, this rant applies to quite a few countries in the western/industrialised world.

[Coombe Barton]

13 hours ago, southern42 said:

Too small a flute for me to hear, though. No doubt he was playing some appropriate tune.

At that size even too high pitched for a dog whistle

 

[jamie92208]

1 hour ago, iL Dottore said:

Whilst on the topic of model ships, does anyone remember the galleries full of beautifully crafted large scale ships covering everything from Roman Triremes to modern destroyers* that could be found at the Maritime Museum in Greenwich?

 

I say “could be found“ and asked if anyone remembers, because as of my last visit to the museum, nearly all the ship models had been removed and replaced by “relevant“ displays, interactive stations (most of which did not work) and CBeebies style presentation (“can you say destroyer? You can! Wow That’s a big word isn’t it“) and now all any lover of beautiful ship models can do is rely on is his or her memory.

 

 

* if I recall correctly, these beautiful models were made by engineering apprentices, sailors (both on board the ships or as prisoners of war) and by shipbuilding companies as examples of what the proposed ship would look like. I have no idea when things like scale brass cannon, capstans, stanchions, etc. became readily and easily available, but I suspect the vast majority of those beautiful models that were once in the Maritime Museum were all completely scratch built.

The national Maritime Museum has a fabulous collection of ship models.  Many built by the shipyards that built the real thing.   Back in the 80's when I was researching HMS Conqueror I discovered that they had a 1/48th model of her in storage.  I asked to see it and photograph it.  I was taken out to some brick government buildings near the southern end of the Dartford Tunnel  and spent a couple of hours being taken round a treasure trove of ship models.  They had uncrated Conqueror for me and I was able to photograph it at length.  It was in need of a bit of tlc but is I believe now on display in the museum.  12' long.

built at Beardmore's Glasgow in 1912 IIRC.

 

This discussion has also set me off digging through other photos.

Here is a Revell Thermopylae that I built in 71/72

I even made a keel for it with a lot of lead in and took it sailing on the River Ribble at Stainforth.

The next year I got on with a Heller, I think) model of Pamir.

Both the last two were plastic kits.

 

I enjoyed making ship models.

 

Jamie

Edited August 30, 2022 by jamie92208

[Tony_S]

18 hours ago, Ozexpatriate said:

I like dishwashing soap and a toothbrush if they are really grubby.

When our washing machine was being repaired late last year the technician was talking about the new machines. I said we had never had the soft toy programme installed on ours as wool wash seemed quite adequate. The new one has a Lego programme available for purchase. I assume it is for loose bricks rather than assembled models. 

[polybear]

2 hours ago, jamie92208 said:

A few years ago I was in the tax office and an expat was complaining bitterly about the tax that they had imposed on her in ground pool. Apparently they had caught up with her when she came to sell the house. I kept quiet and tried not to smile too broadly. 

 

I wonder if she also got caught for unpaid back-tax - plus a fine for non payment?  Ouch.

 

25 minutes ago, iL Dottore said:

Whilst on the topic of model ships, does anyone remember the galleries full of beautifully crafted large scale ships covering everything from Roman Triremes to modern destroyers* that could be found at the Maritime Museum in Greenwich?

 

 

There was also a most excellent shop in Greenwich (next to Cutty Sark, or very close IIRC) called Maritime Models.  Now sadly long-gone.

 

Bear here.....

Stuff for the charity shop dropped off at the collection point - they were certainly doing a good trade and got 120 donations in the first hour, and the guy predicts 200 in the four hours that they'll be there.  Sadly they didn't want a very small side table that Bear had, so that's still in the boot of the Bearmobile.  Then it was the Post Office to return a couple of items to Amazon, followed by the library to have a squint at the Which? Magazine test info on Sound Bars and Air Fryers.  Whilst there I certainly did manage to get some very useful information (but not relating to SB's and AF's) that'll come in most useful.  Bear's sayin' no more....😉

Finally it was the Co-op for a minor shop; the result of the day (so far) was buying a bag of 5 freshly baked sossie rolls and discovering that there were six in the bag 😃.  Some win the Lottery, Bear wins an extra sossie roll....

 

I also phoned a couple of on-line carpet suppliers to check prices on carpet for the stairs; one is now trade only (though they were happy to sell direct when the lockdowns were on - b'sterds) and the other was a bit cheaper than Bear paid at the shop, but nothing stunning ☹️ - I'd only save around £26 or so after delivery.  Turdycurses.  

Though Bear just hates to say it, but Puppers was on the money when he suggested buying sooner rather than later - I spoke to the carpet manufacturer and, whilst saying the colour I chose is a new one so should be around for a while, it would be best to get some now rather than later in order to be sure of a colour match.  So I've just sent a text to a fitter I know (he did Bear's Conservatory some years back - that carpet went thru' buddy's house next door and over the back fence 🤣 ) and asked for a measure, supply and fit.  The only catch is there'll be "a few months" between "supply" and "fit" - but that shouldn't worry him too much cos' no doubt he makes a bit on the supply anyway (he can get it at trade).

 

Right, now to order a door for the cupboard under the stairs, then investigate why the home phone is crackly and noisy.

Bear gone.

[simontaylor484]

Afternoon all 

 

So far I have had to endure School uniform shopping. Luckily my knees are playing up so I am sat in the car at Junction 32 outlet.

 

 

[Tony_S]

6 hours ago, polybear said:

Bear hadn't - though I'll have a scan to see what the options are.  I do want a compact "minimalist" (for a Bear, that is..

Just a thought. Have you considered waiting until you hear what the built in speakers sound like before parting with money for a soundbar? 

[chrisf]

I'm OK, thanks for asking, but I have computer trouble again which is bound to be expensive.

 

Chris 

[monkeysarefun]

6 hours ago, polybear said:

Bear hadn't - though I'll have a scan to see what the options are. 

Mate just subscribe to this channel. Problem solved.

https://www.youtube.com/c/TheSilentFilmChannel

[DaveF]

I had a very enjoyable day yesterday.  I decided that I would go out, not something I normally do on a bank holiday because I don't like crowds.  However I realised that the Tanfield Railway which is only just over half an hour's drive from home was running a two train service, so I decided to go as it is the first chance I've had for several years having been caring for Mum.

 

It was a good drive in both directions, I found that part of the A1 western by pass around Newcastle is being widened so there was a 50 limit on it, I'm glad I no longer use part of the road every day to go to work!

 

I arrived at the railway, parked easily and spent a pleasant few hours watching trains go by and looking round the sheds and sidings at Marley Hill, taking quite a lot of photos in the process (some will eventually appear in my photo thread).

 

I am always surprised how digital cameras can take good pictures in really poor light, it is a lot easier than in the days of film.

 

During the afternoon I came home, put the photos on my PC and photoshopped them, by then it was time for tea, followed by reading and TV.  It's good to see that both Only Connect and University Challenge have started a new season.  Sometimes I can answer a few of the questions.

 

David

 

 

[Tony_S]

Aditi told me this morning she was going to get a new waffle maker. The one we have makes nice waffles but it really annoys her being rather difficult to clean. So one was ordered, and I was told it can be my birthday present (birthday next month). I reminded her I had said I didn’t want any presents. She said that was fine but she had wanted the waffle maker replacing for ages. 
Tony

[monkeysarefun]

3 hours ago, iL Dottore said:

* if I recall correctly, these beautiful models were made by engineering apprentices, sailors (both on board the ships or as prisoners of war) and by shipbuilding companies as examples of what the proposed ship would look like. I have no idea when things like scale brass cannon, capstans, stanchions, etc. became readily and easily available, but I suspect the vast majority of those beautiful models that were once in the Maritime Museum were all completely scratch built.

There's  a great book called 'The Anatomy Of Nelson's Ships' by C Nepean Longridge where the author describes step by step  the construction of his model of HMS Victory which ended up in the Science Museum South Kensington.

 

Written in the 50s but describing the build that took him from the late 1930s through the 1940's it's fabulously very much of its time with comments about ensuring you have your best pot of animal hide glue bubbling away before commencing this or that, and that a particular small tool can be purchased from Messrs Wilcox and Jones  of Deptford or similar.

 

  A fascinating backdrop to his model description is the looming war which being a doctor he spent at sea presumably as a naval surgeon and he describes his reduced toolkit he took with him and the fact that he spent that time   assembling  all the gun tackles while his half constructed model spent the war deep in some underground cellar and came out covered in mould that took weeks of careful cleaning to remove. Postwar shortages of timber for model building also play a big part in his description.

He's pretty much the John Ahern of scratch built model ships and that book is regarded by ship modellers in the same way that 'Miniature Building Construction' is regarded  by  railway model scratch builders and has remained in print since 1955, a testament to it's enduring importance.

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Anatomy-Nelsons-Ships-Nepean-Longridge/dp/1854861220

Edited August 30, 2022 by monkeysarefun

[Gwiwer]

Does anyone else feel that there might be one of these waiting in the wings ..... ??? 😂

 

[Tony_S]

3 minutes ago, Gwiwer said:

Does anyone else feel that there might be one of these waiting in the wings ..... ??? 😂

 

Not really. It is afternoon here and that looks like a “morning all”. 

[Gwiwer]

20 minutes ago, DaveF said:

I am always surprised how digital cameras can take good pictures in really poor light, it is a lot easier than in the days of film.

Yes and no in my humble opinion.  I am no photographer.  OK I have won a couple of competitions and have been published but I'm definitely not a professional.

 

I used film until it became nearly impossible to get it processed.  Agfa and latterly Kodachrome slides mostly.  I was quite handy at the night shot with tripod and either body release or a good guesstimate of shutter time and f-stop.  

 

I learned quickly that I could trust the digital cameras to do their job and they too have produced some stunning shots but there's something lacking about the "thrill of the chase" when it's all set to Automatic.  Camera shake will still produce a blurry image with even the best image stabiliser; light spots can wash out an otherwise perfect night shot; it isn't always possible to obtain the "starburst" effect - should you want that - without using a filter or specific lens.  

 

Most of my night shooting is done now on Aperture Priority mode.  This gives me the depth of field and the camera calculates the actual exposure time.  I normally use a tripod but have been known to brace against or rest the camera on a solid structure.  

 

One advantage of digital over film is that one can take multiple shots in quick succession of almost the same view at no additional cost.  When I abandoned film I was paying in the region of £3 a frame by the time I had added processing to the cost of the film.  You don't reel off ten shots at that price hoping to get the perfect one but the cost did drive the learning curve to achieving the desired results first time.  

 

Another is the ability to alter the captured image quite readily at home and now even "on the go" with a mobile phone.  I often expose for any light source to avoid wash-out and can bring up the darker areas with editing software.

 

Here's a few of the more recent digital night views.  The scanned slides are on an external drive which isn't to hand just now but I'll try to post a few later on.

 

 

 

 

 

[DaveF]

 

Time now for a quick moan.

 

I've had  a phone call from my late mother's council Care Manager asking for my address as apparently the finance people (I think in adult care) need to contact me.  She doesn't know why they need the information.

 

After she died I had contacted them as Mum's executor and they refunded an overpayment in care fees straight into her bank account as it was still open then.

 

I had a letter. to my home address, about an overpayment of her Council Tax, that was refunded straight into my bank account as her executor as by then her account was closed.

 

I've had a refund for her emergency phone calling system, run by the council, also paid into my account.

 

On the various documents about Mum and her care plans over the years I have always been named as next of kin, with my address details included.

 

So how can they possibly say they do not have my contact details?

 

Also why couldn't they have told the Care Manager why they need to contact me?  I will now spend  time worrying without good cause (or at least I hope there is no need to worry).

 

I have rung the council and have been told that the lady who requested the information has been informed I have been in touch and they have asked her to ring me to explain - but guess what - she is in a meeting.

 

David

Edited August 30, 2022 by DaveF

[Tony_S]

17 minutes ago, DaveF said:

have asked her to ring me to explain - but guess what - she is in a meeting.

 

When she rings, ask her to identify herself securely by answering some questions. 

[monkeysarefun]

Today's good thing: I got to take the ute for a run.

 

 

..But only  to the garden centre to fill it up with cow crap.

[PupCam]

2 hours ago, polybear said:

Though Bear just hates to say it, but Puppers was on the money when he suggested buying sooner rather than later 

😀

 

Puppers may well frame that 🤣

[PupCam]

1 hour ago, monkeysarefun said:

There's  a great book called 'The Anatomy Of Nelson's Ships' by C Nepean Longridge where the author describes step by step  the construction of his model of HMS Victory which ended up in the Science Museum South Kensington.

 

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Anatomy-Nelsons-Ships-Nepean-Longridge/dp/1854861220

I do wish you hadn’t posted that link ….. 🙄

[Gwiwer]

43 minutes ago, monkeysarefun said:

I got to take the ute for a run.

 

..But only  to the garden centre to fill it up with cow crap

Why not just park it under a nearby cow?  
 

As I recall their hind-quarters are opened with some regularity and the results are usually voluminous. 
 

I speak from experience. One once chose to void solids over the fly-sheet of the tent in which I was sleeping!  

[DaveF]

An update on my previous post about the council and my contact details.

 

I have now had my phone call and have just about calmed down.

 

The council gave the refund of her care charges from when she went into hospital until she died.  That's fine.

 

Unfortunately once she died the council cancelled the direct debit used to pay them the care charges, so the charges for the month up to her death were not paid. Talk about left and right hands!

 

So as far as I can work out I need to pay the refund back and then pay the care charges for the part of the month before she died.  Fortunately in the great scheme of these things it is a relatively small sum compared to Mum's estate.  They are going to send me a detailed breakdown of the account.

 

When they made the payment back at the end of May I thought it was odd as by my calculation I, as executor, owed them. In a way it is nice to be proved right.

 

David

[PhilJ W]

Afternoon all from Estuary-Land. A bit late this afternoon as I've been chatting to my sister. The usual family business sort of stuff, my brothers still waiting for probate though his wife died more than six months ago without leaving a will and only had a third share of the bungalow they lived in. Now to sort out dinner, be back later.