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Apologies for my absence!(1) — Geriatrico — 16/07/2010 20:12:06 | Gentlemen
Thank you to those of you who have enquired as to my wellbeing of late. Sadly, I did suffer a tragic loss earlier in the year and it affected me badly. I sunk into the depths of depression and withdrew from life as we know it for a while. I have had great help and support from friends, family and professionals; and I am slowly bouncing back. I am still not at home full time, which is why you Bert have been unable to contact me. Needless to say, hobbies and pastimes have been low on my list of priorities and I have only very occasionally browsed this forum. It saddened me to see that we went for nearly two weeks with no meaningful input because I value the banter I have had with you dudes over the past few years. Please don't let it have a relapse.
God bless you all!
Gerry-on-the-rebound. |  |
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Apologies for my absence!(2) — vespa — 17/07/2010 10:26:12 | | Nice to see you back Gerry! The banter on here will soon help you back from "Black Dog" | |
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Apologies for my absence!(3) — Andy — 18/07/2010 17:21:30 | Aye to that, Vespa.
Gerry, you've got a lot of people wishing you well out in cyber land.
Andy | |
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Apologies for my absence!(4) — Robin — 18/07/2010 18:30:09 | | Glad you're back with us, Gerry. We'll probably never meet, but please accept my best wishes for the future. R. | |
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Apologies for my absence!(5) — Geriatrico — 19/07/2010 09:47:46 | Thank you for your good wishes gents. On the upside, I am getting to spend some quality time with two delightful grandchildren who I have barely known for the first decade of their lives. We are working through things one day at a time but regrettably, neither of them shows any interest in railway modelling (yet!) despite my leaving copies of BRM lying around in strategic places. Maybe a bit too much to ask for two teenage girls but we'll see.
Gerry-ever-the-optimist. | |
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Apologies for my absence!(6) — fatwindsurfer — 19/07/2010 19:13:39 | Hey. My day is made. My 'mate' is back. Welcome 'home' G. Of course I am saddened to learn that you were unwell and had a very bad time. I can't imagine how horrible that must have been, however I can say that we are all looking forward to much ribaldry on here and laughter is a mighty good cure.
So, what will you be getting back into first (modelling that is - not the bath)? I'm about to tackle six (YES 6) Comet D2406 Bulleids (well I will when I have actually acquired them!). That should keep me out of SWMBO's way for a considerable time.
VERY sincerely, Phil R (@36E) | |
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Apologies for my absence!(7) — Geriatrico — 20/07/2010 11:37:38 | Hi Phil
Good to hear from you again. 6 Bulleids eh? That will keep you out of mischief for a while.
My first task is to go through all the mags which have been sitting around in their cellophane wrappers for the past 5 months. I see there was a bit of 'nastiness' in the letters page of the August Modeller regarding the re-release of Bachmann's Bulleids. Methinks a case of someone who needs to learn that courtesy costs nothing.
The original mouldings were never that good and nothing like up to the standard of their Mark 1's. I have a load of Bachmann Bulleids in blood and custard up in my loft somewhere. I bought them when Hattons were selling them off at a discount. The colours aren't very accurate in my humble opinion but they are ok if you wanted something up and running quickly. Can't beat the Comet ones if you take the time to do a good job on them. Years ago, I built a rake of BSL ones in EM gauge. Nice and heavy and good runners. They were bought by some guys who were building Exeter Central in P4 about 1980. I was rather flattered to think that they considered my efforts to be up to the required standard.
If I had the money, I would have some professionally built by those guys from Rocar up in Scotland. There's a link off the main Comet website under builders. Must surely be the best available.
Gerry-stuck-indoors-because-it's-hissing-down! due-to-incleme | |
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Apologies for my absence!(8) — peppercorn — 20/07/2010 12:17:17 | Welcome back, Geriatrico.
In time, your grandchildren may not be able to resist the allure of our hobby. Good luck and best wishes. | |
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Apologies for my absence!(9) — fatwindsurfer — 23/07/2010 09:38:52 | Yup. Those coachbuilds are something else. However, there is a chap called Larry Goddard (Coachmann on another site!!!) who is a superb professional builder, converter of coaches. I aspire to his standard; pity he has no pics of SR builds as his collection is almost exclusively LNER/LMS/LNWR.
Keep in touch, Phil | |
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Apologies for my absence!(10) — Geriatrico — 23/07/2010 17:34:41 | Phil
His site a few years back did feature some green stuff. Someone will correct me if I am wrong but I think he tends to work in batches then moves on to further prototypes. Either way, his work looks pretty good to me.
Gerry-at-a-loose-end-today....Bored! | |
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Apologies for my absence!(11) — peppercorn — 26/07/2010 10:49:57 | Yes, but don't you need to be seriously well off to even consider Larry Goddard's coaches.
Anyone see the Pullman set ~ electric 6 car Brighton Belle set in RM? Nice, Korean brass, fully painted, but the price tag, wow! Dream on | |
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Apologies for my absence!(12) — fatwindsurfer — 26/07/2010 15:44:25 | Larry's coaches are/were reasonably priced compared to some. Just now on fleabay there are a few LNER coaches (in blood and custard and a couple of maroon subs) and they are quite a good price for what they look like. So bargains can be had.
I think the ready to run coaches have become so good people are put off by kit built prices. However, if you need stuff that is unlikely to appear RTR then either you buy, build and finish yourself if you have the skill or you pay for someone to do it!
If you keep an eye on the Comet Models site they occasionally have coaches from staff at about £175 and that can be considered a bargain considering the quality of build/finish.
36E | |
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Apologies for my absence!(13) — Geriatrico — 26/07/2010 19:45:59 | At the end of the day, building a coach or a rake of coaches to a very good standard takes a lot of time and skill. Fine if you're a modeller but not so good if you are predominantly an operator. That's where the RTR types come into their own. I was really pleased with the ones I built but it was a tedious task at the time. One of the reasons I chose the Southern Region was because I didn't feel confident about tackling complex lining in 4mm scale. It was a good decision because I became very fond of ex SR locos. In modelling circles back in those days, the SR was the poor partner with GW and LMS dominating and ER constituents lurking in the background.
Don't be fooled into believing that RTR coaches are that good. The Bachmann Mark 1 bodysides look impressive to me but the roofs aren't that accurate. Not sure where the mysterious ribs came from. They might be there on some LMS stock but not on BR builds. Fine if you're prepared to compromise on detail to get things up and running.
Might tackle a trip over to RailWells in a few week's time. Always a good little finescale show. If anyone is planning to go, watch the parking. Apparently the maximum allowed is 3 hours and the attendants are like hawks.
Gerry-feeling-inspired!
PS I thought this forum was dead!
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Apologies for my absence!(14) — Albert Hall — 28/07/2010 10:36:14 | Hello Gerry.
Welcome back to the brotherhood. Inspired eh? Might we hear of some modelling taking place? I will probably be going to Wells on the Sunday. Might see you there. Could go for a pie and a pint afterwards.
This forum was nearly dead a few weeks ago but the old regulars have managed to breath a bit of life back into it.
Bert | |
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Apologies for my absence!(15) — Geriatrico — 29/07/2010 16:07:35 | Could be persuaded if you're buying.
Modelling? Good gracious - I don't have time for stuff like that with my busy itinerary.
Anyway, I'm taking a great deal of interest in that new build Clan project at the moment. Sold a load of redundant books to help raise some funds towards her. Lots of progress on the website. I'd love to see her double headed with the 'Duke'. What a sight that would be. Does anyone else subscribe to this project?
Gerry - the dreamer. | |
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Apologies for my absence!(16) — Albert Hall — 31/07/2010 14:54:45 | Yes, you're definitely dreaming there old son. Unless of course you're prepared to stump up the extra money to go for a full main line build. Being realistic, I reckon by the time Hengist is up and running, the Duke's boiler will be out of certificate. Nice thought though. I'm throwing money at the project but there's a long way to go yet. Definitely a lot of positive comment in the latest news letter.
Bert | |
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Apologies for my absence!(17) — Geriatrico — 31/07/2010 15:42:25 | They might be pleasantly surprised when I pop my clogs. I've left a few bob in my will to make sure progress continues when I get promoted to the top link. I'm torn between this and my other 12 inch to the foot modelling project, which is the carriage shed at Swanage. I would really love to see those ex SR coaches up and running and protected from the elements, especially the Maunsell's. An appeal for funds to complete that project has gone out recently. That's another donation made for the greater good of the Nation's heritage.
There was some good footage of the Swanage Railway in the last episode of Coast on BBC2 this week.
Glad to see you are actually awake at this time of day Bert or are you having a rest from working dark days?
Gerry-with-a-price-on-his-head.
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Apologies for my absence!(18) — fatwindsurfer — 31/07/2010 15:50:48 | The Watercress might like to help you Swanage guys out as they have just lost their oh so precious Maunsell catering vehicle in a tragic fire. perhaps a joint project could be arranged for restoration?
I'll have spent all my dosh on kits I'll not build when I pop my flip flops!
Hey ho, SWMBO will have to learn how to put stuff on fleabay.
Sincerely and have a restful weekend, fat Phil. | |
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Apologies for my absence!(18) — Albert Hall — 31/07/2010 15:52:03 | I worked last night and again tonight. Didn't sleep very well because the 9 to 5 brigade are all out there doing their gardens today. Can someone please invent a silent strimmer/lawn mower/hedge trimmer. I'll get my own back by doing mine about 0200 Monday morning while my body clock is still in night mode.
Bert | |
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Apologies for my absence!(19) — Geriatrico — 31/07/2010 16:02:25 | That's really tragic - losing an irreplaceable item of rolling stock that is, not a few hour's sleep.
All I can say Phil is make sure that whoever is going to dispose of all those unmade kits knows their true worth. On the other hand, does this mean owning up to SWMBO how much our hobby actually costs us? Good quality kits don't come cheap and I'm sure you're not the sort of chap who buys cheap tat.
Gerry (signing off for a few days as I have to go and visit the little darlings - back later in the week). | |
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Apologies for my absence!(20) — peppercorn — 03/08/2010 11:49:52 | | SWMBO? | |
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Apologies for my absence!(21) — fatwindsurfer — 03/08/2010 11:52:48 | | she who must be obeyed! Hey Ho! | |
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Apologies for my absence!(22) — Albert Hall — 03/08/2010 13:33:05 | It's the middle class equivalent of 'er indoors.
Bert | |
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Apologies for my absence!(23) — peppercorn — 03/08/2010 16:25:18 | | Ah! Noted. Well noted. Thanks chaps. Not that I have anythi.......well, the Jap brass, perhaps... | |
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