Blog No 12
by Phil Cooper
OK I was going to feature some photos of layouts made by the ladies and gentlemen in the Facebook group, “Model Railway Enthusiasts” but it took up a chunk of memory and I couldn’t send it to James so I’m very quickly writing this ready for release on Monday 21 February.
Last Monday was Valentine’s Day and as usual I bought chocolates and flowers (roses of course) and a lovey-dovey card. But Nanny Barb bought nothing for me. I’m beginning to think there is a hidden message and maybe it’s not so hidden!
Bitcoin is very much taking over social media outlets like Facebook and I’m thinking of jumping in but the thought of being scammed is inhibiting me somewhat. Why are there so many fraudsters in social media? Anyway, I have jumped in, and I’ll keep you informed. Apparently, I could be a millionaire in 4 months!
Let’s talk trains. I’ve got another Class 37 on its way to join the Highland Fleet
and I’m considering the purchase of a Bachmann Class 70. It’s DCC fitted with directional lighting.
The seller wants £125 for it.
I’ve always liked the Class70 especially in Freightliner livery. You can also find them in Colas livery. Even second hand they tend to be expensive, and you won’t find many under £100. I’ve got lots of Freightliner signage on my container port so it will add to that scenery, so I’m thinking positive about it but I may try to haggle with the seller.
The trouble with that is that some sellers feel insulted. I’ll keep you in touch with the goings-on. Oh dear, I’ve just realised that I will have 2 locos to get past Nanny Barb. But the good thing is that my grandson, Harrison won’t be able to cause me any difficulties as he has caught Smallpox. Am I a horrible grandfather? You would be too because when the sprog asks to go into the trains room, I explain to him that he is not to mix my ballast with coal AND he is not to throw the results on my rapidly disappearing hair. So can you guess what he does. Yep, you’ve got it. He does exactly what he has been told not to do. He finds it very amusing! Also, he tries to make weird things usually involving troublesome trucks, Sellotape, pens and whatever he finds. My son thinks he will grow up to be an engineer. I reckon he will grow up to be a prisoner!
I have had problems recently in the trains room. My stroke (Ed Note: Do we really need to know about “the stroke” yet again). Anyway, as I was saying about problems. If James allows me I will tell you about the problem. The stroke (Ed Note: grrrrrrrrrrr) has left me with bad balance and the last 3 weeks have seen me fall over quite often. It’s very weird as I lose contact with my walking stick; it’s in my hand but I can’t feel it and I try to get support from the nearest wall but if there is no support down, I go. I had another fall a few nights ago on my way to the bedroom. In the fall I fell backwards on my hand, and it was in immediate pain and now almost 72 hours later it still hurts despite me taking Paracetamol and rubbing Voltarol on the aching bit. And, no it wasn’t that hand!
I mentioned at the top of this blog that I haven’t been able to upload some photos from the Facebook group “Model Railway Enthusiasts” but I think you’ll want to see some of them, so I’ll start with some photos from Sean Selly-West who is a regular contributor to Facebook and has his own Facebook group, “Railway Layouts and Trams” I advise you readers to join both groups. Sean has 6 layouts in his garage. The largest is 8x4 and he takes some of the layouts to exhibitions. If you run into him, say hello. Sean loves to help and advice and has been a great help to me and also an inspiration. But I know I don’t have Sean’s talent. I dare say that there’s only a few modellers with these skills. His scenery and buildings work are fantastic. Have a look for yourself. These photos are from Archton and Mindelheim Junction. They’re brilliant.
Quite honestly, I haven’t done justice to Sean’s work. These photos are amazing. But I’ll get more from Sean and the other contributors in the next blog which will also include my books sale.
Yes, Nanny Barb’s instructions!!!!!!!
But before I go, here is Sean’s eMail address..
sean_selleywest.54@hotmail.com
Give him a call, don’t be shy!
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The views and opinions expressed within the content are solely the author's and do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of Trackside Signs or its affiliates.
