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Robert Legacy Member 
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I have started this topic with the name you can see but this can be changed at any time. This topic is for all comments regarding Matilda's Travels. |
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AUSSIETRAINS Member
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Waiting, waiting, waiting. Is it here yet ? Sit down and be patient. |
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Robert Legacy Member
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It's waiting on Max's layout at the moment but should be on the move, at least in Australia, any time at all. |
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MaxSouthOz Admin 
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Hi all. I've just got up and found many comments and threads re wagons, etc. Hopefully this will help. I'm catching the train over to Melbourne tomorrow. On Saturday I plan to visit SRman, Neil Wood and Gwiwer and photograph Matilda on each of their layouts. Then I'll bring Matilda back on the plane and visit Iansa, Sol and Craig, who have expressed an interest, and photograph her on their layouts. Then I thought I might post her to MikeC and John in Queensland who could send her to Perth to Marty - each one photographing her on their layouts, posting the photos here (or on the other thread  ) and signing the Certificate. - Or to others before Marty if they put their hands up.  If that's everyone in Oz, I thought Marty might then post her to the first overseas candidate, who would repeat the process. I'm hoping that by the time I have visited all the SouthOz members, the itinerary will be worked out and promulgated. As always comments and suggestions (about the project) will be well received. |
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Robert Legacy Member
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It sounds like you have your end well organised Max. It'll be great when the pictures start rolling in. |
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MikeC Former Member
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Appropriate colours for the Aussie version  The GP7 will help me display it to good effect too.Mike |
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henryparrot Former Member
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Will it have a kangaroo inside it as it looks like a livestock car cheers Brian |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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I can arrange for a suitably-scaled kangaroo to appear  |
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Petermac Admin 
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That's great Max. I'll have some kind of route worked out by the time it gets to Marty - probably either Canada or South America from Australia - there are date implications with both  .Photos of the locations can be posted in this thread then it keeps it all together under the "Matilda" banner. As Max said, if there's anyone in Australia who's not already involved and would like to be - speak now or forever etc. etc............ That also goes for anyone else who isn't UK based. Time is running out - climb aboard or you'll miss the train. To join in, you only need to PM me with a "Yes, I'm in" and give me your address and phone number. |
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MaxSouthOz Admin
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Rick. I know you're new here. We skin kangaroos - and we scale fish!  |
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Petermac Admin
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SRman Member 
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Judging from some earlier pics of Rick's layout, it may be able to pick up a lizard or a good-sized Huntsman spider!!!  |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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Matilda should be crossing the South Australian / Victorian border about now. Hopefully bringing Max with her She should be with Jeff SRman and with Neil Wood during tomorrow morning our time, Friday evening for European time zones. Penhayle Bay is ready and waiting though other commitments mean that we may not have as many people present as we first hoped. |
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rector Fumbling around. 
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I've clearly missed a lot during my absence What's all this about Matilda (and Winston, for that matter?) |
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Wayne Williams Member 
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You will have to do some reading Tim, but we are sending a wagon around the world "Matilda" to be photographed on members layouts and to sign a certificate. All before the September show. If you want in you must send Petermac your address and phone number immediately. Sure hope you do, because there's not many of us here in the US. Wayne |
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Petermac Admin
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Here, in no particular order, is the current list of participants in the voyage of the World Wide Wagon - "Matilda". If your names isn't on the list, and you'd like it to be - shout loud and clear. Australia: Max in southoz Craig Connor Sol Gwiwer Aussietrains Neil Wood SR Man Marty MikeC Iansa South America: Sergio United States: Wayne Williams Rector Canada: John Dew Bickbytrains Africa: Kaiser Don Bradley Novice Spain: Bob Les France: Petermac Dooferdog Ireland: IE201 If I've forgotten anyone who's already contacted me, my apologies and please let me know. As you can see - this is going to be some voyage !! Thanks everyone and well done !!!! |
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SRman Member
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Interesting! No takers from Asia or Antarctica??? |
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Petermac Admin
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SRman wrote: Interesting! No takers from Asia or Antarctica??? Jeff - we had a couple of penguins but they wouldn't leave their addresses so I had to delete them.  I had hoped for Asia but I don't think we've got any members there. |
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Robert Legacy Member
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The only one we had, from India, got deleted a week or two ago. Shame that. |
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Petermac Admin
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Ah yes - I do remember we had an Indian member at one time. We also had someone based in Singapore at one time I think. |
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phill Hello 
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Yeah he came back to the UK a few week back Peter, cant think of the members name thou Phill |
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MikeC Former Member
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Darrenscots |
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phill Hello
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MikeC wrote: Darrenscots Always a smart ar** on here aint there Phill |
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Neil Wood Member 
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  Righty ho folks, here's some of the first pictures of Matilda's travels. I put two pictures in as some us look bad in one and better in another. Unfortunately I don't have a timer on my camera. So from left to right we have me, Jeff, Max and Matilda. She should be down at Ricks now as I type. Bon voyage. Neil |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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Max, Matilda and a fair number of other friends and wellwishers gathered in the heat of the afternoon at Penhayle Bay. Max and Rick are seen prior to the send-off with Matilda coupled second in the consist. I provided a train in which Matilda would feel more or less at home for her trip. A National Rail liveried NR class freight loco with a crew car coupled behind (you need crew accommodation for a long journey such as Matilda has ahead of her), and some V/line freight open wagons behind. As promised there was a kangaroo on the platform to oversee the send-off and I had a commemorative headboard made for the loco. Despite having non-mating couplers the full train managed several successful circuits of Penhayle Bay with the only problem being the NR's rear step ladder striking a point motor at one spot. The hot weather caused the usual differential expansion of scenery; the platform surface (card) has parted at an alarming rate over the wood beneath. This returns to normal when things cool down.  Some of the regular passengers seem to be unimpressed with all the strange goings-on as the special waits for the "Right away" and behind in the fiddle yard some of the day's other trains can be glimpsed waiting their turn to run in almost 40C I shall catch up with Matilda in Camborne if not before and look forward to seeing the blanks on the certificate being all filled when I do so. Link to short Video |
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phill Hello
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Great to see Matilda on her way and all the guys making a effort to start its journey to Cambourne. Well done guys and a mention for Max who took the time to take it to the various layouts to get it under way, thanks Max. Rick one thing mate, i was hoping it would of been a fridge wagon, then you could of put the Kangaroo in it and we could of had steaks on the barby in Cornwall in September?. Phill |
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Petermac Admin
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Great shots there Neil and Rick. It's good to see that Matilda is moving around the country and good to catch a glimpse of your layouts. My thanks and congrats to you all for making the launch and Australian route so smooth. I hope the other continents are as helpful !! Thanks Guys. I see Max has something in his shirt pocket that we often wear up here - I'm referring to the snow glasses !! Is there much lying down there at present !!! ? We had a dose of winter overnight - power lines down in the wind somewhere - no electricity over-night. All systems go again now. Now I've got to get the calculator and map out for the running mileage ........................  |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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It has been brought to my attention that the headboard on the NR loco is not legible on all screens. It reads "YMR World Wide Wagon Official Launch Saturday 9th January 2010 Penhayle Bay Railway" |
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SRman Member
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Here are a few of my photos taken on Saturday 9th January. Firstly on my own layout:  Then on Neil's layout:     That last one is most of the rogues' gallery, Max on the left, Neil on the right. Many thanks to Neil and Sarah for providing the barbecue lunch as well as the entertainment. |
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Wheeltapper Legacy Member 
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SRman wrote: Interesting! No takers from Asia or Antarctica??? We can double up as Antarctica if required as it was two degrees colder than the South Pole here last night |
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Petermac Admin
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It's not only the shots of "Matilda's" progress that are interesting, it's the new shots of the layouts. It's high time we had some updates on thse Australian layouts. Jeff, Max and Neil in particular - we haven't seen much of your layouts lately and they look very interesting. Is that easy to rectify ? Thanks for posting the progress shots. I'm still getting round to working out the mileage !! |
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MikeC Former Member
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A big thumbs up to all concerned. Those layouts look terrific. Love the roo, too Mike |
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Robert Legacy Member
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For the record Jeff I take it that the last shot of Max and Neil was taken when the first posts were made. You know us old 'uns get confused. |
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phill Hello
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Robert wrote: For the record Jeff I take it that the last shot of Max and Neil was taken when the first posts were made. You know us old 'uns get confused. I am deffinetly staying zipped Phill |
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Neil Wood Member
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Petermac wrote: It's not only the shots of "Matilda's" progress that are interesting, it's the new shots of the layouts. I was telling the guys yesterday that a new layout is in the planning. I believe that Jeff is also planning a new one so there should be two new layouts to look forward to. I also have the old one to finish off. |
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Alan Former Member
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Great start to the trip boys And by the look of the tans, you are having better weather than us |
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Petermac Admin
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Neil Wood wrote:..........................................................I was telling the guys yesterday that a new layout is in the planning. I believe that Jeff is also planning a new one so there should be two new layouts to look forward to. I also have the old one to finish off. That sounds like something to really look forward to but we can still accept updates on the existing layouts....................... - they look good in the "Matilda" shots and I don't remember seeing those particular areas. |
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MikeC Former Member
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New layout? Bring 'em on! They'll be good for sure. I'll put in a vote for QR ! Mike |
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MaxSouthOz Admin
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I made it back to home base. Just walked in. I'm trawling through 3 days of emails. I'll post my pics in a while.  |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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Good to hear you arrived safely Max. Hope you enjoyed your visit to the wild and wooly Eastern Lands! I'm just packing up every piece of rolling stock as the forecast for tomorrow is now 44C and nothing moveable stays outside in that. Trains will run however as they do every day now. Probably just a couple of circuits well into the evening. |
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MaxSouthOz Admin
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Thanks, Rick. You really do have a garden railway. It looks just as good in real life as it does on the forum pics. The thing that impressed me the most was that the fact that it's DC is completely un-noticable. You've arranged the wiring superbly. You have two loops and other shunting facilities without any of the drama sometimes seen on other DC layouts. Well done. It has full runs across the back of your house and big radii each end . I really enjoyed seeing it and meeting you and Sharon. Still editing photographs . . . |
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Petermac Admin
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Excellent Max - does that mean we're about to see more of all your layouts ? I do hope so. Is Matilda soon heading off to Sol ? |
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Petermac Admin
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With Matilda having returned with Max for forwarding on to the next location, the current distance she's covered is: 1563 kms Well done Matilda !! |
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MaxSouthOz Admin
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At about 5.30 a.m. on Friday 8th January, Wendy and I arose, showered, dressed and watied for the taxi to take us to the railway terminal. It failed to materialise, so long story short, we hopped into Wendy's Renault Kangoo and hi-tailed it across town. My old days as a traffic cop came seeping back as the little van carved a swathe through the early morning traffic. Suffice to say, we made it in the nick of time. The Overland was waiting patiently for us. A view looking back to our carriage . . .  . . . and forward to the loco.  The scenery flashed past and soon we arrived at the River Murray.  A trickle of its former self, but still pretty impressive, nonetheless. There are still paddle steamers plying the river today; as well as hundreds of yuppie housebats,  Another paddle steamer and a houseboat (fortunately) in the distance, taken looking upstream.  There were three of these class carriages behind the loco, then the cafeteria car, and . . .  and behind the cafeteria car were two of these class carriages where us rich peoples was.  This is the power unit at the pointy end. It's called an NR, surprisingly enough. The fireman is pleading with the driver to unlock the door so he can get back in before the Supervisor spots his Japanese safety boots. The carriages, although elderly, were clean and in excellent condition. Because we were in posh class probably, the staff were friendly and a lot of fun - especially considering they had to put up with us for 11 hours or so! The food was superb and well priced; and arrived in a timely manner. The stock ran so smoothly it was like it was on rails (sorry ) The double glazing and insulation kept almost all sounds outside and we were easily able to converse in a normal voice.The doors were locked as we moved off so we couldn't escape. There was one small downside, however. The temperature was 40+ and the airconditioning did not cope at all. A short walk from the station to our excellent B & B, a shower and we collapsed into the local hotel; and then to bed. Next morning Wendy started doing the art galleries and I took a taxi to Blackburn South where I was received by Agnes and Jeff (SRman) Lynn. We had a very hospitable morning with Jeff's collection of Howes equipped locos on his still very acceptable layout, notwithstanding that he has demolished part of it.  I took this just as Jeff was saying, "Max. You really do have a lot of hair missing, don't you?" Matilda is out of focus as it's in her contract that I have to photograph her using a gel lens, due to her age. After a pleasant morning, we (Agnes, Jeff and I) hotfooted it, (literally - the temp was heading North at this stage), across the road to Forrest Hill to Neil Wood's place. Neil and Sarah put on a sumptuous barbecue - steak, special sausages, salads, followed by this gorgeous custard pie thingy with kiwi fruit, peaches etc., etc., - I digress. We thank you Sarah and Neil on behalf of Matilda and the YMR tasting team. Oh, yes. We did spend some time mucking around on Neil's layout . . .  . . . and got a shot of Matila, just before she was mown down by some fiendish German steam loco. The railway employee was just saying, "You kan't leef det vegan pukked hir!" . . . unt he vass recht!! Neil and Jeff had to sadly leave the caravan at this point, so I continued my taxi journey alone to Frankston, to the home of the Member for Penhayle Bay, the Hon. Rick Gwiwer and Mrs Sharon Gwiwer. Mrs Gwiwer had laid out a mesmerising array of biscuits, tarts, fruits, ice cream and other sweeties. I was indeed pleased to feast my eyes (and other parts) on it as I had not eaten for nearly an hour! Fantasic! Thanks to Sharon and Rick. Fortunately some other modellers arrived to help me eat the food and a party ensued.  It was at about this time that a specially emblazoned loco arrived to take Matilda on her official start journey. It was to commence from the town of Treheligan, which is the name of a large local sea bird which has a huge pouch under it's lower bill. One of the local Cornish ex-pats dressed up in a kangaroo suit for the occasion.  Here we see Matilda coupled into the Official Train. If you look closely, you will notice that the engine is of the same type which transported me on the Overland the day before. An NR! Further close inspection will reveal that the wagon behind Matilda is an Americal boxcar from the Nickel Plate Road. Outstanding!  Here's Matilda speeding on her way. The Kadee couplers hook straight on to the couplers on Rick's stock.  We partied well into the afternoon. Rick made a speech which Sharon video taped, and which appears earlier in this thread. I got personally acquainted with the mermaid from another thread and too soon it was time to leave. So as my son pulled away from the shore and my boat slowly sank in the west, I bit a fond farewell to Sharon, Rick, Mike, Peter, Peter, Andrew, Warren, Sam, Malcolm, Tammy, Shacks and Peter - and Peter the dog, and sadly took my leave. A significant taxi ride later, I arrived back at my lodgings, with just enough strength in me to drag myself to the local pub again for dinner.  Next day, Wendy and I climbed aboard a tram and began to circle Melbourne.  . . . with some other people - one of whom was clearly uncomfortable in his surroundings . . .  . . . and some others who were obviously in the Witness Protection Programme, and turned their backs to the camera for fear of being recognised. We did over one more Art Gallery, hopped on the Big Silver Bird and returned to Adelaide. |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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A superb account of a very well filled few days there Max. Thank you. It seems you both had a thoroughly enjoyable time despite GSR's attempt to bake you on the way over! I have had several messages of thanks for yesterday and it seems that a good time was had by all. Your comments regarding the DC operation of Penhayle Bay have also been graciously noted; coming from one so heavily involved in the DCC side I take that as a big vote of confidence. |
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Petermac Admin
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Wow Max - a fantastic, and extremely witty record of the sojourn.  That has certainly set the standards for future postings regarding the voyages of the two wagons. This project is turning into far more than just a wagon going from layout to layout. We're seeing countryside, transport and architecture. We're seeing new "sides" to our members and their families, new shots of well known and less well known layouts and at the same tmie, urging the wagon on to his / her next station. As there are 2 wagons involved, I can see some friendly rivalry developing - both in moving the wagons along and "showcasing" the scenery and architechture at each respective halt. Great stuff. It just gets better and better and my sincere thanks to all who are involved but particularly to Wheeltapper who first muted the idea. |
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phill Hello
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A fine account of the travel you had to endure to get Matilda on her way. I expect you was so gutted on not having so much to eat mate . I myself am looking forward to receiving Winston, i may have a surprise package to put on board mate, something you Australians lost last year and shall never get back .Thanks for a splendid load of pics and information on its maiden voyage. Phill |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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something you Australians lost last year and shall never get back Kylie Minogue |
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MikeC Former Member
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A hugely entertaining account, Max Well done all of you. Mike |
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Sol Former Member
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I won't recognise Max when he gets up this way with Matilda - fat he will be ,after all that food & good living. Was this :_ "So as my son pulled away from the shore and my boat slowly sank in the west, I bit a" due to the Red Laughing Water? Last edited on Sun Jan 10th, 2010 04:57 pm by |
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Neil Wood Member
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Nice pictures of the trip Max, thanks for the entertaining account. cheers Neil |
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Marty Enjoying the Journey 
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Bravo, great work guys. Now I am going to have to put my thinking cap on! |
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Christrerise Former Member
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That is excellent Max! It will be interesting to see if either wagon gets as good a day out as that during the journey or if they will be condemed to the postal service. |
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MaxSouthOz Admin
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Thanks all. It was a lobour of love. Looking back over the post I noticed that fatigue had set in resulting in some overlooked typos! I enjoyed Neil's layout - German HO, and got a chance to see the excellent stone tower in the flesh. It was interesting to see some more things one can achieve with an ECOS, automated train running for one! Rr&co look out! |
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Ken Member 
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Max, I'm thinking that must have been some journey you took there so I'm wondering how many miles it was in total? I also think it was a very admirable thing to do - rather than just posting it - as it really demonstrates the time and trouble which everyone on YMR seems to take in helping each other in any number of ways. (Thinks: could it have been the thought of all that food that spurred you on?). Ken |
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MaxSouthOz Admin
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Hi Ken. Thanks for your kind words. Petermac has done a rough calculation which appears above my post and is probably very close. I must admit when Rick was first diagnosed I wanted to go straight away, but that all looks pretty positive now. It was also Christmas time and not very convenient for anyone. Anyhow Sol and I planned to go this weekend and then Sol couldn't go, so Wendy decided to come. Then Wheeltapper came up with the wagon idea, which kind of drew it all together. I suppose I hadn't thought about the food, but it was lavish nonetheless. It was excellent to get to see three layouts I have been ogling on the internet; in the flesh, so to speak. They were worth the effort on their own Hopefully next weekend I can get around to the blokes here who want to be involved. I should be able to do a round trip and end up at Craig's in the Barossa Valley. Cheers Max |
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gordons19 Legacy Member 
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Thanks Max for a most enjoyable write up on your trip and the snapshots of the layouts. I would also like to see more of each of them and that pic of Penhayle Bay with the train ready to go is simply brilliant and really conveys the length of the layout. Well done to each of you for making this happen and Rick, it was good to read some positive news on the health front. Still trying to get my head round the heat you are dealing with versus the freeze we have here....Not sure which one I prefer at this stage.... |
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sviaggio Member 
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Hi, guys! Sorry for my loooong absence. Have just found out, through a private message from Peter, about this exciting project and have rushed to offer my Meridional services. I have spread the word around asking our modellers and, especially, modellers' associations and clubs, to send me their best pictures mainly of national (i.e. Argentine layouts with Argentine rolling stock and scenery). Word has also swam across the River Plate to Uruguay and Brazil, so we might get some pictures from them as well. As soon as Peter (or some other guru) explains to me exactly what would be involved in presenting Matilda to our local socialites, I shall go about finding a place to show it. I realize I sump into the melée way too late and that I am blissfully ignorant of mostly and basically everything. But, even if Mat makes no detours between Down Under and Liberia, it may, at least, incorporate a few pictures of exotic layouts. I hesitate to add any of mine own cobweb, since it is just another more or less regular 00 thing, of which there are bound to be heaps and, to boot, better. With my belated best wishes for 2010. sergio |
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SRman Member
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Hi Sergio. Don't put yourself or your efforts down. We all model to our abilities and learn as we go along - often with help from inspirational layouts pictured in magazines and the forums such as YMR. Max only saw a stripped down version of my layout, complete with dust! I have already removed most of the people, road vehicles and smaller scenic items, plus much of the rolling stock, ready for the final demolition. I was faintly amused when Max admired my breakdown train; an item that hasn't actually moved in some time and was positively furry as I hadn't thought to clean it before the visit!! I think that Matilda and Winston are more about good will and cameraderie rather than whether you are a good modeller or not, or whether you have a complete layout or not. In our case, it was also a nice way to meet someone from outside our local area yet with whom we chat regularly on line. I hope you can host Matilda, Sergio. Good luck. Last edited on Mon Jan 11th, 2010 09:09 pm by SRman |
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owen69 Former Member
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hi, Sergio, we would love to see Matilda on your setup in Argentina,that is the object of the exercise all members, all locations good bad or indifferent,as we say jump on the bandwagon and enjoy the ride.   |
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rector Fumbling around.
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Peter - any further schedule/posting plan for us missionaries? |
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Petermac Admin
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It all depends on what happens in Australia Tim. It's still got to do the rounds of Sol and his "neighbours", then off to both Marty in Perth and up to Brisbane, then it will leave Oz. The problem for me is, where next ? There's a small window at the end of February to get it to Novice in Liberia via a courier going out from UK. You'll understand postage in Liberia isn't as developed as the rest of the world so to courier it in then have Novice post it to the States via their (US) Embassy staff would be far safer than just popping it into a hole in the wall somewhere in Monrovia !! I'm not sure we can get another country in before the end of February so it may sit in UK for a week or more. There are one or two time-sensitive slots to try to catch. Liberia, Sergio in either Argentina or Austria and Canada could be tight with regards timings. I'm trying to make sure it catches the Olympics in Vancouver. However, rest assured, you'll be kept well informed. |
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Robert Legacy Member
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Just a passing thought and it might raise a bit more money. Why not save all the stamps off the packaging of Matilda's trip and mount them on a board with the logo and a brief description of the journey. Possibly framed and signed by Chris or somebody. It's definitely a souvenir I would like. |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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It's a worthy idea Bob although too many places now just print out a sticky label rather than use stamps. I can't remember the last time I bought a real stamp at the local post office other than Christmas specials. |
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Robert Legacy Member
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I don't know about anywhere else but here in Spain you take your package to the post office to get it weighed and then you pay for the stamps to the cost and stick 'em on yourself. |
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Christrerise Former Member
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Unfortunately most places now just print out a special barcode and postage rate - rare to actually get proper stamps anymore! It still sounds a worthy idea though, even if only to prove the travels. |
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gordons19 Legacy Member
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I'm sure if you take it to a Post Office you can opt for postage stamps rather than a printed label. You just have to ask.. |
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Robert Legacy Member
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Surprises me really as Australia, along with many other countries, rather prides itself on it's stamps. |
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Petermac Admin
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A good idea Bob and, if anyone receives either wagon with stamps on thw package - thaey could forward them to Chris. Here in France, it's also rare to get stamps - justy a non-descript "La Poste" sticker with the amount !! |
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rector Fumbling around.
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If not stamps - how about a photo of the Post Office when Matilday is "sent on" her way? |
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Petermac Admin
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That too would make an interesting souvenir Tim - and the photos can be taken whenever you're in that post office again either with or without Matilda. You'd just have to make sure the FBI didn't think you were "casing the joint" for a raid !!!!! |
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Ken Member
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Here's a few to be getting on with!!!  Oh sorry, they're a bit too old!!!!! Ken |
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Robert Legacy Member
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There you go, stamps would make a terrific souvenir. |
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Petermac Admin
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Ken wrote: Here's a few to be getting on with!!! You'd better not show those to my brother Ken !!!!! |
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rector Fumbling around.
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Something tells me that the Penny Black pre-dates even the earliest forum members ... |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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Wasn't Penny Black one of our earliest forum members ??? |
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rector Fumbling around.
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Yes, but she never "posted." |
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Marty Enjoying the Journey
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 He may not be funny but he's quick. |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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Speaking of quick and with time of the essence, what news of our waltzing Matilda? Last heard of safely arrived back home with Max. |
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Sol Former Member
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Based on e-mails from Max, this coming Sunday, he visits us all ( Ian, me & Craig/Connor) & takes photos so I assume it will be off to QLD next week & then to WA with Marty. Petermac better get info to Marty about who next. (if he has not already done so) |
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Marty Enjoying the Journey
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I know nuffin, I know nuffin |
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Sol Former Member
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Marty wrote: I know nuffin, I know nuffin Come on Petermac, extract thy digit & advise poor Marty please so he will know sumpin' |
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Petermac Admin
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Ok, Ok - if I might borrow a quote from a well known retailer - I'm doing it Sybil !!! Can someone tell me why Matilda is going north to Brisbane then south to Perth before heading up north towards the equator again ? I mentally had it down to go from Sol across to Marty then Marty to send it up to Mike and John in Brisbane for onward postage from there. Am I safe to assume she will be ready to waltz out of Australia by January 31st ? She needs to be in UK by February 20th for onward transit to Novice in Monrovia via a rather complicated route - the question is, do I fit in another stop-over between Australia and UK ? Something else occurred to me - maybe we ought to use "Recorded Delivery" for all international deliveries. That way, we can trace her in the event of a hold up. |
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Sol Former Member
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Yeah OK, better make sure Max sends it one way or the other, all about the same here. If postal services are good, leaving here Jan 31 should be in the UK by Feb 10. International Air post to the UK can leave from any of the capital cities, in this case Brisbane or Perth as just advised by Aust Post. |
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Petermac Admin
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Thanks Sol. Given the timings, I think she'll go straight from Oz to UK for onward delivery to Novice. I can't take the risk of missing that time slot to Liberia. Novice will then send it out to the States from there then probably Canada, South Africa then up into Europe trying to catch Sergio whilst he's in Vienna. These time windows are proving to be a bit of a problem with Matilda - there are "tight" timings with Liberia, Canada and either Argentina or Vienna depending on where Sergio is. |
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Christrerise Former Member
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Be careful with the tracking options. The Royal Mail offer "International Signed For" but as we recently found out it only actually tracks it to delivery with the foreign country. Once there you have no idea wosson and they cannot track it further, so actually it is pretty pointless! Couriers offer the full tracking option but for a much higher price of course. |
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MaxSouthOz Admin
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This Sunday after lunch I will visit Iansa, Sol and Craig and Connor, taking photos as I go. That's not bad, seven layouts in two weekends. Then I'll post the photos on this thread Then I suggest that I should post it to MikeC for transmission to AUSSIETRAINS John and then to Marty. By that time Peter should have decided where it's going next, so Marty can forward it on. Sunday night I'll PM Mike and get his postal address, unless someone has other ideas, and then post it Monday morning. Does anyone in Oz have an alternative plan? Cheers Max |
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Marty Enjoying the Journey
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Fine by me. |
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Sol Former Member
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Fine by me as well. |
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MaxSouthOz Admin
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I just noticed a post by Peter that he wants it to go to Marty first? |
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Sol Former Member
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I don't think he was aware of our postal system in that International mail can go from any Capital city - 6 of one, half a dozen of the other. As long as it gets to the UK to meet the deadline to post to Liberia for Novice. |
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MaxSouthOz Admin
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I don't think I could have managed to do it any faster. I'll await further instructions . . . |
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AUSSIETRAINS Member
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I agree Max, send her up to Mike, he can send it to me and I can send it to Marty. Regards, John. |
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MaxSouthOz Admin
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OK I'll PM him for his address. |
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Ken Member
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Petermac wrote:
I've got loads more like this Peter - except for the Penny Black! - and that particular picture was of a lot I sold on Ebay last month; I'm hoping to put some more on there this Sunday. Ken |
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Petermac Admin
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Max - you're all doing sterling work down under. I just hope all our members are as quick as lot are - it makes me wonder how you could ever have lost the ashes !!!! Absolutely fine by me for it to go to Mike then John before heading to Marty for exit from Australia. I'll PM you with the forwarding address in good time Marty - still not certain where it will be. I'll also PM you with Mike's address Max - unless he's read this and already sent it to you. Thanks again to Australia !!! |
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Marty Enjoying the Journey
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All good by me... Bring it on. |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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Is Matilda being regauged for her travels to the lands where the rails are only 3' 6" apart? MikeC, John and Marty aren't used to something as wide as Stephenson used |
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Sol Former Member
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Matilida has been to IanSa & photos will appear shortly courtsey of Max Now she visited my place photographed at Barnstable   En-route now to Craig & Connor's layout. Last edited on Sun Jan 17th, 2010 12:05 am by |
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AUSSIETRAINS Member
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Queenslland Rail have a special track gang working like mad on laying some standard gauge track between Brisbane and Mackay in time for Matilda,s photo shoots up north. Last edited on Sun Jan 17th, 2010 02:25 am by AUSSIETRAINS |
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MaxSouthOz Admin
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Hello campers! I have returned from the Barossa Valley (the Worlds' Permier wine producing region) after a trek of just a touch over 300 km. I bring gifts of images of the lovely Matilda. Our first stop was at the home of Iansa. Matilda is climbing the mountain (aren't we all?) on this magnificently scenicked US outline layout behind what looks like a Decapod. It was great to re-visit this superb layout after a hiatus of several months. We took our leave of Ian and Tinshed and Thistledo and headed further north . . .  . . . to Evanston Gardens, where we find Matilda arriving at the seaside town of Barnstable. Emporer Sollieus has decreed that the entire city be razed to the ground and a new city be built in its place. Barnstable is clean, but poor - so poor that the people cannot afford ballast for their new railway tracks. After a nice cuppa tea and a bootered boon, we continure north the the BV . . .  . . . to the home of CraigSR. Matilda got there before me and I snapped this pic of her sneaking into Pendle Valley. The people of Pendle Valley are also very poor. Now this is one big layout! Craig's son, Connor went in under the layout one Saturday and didn't come out for two days ! Anyway, we had a nice chat and I drove back alone  to Blackwood. Wendy had a nice big T bone steak waiting for me and we opened a bottle of Lion's Den Shiraz; so now I'm very mellow.Tomorrow Matilda will be packed into her little box and shipped off to MikeC. Hopefully he will make a more lucid report than I have done. TTFN Max |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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Good to see Matilda on her way and with such comprehensive coverage of her travels as well. Thank you Max, and to the several managers of the regions Matilda has visited today. I shall raise a glass in her honour as well and wish her safe onward travels as she leaves Max's tender care for the first time. |
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Robert Legacy Member
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Great narrative and photographs Max. Looking at the first picture of Ian's layout alerted me to the fact that I hadn't checked out the latest news on it but when I went to the topic horror of horrors not a photograph in sight just a sticker saying that Ian's photobucket account is inactive, so all we have now is lots and lots of stickers. Looks like photobucket is really tightening up their act to get people to pay for hosting their pictures. Could you pay them a visit Ian and we might get the photographs back. |
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MaxSouthOz Admin
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Ian's a bit distracted at the minute, Bob. He might not see your post. It might be quicker to email him direct. |
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Petermac Admin
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Update on Matilda's mileage: Matilda has now completed at total of: 1863 kms (1164 miles) Well done Max, Iansa, Sol, Craig and Connor. |
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phill Hello
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Fantastic how this wagon is coming along. Its marvelous how we are all pulling together to get it round as many layouts as poss and credit to Max for the time he is taking poping round to members layouts to keep it moving. Thanks Max and all the rest of the gang in AUS. Phill |
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Ken Member
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Petermac wrote: Update on Matilda's mileage: How about in good old fashioned miles Peter? Hate this new fangled stuff!!! Ken |
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Petermac Admin
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Ken wrote: Petermac wrote:Update on Matilda's mileage: No sooner said than done Ken. |
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CraigSR Member 
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Max deserves the the award at this stage - we have just provided the layouts and Max has done the miles / kms. Imagine if he was in England. He would have covered half the layouts by now. Thanks Max for your efforts thus far. It was good to be involved in this unique activity. Craig |
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Robert Legacy Member
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Thanks for the info Max. I have e-mailed Ian and hopefully he will be able to do something about it when time allows. We certainly can't afford to lose all those. |
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MaxSouthOz Admin
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You're welcome, fellows. It was a pleasure to do. |
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SRman Member
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I'm glad that's only an ordinary Toad on Ron's layout, not a Cane Toad!! Great progress so far, and it's nice to see some photos of other people's layouts we don't normally see. It will be really interesting to see what the reaction is when Matilda gets to the exhibition in September. I am also following the updates on Chris's Kernow Models website. Last edited on Sun Jan 17th, 2010 06:26 pm by SRman |
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rector Fumbling around.
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Max has really set a high standard here But does that mean that if I receive Matilda first in the USA I have to drive to Florida to deliver it to Wayne, or vice versa? I must check my tyres... Yours sincerely, Concerned of Wainscott. |
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SRman Member
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If you regauge your car's track, you could use railway lines to save tyre wear!! |
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Christrerise Former Member
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rector wrote: Max has really set a high standard Please, let us refer to Max properly, as on our newsletter this week! Matilda has been personally escorted around Australia by forum legend MaxSouthOz |
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MaxSouthOz Admin
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I can fix that, Chris. Stand by . . . |
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MaxSouthOz Admin
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There you go. |
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Petermac Admin
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Are you releasing a record Max ? |
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MaxSouthOz Admin
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Didn't you get your copy, Peter? |
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Petermac Admin
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Dear Concerned of Wainscott While I do understand how very distressing the situation must be for you, try to see things in a more positive light. When Taurus makes his move towards your Aires, you could well see Pisces rise to the bait whilst Matilda makes a sudden dash for a tucker bag. Please try not to worry Concerned of Wainscott, should Matilda go to the United States following her waltzing around Australia, she will have to aclimatise before risking the harsh conditions of New York State and will go initially to sunny Florida. Wells Fargo (or whoever else is to hand) will then transport her, via your good self, to Canada. Of course, that may be just a red herring and she'll choose a completely different route !!! |
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Robert Legacy Member
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Gosh, I wonder what it must be like to have such power, dizzying I would think, and quite addictive. |
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Gwent Rail Former Member
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I just hope he doesn't get bloodly confused again ! |
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rector Fumbling around.
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Thank you, Peter. I am reassured. Now all I have to do is wait for someone to take the Pisces |
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phill Hello
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Hey Tim if i was you i would find out how much money is in the kitty for the show and take the wagon to Canada yourself, first class of course, just charge it to YMR care of Petermac. Phill |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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Do you know how much they charge for US residents to cross into Canada, Phill? Almost as much as they charge the English to go down into Cornwall |
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rector Fumbling around.
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Gwiwer wrote:Do you know how much they charge for US residents to cross into Canada, Phill? Almost as much as they charge the English to go down into Cornwall You mean the Pasty Tax? |
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SRman Member
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That'd be the Piskie tax, wouldn't it?? |
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rector Fumbling around.
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That as well, Jeff. With all these dreckly taxes I have no idea how Chris Terise stays in business |
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Christrerise Former Member
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I am exempt from all taxes imposed from abroad as I claim my Stannary rights! |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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Same. Woteesed. |
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Petermac Admin
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Christrerise wrote: I am exempt from all taxes imposed from abroad as I claim my Stannary rights! An interesting theory Chris. Unfortunately for you, it is just that - a "theory" ................unlike we Scots who have at least got our own parliament !! |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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So have us Cornish! http://www.cornishstannaryparliament.co.uk/ |
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Petermac Admin
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Gwiwer wrote: So have us Cornish! That's the site I got my "interesting theory" from Rick. We can all dream........................ |
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Petermac Admin
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As there hasn't been a post to the contrary, I'm assuming Matilda is now heading north to MikeC and Aussietrains in Brisbane before heading off to Marty in Perth. Liz should arrive in Brisbane herself about the same time as Matilda. If I'd gone with her, I could have been "in on the shoot" but someone has to stay behind to freeze and feed the dog !!!!  |
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MikeC Former Member
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Not much point feeding it after freezing it, I think Expecting Matilda here any day now. Just went out and put an ear to the rails, but nothing yet. Mike |
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Petermac Admin
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MikeC wrote: Not much point feeding it after freezing it, I think Perhaps I ought to have re-read that before pressing the button Mike. |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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By contrast the pooches where Matilda is are well and truly hot dogs |
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AUSSIETRAINS Member
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Matilda will have to travel just over 1000 kms further north from Mike C to Aussie Trains, she will then be loaded onto a special Qantas Jumbo for a 5,000 km trip to Perth. |
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Petermac Admin
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AUSSIETRAINS wrote: Matilda will have to travel just over 1000 kms further north from Mike C to Aussie Trains, she will then be loaded onto a special Qantas Jumbo for a 5,000 km trip to Perth. Ooops - I knew I should have paid more attention in my geography lessons !! I have no idea where Mackay is John and assumed, from earlier comments, that it was around the Brisbane area. About half way between there and Cairns it seems. Maybe Liz could bring it afterall - she's also going up to Cairns...................... |
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Petermac Admin
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I've just been doing some forward planning - I know, it's rare but there you are !! There are potentially a couple of time-slot problems with Matilda's voyage so I'd appreciate your help in pushing her along as fast as possible. The problem areas are: She needs to be in Buenos Aires between March 16th and April 7th. She needs to be with John Dew in Vancouver either before April 20th or between May 1st and July 1st She needs to drop in to UK for Novice to take out to Liberia around mid May and will probably be "in transit" for 2 weeks or more depending on how the postal services are coping with Novice's roads in Monrovia. I suppose it won't matter if she criss-crosses the globe rather than taking the most direct route but it would be easier if she just went around in a logical manner. I'll post an update on my proposed route when I've had another think over a new bottle tonight - when the cat's away........................ |
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AUSSIETRAINS Member
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Having just read Jeffs post I think crisscrossing the globe is a bl%$*y good idea Pete. |
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Petermac Admin
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You may well be right John. |
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Robert Legacy Member
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It would certainly knock up more miles I would think. |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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I would go with the route which will ensure Matilda reaches the most members rather than any attempt to keep her in the straightest line. This is after all a membership participation event and we need to get her through all of those windows Peter has mentioned. Scoring a visit to Liberia in particular would be extremely unusual. |
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Petermac Admin
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Has anyone in Oz got any idea what the post is like to Argentina ? My guess would be that it's better to send it either to Wayne then down to Sergio or even straight to Canada for the Vancouver Winter Olympics before heading to Argentina and the US of A. Sergio has some dates in Vienna but I'd rather try to get Argentina notched on her tally stick. She's already doing France, Spain and Ireland within Europe. I'm guessing around 2 weeks inter-continental deliveries and 1 week internal door-to-door. Certainly, when Max sent my loco back from Blackwood, it took 10 days - I think it's slightly quicker from Australia to UK - maybe more flights and more direct routes - or maybe "La Poste" isn't too good at clearing "non Dom-Tom" packages. |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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I can't locate any specific information Peter but you have the gist of it already. The more popular the transit route the more flights there are. Since mail is carried by contract not every airline will be taking it. There are relatively few flights between Australia and Argentina compared with the much busier Asian and UK destinations; oddly perhaps there is also a fairly small number of direct flights to US destinations. In many cases mail cannot be taken by direct flight and is transferred en route. Thus you might anticipate a longer transit time and we also have no control over the efficiency of the Argentinian postal service. I would suggest you pencil in 2-3 weeks for transit. |
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MikeC Former Member
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Matilda has just arrived here, safe and sound. The good folk of Swanhurst and New England are understandably in a state of high excitement Mike |
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Marty Enjoying the Journey
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Woo hoo, another destination safely reached. |
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sviaggio Member
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Oh, no! She need not spend more than a week in BA so be shot honouring a variety of layouts. I can post it to wherever by March 22 (or maybe even earlier). Nor does she need more thana couple of days in Vienna if she is to be shot "naked" with differente city backgrounds. This means that it could arrive in Vienna, say, Wednesday 10 March, travel with me to BA on the 14th (except that no stamps!!!!) and then out of BA, say, on the 21sat. sergio |
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sviaggio Member
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That is March 21. sergio |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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Now there's a plan. Austria and Argentina in one hit, as it were. |
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MikeC Former Member
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Platforms were swept, railway tracks were Hoovered and spiders were politely asked to move on the day Matilda, the World-wide Wagon came to Swanhurst. An excited crowd of appropriate scale and inconsiderable proportion had gathered at Swanhurst Station awaiting her arrival. As they waited they were enthralled by the amazing feat of a magician who pulled a fresh carrot from the platform’s surface! A trick you say? No! It was a real carrot! I witnessed the event with my own four eyes.   Our intrepid photographer braved nettles, barbed wire and cow pats to capture this unique view as Matilda crossed the Pinchbeck River.  The crowd cheered approvingly as Swanhurst’s own tough tank towed the time-honoured traveller to town. Toot toot!  Swanhurst’s main street was closed for the day. Sir Rupert Pratt had the undivided attention of the townsfolk as, in defiance of a dissenting and vocal local yokel, he delivered one of his interminable orations.  How does he continue to draw such a large and willing audience?  A representative of MI5 mingled discreetly with the crowd, looking for suspicious packages. None were located. Abdul-Mussawir Ben Muzzamil Bilal Sulaiman Bashshar Hutchinson-Smythe [of the Hampshire Hutchinson-Smythes] brought some myrrh and proved himself to be almightily wise when he suggested everyone retire to the Swan Inn for refreshments. And that’s where I left them. They’ll be there ’til 6.27. Doris said she would’ve kept the doors open longer, "only Eastenders is on at 6.30 and I 'ates to miss it." |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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Superb stuff Mike I do like the attention to detail starting with the "Welcome" banners and then the "Matilda Go Home" protester. This is turning out to be quite a story and she has barely left south-eastern Australia yet! |
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Sol Former Member
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Now that is going to take some topping indeed :exclam Of course, it has to travel to New England yet & meet up with her American cousins. |
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Marty Enjoying the Journey
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Hooley Dooley, you had just way too much fun there Mike. Good to see Lorraine in the crowd too. Thinking cap definitely on.... |
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MikeC Former Member
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Yes the ever-delightful Ms Lorraine Powell. A good reason to join them in the inn. It was fun but hard work too - it's sweltering out there with twin floodlights on. The New England version will be more low-key. I think I've run my race. Mike |
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Marty Enjoying the Journey
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Just a heads up.... I've just been dispatched to Broome on SES duties to try and convince Cyclone Magda to go somewhere else. Then I'm off to Melbourne for the weekend after that and I won't be back on deck until Monday 1st February. That should coincide nicely with Matilda's visit to Newcastle Emlyn but thought I'd let you know in case you don't hear from me for a few days. cheers |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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Cheers Marty - best of luck blowing the Cyclone out to sea and give us a hoy if you have a moment in town. |
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Petermac Admin
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Absolutely brilliant Mike. That's surely one for the records. Not only is the set and photography (as ever) superb, the story line is wonderful as well. The only bit I'd disagree with is your not knowing how Sir Rupert Pratt manages to draw such huge crowds - just look at his PA !! Also loved the "Hampshire Hutchinson-Smythes" and the M15 mingling with the crowd. All great stuff and a gold star to you Sir !!! |
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MaxSouthOz Admin
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Love your work, Michael ! |
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owen69 Former Member
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what a start to a day,sat with a hot coffee and reading the account of Mattilda`s day in Swanhurst, |
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AUSSIETRAINS Member
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How on earth can I top that one. Will have to get the thinking cap on. |
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Marty Enjoying the Journey
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Petermac wrote: - just look at his PA !! I hope you kept your brush steady |
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SRman Member
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Ditto! |
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SRman Member
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Damn! Sorry guys. Accidental double-post! Just thinking ... great if Sergio can do both Austria and Argentina. Is Austria the place where they have kangaroos hopping down the main streets??? Last edited on Thu Jan 21st, 2010 03:42 am by SRman |
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Christrerise Former Member
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I have already broken my own rule of only one picture per layout on the official site! This thing is just going to run and run! |
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Petermac Admin
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AUSSIETRAINS wrote: How on earth can I top that one. Don't they have saltwater crocs in Mackay John ?............ |
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Robert Legacy Member
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Great post Mike, brings the whole thing alive again. Aussies are doing very well indeed in tying Matilda to story lines. |
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Petermac Admin
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The latest mileage for Matilda now in Brisbane is: 3885 kms (2428 miles) |
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rector Fumbling around.
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Daft question, Peter. How are you calculating mileage, and do you count distances over water as well as land routes? |
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Robert Legacy Member
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Wow, you are certainly knocking up the mileage down under. |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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Wait until she heads over to Marty. Then you'll see the miles / kilometres jump. And that's all in the same country remember! |
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Petermac Admin
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I'm using mapping sites Tim and yes, I will be calculating mileages over water but for that, it will just be "as the crow flies" because obviously I won't know the actual route. It's not perfect I know, but unless I was in the wagon with my pedometer, I can't think of any better way. The distances are "by road" so would vary from air routes assuming they went direct. I'm sure most flights in the parts of Australia we're talking about, will be via somewhere. on edit - looking at the tallies in Australia reminds you just how big that country is. We flew from Brisbane to Ayres Rock and, on the map, it's about 2 or 3 inches. It took 2 hours to Alice Springs in a full-blown jet aircraft and that's only about half way !!! If you look on the map, Brisbane doesn't seem too far from Aussietrains in Mackay but you may recall he said it was 1000 kms !!!! |
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rector Fumbling around.
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Thanks, Peter! I really do need help grasping some of these things at times |
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SRman Member
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Ahhh, yes. Perth ... that well known western suburb of Brisbane!!!  EDIT: Darn! That was supposed to follow Rick's post and the others posted in between! Last edited on Thu Jan 21st, 2010 05:42 pm by SRman |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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Most air routes are not a straight direct line from A to B anyway so the "by road" route is fine with me. Take a simple flight from Melbourne to Sydney as an example. The shortest route airport to airport is about 700kms. But if the aircraft takes off from Melbourne to the south as often happens it must then over-fly the city in a U-turn, climb to a designated flight path, cross other flight paths and often approaches Sydney from the east out over the water of Botany Bay rather than from the south. The actual distance flown would be much closer to the road route of 900 kms or so. It is the closest approximation we are likely to get short of enquiring the air miles flown on each leg and the actual surface distribution and delivery routes taken. As with all things model railway we have to accept some degree of compromise. So long as it doesn't fall foul of the requirements of those Guinness people. |
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MikeC Former Member
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Hauled by Guilford Rail’s SD35 #614, Matilda rolled into New England just after sun-up on a bitterly cold February morning.  Here the Trackmobile backs her into a siding where her precious cargo can be unloaded:  a gift from those eccentric limeys in the village of Swanhurst, England. This might be a record for trans-Atlantic rail travel by a bovine.  Buttercup is off to the country where she can run free with others of her persuasion. It’s all in a day’s work for these guys.  Matilda is led away by Guilford Rail’s U23B #288. Time for a Miller's [no, not a pork pie] |
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Sol Former Member
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All that can be said is or better still - |
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MikeC Former Member
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SRman wrote: Ahhh, yes. Perth ... that well known western suburb of Brisbane!!! Matilda has now started her trek to John [Aussietrains] in Sarina, North Queensland. Mike |
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MaxSouthOz Admin
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Two from me. |
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Petermac Admin
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It's all been said Mike. |
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Janner Former Member
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Yes definitely a |
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SRman Member
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I hope Mike has cleaned Matilda's insides after having that pet cow in there! Great photos, Mike. Last edited on Fri Jan 22nd, 2010 06:52 am by SRman |
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owen69 Former Member
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too right i can smell it from here !!! love those shot`s Mike, (look`s colder than here.) |
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AUSSIETRAINS Member
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Shush you,ll spoil the surprise. |
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phill Hello
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Nice pics as always Mike, Phill |
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AUSSIETRAINS Member
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Matilda has finally arrived in Sarina, approx 1,000 kms north of Brisbane. The day has been fairly overcast and rainy as we have been feeling the edges of 2 ex tropical cyclones. Anyway the weather has not detered things, although when Matilda arrived there was a PRETTY STRONG SMELL OF COW. It was decided that Matilda would have to go to Wallys Wagon Cleaners before she could be presented at the North Yorks Motive Power Depot.  After being dealt with in the cleaning shed she was brought out by the Get Wagons Ready shunter. She was then positioned ready for the heavy lifting gear as quite a bit of pongy stuff was ready to be removed.  As you can see there was quite a bit to shift.  So a sweet smelling and spruced up Matilda finally emerged from the tunnel between Grosmont and the MPD.  Where she was brought through the admiring throng of preserved locos.  and finally she was again placed under the control of the Get Wagons Ready loco to be made ready for her trip over to Western Australia.  So get ready Marty she is leaving tomorrow morning. |
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phill Hello
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Lovely pics mate but shame about the GWR Phill |
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MikeC Former Member
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excellent, John ! My apologies for not cleaning her out. Mike |
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AUSSIETRAINS Member
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No problem Mike. I had absolutely no idea what to do until I saw your pic of the cow. Regards, John. |
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Petermac Admin
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Brilliant John. Love "Wally's", the straw and the "proper" name for that over-wide railway they built to Cornwall !! The effe=ort that has gone in down there is amazing - even including building a cleaning shed - and I offer a toast to our "down-under" members . (Or, are you the members and we're the "up-over" ones ? - I'm going before I get confused again) |
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Petermac Admin
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As Matilda departs Mackay, Queensland, heading off to Perth, Western Australia, the latest mileage is: 4885 kms (3053 miles) |
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AUSSIETRAINS Member
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Thanks Pete. We aim to please. Regards, John. |
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Robert Legacy Member
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I don't want to stir anything but the UK has a long way to go to match the Aussies when it comes to story telling and making the journey interesting. |
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Marty Enjoying the Journey
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Hmmm, well I'm back in town, Tropical Cyclone Magda was a "fizzer" and SES sent me home early. So, if she gets in the post tomorrow, Tuesday, she might get here on Thursday? We shall see. Either way, I fly to Melbourne on Thursday night and am back in Perth on Sunday night so there will be a slight delay here I'm afraid. Coupla days maybe, but she'll be right! Looking forward to her arrival. cheers |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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Petermac wrote:
I wouldn't be overly concerned by that, Peter. She didn't really need the clean-out either because the Big Red Engine which pulled her out of the tunnel is in the livery of the Let Matilda Smell railway company. |
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MaxSouthOz Admin
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Ha - Ha John. Tick VG I didn't think it would be, but it's strange seeing Matilda on other layouts - particularly ones I have only seen via the forum. |
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Petermac Admin
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Gwiwer wrote: I wouldn't be overly concerned by that, Peter. She didn't really need the clean-out either because the Big Red Engine which pulled her out of the tunnel is in the livery of the Let Matilda Smell railway company. |
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Petermac Admin
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Marty wrote: Hmmm, well I'm back in town, Tropical Cyclone Magda was a "fizzer" and SES sent me home early. Don't worry too much about the slight delay Marty - she's making great progress in kangaroo land and the extra couple of days will give me a bit more time to work out the best continent to send her to after you. Her first "Inter-Continental trip !! Pleased "Magda" fizzled out for you. |
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Marty Enjoying the Journey
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Petermac wrote: Marty wrote: So were the good citizens of Broome and Derby Roger that, don't panic Mr Mainwaring, don't panic! |
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AUSSIETRAINS Member
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Hi Marty, Unfortunately Matilda will not be leaving today as she has decided to take part in the Australia Day celebrations.  She will now be leaving tomorrow ( Wednesday ). Regards, John. |
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Robert Legacy Member
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Show off. Just like a woman. |
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Gwent Rail Former Member
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Robert wrote: Show off. Just like a woman. Didn't realise Aussietrains was a woman, Bob. Very masculine looking these Aussie women  |
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AUSSIETRAINS Member
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Bob's eyesight is worse than it was last week Jeff or he has questionable taste in women. |
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SRman Member
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Maybe both!!!! |
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Robert Legacy Member
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I was of course referring to Matilda, as if you didn't know. How about a bit of respect for the elderly.  |
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SRman Member
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But Matilda isn't all that old!!  |
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Robert Legacy Member
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OK, OK I give up. |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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It's really very simple. Bob is an old wagon called Matilda who sent a woman round the World in search of an exhibition. On the way she met numerous stories and a few strange characters until ...... Well you get the idea |
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Marty Enjoying the Journey
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AUSSIETRAINS wrote: ... She will now be leaving tomorrow ( Wednesday ). No worries mate, should be in the shop on Monday then. cheers |
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phill Hello
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Has Peter taken into account the border patrol. Just watched it on sky and they have to inspect all transport to make sure no nasty animals are trying to escape and any alliens, so Matilda will be stopped im sure. Phill |
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AUSSIETRAINS Member
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Nah, she,ll be right Phil, I,ve disguised her as a parcel. The West Australian Border Patrol only collects fruit and veg. |
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Petermac Admin
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And you washed off that dirty "cow" stuff John !! |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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Remember it's good for the garden |
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AUSSIETRAINS Member
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Mooo |
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Marty Enjoying the Journey
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Maltida has arrived in Perth. She got the shop on Friday, not bad, two days to cross the country from Queensland. T picked her up from the shop yesterday after we arrived back from Melbourne. Photos and signing of certificates will take place over the next couple of days and I hope to have her on her way to Wayne in Florida by Thursday. cheers |
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rector Fumbling around.
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The Americas are gearing up for Matilda's trans-Pacific crossing. Out of curiousity what couplers does she have? When she eventually arrives I'm thinking of some shunting video clips on the OCR |
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Sol Former Member
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Tim , Matilda has Kadee couplers. |
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Petermac Admin
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It may be a bit tight to get her up to you Tim after Wayne. She must be with Sergio in Vienna by March 10th so he can then take her back to B.A on the 14th. She'll be out of Argentina by March 21st but has to catch John in Vancouver before April 20th (incidentally, Adolf Hitler's birthday but I don't think that's got anything to do with John !!). Then, she has to catch Novice for her trip to Monrovia by the 3rd week of May. It may be she has to have a few miles under her belt zig-zagging accross the globe before she can settle down to a more routine voyage. I've got my world road map out now !!!!! |
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rector Fumbling around.
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I'll just fit in whenever, Peter |
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rector Fumbling around.
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Thanks, Ron. I can do Kadee |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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Matilda was successfully hauled at Penhayle Bay using hook and loop couplers on my own stock which just purchased over the kadee. I wouldn't be overly worried by the little details |
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Marty Enjoying the Journey
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Matilda at Henllan on the Newcasltle Emlyn Branch GWR N gauge N gauge hmmm.... and Matilda is 00 gauge right.... well Aussie towns love creating big icons to attact tourists... Coffs Harbour has it's Big Banana, Kingston has it's Big Lobster, Wagin has it's Big Sheep So... Henllan has it's Big Wagon.  The little folk of Henllan even put her up on a pedestal...  and now she's on her way to Wayne in Florida... cheers |
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MikeC Former Member
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love it! Suitably garish for the job too. |
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Marty Enjoying the Journey
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I was soooo tempted to do a bit of weathering but thought it better to leave her unsullied, er, um, pristine then. |
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MaxSouthOz Admin
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So Henllan is in Tasmania, right? |
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Petermac Admin
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Great shots Marty - and what fun !!! I'll bet she frightened the living daylights out of those locos - talk about "Big Mummy" !!! I love the idea of the pedestal. I'm dashing out so will post a mileage update later. |
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Wayne Williams Member
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All Right! It's on it's way to me! Anyone got a clue as to when the ETA is? Also where do I send it? Wayne |
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Sol Former Member
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Wayne, Petermac will advise "dreckly" of its next destination after visiting Florida - as for ETA - all in the hands of the Postal Gods. |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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in the hands of the Postal Gods. Is not the Winged Messenger named "Mercury"? |
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Marty Enjoying the Journey
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Wayne Williams wrote: All Right! It's on it's way to me! Anyone got a clue as to when the ETA is? Well she went Express Courier so maybe Tuesday or Wednesday say the Post Office. Any later let me know 'cause I can track her through their website and after I'd explained how important she was they promised me she would have their undivided attention. |
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Petermac Admin
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The current distance travelled by Matilda as she departs the continent of Australia en route for the continent on North America is approximately: 8396 kms (5235 miles) Wow - how big is that country !!!! Well done everyone in Australia and I wish Matilda "Bon Voyage" |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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(5235 miles) Nothing compared with the next mileage we can expect to see posted |
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Petermac Admin
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What's that Rick - Winston's voyage in UK from Owen to Dave - all of 12 miles ?!!!!! |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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Matilda on her way to the Yew Essov Eh |
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Wayne Williams Member
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Here is an update on Matilda, she has arrived in Hudson Florida, USA today at 2:00 pm. More to follow, got to go and play now! Wayne :wow:wow:wow |
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Petermac Admin
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Now that can't be at all bad !!! I make that 6 days from Perth W.A. to Hudson, FL, USA. That's quicker than from the UK to France !!! Mileage update will follow shortly. |
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Marty Enjoying the Journey
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Phew, that's a relief, glad she made it. Have fun Wayne. |
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Wayne Williams Member
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Matilda made the trip from Australia to here pretty good. A truck on one end was loose in the box and one axle on the other end was laying loose. They both just snapped back in place and seem to be fine now. I have analyzed the problem and I think I have figured out what the shipping problem was. If you look closely at the two pictures below you can see what I found. The first picture is how I received Matilda, the second picture I have changed the piece of foam that is located against the roof. I just rotated it 90 degrees. It is not a square shape but a slight rectangle. By rotating it 90 degrees it closes up the gap between the box and the wheels.   I have now marked each piece of foam so that they will be the correct width to fit tightly in the box around Matilda. I also believe that Matilda should be placed with the wheels against the foam, and not the edge of the box. Does everyone else agree with that? Another thought, I could always slice off 1/4 inch of the foam that touches the wheels in the last picture and place it between Matilda's roof and the box. What to you all think?  Wayne |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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Matilda has clearly arrived in the Northern Hemisphere still hankering for Australia as she prefers to be upside down! |
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Sol Former Member
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Another thought, I could always slice off 1/4 inch of the foam that touches the wheels in the last picture and place it between Matilda's roof and the box. What to you all think? For sure Wayne - glue/tape the small piece of foam in permanently. |
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Wayne Williams Member
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All right, here is the current recommended packaging for Matilda. Hopefully she will survive the remaining miles around the world, safely. Wayne |
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Marty Enjoying the Journey
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Must have been some pretty horrible track laying to bounce an axle out! Absolutely agree with your modifications to Matilda's packaging Wayne. Why didn't I think of that |
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AUSSIETRAINS Member
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That,s done the trick. Well done Wayne. Regards, John. |
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Wayne Williams Member
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Marty wrote:Absolutely agree with your modifications to Matilda's packaging Wayne. Why didn't I think of that. Necessity is the mother of invention Marty, it wasn't broke when you got it! |
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MikeC Former Member
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Gwiwer wrote: Matilda has clearly arrived in the Northern Hemisphere still hankering for Australia as she prefers to be upside down! Good move, Wayne. Glad she's there in three pieces. Mike |
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owen69 Former Member
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it must of happened when she crossed the line,that is a helluva bump you know,.. |
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Petermac Admin
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I like that packaging Wayne - spot on !! Should keep her snuggled up very well. With Matilda having waltzed across "the line" to the Sunshine State, the latest distance travelled is : 26609 kms (16,553 miles) The current onward plan - which could well change - is: She will call in to see Tim next before heading over to Europe to meet up with Sergio for a brief stay in Vienna before he takes her back home with him to Buenos Aires. She will then pop in to visit the winter Olympics in Vancouver, stroll over to Stratford, Ontario before a return to Europe in an effort to meet up with Novice for a holiday in Liberia. From there, it will be a couple of stops in South Africa (maybe the Blue Train ) then she'll start the homeward run up through Europe via Spain, France and the "Emerald Isle" before finally relaxing in Cornwall.That's the (current) plan - as you can see, it's complicated trying to hit the various "time windows" so it may change. |
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AUSSIETRAINS Member
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Matilda,s clocking up milage faster than my car. |
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John Dew Full Member 
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Petermac wrote:
The Olympics start Friday (in fact the torch ran past the bottom of our road yesterday) so I think Matilda may miss them.They only last for 2 weeks but they are followed by the Para Olympics But not to worry, Matilda is assured of a traditional West Coast Welcome whenever she arrives.....I have already booked the Mounties.......there is some concern with Customs about the colour and I have to remind you that Canada is officially bi lingual so I guess we may have to re title this thread during her stay here to..... Le Journee de Mathilde. |
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SRman Member
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Wayne, I would go with the idea of adding the piece of foam between the roof and box as well as between the wheels/bogies and box. That gives her a bit of "crash padding" no matter which way the post offices try to crush her! |
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Wayne Williams Member
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Matilda is on the road again. She left Hudson Florida headed for Tim up in New York at noon today. Tim, keep an eye out for her, Monday is a holiday here so that will delay her one day longer. She should arrive on Tuesday via Fed Ex. That trip should add another say, 1200 or so miles to the log book! Wayne |
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rector Fumbling around.
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Wayne Williams wrote: She should arrive on Tuesday via Fed Ex. Aaaargh! I'd better (1) tidy up, and (2) prepare some "scenery"  |
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Wayne Williams Member
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Don't worry too much Tim, it was pretty slim pickens on my layout too. Wayne |
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Gwent Rail Former Member
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Wayne Williams wrote: Don't worry too much Tim, it was pretty slim pickens on my layout too. From what you've posted so far, Wayne, looks like a real "layout in a box" |
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rector Fumbling around.
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I talked to Wayne on the phone this afternoon - there was a minor hiccup as FedEx claimed that my street address was "invalid." All sorted out now and Matilda is waiting to be picked up in Hudson, Florida, and brought to New York. A shame about the Presidents' Day Holiday on Monday, but at least it gives me a little time to get my act together (As an aside, I will try and get together with Wayne for a brief YMR "meet-up" when I go to Florida the week after Easter.) |
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Wayne Williams Member
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rector wrote:(As an aside, I will try and get together with Wayne for a brief YMR "meet-up" when I go to Florida the week after Easter.) Aaaargh! I'd better (1) tidy up, and (2) ...Now where have I heard this before???? Tim, your just going to have to take my layout the way it is!!!! Wayne |
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Les Member 
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Petermac wrote: The current onward plan - which could well change - is: Peter, sorry to throw a Spaniard in the works but wondered if she will arrive in Spain before the end of June. After this I will be in the UK. Les |
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Robert Legacy Member
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Peter would it be possible to go from Ontario to Spain for Les and then on to Liberia. She would then come back to Spain as per your original agenda. |
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Petermac Admin
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Sorry guys - I've been out for "lunch" so am a bit late in reading these posts. There's already been a slight change in plans. Matilda was so keen to be in Vancouver during the Winter Olympics that we decided we could just about manage it - with a fair wind and help from both Tim and John. She won't actually take part in the Games - the I.O.C. said it wouldn't be fair to the other competitors as she hadn't actually qualified and a "wild card" was not an option for non-Canadians !!! Tim will move her on to Vancouver as quickly as possible then John will send her to Sergio in Vienna to arrive between March 1st and 14th. He leaves Vienna for Buenos Aires on March 14th. naturally taking Matilda with him. He's promised that Matilda will be away from B.A. by March 21st at the latest. As John Dew's deadline of April 20th now won't matter, she could return to William in Ontario before onward shipment to you Les or even the other way round. Her only other "window of opportunity" is Novice the third week in May for his trip to Liberia - otherwise, she's a free agent. |
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Wayne Williams Member
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Matilda arrived in Hudson Florida in the USA on February 10th 2010 to much fanfare. She is on a very tight schedule so on the next day, off she went on the first North American leg of her journey, heading up to Chicago Illinois. Here she is leaving Hudson, Florida.  Matilda has just passed the state of Mississippi, but wait…. There is something different here. There appears to be a hobo riding in Matilda! How in the world did he get in there? After all, Matilda is fairly famous now and there has been some security along the way to keep people from spray painting her, as that had happened to her in Australia, so Railroad personnel were determined it wouldn't happen here. We will have to keep an eye on her as the trip progresses.  The train slows going over the viaduct and US 20 which runs into New Carlisle, Indiana. That's strange, the sliding door on Matilda is now closed. Security was informed about the unwelcomed rider and intend to inspect Matilda upon arrival.  A nice overview here of Matilda at the BirchTree Golf Course. Security has inspected Matilda and aside from a strange odor inside, probably from another country where she was used as a cattle hauler, they found nothing suspicious.  While Matilda passes by, Two lovely ladies playing golf at the BirchTree, tee off on the third hole. That lady standing behind the golf cart appears to be very nervous for some reason or other.  As those two ladies are teeing off we see other players on the course, but WAIT, who is that, standing there on the second tee box watching those girls. It looks like that hobo we saw in Mississippi. Security has been called and our hobo interviewed. You will never guess who our hobo really is, it's Tiger Woods! Tiger told security that he has learned his lesson and just needed to get out from the sex clinic and practice for his next tournament. However after interviewing those two ladies, security escourted Tiger off the course and back to Mississippi. Guess we'll never know that whole story!  And a sad goodbye to Matilda as she leaves New Carlisle, Indiana and heads up north. If you all want to know more of Matilda's travels you will have to contact a fella named Rector up in Wainscott New York. Rumor has it that he is behind schedule and has been very busy preparing for Matilda's arrival.  |
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MaxSouthOz Admin
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Tiger Woods ! Very good, Wayne. |
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rector Fumbling around.
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Excellent, Wayne! I have a tough act to follow |
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Petermac Admin
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Superb Wayne - what imagination. A great storyline - funny, bang up to date and highly appropriate for the Birch Tree corner of your layout. Actually, looking at your photos, it's satisfying when you realise that Matilda, now doing the rounds of your layout in Florida, has crossed Australia - almost - firstly from south to north on the east coast, then over to the south west corner, now she's half crossed the Pacific ocean and is trundling around a layout near the Gulf of Mexico about to head to the Atlantic seaboard. I'm really proud of what we're achieving with our little "HO" scale cattle wagon. She'll surely have some tales to tell to the good people of Cornwall in September !!!!! |
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MikeC Former Member
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Well done Wayne. T. Woods, eh? Who'd've thought it? Those golfing scenes and farm buildings are very good. Mike |
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phill Hello
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very good mate. Phill |
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owen69 Former Member
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just caught up Wayne,a brill little story,and nice to see the layout again,it is coming on,the golf course and bridge are excellent. |
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Wayne Williams Member
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Well, I'm glad you all enjoyed the story. I was difficult coming up with one with so little completed on my layout. I hope Tiger doesn't mind one more person picking on him! I still have "other" projects standing in my way to getting back to the layout. I think I am about one weeks work away from completion, but I have created a little back problem that stopped me. It did however provide the time I needed to play with Matilda, which worked out very well. Looking forward to seeing Tim's accomplishments! Wayne |
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rector Fumbling around.
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Wayne - there appears to be a further problem. Matilda is traveling up the East Coast line, courtesy of a FedEx train, but her paperwork on entering the USA was incomplete. (You really should have paid attention to detail!) As a result the matter has been handed over to the Department of Homeland Security who are preparing to despatch the Massachusetts National Guard to arrest Matilda at Orleans. The events of the next 24-36 hours are now really outside of my control.... |
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Wayne Williams Member
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rector wrote:Wayne - there appears to be a further problem. her paperwork on entering the USA was incomplete. (You really should have paid attention to detail!) As a result the matter has been handed over to the Department of Homeland Security Tim, real sorry to hear that, and I just threw away all that paper work too! Probably would not have been much help though Tim, when I tried to read it, it was all written in Australian! Greek to me! With the Department Of Homeland Security involved Matilda is indeed in trouble. They couldn't find their way off a layout! Wayne |
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Sol Former Member
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You two do realize that the Department Of Homeland Security scrutinise all e-mails & will find the comments above subversive & the next time we hear from you two will be from behinds bars - the vertical type - not the horizontal type !!! |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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They will now be scouring Austria for intelligence in someone called "Matilda". She hasn't got there yet and she has had no previous connection with that country. Aus-tra-li-a is where the famous hopping marsupials come from, where Matildas waltz, where wine flows in abundance, where you don't need bars to enjoy the wine either and where the attitude to Americans is "I love them - but I can't eat a whole one". Austria, on the other hand, is entirely populated by Vienna Boys Choirs, cows with tinkling bells, unfeasibly tall mountains, men dressed in leather shorts making funny noises with their throats or unfeasibly long horns and where the attitude to Americans is "Waß?", "Qué?" or "Ché?" depending upon which mountain you live on. |
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MaxSouthOz Admin
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Well done, Rick. Dissed two whole countries with one post. |
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AUSSIETRAINS Member
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Matilda may have to pretend she is a circus wagon, she has had a cow and a tiger on board so far. |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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Not to mention having been inspected and sent on her way by a kangawallahopper |
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Petermac Admin
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It's a good job she's going this way round - she'd never get back into Australia having had a cow on board sometime during the last 50 years !!!! |
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Bob K Member 
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Great stuff Wayne, that little corner is looking really good. I see the Silo has nade its appearance on the layout and very good it looks too. Bob(K) |
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Wayne Williams Member
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Novice wrote:Great stuff Wayne, that little corner is looking really good. I see the Silo has nade its appearance on the layout and very good it looks too. Thanks Novice, Now maybe if I could just get some grass to grow around it! Wayne |
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Les Member
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Petermac wrote: As John Dew's deadline of April 20th now won't matter, she could return to William in Ontario before onward shipment to you Les or even the other way round. Any way you choose Peter, just as long as she's been to Spain by the end of June. Les |
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John Dew Full Member
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Great stuff Wayne......loved the story line Hadnt realised you had so much snow in Florida we could do with some of it up here! |
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John Dew Full Member
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Hi Guys Have heard from Tim in New York...............Matilda's waltz is right on schedule.......she (?) is being Fed exed from New York to Vancouver tomorrow We are engaged in urgent negotiations with both Canada Immigration and VANOC. Sadly there are too many Australians here already and Matilda's lack of French is a distinct problem, However there is a possible solution..............the Olympic authorities are anxious to encourage developing nations. So far Cornwall is somewhat under represented here................cant think why. I am beginning to appreciate that the Cornish have a second language (there is a lot of stuff on here I dont understand).....so there is a loophole....a bi lingual country with a strong interest in Winter Sports All I need now is some advice on Cornwall's proposed National Flag for the medal ceremony (we will ad lib the Anthem).....is there a website? Speak now you Cornishmen or dont complain when you see Matilda on the winners podium clad in a large Canadian Flag ps She may have to undergo a sex change to enter the event for which we think he/she is best suited.......trust that is acceptable |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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The national flag of Cornwall is the Cross of St Piran. The anthem has long been regarded as "Trelawney" much as the Australians regard "Waltzing Matilda" (and not "Advance Australia Fair") as theirs. Note the link provides the translation from Kernewek (Cornish) into Sawsnek (English; literally "Saxonage"). Given that St. Piran's Day is almost upon us it is perhaps unfortunate that Matilda will be unable to be present. We can't have everything. Unless Petermac knows otherwise, of course. Last edited on Tue Feb 16th, 2010 10:38 pm by |
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John Dew Full Member
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Thanks Rick White Cross on a black background............That shouldn't be a problem even for me The male voice choir of Granby are now working on Trelawney |
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Geoff R Member
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Hi John, if you want to learn a little more about this country on our south western border, you might like to look here:- http://www.duchyofcornwall.org/abouttheduchy_kernewek.htm If you can't read it, click on the HOME button, top left and it changes to english language. (Note when in English, it is half the length of text!!) You will find that they have allowed some of our royalty into their country (might be something you already empathise with) and that they are very proud of their nation. I am not sure why they are not represented at the Winter Olympics already, unless it is just that they are all too busy looking forward to a very special event they are hosting themselves early in September this year Last edited on Wed Feb 17th, 2010 03:55 am by Geoff R |
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rector Fumbling around.
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On Tuesday, February 16th, 2010, Matilda reached her destination on Cape Cod, having traveled up the East Coast Line of the USA as part of the consist of a FedEx train. She was met on the branch line by the pride of the OCR Heritage fleet, a 0-6-0 tank, who slowly pushed her towards Orleans Depot. Here she can be seen passing the water tower and the cranberry processing plant at Eastham. Then trouble. As feared, the procession was held up my a platoon from the State National Guard under instructions from the Department of Homeland Security. The commander, Lt. Chickencoop III, made the following statement. "We have been ordered to arrest this car on charges of illegally entering the United States of America, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Until we can be assured that she is in possesion of the correct visas and does not pose a hostile threat then she goes no further. And what's that smell?"  Fortunately the Mayor of Orleans arrived, accompanied with a very expensive immigration lawyer (on left) who announced that it had all been a misunderstanding, and that the paperwork had arrived.  The delay meant that the tank was losing its head of steam, and so the final few hundred yards into the terminus were very slow indeed.    But she eventually arrived and was greeted by a small crowd on the platform.  After a few speeches and the signing of the international log, time was of the essence. Matilda had to begin her long trip up to Canada, and so a GP38 assumed the duty of hauling her back to the main line.  So long, Matilda! Bon voyage, and sorry your stay was a short one!  In the meantime the crack troops of the National Guard had their work cut out rounding up a flock of sheep which had excaped from a wagon on the freight line.  Yet something was wrong. They counted them again and again, and half the men fell asleep. Then the commander realised. One of the sheep was missing. Any ideas? |
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Petermac Admin
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Great story Tim. (I assume from your final comment that there's more to follow ) Some superb touches in there - Bob who was that for President ? Is there a possibility that Dave Bentley's UFO has got word of Matilda and has arrived to whisk her off to some Games or other - or is it looking for some mint sauce ? |
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owen69 Former Member
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beat me to it Peter,i also seen the u.f.o as for the blatant plug for the presidency, no comment!! nice storyline Tim. |
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Wayne Williams Member
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Good one Tim, but I sure glad I'm not the one that has to open the sliding doors on Matilda next! At least up north, it would be frozen! Wayne |
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Petermac Admin
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1. Maybe that missing sheep has sniffed inside Matilda and thinks one of her "giant" cousins was in there recently. 2. The National Guard can't count. 3. One of the sheep only has 3 legs and that's confused them. 4. The sheep are insured and the farmer's "on the make" 5. The Dept of Homeland Security will try anything to have Matilda arrested. 6. Seeing who was proposed as President, the missing sheep thought a "Heath" was the same as a "pasture" and has gone "walkabout" 7. Someone's pulling the wool over our eyes. |
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AUSSIETRAINS Member
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This was not good news Tim. I have been back to Wallys Wagon Cleaners with a quality complaint. We have been assured that their quality systems were all up to date and there were no residues left inside when she left their shed. There is however a possibility that the terrorist organisation the AuntyKleens may have struck after Matilda,s passage through the Australian Customs network. More research is required by our local detective agency Dels Detectives Pty Ltd. More to follow. Regards, John. |
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Petermac Admin
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Wow - this is getting very exciting - international espionage eh !!! Perhaps it's all down to that terror and extortion organisation so feared by even James Bond - "Splurge" |
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MikeC Former Member
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So much controversy! And it all started so nicely, too I love the subtle methods used to round up the sheep UFOs and missing sheep - sounds like a job for Fox Mulder. I like what I see of the yellow switcher. Mike |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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And it all started so nicely, too It did indeed. Though there's a mermaid here wondering why she didn't get in on the action and there's been some suggestions made that the aroma coming from Matilda is actually this stuff. |
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SRman Member
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The next recipient of Matilda should check her for stowaways! |
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phill Hello
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Nice story Tim but Heath for what? no comment . Bit scary that UFO and that sheep missing. Bet you smuggled it in the wagon so the next guy can have a nice Barby ? Tut bloody foreigners, always trying to break the law, , unlike us nice British folks, Phill |
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John Dew Full Member
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Breaking News Matilda has arrived safely in the True North  You may well wonder why Matilda is out of focus. I can assure you it was neither I or my wife (who took the photo) shaking with excitement ......................................on the contrary it was Matilda that was shaking WATCH THIS SPACE |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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Excellent News John. Not only has Matilda reached the Land of the Olympic Flame (North) but we have a rare picture of your good self and of a fascinating screensaver! "Go Canada"? We are led to believe here than nothing much can Stop Canada when it comes to some winter sports Matilda isn't out of focus - she's shivering with cold after her previous life in Australia where it is just a tad warmer. A mere 35C (95F) here today |
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Petermac Admin
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That's brilliant news John Is she jet-lagged or, as Rick said, maybe she's shivering - and confused !!! I heard that earlier this week, Vancouver had a distinct lack of snow for the Games, now I hear you're swamped by the stuff !! Just give Matilda a teaspoon of Maple Syrup and she'll be fine. Looking forward to hearing how she's received. She's already carried kangaroos and cows, will it be elks now I ask myself ? |
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Les Member
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So the Brits finally win a gold medal and Matilda also arrives in Vancouver. A double whammy of Canadian goodies for us eh? What's next John, a picture of Matilda on ski's? Les |
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John Dew Full Member
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Matilda at the Winter Olympics Matilda made her way to Cynwyd (that well known suburb of Vancouver) attached to the rear of the regular B Set. Heightened security measures kept the crowds away although Jones the Milk appears to be undeterred  But wait..................what is this  A major security lapse....... despite the SIS (Canada's M15) operative on the ladder and the RCMP plain clothes guy disguised as Jones the Milk  This turned out be a false alarm.......these guys are actually more SIS operatives... ....disguised as cows (at great expense I may add....we dont have pantomimes in Canada....well not rehearsed ones). Nevertheless it was decided to re-marshall Matilda next to the loco and she finally left for the station  Meanwhile at the station the security forces are getting anxious...... they also appear uncertain as to which platform the through train is going to arrive at  You may well ask why the Army appear to be standing on a raised cork platform..... just one more example of superior contingency planning.....heavy rain is forecast.  You may also be wondering about the two ladies who appear to be glued (they are) to the station bench.....yes you guessed it..........more SIS operatives  Not only did we have to borrow panto cows from the UK you will note that our soldiers are in uniforms that look suspiciously like British Army battledress circa 1947 Some of the soldiers obviously feel that they need stilts as well as cork to keep their feet dry. The station master has his own personal arrangements. Matilda finally arrives at Cynwyd  The door opens to reveal..........................  A Mountie in full ceremonial dress  But the Mountie is not alone............. he has apprehended an illegal immigrant :   Its Sam the Ram.............living proof that the Massachuasett National Guard can not count. There is, as I am sure you would expect, much more to this story than would at first appear. Sam is not your average common or garden immigrant from New York State Sam the Ram is Cornish......... in fact he is Cornwall's most experienced Alpine Sports expert (well perhaps that isnt so surprising) and has a world wide following.  These are not pantomime cows......these are the real McCoy  And on the other side of the tracks we find more fans  Sam was absolutely determined to compete in the Vancouver Olympics.......we are not too certain how he got to New York, although one wonders how closely Matilda has actually been inspected on her travels......Sam mentions relatives in Penhayle Bay for instance and seems very attached to Matilda. Although it was at the last minute,. we have been able to satisfy Sam's ambitions and he and Matilda are now entered in one of tomorrows major events representing......Cornwall !!!! Here you see Matilda with her official competitor's badge  A change of loco (had to get my Avatar in somehow) was required for the climb to Whistler Mountain so here we see the 14xx proudly carrying the Canadian Flag and what I am assured is Cornwall's flag.....that of St Piran   Wherever Sam and Matilda go their fans follow......one can only hope that Sam the Ram remains dedicated to his chosen sport  There will now be an intermission to give us time to create a suitably white setting for the next episode in Matida's travels Edited to correct Typos and acknowledge and thank Tim (Rector) for donating Sam to Matilda' s travels Last edited on Sat Feb 20th, 2010 09:58 pm by John Dew |
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SRman Member
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Relatives in Penhayle Bay, eh?? No doubt Rick is now feeling a bit sheepish! (Sorry, I had to get in first with the puns!!!). Love the story, John. I always thought Canadians have a great sense of humour, so how come they had to import a pantomime cow?? Shades of the British airmen in 'Allo 'Allo! p.s. I told you so! I said "check her for stowaways"! |
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John Dew Full Member
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Thanks SR Man..................I should have mentioned Sam is indeed a genuine stowawaya courtesy of Tim in New York found him in Matilda when I unpacked her....I meant to develop the shaking theme but got diverted ...............thanks for the story line Tim it made life much easier |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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Another superbly-told and illustrated story in the saga of our World-Wide Wagon. What many of us might not realise is that there was a strong connection between the Cornish and the Canadians a few years backalong. Thanks to the ever-tense arguments over fishing rights the good gentlefolk of Newlyn, home to Myansome and former home to myself, took it upon themselves to re-flag their fishing fleet with the Maple Leaf of Canada. I quote: "The first reported sightings of the distinctive red and white maple leaf insignia came from Newlyn in Cornwall. By Easter, Canadian flags were flying from masts in many British and Irish fishing ports." from here and also: "there was a special welcome for Brian Tobin, the Canadian Fisheries Minister. It was a time of mutual distrust of the activities of the Spanish fishing fleet and the great ‘Fly the Maple Leaf Flag’ campaign began in Newlyn in 1995. You will see them still on display around the port." from here What I haven't managed to find is a picture of a Newlyn trawler flying both St Piran's Cross and the Maple Leaf. |
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rector Fumbling around.
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Awesome! Great photos and story, John! Let's hear it for Sam the Ram! |
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MikeC Former Member
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Brilliant stuff, John, and a great laugh too! Thoroughly enjoyable Love the stowaway. They might want to keep him as a regimental mascot. Mike |
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Petermac Admin
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Absolutely brilliant John !!! Almost every picture had me it stitches - I genuinely had to wipe the tears from my eyes on at least two occasions before I could continue. Particularly loved the cork "floats", the cows, sheep fans - in fact, everything was so good. Also, an excellent "link-up" with Tim regarding Sam - I presume you knew about it. The inginuity and imagination of the story is just wonderful. When this wagon idea came up. I'm sure no-one expected it to develop into something as exciting and yet challenging as it's become. It also gave me the opportunity to have a closer look at different parts of the layout. |
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phill Hello
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Baaaaaaaaa what a great story John, enjoyed it tremendously. Mindue the US Border Patrols make you wonder, how come they never checked it, maybe they be visiting Tim soon to serve him with a court summons for smuggling Phill Last edited on Sun Feb 21st, 2010 04:05 am by phill |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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Railway vehicles competing in Winter Sports is not new! It has taken a few hours to gain permission but I can now post this image of a locomotive about to undertake a ski-jump .This was part of a series of picture stories created by Chris Parnell using Trainz who gives his consent for his image to be posted.  |
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Wayne Williams Member
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Great story John, and I liked all of the photos. I know how difficult it can be to come up with a story too. Can't wait to see what comes up next! Wayne |
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henryparrot Former Member
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There always seems to be a great deal of security around Matilda is she carrying something we should all know about? cheers Brian |
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MikeC Former Member
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Might have a joey! Mike |
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John Dew Full Member
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Bearing in mind the ingenuity that Sam the Ram has displayed so far, I guess we should not be surprised that he and Matilda were able to evade the very tight media embargo and send a post card of one of the Ski Train Jumps to his friends in Penhayle Bay.......can there be any question now about Sam the Ram's origins one asks? We have noticed, I am afraid, that Sam is prone to exaggeration. This, of course, is a shot of the Loco Ski Jump whereas Sam and Matilda will be competing in: The George Orwell Memorial Ski JumpTrophy for Freight Vans piloted by a Farmyard animal. The two competitions require totally different skills and challenges not the least of which is that practice is strictly curtailed as the Freight Van Ski jump itself is not built until the day before the event As the jump was being prepared Matilda made her way towards Whistler Mountain  Who said we didnt have Snow in Vancouver? Sam and Matida's fans continued to cheer them on  Only minimal security presence was required as this helicopter shows. A carefully camouflaged Q car (Jones the Milk again) followed at a discreet distance  Some of the official mascots for the games were given time off to greet Matilda   There was a very large crowd at the Ski Lift Base to greet Sam and Matilda   There seem to a lot of cows in the crowd but as you can readily see two of them are the pantomime cows. Because of the disguised SIS guys, Jones the Milk stayed in the background  Some of the other competitors now arrived ready to be lifted to the top of the mountain. The first one up was Pauline  Unfortunately the driver, Percy the Porker, was unavailable so the van was loaded up unattended. This probably explains the lack of Pigs in the crowd. It is possible that Pauline will be unable to compete tomorrow ( but bearing in mind the Prop depts ability to create a Mountie out of a Bus Conductor anything could happen) The next competitor was Cynthia  You may well wonder if Jones the Milk will have yet another role in this saga No it is not to be. Cynthia is to be driven by: Bob the Bull  Now we know why there were so many cows present In fact, when Bob appeared ,they went wild and, despite the efforts of the SIS pantomime, surged forward towards the track  One spectator started to rip tiles off the roof.........things looked ugly. There was only one thing that could be done to prevent Bob from being mobbed  Rapid deployment of the army .........so rapid in fact that they didnt have time to put on their winter warfare kit......but at least their feet will stay dry When Sam and Matilda were loaded up it was decided to keep the army in place although the crowd were quieter and we now had a Mountie on patrol  So to the oohs and aahs of the crowd (or should it be moos and baas?) the competitors were lifted to the top of the mountain. What a competition awaits us tomorrow Matilda and Sam the Ram against Cynthia and Bob the Bull This is the stuff that legends are made from  And there, I will leave you, so I can devise a convincing finale while I watch Canada hopefully beat the USA at hockey. Last edited on Sun Feb 21st, 2010 06:13 pm by John Dew |
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rector Fumbling around.
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How many more parts to Matilda's Canadian visit? Will it rival the Lord of the Rings in size? |
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rector Fumbling around.
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John Dew wrote:In fact, when Bob mounted Cynthia ,they went wild and, despite the efforts of the SIS pantomime, surged forward towards the track This is a children's show: |
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John Dew Full Member
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Corrected................slip of the pen on first edit |
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rector Fumbling around.
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But then I always had a schoolboy's sense of humour! |
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owen69 Former Member
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this is beginning to read like a norse saga rather than a canadian fairy tale.. |
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Sol Former Member
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owen69 wrote: .......fairy tale.. Fairy tale ? And here I am thinking it was factual - it must be coz it is on the internet ! YMR members would not tell fibs, would they ? PS, Good story John so far. |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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I think I've just had a wee accident laughing Don't eat the yellow snow |
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Petermac Admin
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Gwiwer wrote:..................................................... Isn't there a National Park named after that Rick ? John - this gets better and better. Can't wait till tomorrow but at least the 24 hours will give my sides a chance to relax !!! |
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Petermac Admin
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I have been so engrossed in these stories of daring-do that I have completely forgotten my duties with regard to the keeping of the "ships log" !! Sorry about that but here are the latest figures: On arrival in New York State from Florida Matilda had covered approximately: 17603 miles (28298 kms) |
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Petermac Admin
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On arrival in Vancouver - Home of the 2010 Winter Olympics - the latest mileage is: 20,102 miles (32,320 kms) |
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John Dew Full Member
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I have very bad news Last night Canada were beaten at Olympic Hockey by the USA, for the first time in 50 years. I have struggled to come up with an equivalent . Raith Rovers (if they still exist) beating Man Utd 10-0 is nothing compared with this. So with a heavy heart I conclude the Olympic portion of Matilda's travels. First I apologise if it has gone on a little too long. We needed to buy time while we researched the construction of a ski jump for a freight van driven by a farmyard animal. This was not an easy task. You will be amazed to learn, as we did, that the late CJ Freezer is silent on the subject, as is Iain Rice. There is nothing in Bob's archives. RM Web was unavailable (again you say?) This would have to be scratchbuilding at its best. Carefully sourced materials. Meticulous measurements and precision cuts were to be the order of the day..................but we ran out of time................Petermac was adamant.......Vienna by Tuesday or else So we had to make do with a cardboard box, a piece of polystyrene and some of Caster Sugar ............oh and by the way we can confirm that Mr Pritchard's finest product does not flex as readily vertically as it does laterally  The rules of the competition are very simple. Marks are awarded for a combination of distance and style......particularly when landing. Cynthia, the 6 wheel Milk Wagon, will attempt a Triple Axel landing whereas Matilda will have to attempt the more difficult Quad landing. Before Jumping could start Jones the Milk felt he required additional camoflage........so we were treated to that very unusual sight on most Model Railways The Great Hand from the Sky  Matilda left the start hut at a very fast pace  Notice how Sam the Ram positions himself at the rear of the van so that his weight will exert maximum pressure at lift off Look at Matilda's velocity as she approaches the end of the Ramp. Its astonishing Sam can keep so still.  A perfect take off  Matilda climbs like a rocket :wow:wow  Perhaps too much like a Rocket................................Matilda continues to climb :wow:wow:wow Sam ,whose knowledge of Geography has already proved suspect, is heard on the radio "Houston we have a problem "  Where will Matilda land: ??????? |
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rector Fumbling around.
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!!! |
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Sol Former Member
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Makes me wonder if this forum is for model rail enthusiasts or fictional story authors ! Well done John. |
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MikeC Former Member
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Oh my goodness!! Or words to that effect!! This is a laugh-and-a-half and I can't help but admire Sam's stoicism! Mike |
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phill Hello
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Now then this is got to stop, my sides are hurting , wonder where she will land and will Sam survive the landing , only time will tell. By the way if Sam do not survive i like to have the leg . Phill |
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MaxSouthOz Admin
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Tick, VG. Koala stamp, John. I notice Matilda's wheels are still on . . . for the time being ! |
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AUSSIETRAINS Member
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Brilliant John, long may this saga continue. |
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Marty Enjoying the Journey
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Bravo... had me chuckling. |
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Ken Member
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Great! And I bet you loved doing it - and were laughing all the time - just like I am! Ken |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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Come on now John ..... don't leave us all suspended mid-air  |
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SRman Member
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Yeah! Don't leave us in suspenders!!! |
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Wayne Williams Member
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Brilliant John! Great time action photos as well. Wish my camera could take photos that quick. Wayne |
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John Dew Full Member
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Hopefully Waltzing Matilda will land safely in Vienna in 4 or 5 days.. I would like to thank all you guys for the nice emails you posted. I am glad that you found our little tale amusing. I have to say that my wife and I had a ton of fun devising the various scenes, and Doreen is generally not the least bit interested in Model Railways! From the get go we had planned a ski jump but Tim's introduction of Sam the Ram created all manner of story lines we were able to develop. Naturally Sam has accompanied Matilda on her travels but accompanied by various other bits and pieces which future recipients may, if they so wish, introduce into their own narrative. I do have one suggestion to make....we have also included the Canadian and Cornish (St Piran's) flags that we used. I think it would be brilliant if future recipients made National Flags and sent them on as well. I meant to make an Australian and US Flag but kind of ran out of time......they are very easy to print off so I am sure this omission can be easily remedied. The flags of all the countries Matilda has visited would make a splendid back drop at Cambourne. Finally my sincere congratulations to Wheeltapper (Richard?) who, I think, came up with such a wonderful idea and Petermac, ringmaster extraordinaire, who must have spent countless hours setting this up. I really feel very privileged to belong to such a unique and friendly club. Kind Regards from Vancouver Last edited on Wed Feb 24th, 2010 01:11 am by John Dew |
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georgejacksongenius Kettle Watcher 
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Great story John,and very topical,too!! Cheers,John.B. |
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gordons19 Legacy Member
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Thanks for the chuckle's guys, together with some very funny pic's. The ski jump was brilliant John... |
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87 101 Former Member
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So much for me doing some work this morning I have laughed so much I need to go and lie down! |
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Janner Former Member
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I'm really enjoying the ongoing saga of Matilda's travels. Nice one gents. Last edited on Wed Feb 24th, 2010 05:04 am by |
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Petermac Admin
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Well what a fantastic time Matilda has had in Canada !!! All manner of security on parade, potential heavy rain instead of snow in the middle of the Winter Olympics, so much that the army had to bring their Carey Floats with them. Cows and bulls up to no good much to the consternation of Jones the Milk, a stow-away sheep who turned out to be an Olympic Champion in disguise, VANOC changing their rules to allow Corniwogs to compete and the start of a "National Flag" collection !!! Wow - whatever next ? Just brilliant and, IMHO, one of the best things to come out of this is the possibility of continuing the storyline throughout the remainder of her journey. I wonder if she can manage to carry all the flags that have yet to be added. I too wonder where this amazing ski-jump will take her to..................................... One things for sure, wherever it is, it will be music to my ears. Well done John (and Doreen) |
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rector Fumbling around.
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I'm gettin' worried. Where is Matilda? (And in her state ...!) |
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John Dew Full Member
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Canada Xpresspost tracking states that Matilda was delivered to the address I was given in Vienna at 17.03 hours on March 2nd The only concern might be that she arrived in Vienna on the 25th Feb and was held at the local post office to "verify address of recipient" until delivery on March 2...........which coincidentally was the date Sergei was supposed to arrive in Vienna I will email him |
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rector Fumbling around.
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That's good of you, John, but it seems that Matilda has arrived safely and Sergio has already taken some photographs! Bob is sorting that out via email. |
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John Dew Full Member
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Thanks Tim Thats good to know! Sergio if you see this please ignore the email I have just sent to you Kind Regards |
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Robert Legacy Member
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Hi Sergio, if you are reading this then could you please put your pictures on here as at the moment I am in the UK and can't respond to your e-mail that you sent me. |
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Petermac Admin
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I've just got home to a mountain of e-mails - and Liz has arranged "lunch" for today (all organised based on my planned return on Thursday night before my plans changed !!) I'm pleased Matilda is safe in Vienna and will "get to grips" with the backlog over the weekend. Please bear with me chaps. |
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Robert Legacy Member
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I will be back to normal tomorrow night all being well then perhaps we can sort Sergio's pictures out. I have 20 odd but no dteails of where they were taken. |
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sviaggio Member
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Only now have I read this message, Commander, Will try and do! sergio |
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AUSSIETRAINS Member
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Gosh Matilda is sure going to clock up some miles. Hope she has a frequent flyer card. |
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sviaggio Member
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For some reason my first message seems to have vanished. Bob/Peter, can you remind me how to go about posting pics... PLEASE!!! Also, if watches can be syncrhonized, I will be in Brazil 11-19 April, Minsk 28-30 April, and Oslo 5-9 July. Cheers! sergio |
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AUSSIETRAINS Member
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I'm gettin' worried. Where is Matilda? (And in her state ...!) This plaintive post was posted by Tim on 4th March. Much has happened since then but WHERE ARE THE PICS. Things are certainly blank on the screen at the moment. |
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Sol Former Member
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John, many photos have been sent to both me & Petermac of Matilda in Vienna to post but we are waiting on descriptions first. By now I think Matilda is en route to Argentina. Edit - no - due to go in April if I read Sergios' post better. Last edited on Wed Mar 10th, 2010 04:03 pm by |
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sviaggio Member
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Matilda be in Vienna, will be travelling to Buenos Aires Sunday amd then, methinks, back to Canada (instructions, please!!!). I offered Salvador and then Minsk and then Oslo, but the powers-thab-be have kept suspiciously silent. sergio |
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sviaggio Member
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By the way, the old Caribbean Calypso came to mind: Matilda! Matilda! Matilda , she took me money and gone Venzuela. Not rhis one, though. sergio |
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Petermac Admin
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I'm not silent at all Sergio - just trying to catch up following a week in UK !! Your assumption is quite correct - once you've "done your stuff" in Buenos Aires, you'll be posting Matilda iff to Canada again - I'll PM you with the details. Much as the idea of Brasil, Minsk and Oslo sound interesting, she's only half way around the world at present so needs to "get her skates on" so unfortunately, on this occasion, she'll have to say "thanks but I really don't have the time". Photos from Vienna will be posted shortly. |
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Petermac Admin
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With Matilda stuffing herself with Wiener Schnitzel (having previously been stuffed with Sam the Ram ) and relaxing next to the Blue Danube (why are all the Austrians colourblind ?), her travels up to now have totalled: 25,391 miles (40,831 kms) |
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sviaggio Member
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Pity! In any event, here I am to serve. Cheers! sergio |
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Petermac Admin
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And just to prove she's been there, here's Matilda gazing wistfully along that wonderful "Blue Danube" although it must have been a cloudy day !!! (Photo copyright and courtesy of Sergio)  Matilda is winging her way (literally) to Buenos Aires as I post this (over 7,000 miles from Vienna.) |
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rector Fumbling around.
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Excellent news and photo. I feel a waltz coming on! |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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Doubly appropriate. "The Blue Danube" is a waltz and Matilda commenced her travels from the land of, and was named after, "Waltzing Matilda". Now - who's going to partner her until she can couple to Winston? |
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AUSSIETRAINS Member
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"Now - who's going to partner her until she can couple to Winston?" Now now Rick, this is a family forum. |
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sviaggio Member
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Just to let you know that Matilda landed safely in Buenos Aires four hours ago. sergio |
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Petermac Admin
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rector wrote: Excellent news and photo. I feel a waltz coming on! I think it's more like "A Space Odessy" Tim......................... |
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DonBradley Member 
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"Now - who's going to partner her until she can couple to Winston?" Shar the Thar! |
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Petermac Admin
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sviaggio wrote: Just to let you know that Matilda landed safely in Buenos Aires four hours ago. Brilliant news Sergio. Therefore, the mileage now under Matilda's belt is: 32,740 miles (52,657 kms) |
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Petermac Admin
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Gwiwer wrote: Doubly appropriate. Strauss Bruce - now there's a coincidence (in strong Australian accent). |
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Petermac Admin
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A couple of shots of Matilda in Buenos Aires - this first one, on Sergios own BR outline layout: and this 2nd one, visiting his local model railway club where the rolling stock has a slightly more "Argentinian" look to it and only here because the shot above might suggest Matilda's "round the world" trip, is all a big conspiracy !!! Did she go or didn't she ?  Matilda is now on her way back to Canada to see William in Ontario. Are you ready William ? |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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Good to see some pictures of Matilda again. She really is "circumnavigating" the globe making a round trip from Canada to Canada via Austria and Argentina! Wonder if William will find a stash of corned beef inside when Matilda arrives. Isn't that what Argentina is famed for? |
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SRman Member
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Glad to see she's still travelling well. |
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MaxSouthOz Admin
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The bloke I got her from was going to chuck her out until I showed some interest, then he wanted fifteen bucks! Now he'll probably reckon she's a collectors' item. Tough titties, old boy! |
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John Dew Full Member
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Gwiwer wrote: Good to see some pictures of Matilda again. She really is "circumnavigating" the globe making a round trip from Canada to Canada via Austria and Argentina! I hope its not Corned Mutton............that would be a sorry end for Sam the Ram. One does wonder if he fell off Matilda in mid flight.......no sign of him on these pics |
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rector Fumbling around.
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Yes - I was also going to ask about Sam the Ram! |
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henryparrot Former Member
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Perhaps Lamb is a sought after meat in Argentina Brian |
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rector Fumbling around.
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Well, their beef is excellent quality. I'm sure, in the Welsh colony of Patagonia, there are plenty of sheep... |
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SRman Member
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I thought Welsh sheep had two legs shorter than the other two and they walked around the mountains in one direction only! Would that suit Patagonia?? |
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Petermac Admin
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I thought patagonia was a type of Italian food. |
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phill Hello
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Petermac wrote: I thought patagonia was a type of Italian food. Pasta aint it, Phill |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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I was invited to pat a gonia once. The gonia bit back |
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rector Fumbling around.
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henryparrot Former Member
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SRman wrote: I thought Welsh sheep had two legs shorter than the other two and they walked around the mountains in one direction only! Would that suit Patagonia?? The Welsh sheep do have shorter back legs So they fit inside the front of Welshmans wellies Brian |
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AUSSIETRAINS Member
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We use the same joke on Kiwi,s. Some of them take exception to it too. Never mind, we all have a cross to bear. |
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Gwent Rail Former Member
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Why should I take exception to the suggestion that some Welshmen a sheep sh...... no, best not go there. --- I'll just set the record straight and say that those in question are all North Walians. Funny lot up there. |
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rector Fumbling around.
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Gwent Rail wrote:Why should I take exception to the suggestion that some Welshmen a sheep sh... ...earers. Yes. An old and noble rural trade. |
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phill Hello
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Gwent Rail wrote: Why should I take exception to the suggestion that some Welshmen a sheep sh...... no, best not go there. I am keeping quiet on this one, have spent many a hour doing training on the old hills in Wales whilst in the Army. Besides i would hate to upset the kind people who love sheep Phill Mindue i did hear they get depressed when they have the sheep sheared , ok i am off before someone works that out |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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Meanwhile, somewhere on Planet Earth, Matilda rested her weary wheels ..... |
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bickybtrains Member 
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Just got a message that there is a package to pick up at the post office. William |
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Robert Legacy Member
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Let's just hope it's Matilda as the suspense is killing me. |
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Petermac Admin
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Surely it must be................................................ All the way from Argentina - come on William - let us in on the contents of the package. |
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bickybtrains Member
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Bad News  Matilda has been painted in Canadian National Red. She was confiscated at the border by the CSIS (Canadian Secret Service) and thus she was painted before she could go on her trip. (Something about Canadian Identity) Just Kidding Matilda is save and sound as Green as Green as an Irish Field. I will be posting photos as soon as possible. William |
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Petermac Admin
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Great to hear she's arrived safely William - I was becoming a little worried that she'd be "posted missing" or simply gone AWOL . With Matilda having arrived in Stratford, Ontario (she obviously liked Canada so much, she had to return !!), the mileage currently reads: 38,317 miles (61,632 kms) |
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rector Fumbling around.
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William - was there any livestock on board? |
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Petermac Admin
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I hope so Tim - I asked Sergio to make sure everything was ship-shape and Bristol fashion before he posted her off. |
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bickybtrains Member
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Flags, livestock, all there. Agriculture Canada had to look at the sheep though looked a little tired from such a long trip. William |
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Petermac Admin
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You should have seen the one that went to Wales with Winston - it was totally exhausted !!!! |
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SRman Member
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Matilda already has the "National" on her, all William has to do is add the "Canadian" above that! D'you think Canada might accept green and gold as the new national colours?? |
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bickybtrains Member
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Well we have a pile of gold thanks to the Olympics. |
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rector Fumbling around.
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bickybtrains wrote:Flags, livestock, all there. Agriculture Canada had to look at the sheep though looked a little tired from such a long trip. Thanks be to God! I'm sure that Sam will get second wind. |
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Petermac Admin
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bickybtrains wrote: Well we have a pile of gold thanks to the Olympics. Ooooooooh !!! Go on, rub it in why don't you. And Matilda has one for the "railway ski jump" n'est pas ? |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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That would be from the Ovine Olympics n'est pas? Sam the Ram at the helm / controls / tiller / pointing Matida in the right direction ..... |
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sviaggio Member
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Greetings, lads! Glad Waltzing Mat made back to Boreal Canada (just wrote to Peter asking about it... then figured I could prehaps check here). For the gastronomically curious: Yes, our beef is quite good (some, especially us, say it's the finest in the world). Yes, mutton and lamb are also popular, but mostly in Patagonia, where it's too barren and windy for truly edible steers. No Patagonia is not an Italian dish. Yes there are lots of ethnic Welsh Argentines along the (alas, no longer extant) narrow-gauge railway line out of Puerto Madryn on the Atlantic, via Trelew and Trevelin almost all the way to Donlavon at the foot of the Andes serviing tea and all manner of cakes and puddings and scones to the dietetically unwary. The Welsh arrived in the 1870s, and landed below the Indian frontier. Theywere incorporated, as it were, into Argentina when the "Far South" was won: The last of three campaigns to slaughter the native populations, steal their lands and give them not to settlers (as was the case in the US) but to already wealthy landowners or to the military officers themselves, some 10,000 to 40,000 acres a parcel, more than one parcel to each. Cheers! sergio |
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Petermac Admin
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sviaggio wrote:
It seems nothing much changes then Sergio and apparently, we don't learn from history. |
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sviaggio Member
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Almost 70 years later, none other than the Mayor of Rome is an avowed fascist. No, we do not seem to learn much. sergio |
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Petermac Admin
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Didn't the last Italian fascist leader come to an unpleasant end................................... Let's hope the Mayor of Rome doesn't have designs outside the confines of the Tiber !!!! |
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bickybtrains Member
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Matilda is ready to ship out to South Africa I will down to the post office to send her on her way. Photos and Story to follow once I have uploaded all the photos. William |
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bickybtrains Member
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The Travels of Matilda in the Festival City Of Stratford, Ontario, Canada Matilta the world wide wagon arrived in Canada on March 26/2010. Sam the ram wanted to see the country side around the railway empire of Sir William Top Hat Bickybtrains. AKA the Bickley Central Railway. Sam enjoyed the scenery so much he asked for refugee status with the authorities. Farmer Jack was dispatched immediately to see if Sam the ram could meet the stringent criteria of staying in Canada. But..........  We found out why he really wanted to stay. All those lonely sheep in the field near the branch line and not a ram in sight. Farmer Jack was angry about this and sent Sam on his way.  So they continued on their journey around the Bickley Central Railway. Over the viaduct they went Sam looking down upon the canal at the boats and Fred fishing. Onward they went past the coal mine, and villages and.......  then toward the scrap yard at Maryford. The trip was nearly over in a few hours they would be leaving this wonderful Countryside and be flying to another adventure.  Next stop South Africa William Bickley The Bickley Central Railway Last edited on Mon Apr 5th, 2010 09:11 pm by bickybtrains |
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Sol Former Member
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William. I can see the stories of Matilda & Winston becoming best sellers in the Model Rail World |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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And why not? Well done that man. |
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Petermac Admin
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Well done William - poor old Sam the Ram - he really felt at home in Canada and particularly with ewe !!!! |
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MikeC Former Member
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Petermac you should be lambasted for making such a joke Very nice, William! Mike |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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lambasted As should ewe Lamb basted with what, while we're on the subject? |
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SRman Member
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Uh oh! Don't start me on the puns! I don't want to ram the point home, but all of you should be feeling a bit sheepish for those jokes! Better hoof it while you have the chance, eh? No pulling the wool over our eyes here. |
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owen69 Former Member
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what a load of mint sauce,you deserve the shoulder,still i had better leg it before i get the chop. |
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ElDavo Former Member
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What a chump. Can't take any more of this so it's time to Teg it as I've had my Tuppence worth. Cheers Dave |
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AUSSIETRAINS Member
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Baa, humbug |
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Petermac Admin
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You all beat me to it - every single one I could think of !! Shall we heifer break from puns now ? |
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SRman Member
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OK, OK, stop beefing! (I warned you guys not to get me started on the puns!!) Last edited on Tue Apr 6th, 2010 07:31 pm by SRman |
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AUSSIETRAINS Member
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What a load of Bull, neifer stop puns on this forum. |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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Enough of these RAMblings. |
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Petermac Admin
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That response was a bit clipped Rick !! Anyway, this thread seems to have sheared off target a bit..........................you're all spinning silly yarns about farm animals but we're supposed to be Waltzing with Matilda on here !!! |
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SRman Member
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It's not so easy to do puns on billabongs, jumbucks and coolabah trees! |
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Gwent Rail Former Member
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SRman wrote: It's not so easy to do puns on billabongs, jumbucks and coolabah trees! Just stick to hi-jacking threads in your usual manner, Jeff ! -- Please |
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John Dew Full Member
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I am glad to hear Sam the Ram is alive and well but what about Bob the Bull? I believe he smuggled himself aboard Matilda as well...........there was a complete security black out so I could not reveal this before........but now with no mention from either Sergio or William one can only wonder what happened in Argentina......those jokes about Corned Beef appear in rather bad taste (Well Bob is (was?) made from plastic. Worried in Vancouver |
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MikeC Former Member
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Oh noooo I hate to think what might happen to a lonely bull that's somewhere.. out there.. [waves arms about, knocks beer over] Did someone suggest he go to Spain? I hope he's ok. |
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phill Hello
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Tut we have alot of Bull everywhere on this Forum now until he is found . So do not be bullish and think of YMR, we need to pull together to find him. Phill |
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Petermac Admin
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Don't worry chaps - I think I got a confirmation from William that all was well in "Bob's World". I'll double check but I think all the livestock and bunting arrived back in Canada after Matilda's Europe/Argentina vacation. Afterall, Bob originated in Canada so there'd be no reason not to permit re-entry ......................unless he was already either "corned" or "schnitzelled"............. Spain is still a couple of stops off - she's on her way to South Africa at present (I hope !!) where she may well pick up the odd diamond, learn to play rugby and thaw out from the harsh Canadian climate. Then it's Spain !!!!! |
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bickybtrains Member
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I had a nice steak last night. Rather tough. Bob is safe he is with Sam on the way to South Africa. Everything has been posted. William |
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Les Member
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Petermac wrote: Don't worry chaps - I think I got a confirmation from William that all was well in "Bob's World". Hey Bob, there's a bull on its way. We must give it a warm Spanish welcome - your barby or mine? Les. |
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Petermac Admin
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Matilda is currently en route to South Africa - to Kaiser to be exact. The plan was to get a quick visit in to Don Bradley in Cape Town before she heads off for a quick stop with Les in Spain then off to catch up with Novice in UK in time for her trip to Liberia. Iceland may yet upset that arrangement. Talk about "leaves on the line" - I certainly hadn't allowed for volcanoes in my route planning !!!! With no airlines flying, it's back to the last century and parcels taking weeks to cross the globe |
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SRman Member
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You didn't allow for volcanoes?? What poor planning on your part, Peter!! Next time you should include volcanoes, fires, floods, glaciation, mudslides, landslips, rising sea levels and sun spots in your calculations! |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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Not to mention the scourge of the deep oceans ..... Pirates and Sue Narmy |
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Robert Legacy Member
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I think she is coming to you first Les and then shooting off somewhere else in the world before returning to me. At least I think that's the schedule. |
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Petermac Admin
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SRman wrote: You didn't allow for volcanoes?? What poor planning on your part, Peter!! Next time you should include volcanoes, fires, floods, glaciation, mudslides, landslips, rising sea levels and sun spots in your calculations! It was just the volcanoes I'd forgotten Jeff |
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Petermac Admin
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That's right Bob. She'll head to Les from South Africa - either before or after she visits Don Bradley (depending on timing) then she'll have to go to Novice ready for Liberia. I don't think there will be time for anyone else between Les and Bob(K). |
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AUSSIETRAINS Member
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Hi Peter, What,s the milage Matilda,s clocked up now ? Regards, John. |
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Petermac Admin
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She's still somewhere between Canada and South Africa John so I only have the mileage at Stratford, Ontario as per Post 390 on here : With Matilda having arrived in Stratford, Ontario (she obviously liked Canada so much, she had to return !!), the mileage currently reads: 38,317 miles (61,632 kms) I confess to be slighly concerned that she hasn't arrived as yet. I may be somewhat paranoid because she didn't leave Canada until April 8th and given all the mess-up over the volcano, I'm perhaps expecting too much. The possibility of losing her becomes ever more worrying as she gets closer to the end of the journey. I just hope the various carriers and postal organisations are aware of what a precious cargo they've been entrusted with. |
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AUSSIETRAINS Member
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Maybe we should go U Tube or even Face Book. Matilda and Winston would become Cyber Celebs. |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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Peter - two weeks by air from Canada to Africa does sound as though it's on the slow side although I'm not sure of the exact transit arrangements. Has she come back through the UK? In which case there are said to be substantial delays to international mail at present. Though some items are getting through in the normal time that is not true of all mail. But I might nonetheless be making enquiries at this stage just to get things moving. It is also possible that the package has been sent surface mail for some reason. These things happen. |
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Petermac Admin
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If it went surface mail Rick, we'll be lucky if it makes the next show never mind this one !!! I'm going to do some checking. I hope there's a tracking system attached to it. If it went "normal" post and not "Recorded Delivery" then I might have some problems !! There's also the question of the Customs Declaration - I hope that was completed when it was posted !!!! |
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AUSSIETRAINS Member
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Might have to start looking for Matilda,s double Pete. Most other famous people have one. Last edited on Sat Apr 24th, 2010 04:55 pm by AUSSIETRAINS |
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rector Fumbling around.
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To say nothing of Sam the Ram! Fast shipping is expensive (it cost me $38 to get Matilda to Canada from New York at a fast rate, and that's almost as expensive as the calculated m.p.g) s I guess we have to be patient. |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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Shipping costs vary enormously around the World. But on the whole, and based on the costs asked by retailers and eBay members, it seems that US postal charges are among the most expensive. Although I didn't mail Matilda - she got a lift with Max - a package of that size and weight from here to the US, for example, would cost around $10 - $15 airmail. The same item coming back would be almost twice that as Tim suggests. |
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Petermac Admin
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I do hope I'm just being paranoid about it but I do like to know EXACTLY what's going on - these wagons have become very personal !!! It's now 17 days since Matilda was posted - that's 11 working days but I don't think aircraft stop on Saturdays and Sundays Additionally, this is the "tight" time schedule with a couple of "windows" to catch.We've been lucky up to now with international postage. This is the longest she's gone AWOL and it would be an awful blow to lose her at this stage of the game. |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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Aircraft don't stop but the national postal carriers often do. It is noticeable here that international mail often arrives on a Tuesday and sometimes in batches. This suggests that mail is airfreighted to us on about a weekly basis and broken down, sorted and delivered as soon as it has cleared formalities but not on weekends. I have had packages mailed from Camborne and Liverpool a week apart arrive on the same day for example. The one from Camborne was much quicker. |
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Petermac Admin
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Gwiwer wrote: ...................................................................... I have had packages mailed from Camborne and Liverpool a week apart arrive on the same day for example. The one from Camborne was much quicker. That's 'cos it's nearer Rick |
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bickybtrains Member
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I sent Matilda via Air Parcel, Insured, and it cost nearly $65.00 The info I have because she has a tracking number is this 2010/04/19 11:10 International item released from Customs to Foreign Postal Administration 2010/04/17 08:55 International item arrived in destination country 2010/04/14 12:45 International shipment has arrived in the destination country 2010/04/10 12:12 International item has left Canada 2010/04/08 13:44 STRATFORD Item accepted at the Post Office So she did get to SA. William Last edited on Sun Apr 25th, 2010 02:16 pm by bickybtrains |
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Petermac Admin
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William, you have absolutely no idea what a difference that post has made to my feeling of well-being. What a relief - it seems she ought to arrive within a day or two now. I was becvoming seriously worried that she might have "escaped" under an Icelandic smoke screen !!!! Without looking on the currency calculator kindly provided by Bob, what's a Canadian dollar worth ? That seems a hefty postage bill. I'm now going to sit and have a small slurp to celebrate her safe traverse of the Atlantic. |
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henryparrot Former Member
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Peter According to Bobs currency converter $65 canadian dollars is £42 British pounds Geez thats a lot of money to send 1 little wagon Brian |
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Petermac Admin
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You've just made me spill my glass Brian £42 sterling ? Wow - that's some stamps !!! Someone earlier on in the "voyage" suggested it might be interesting to see how much "added value" she's carrying with all the postage costs. I might just think about doing that. Tim paid about £16 from the States to Canada and I seem to remember a hefty bill for Marty from Perth. I can't remember what John paid to get her out of Canada after her first visit but I seem to recall that wasn't cheap either. You guys in UK with your "first class stamp and an iced lolly please" don't know you're born !!! |
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bickybtrains Member
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I nearly died when sh told me how much it was going to cost. Recorded mail, with insurance and tracking is always expensive, I could have got it cheaper, by going surface mail but I didnt want to take the risk. William |
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Petermac Admin
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bickybtrains wrote: I nearly died when sh told me how much it was going to cost............................................................... I think I would have died William I wonder if Canada is particularly expensive or if it's because it's being tracked or what. I suspect courrier service wouldn't have been much more expensive. |
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MaxSouthOz Admin
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I wouldn't worry just yet. Last year I bought a loco from Canada. The guy sent it air mail, but it took about 3 weeks to get here. I had registered the failure to deliver with ebay (who were very helpful), it was taking so long. It got here in the end. |
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MaxSouthOz Admin
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Admittedly I went to Melbourne to see Rick to cheer him up when he was ill, but the train ride was about A$300, airline tickets back about the same, taxis around Melbourne about A$200. Accomodation, say A$200. Then there was the run around Ian, Sol and Craig and a bit of postage to the next stop, which I think was John? - call it another A$100, say. Sh * * t! I think I need a lie down . . . . . . I'm back now. Add that lot in, Peter. |
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Petermac Admin
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Yes Max - it mounts up to a considerable sum. Could we also add in the air fare from Vienna to Argentina when Sergio took her back with him ? Maybe not as he was going anyway and she just "hitched a lift". |
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MaxSouthOz Admin
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No, no, Peter. Add it in. All's fair in love and modelling. |
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Petermac Admin
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At last - relief. I've just been informed by Kaiser that Matilda has finally arrived. Phew !!!!!!!!! |
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Janner Former Member
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Petermac wrote: At last - relief. I've just been informed by Kaiser that Matilda has finally arrived. Phew !!!!!!!!! Thank goodness for that - good news |
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phill Hello
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That entitles you to a lareg glass or 6 of a nice red, Phill |
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Petermac Admin
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phill wrote: That entitles you to a lareg glass or 6 of a nice red, I've jerst hadded some - 'twas quait gud !!!! |
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henryparrot Former Member
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Now Peter to celebrate Matilda arriving safely really you should have a full 48hrs of no wine at all Brian |
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Les Member
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If that's how you celebrate in Cornwall Brian, I'm staying in Spain!!!. Les |
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Petermac Admin
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No Les - we'll go but we'll just have to keep all the wine for ourselves !!! |
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rector Fumbling around.
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Petermac wrote:No Les - we'll go but we'll just have to keep all the wine for ourselves !!! I'll carry the bagsh... (Hic!) |
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owen69 Former Member
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oh boy, now we have the three "wine " men !! what next? |
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SRman Member
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And I thought Cornish people knew how to celebrate, what with all their criminal tendencies, smugglers' heritage, and all that!! Last edited on Tue Apr 27th, 2010 05:41 am by SRman |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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SRman wrote:And I thought Cornish people knew how to celebrate, what with all their criminal tendencies, smugglers' heritage, and all that!! We also know how to keep those cellar-brations quiet so as not to alert the Revenue Men |
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Petermac Admin
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SRman wrote: And I thought Cornish people knew how to celebrate, what with all their criminal tendencies, smugglers' heritage, and all that!! That's ripe coming from an Aussie Jeff !!! |
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Petermac Admin
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You might have guessed I'm short of spare time at present and falling behind with my duties - sorry chaps !!! With Matilda having arrived "Chez Kaiser" in Johannesburg, the new mileage tally is: 46,691 miles 75,099 kms |
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Kaiser Member 
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Well, Matilda arrived at last. I don't think SA Customs could believe the price of the postage from Canada ($66 - wow!) so they took that as the value of the goods & charged me VAT & clearance on that! Avaricious bastards. Anyway, here's M. arriving with the afternoon local:  Cow & sheep will have to stay on board, as although the site has been cleared, the cattle dock has yet to be built. She was soon waylaid by those Lubricious South Western Rascals. Here they pause by the maintenance crew, who are not at all phased by the strange wagon, as those Southern guys are capable of anything:  Eventually, M. is reclaimed. Here she is being marshalled into the next train to leave Easewood:   M. will be off to her next port of call on the 3rd May, but just to prove she was here:  Safe journey Matilda! Cheers Mal Last edited on Sat May 1st, 2010 10:16 am by Kaiser |
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Kaiser Member
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Well I see Robert's gremlins still don't like me, as all the photos & text I've spent the last hour downloading have gone, except for the first line. All appeared fine before I sent it! |
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Kaiser Member
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Well, I've just edited my post & re-inserted everything & this time it seems OK. Happens every time with me. Robert's little buggers obviously don't like colonial ex-pats! |
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henryparrot Former Member
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Great set of photo`s Mal looks like Matilda had a great time and nobody has eaten Sam the Ram Well done Brian |
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Petermac Admin
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Kaiser wrote: Well, I've just edited my post & re-inserted everything & this time it seems OK. Happens every time with me. Robert's little buggers obviously don't like colonial ex-pats! Some great pics there Mal. How come we haven't seen more of your layout ? It looks ecellent on those shots. Why not give Bob's little gremlins something to do and upload some more. I do like the looks of that station building. Don't forget to pack your flag in with the rest when you send her off to Cape Town. With all the postages added up, never mind the most travelled wagon in the world, she must be the most expensive !!! Never mind - as it's Max's wagon, he'll be picking up the tab........... |
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owen69 Former Member
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News flash,-- australian modeller gone walkabout, search parties have been alerted and are on stand by. |
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Petermac Admin
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owen69 wrote: News flash,-- australian modeller gone walkabout, search parties have been alerted |
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Janner Former Member
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Great photos Kaiser |
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Marty Enjoying the Journey
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Nice work, good to see her still getting about. Like the layout, more would be good when you have the time. cheers |
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ddolfelin Straight man to the stars. 
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$66 !!!!!! ??????? Did he send the whole layout? Good pics., Mal. An early Christmas post: That cattle dock looks very good. |
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Robert Legacy Member
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Hi Mal, when you put pictures in a post try clicking the Preview button first and if they are OK in the Preview then all should be well. |
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Petermac Admin
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Don Bradley has just informed me that Matilda is resting in a Cape Town Post Office tonight awaiting collection. We've got some pretty tight timings to meet this month but both Mal and Don are doing all within their power to help us meet the schedule. Once Don has confirmed that he is indeed grasping Matrilda in his arms, I'll post a mileage update. On 4th edit - I might as well tell you I've had a couple of glasses of red grape water and this is the 4th time I've had to correct typos on this small post !!!! I'm going to have another and blow the consequences !!! |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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Have another, and why not? And with the power of Moderator status you can erase the little line below your post which tells us it was edited. Mere mortals don't have that option Personally - as it's only 8.45am here - I'm off to top up the coffee mug assured once again that Matilda is in safe hands. |
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rector Fumbling around.
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Enjoyed those, Mal |
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Petermac Admin
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Petermac wrote: Don Bradley has just informed me that Matilda is resting in a Cape Town Post Office tonight awaiting collection. And even then I didn't get it right - but you didn't notice Rick !!!! Must have been good coffee |
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ddolfelin Straight man to the stars.
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Don has collected Matilda. |
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Bob K Member
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Hi all Just to let you know that I am on track to return to UK on 14 May and will be home until 3 June (ash clouds permitting). Matilda will travel back to Liberia with me and will spend a few hours in Morocco, arriving in Monrovia on 4 June. Once I have taken some pictures I will then find someone to courier her to a country as near as possible to her next destination that has a post office, for onward movement to the next member in the chain. Well that's the plan anyway!! Bob(K) |
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Petermac Admin
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This is getting exciting. Clandestine visits to countries "near" her next destination for onward shipment It's sounding like the old WW2 escape routes..........."Matilda is out there somewhere" !! Matilda has unfortunately, been wounded during her voyage. I'll check but I think she was injured sometime between Canada and South Africa. Apparently, a bogie has come off. Don is sending me a photo of the damage - she won't run but does sit on the bogie for static shots. He thinks repairs may be possible but, because of tight timings, not until she reaches Cornwall. |
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Petermac Admin
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Just confirmed that the damage occured between Canada and South Africa. Given that she was impounded on entry to S.A. and Mal had to pay a King's ransome for her release, I suspect the S.A. authorities might have been a little rough on the poor girl !!! |
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Bob K Member
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Petermac wrote: Just confirmed that the damage occured between Canada and South Africa. Last edited on Fri Nov 4th, 2011 02:20 pm by Bob K |
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Petermac Admin
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Keep her presence quiet Bob. |
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MikeC Former Member
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"The biggest danger in Liberia is that the chassis and bogies will be stolen and sold for their scrap value" Love the photos, Mal. Your layout definitely warrants further investigation! Mike |
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DonBradley Member
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It was a 26 hour journey from Jo'burg to Cape Town but at last we reached the mountain barrier leading to Cape Town. I was priveledged to be hauled by a preserved SAR Class 15F 4-8-2 leading South Africa's Blue Train. On arrival I was shunted next to a cattle dock to give Sam a breath of fresh air and a feed. This time the motive power was a vintage 1890's Class 8X 2-8-0.  whilst I was shunted into a nice warm Goods shed where I spent the night  Next day I was taken on a trip around the town, past the railway workers cottages  Of course, we had to visit the local hostelry  Next day I was fetched from the station by a private Sheltam Grindrod Class 34 Co-Co diesel in it's very pretty colour scheme to depart to further distant shores' Good Bye Cape Town Minor duplications corrected by Sol Attachment: station.jpg (Downloaded 63 times) Last edited on Thu May 6th, 2010 03:18 am by DonBradley |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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Good to see Matilda (and her cargo!) in safe hands once again Don. And also good to catch a glimpse of a layout we don't see a lot of. Many thanks. Now it's over to our resident wine-taster for the latest in mileage Last edited on Thu May 6th, 2010 02:25 am by |
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ddolfelin Straight man to the stars.
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Some interesting locos there, Don. |
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owen69 Former Member
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nice loco`s and the blue train looks good,so more pics please,I think we could be in for a treat... |
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MikeC Former Member
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Good photos, Don. I can see it's just the facade, but I love the look of the pub! Mike |
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DonBradley Member
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It's not actually just a facade. The angle was just unfortunate. It's a card model of a triangular building standing at the entrance of Cape Town's waterfront. |
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Petermac Admin
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With Matilda now on her way (or about to be) to Les in Spain, the mileage covered so far is: 47,477 miles 76,364 kms |
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John Dew Full Member
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henryparrot wrote: Peter I am slow catching up on this thread (well all threads actually) because we have been away for 2 weeks on our own travels......sailing some 150 miles south to Seattle and then back again...........the parties were great.... the journey less so .....Rain and 30-40 mph on the nose going down and.....you guessed it .....30 -45 mph from the North coming back Unlike Matilda we didnt lose any bogies or similar but it was still one of those trips when you say to yourself "Why am I doing this? Enough whining..........William would seem to have paid the going rate it cost me $67 CAN to send Matilda to Vienna and I guess the distances would be fairly close because we are on the West Coast. Great to see Matilda travelling again Kind regards from Vancouver where the sun is out and, naturally, the wind has eased to a balmy 10 knots |
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Petermac Admin
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Glad to hear you're back from your voyage John and sorry it was so uncomfortable !! I used to sail off the west coast of Scotland and we had a few "interesting" trips there too when we asked why we insisted on spending a week being cold, wet and "lumpy" !!! Then, when we were sometimes becalmed in blistering sunshine and dazzling glare, feeding ourselves from the sea - fish caught, cooked, eaten and bones back in the sea within the hour, and watching the huge basking sharks drifting around on the currents, we remembered !!!! I was going to wait until nearer the end of Matilda's voyage before I said anything but I might as well make an interim comment. Personally, as "Wagon Master" and regardless of the huge fun the forum has had following Matilda's journey, I would like to say a huge thank you to those who have taken out mortgages to keep Matilda on schedule. When the idea became reality, I'm sure none of us had anticipated the sort of costs involved in sending Matilda around the world. I can't speak for the Boss but I'm sure he will also appreciate your efforts and expenditure !!! Don Bradley has just informed me that he has sent Matilda off to Spain today also at vast expense. She should arrive in 3 to 4 days. |
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AUSSIETRAINS Member
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Good to see Matilda is enjoying herself. From some of the posts regarding post costs I,m glad I only had to get her from one side of Australia to the other at the infintesimal cost of $7.50. Regards, John. |
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MikeC Former Member
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Don thanks for the pub photo. Lovely! Mike |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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One thing which has become clear to us all is the vastly different rates applicable in the different countries of the World for shipping such items. Cost can of course depend on the level of service chosen but - for example - a package to send Matilda from Australia to most other parts of the World by regular air mail would be around $20 - $30 Australian. Todays rates show $1 Aussie to be worth 93 Canadian cents 6.88 South African Rand and 59p Sterling. Which suggests that the mail services of some other countries are not as cheap as the Australian or British systems. I will echo Petermac's comments; I have enjoyed playing my part in Matilda's travels and still have the special headboard from her trip here proudly fixed to the NR-class loco which hauled her. I have enjoyed following the stories and been astounded at the inventiveness of our members. Here's to the rest of her trip to Camborne. Last edited on Thu May 6th, 2010 07:08 pm by |
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bickybtrains Member
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I use to sell and buy on ebay, what stopped me was the cost involved. My understanding is postal rates are determined by treaties. Canada Post is expensive when you have recorded delivery and air mail combined. I could have sent Matilda by surface mail but with the times involved, air was the only way to go. . In regard to the damage to Matilda, it left Stratford in A one condition. I do recall she was damaged earlier. However I did have fun and the cost involved was of no consequence to me, I would do it again. William |
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AUSSIETRAINS Member
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So would we all William. Even my family got involved and regularly ask where Matilda is. Regards, John. |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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Had a phone call from the folks in the UK yesterday also enquiring as to Matilda's progress. Her fame has already travelled farther than she has and among those who have no known or specific interest in our hobby. |
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John Dew Full Member
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bickybtrains wrote: In regard to the damage to Matilda, it left Stratford in A one condition. I do recall she was damaged earlier. It wasnt when she was practising the ski jump.......her landings were perfect......honest m'lud! However I did have fun and the cost involved was of no consequence to me, I would do it again. Likewise Regards |
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Petermac Admin
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I wasn't pointing fingers at anyone gents !!! I was aware that some damage had appeared at some stage before she arrived with William - I think Sergio reported it and in any case, having seen the way post bags are handled at both airports and sorting offices, I'm surprised anything ever arrives in one piece !! Given the distances Matilda has travelled, we've got off lightly up to now. The damage certainly doesn't look terminal and my reason for mentioning it was to let those yet to host her know that a "run" wasn't actually possible so she would have to be photographed as a "static exhibit". Not that that matters one jot unless someone had a video in mind. In addition, it saves everyone the trouble of telling me she's damaged. If I get time, I might tot up the postal costs involved so I can publish the figure at the show. Maybe you'd all be kind enough to PM me with your figure - if you can remember it. I'm sure it would be interesting to both the forum and the visiting public. |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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No cost to myself Peter as she arrived and left with Max |
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Petermac Admin
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Thanks Rick - lucky old you !!!! Maybe you could send a cheque in lieu to those who helped pay off their respective National Debts |
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sviaggio Member
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Hi, lads" At one point, Matilda lost a bogey (as shown in one of the pictures, and that is when I myself noticed it), but I put it back. It left Buenos Aires intact and packed as cozily as it had arrived in Vienna. That is as far as I can vouch. But, indeed, after so many avatars it would be a miracle if there were no mischances. sergio |
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Les Member
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IS SHE HERE ON THE COSTA BLANCA???? Having just walked the dogs and passed my post box, I looked in and there was a notification to collect from the post office a parcel from South Africa. Now I have two cousins plus two ex girlfriends living in South Africa so on the assumption (well founded) that none of them would send me anything I am hoping it's our dear Matilda. I will be down there as soon as I can tomorrow but I am optimistic - Yippee! Watch this space! Les |
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Robert Legacy Member
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he weather is improving Les so perhaps Matilda is bringing the good stuff with her. We could shure do with it. |
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Petermac Admin
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Fingers crossed Les - you never know, one of your ex girlfriends might have sent you a box of chocolates |
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SRman Member
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Petermac wrote: Fingers crossed Les - you never know, one of your ex girlfriends might have sent you a box of chocolates ... but watch out for that tincture of arsenic in the filling! It's good that Matilda is getting back on track (ooohhh - sorry, that wasn't intended as a pun but it is a rather good bad one!). A few more Spanish outings, then where next? France? Last edited on Wed May 19th, 2010 04:34 am by SRman |
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Robert Legacy Member
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Just had a call from Les and it's Matilda OK. |
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Les Member
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Well folks she is HERE. Quite a bit of damage to the outer packaging - see photo and there is a rattle coming from inside. I need to get to Alicante airport right now and as I pass Benidorm, Robert, Peter and I are just trying to work out what the next stage is in view of increasing chance of damage. After this I am taking her to the UK for onward transmission with Bob (K) to Liberia. More news soon.  Les |
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Petermac Admin
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That's great news Les - looks like it's only the paper wrapper that's torn - the box looks very sturdy and I suspect Don Bradley made a good job of packing her. The rattle could be either the loose bogie or even the menagerie insode - Bob the Bull and Sam the Ram !!! We'll await further news when you get back from the airport. In the meantime, I've PM'd you regarding future destinations. |
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Les Member
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I can confirm that Don did a brilliant job of packing her. The fact that the inner box looks completely in tact after the transport people have made such a mess of the outside is testament to his method. I'll open her, probably tomorrow now. Les |
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Petermac Admin
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Now that Matilda has rattled her way from Cape Town to nr Valencia, Spain, she's clocked up an amazing: 52,217 miles 84,759 kms. She still has quite a few to go...................................... Any guesses on the final total ? |
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Robert Legacy Member
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Do you think we might make the 100,000 Peter? |
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Petermac Admin
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OK - that's Bob's guess. Any more ? |
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phill Hello
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i shall go for lets see , its got to go there and then over there and back then it go,s to there again, so i reckon 125,054 miles That is my correct milage Phill |
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John Dew Full Member
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A wild guess not knowing the the mileage to Liberia and return........but 100,000 (kilometres I assume!) seems a little high despite wandering through the highways and by ways of France 92,000 is my estimate Regards from Vancouver |
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henryparrot Former Member
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Now Matilda is with Les she will become intoxicated as he will be pouring San Miguel all over her Brian |
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Petermac Admin
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I presume you mean kilometres Phill - if it's miles, she's already gone from Australia to the States, then Vienna, Argentina, Canada (twice), South Africa and now Spain. To clock up that mileage, she'll have to shuttle somewhat !!!! Come on guys - there might be a prize for the closest !!!!! |
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Les Member
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Think again Brian, I can assure you never a drop is spilled between the glass and my lips. Just sitting having a glass in the evening sun after picking Pat up at the airport when I suddenly realised I could open the box. This therefore is just a quick note to say that I have done that and Matilda looks fine. The rattle was only the lead weight that is on the inside of Matilda to give her a little ballast. There is no other damage other than the bogie that we already know about. Full marks to Don for his packing. I must also say it really is impressive to see the list of layouts she has appeared on, and all the little add ons which have become famous in a way i.e. the bull, the sheep, the flags etc. What a wonderful idea this is - makes me feel all fraternal. Whoops my beer is getting warm so I'll sign off now and post more with a picture when I can. Les |
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Petermac Admin
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Great news Les - looking forward to seeing how she copes with the heat of Spain !! |
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rector Fumbling around.
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When the photos are published I will toast Matilda with sangria (own special recipe) |
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John Dew Full Member
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I am not sure if Sam the Ram would like being described as a mere sheep.......Bob the Bull may well be equally unhappy...........incidentally while preparing for the Olympics they were not allowed beer but did enjoy the occasional glass (or tea spoon) of British Columbia Pinot Gris |
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Petermac Admin
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Don't worry John - they'll certainly make up for it when they hit the Appellation Bordeaux !!! They'll be thirsty by then after Spain and Liberia (and the French never win the Olympics anyway so it won't matter) |
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Les Member
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It's an important day down at Devon Junction, Spain, with the arrival of a very special international express. This shot shows Matilda being welcomed along with Bob the Bull (who's quite nervous about being in Spain) and Sam the Ram.  Tonight there will be muchas fiestas with Sangria and San Miguel but as Matilda is here for nearly ten days she will take herself to a pleasant little siding by the pool for a very well earned rest. I just hope there are no Spanish Romeo's around - Winston would be very upset. Hasta la vista amigos. Les |
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Les Member
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Oh and she's just asked me if her Uncle Tim in Wainscott could send the recipe for his home-made Sangria. Honest! Les |
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John Dew Full Member
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Great Shot Les....................but we have a mystery.......when Bob the Bull left Canada (well Vancouver) he looked like this The cow emerging from Matilda in your photo is not the same animal Clearly there is a dastardly plot to confuse the UK immigration officials...................When will it end one asks........will Sam the Ram remain pure as the driven snow..................or ? |
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phill Hello
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Petermac wrote: I presume you mean kilometres Phill - if it's miles, she's already gone from Australia to the States, then Vienna, Argentina, Canada (twice), South Africa and now Spain. To clock up that mileage, she'll have to shuttle somewhat !!!! Yes its KM Peter, my mistake your fault Phill |
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Petermac Admin
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John - you're dead right !!! I hadn't noticed Ok you guys - who's switched the bull - compared with Bob, the current one looks more like a pantomime cow !!!! Someone between the Olympic success and the bull fighting ring has introduced some new bloodstock !!! Maybe it was the fear of Spain's reputation when it comes to bulls or the desire to cross their miserable "vache" with an Olympic star but let's try to track him down. I'm off to get my deer-stalker on and do some elementary Sherlock Holmes work !! |
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John Dew Full Member
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John Dew wrote: Matilda at the Winter Olympics A pantomime cow............shurely not!!! |
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Les Member
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This gets worse - my picture above has been stolen and replaced by a red cross!!!!!! Les |
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Petermac Admin
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Watson, ................Watson - this is getting serious !! Are you sure that wagon is "Matilda" and not "Moriarty" ? First it's bulls............or cows, now it seems some dodgy photos have gone astray. Has Inspector Lustrade been round yet ? |
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Les Member
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Mon dieux MacClueso the picture is back - it must be a forgery! Now that our French detective is on the case here is a close up of the imposter Bob ze Bull, walking along Matilda's roof, to aid the investigation.  Very close inspection will reveal differences. So Inspector MacClueso are you going to begin in Canada? Les |
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phill Hello
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could be or have been used on a barbi somewhere. The said person could then feel guilty about it and replaced it but in the confusion bought the now new one but forgot in the hase of guilt the colour was wrong wuntil it went in the post, oops to late now. Phill |
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Petermac Admin
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The Travels of Matilda in the Festival City Of Stratford, Ontario, Canada .............................................................................. This shot from William clearly shows the current "imposter" so Bob the Bull had been kidnapped sometime before Matilda's second visit to Canada. |
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Gwiwer Former Member
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"Iain the Imposter" also appears to have fluffy feet. Perhaps Petermac Holmes could track (pun intended ) down the layout with matching scenery. Last edited on Thu May 20th, 2010 08:58 pm by |
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Petermac Admin
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You can pick up a bit of fluff anywhere Rick so that's not the key. She's visited several layouts since the Olympics and the switch was made on one of those visits. I'm on the case |
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sviaggio Member
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Hi, lads! I am told I am the main suspect of bull switching, which makes some sense: I did take a few pcitures of Matilda on my layout and my layout has lots of livestock grazing on it. I never took the creatures out of Matilda for fear of losing them and, not being much interested in non-human freight, never really took a look at them. I have been racking and wrecking my brains trying to come up with a possible answer. I cannot really tell, now, whether what I have begun to remember is really a memory or a fancy. But I can faintly recall that, at one point, I spotted that Matilda was empty, looked around, saw "a" ram and "a" bull close by, assumed they were they, út them back in before packing the old girl, and never gave it another thought. I have now rigurously cross-examined all my cattle, and have found nobody knows anything. So my next guess is that -if indeed he went on the lam in the Pampas- Bob was -and, I hope, still is- in hiding somewhere in that room. The room has since been shelter to a few guests and vacuumed repeatedly in my absence: ten days in Brazil in April, four days in BA and off to and away to Vienna-Minsk-Vienna-Warsaw-Vienna, whence I only got back yesterday. Not long ago my wife presented me with a vacuum device specially designed for clumsy modellers: it lets you check everything that´s being sucked in. I have been to lazy to use it, but now I'll make the point to learn. I will set about meticulously to comb the room (a daunting task, since it is a real mess and everybody and their aunt seems to feel at liberty to stack useles stuff in every nook and cranny under the layout and the bed). If Bob was ever there and still is, he'l show up whether he fancies it or not. I have now a picture of the runaway and know exactly whom I am looking for. I am also hoping to find a few screws and God knows what other troves in the process. If I cannot find it, I do hope there is at least on back-up suspect. But before expressing any unbound embarrassment, let me give it a gruesome try. sergio Last edited on Sun May 23rd, 2010 10:09 am by sviaggio |
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Petermac Admin
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Hmmmm !!! Argentina is famed for it's beef - maybe Bob is, as I write this, basking in glory close to Fray Bentos watching his offspring being carefully corned !!! Alas Sergio, in my "Mr Holmes" guise, I can think of no better suspect. The photos taken on "Bickley Central" immediately after Matilda's exploits in B.A. confirm that the current imposter was indeed the bull delivered to Stratford !! Either he's hiding under the bed in your railway room or has taken a fancy to your maid and run off with her. Whatever, it's clear he didn't want to leave Argentina !!!! Perhaps he's sitting in a corner drinking yerba mate at this very moment !!! |
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John Dew Full Member
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These jokes about the fate of poor Bob (Mark 1) are getting a little corny Surely its time we canned them |
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Petermac Admin
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MaxSouthOz Admin
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Don't heiffer say anything like that on here, John. |
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rector Fumbling around.
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I veal that this is a load of bull ! Bob might angus |
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MikeC Former Member
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One place to look would be any rollingstock with silver sides or thick ribs |
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Gwent Rail Former Member
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Well gentlemen, I thought I'd heard the last of this type of joke!! Sergio is obviously rambarrassed at our investigations, but I don't think anyone should give him a (cow) pat on the head yet. As for the reply that mentioned not heiffer saying that - I think you were milking it a little there, Max. |
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John Dew Full Member
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OK I herd you I guess I should steer clear of the subject |
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MaxSouthOz Admin
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Sorry about the Herreford mentioned references; I was on the horns of a Dell Lemmer. It's all getting a bit cheesy - I hope no one's lactose intolerant! |
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rector Fumbling around.
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Gentlemen - time to mooooove on. |
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SRman Member
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Well, someone should take the bull by the horns and investigate the ring-in thoroughly. I know it'll be a cow of a job but it just has to be done! |
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Petermac Admin
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Well I give up - I can only graze on these comments in awe knowing that ewe all think I'm woolly brained. At the same time, I haven't noticed many of you flocking to help me track down the culprit - and believe me, it's a pig of a job, but then it may be that you don't want to hog the thread. |
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AUSSIETRAINS Member
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Maybe Sam the Rams pulling the wool over everyones eyes and we carn,t see the bull for the wool. |
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Les Member
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I need a drink. So what do we call the new bovine then? Les |
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Petermac Admin
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Do you think "Serg" is a suitable name Les ? |
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Ken Member
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Petermac wrote: Well I give up - I can only graze on these comments in awe knowing that ewe all think I'm woolly brained. At the same time, I haven't noticed many of you flocking to help me track down the culprit - and believe me, it's a pig of a job, but then it may be that you don't want to hog the thread. I suppose you don't write books under the name of George Orwell? Ken |
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Petermac Admin
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I used to Ken but stopped in the mid eighties. |
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Les Member
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Any more of this and I'll be taking the road to Wigan Pier. Re the name Peter, I'll vote for Serg or rather Sergio. Serg the bull sounds a bit like an imperative! Les |
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Ken Member
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Petermac wrote: I used to Ken but stopped in the mid eighties. I didn't think you were that old Peter! Ken. |
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Petermac Admin
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Les wrote: Any more of this and I'll be taking the road to Wigan Pier. Sorry Les - a typo - should have been "Serge" with an "e" - sort of softens it. All those in favour, say "aye"........................................ |
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rector Fumbling around.
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Neigh! Oops - sorry, wrong animal. AYE! |
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SRman Member
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Aye!!!! (Sorry Sergio!). Petermac wrote:I used to Ken but stopped in the mid eighties. 1984, to be precise???? Last edited on Mon May 24th, 2010 11:05 pm by SRman |
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sviaggio Member
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MEA MAXIMA CULPA! Sorry, lads! It is now five o'clock in the morning and I have just had a last go at combing my room. Bob has gone definitely AWOL. I feel really awful! sergio |
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Les Member
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I wouldn't worry about it Sergio. To commemorate the occasion it looks like you have donated most of your first name to Bob's replacement and unless anyone comes up with a counter proposal, from now on it will be Serge the Bull who will accompany Sam and Matilda on their travels. They leave on Monday crossing the Bay of Biscay for the UK. On Tuesday the ship will dock at Plymouth before going up the Channel to Portsmouth, so Matilda's first glimpse of Blighty should actually be, where else, but Cornwall. She's fully expecting Rame Head to be bedecked with bunting and a silver band playing the Floral Dance whilst thousands of people line Cawsand and Kingsand shores to welcome her. I know we can count on our Cornish brethren to organise this. Les |
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sviaggio Member
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Love of the flesh in its many guises that I am, I feel honoured to have a bull named after me! sergio |
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Petermac Admin
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SRman wrote: Aye!!!! (Sorry Sergio!). How did you guess ? |
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Les Member
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