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Post by steamcoal on Dec 31, 2018 7:13:44 GMT
Hello All. As this year comes to is conclusion and with the variety of topics on the table, global warming, Brexit and that man Trump amongst others, in the secluded sanctuary of a grassy field in Southern New Zealand, occupied with a length of raised track and a billy of tea bewing, we have time to ponder the delights of this hobby. All these worldly problems seem forgotten as LBSC's Virginia puffs and chuffs up the gentle incline toward the terminius some 300 feet younder, followed by curious spectators wondering what is going on. The usual questions, how much, how fast and where did you buy it Mr are answered in a considered manner given the assembled audience. We pause to answer questions before we move off, knowing fore well that little Virginia does not like being held up, there is coal to be burnt and steam to be made before my friend takes his turn, and I replenish my tank with tea and a Hobnob. Its an enjoyable hobby but we reflect on what will come of the next year, drought, floods, cheaper petrol, a trip to the UK or just more free time to have a steam up.We also ask ourselves what about the future of the hobby, for us it will not change much but what do we do to encourage others, to join us on those summer evenings in the field, maybe nothing we can do. So as a final parting piece from 2018 I thought I would post these two images to ponder in the comming days.The first is from a 1967 cover of the M.E and the later taken at our place of work without prompt with my brothers blended family, credit to M.E and a little creative license from me but i think you get the picture. I will leave you to make judgement on each as we look forward to 2019 and beyond. Happy New Year to you all from the New Zealand Model Engineers. Hayden
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Post by delaplume on Dec 31, 2018 8:33:54 GMT
Hi Hayden and thanks for the two photos.......It would seem that we're moving swiftly into a world of "Big thumbed" people who expect results "at a clik"
But.........we still have our Hobby to see us "Auld scroats" through another 12 months....
If you do manage to get to the UK I'd be happy to host you and yours to a day's visit to my own club at Oswestry, North Shropshire...We are quite close to the Welsh border where some villages have only just had gas lighting installed !!...........Next it's E--Lec--Trickery I'm told..
Happy New Year
Alan & Joyce...
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mbrown
Elder Statesman
Posts: 1,713
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Post by mbrown on Dec 31, 2018 9:36:00 GMT
That's a lovely looking Virginia you have there - an interesting blend of LBSC's "old time" and "modernised" versions. And the look of concentration on All the faces in the pictures is just the same!
Here's hoping for a New Year that exceeds our anxieties and expectations....
Malcolm
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Post by steamcoal on Dec 31, 2018 10:20:55 GMT
Dear Malcolm.
Both the Virginia and the Minnie featured in my contrived M.E are by the same builder, a Mr Laurie Speeden. The Virginia was built by him before he got married and features Walchert gear which is obviously of his own design. It runs superbly and is a real Bobby Dazler and runs notched up with three passengers.
The story is that this loco was for sale and I just missed out purchasing it but unbeknown to me it was bought locally and I have the pleasure of driving it on behalf of the owner who is not so steam averse as I. The son of the builder ( Mr Speedon Junior)is now a member of our local club and owns the Minnie and a LBSC Stanley Steam Car his father built which is full operational today. Beside the Virginia Mr Speeden built a 3.5" Britannia, 4" freelance traction engine and a Stuart compound marine engine, also while owning a full size Burrell. He was a compatriot of Mr J.O.S Miller who writes for the Model Engineering Workshop, who lived in the house behind me in times gone by. Its a small model engineering world.
Anyway from the mordernised old timer like me, Happy New Year
Hayden
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Post by 4fbuilder on Jan 1, 2019 10:52:50 GMT
Hi Hayden,
Re As this year comes to is conclusion and with the variety of topics on the table, global warming, Brexit and that man Trump amongst others,don't worry, remember what Baldric always said in Black Adder goes forth, "Don't worry sir, I've got a plan"
Pretty well sums it up when left to politician's.
Regards,
Bob
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Post by steamcoal on Jan 1, 2019 11:21:39 GMT
Bob.
A cunning plan to furnish politicians pockets with back room deals, sweetners desguised by shell companies and swiss bank accounts. They just cannot help themselves.
If it came to the crunch they would be totally useless and would turn to engineers and proper professionals to get them out of the S#&t. Its no different anywhere around the world.
Could be an interesting year.
H B
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