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#1
N Gauge Discussion / Re: Took some stock to the clu...
Last post by Bealman - Today at 12:18:17 AM
Top stuff, Mick  :thumbsup:
#2
N Gauge Discussion / Re: Took some stock to the clu...
Last post by Newportnobby - Yesterday at 09:58:52 PM
Tonight's offering are LMS 10000 hauling plum & custard MK1s and a class 26 with a short rake of Thompson coaches (the class 26 deputised for a class 31 which turned out to have a split gear :*( )

LMS 10000 with plum & custard MK1s on Heatherley by Mick Hollyoake, on Flickr

Class 26 with Thompson coaches on Heatherley by Mick Hollyoake, on Flickr

#3
General Discussion / Re: An Eventful Christmas at T...
Last post by Chris in Prague - Yesterday at 05:59:01 PM
"Thank you, Sylvie. I can see how some of these roles are reflected in the 'Karadow', with members excelling as entertainers, artists, and creators, enriching our world with music, literature, poetry, and philosophy."

"Indeed, Eli, but the 'Karadow' is but a faint echo of Atlantis, where The Twelve played such a crucial role in cultural and intellectual life. Today, we uphold the roles of Poet, Musician, Artisan, Physician, Philosopher, and Guardian. Sadly, the roles of Farmer, Scientist, Magician, Architect, and Astronomer have faded through time, as the immense knowledge of The Twelve became fragmented and lost. Yet, the Historian's mantle has evolved into the Writer, a role my mother cherishes."

"So, would it be right to say, Sylvie, that today, your father is the preeminent Guardian and Mademoiselle Élise is the foremost Artisan?"

"Absolutely, Eli, while Jeremy, Giles, and their companions, Jim Tremayne, Phil Courtenay, Tom Carew, and Andy Tolverne, stand as our Guardians, and you, dear Eli, are, of course, one of our honoured artist Artisans", her friend affirmed with a hug. Upon hearing Giles' name, Eli felt a surprising thrill of excitement, a sensation that lingered as her friend spoke on.

"The Twelve were not just leaders but also pioneers in their respective fields, embodying Atlantean achievement and wisdom. Their collective contributions were the practical pillars upon which the utopian society of Atlantis stood. Their legacy was intended to guide future generations, inspiring them to continue the pursuit of knowledge, justice, and harmony with the natural world.

"But, instead, the Twelve became instrumental in spreading Atlantean culture and knowledge across the globe, influencing the development of civilisations long after their own fell. Their archetypal roles reflect universal aspects of human society that are still relevant today, reminding us of the timeless nature of these pursuits and the enduring quest for understanding and mastery over the world we inhabit."

"What was the relationship between the Queen Priestesses of Atlantis and the Twelve, Sylvie?"

"In Atlantis, the relationship between the Queen Priestesses and The Twelve was one of deep interdependence and respect. The Queen Priestesses, as the spiritual and ceremonial pillars of Atlantean society, relied on The Twelve for their expertise in their domains to maintain the balance and prosperity of their society.

"Each member of The Twelve had a unique connection with the Queen Priestesses: the Poet was the voice of the people, capturing the essence of Atlantean life and its spiritual depth, often through hymns and verses that the Queen Priestesses used in sacred rituals. The Physician worked closely with the Priestesses in healing ceremonies, combining medical knowledge with spiritual practices to holistically treat the citizens. The Farmer ensured that the Priestesses' blessings for bountiful harvests were realised through agricultural practices that aligned with celestial cycles. The Scientist was a valued advisor, helping to translate the Priestesses' visions into practical applications for the betterment of Atlantis. The Magician shared a mystical bond with the Priestesses, often aiding in the interpretation of omens and the casting of protective spells. The Architect designed temples and sacred spaces under the guidance of the Priestesses, ensuring that each structure reflected the divine order. The Astronomer aligned the Priestesses' calendar and ritual timings with their celestial observations, creating a harmonious link between the heavens and Atlantis. The Musician composed melodies for ceremonies led by the Priestesses, with music that echoed the harmony of the universe. The Philosopher engaged in profound dialogues with the Priestesses, pondering the nature of the divine and the moral fabric of Atlantean society. The Artisan crafted ritual objects and symbols of power for the Priestesses, infusing their work with beauty and sacredness. The Guardian served as the arm of the Priestesses, enforcing their decrees and protecting the sanctity of their spiritual work. The Historian preserved the Priestesses' teachings and the history of Atlantis, ensuring that their people's wisdom would endure through time.

"Together, the Queen Priestesses and The Twelve formed the cornerstone of Atlantean civilisation, their symbiotic relationship fostering an era of enlightenment and grandeur that, according to legend, was unparalleled in human history."
#4
N Gauge Discussion / Re: Show your Latest GB Loco a...
Last post by dannyboy - Yesterday at 02:05:49 PM
Quote from: Newportnobby on Yesterday at 01:56:32 PM
Quote from: pinball on Yesterday at 01:35:47 PMPersonally I think all 59s should be mustard in colour!


Keen on them, are you? ;)

He is not called 'Colonel' for nothing.  :)
#5
N Gauge Discussion / Re: Show your Latest GB Loco a...
Last post by Newportnobby - Yesterday at 01:56:32 PM
Quote from: pinball on Yesterday at 01:35:47 PMPersonally I think all 59s should be mustard in colour!


Keen on them, are you? ;)
#6
N Gauge Discussion / Re: Show your Latest GB Loco a...
Last post by pinball - Yesterday at 01:35:47 PM
I went for the ARC livery Dapol 59. Only had it a short amount of time, but runs nicely and the crawl is superb. Personally I think all 59s should be mustard in colour!

#7
General Discussion / Re: An Eventful Christmas at T...
Last post by Chris in Prague - Yesterday at 06:13:49 AM
"As it's only a brief ten minutes from Waterloo station, including the Bakerloo Line and then a short stroll, I suspect that my mother and Mademoiselle Élise are meeting at the 'In and Out Club' in Piccadilly", Sylvia continued, her smile broadening. "It's also known as 'The Naval and Military Club', and I'm delighted to say that it has welcomed women members for quite some time, unlike many other establishments of its kind. And just between us," she leaned in, "my father let slip that it serves as a discreet recruiting ground for MI5, the British domestic counter-intelligence and security agency and MI6, the foreign intelligence service, not to mention Admiral Tregowan, although you won't ever see Sophie Andres there. But secrecy is assured!"

The young Breton's eyebrows arched inquisitively as she leaned forward. "Indeed. After everything you've just shared, Sylvie, there's more to their relationship than just friendship, isn't there?"

Sylvia took a deep breath, readying herself to reveal the depth of the connection between her mother and Mademoiselle Élise. "Yes, you are right, Eli", she began. "Again, this is for your ears only. Both Élise and my mother are custodians of very unique but very different legacies, secret lore passed down through the generations in their respective family lines."

She continued, "This knowledge is not something you can discover in ordinary books or learn at any university, no matter how ancient". She smiled softly. "No, it rests upon a profound understanding of the world, the universe, and the subtle unseen energies that influence our lives. It is about deciphering unseen patterns, the synchronicities that others overlook. It requires a deep understanding of the world and its secret energies only gained after long patient study."

Sylvia paused, ensuring Eli was following along. "Their respective areas of research are more than a mere hobby; they are an endless quest to decipher hidden patterns and harness hidden knowledge for the good of others. Despite their very different backgrounds and interests, it is this shared pursuit of arcane knowledge that unites my mother and Mademoiselle Élise. They discovered common ground in several areas: exploring the medicinal properties of plants, employing techniques to foster relaxation and boost internal energy, and cultivating virtues like compassion, love, patience, generosity, and forgiveness. They study the significance of ancient symbols and their influence on human consciousness, and they examine the spiritual implications of certain geometric shapes and proportions. This shared knowledge and their mutual desire to understand it better significantly strengthens their deep bond. At the most fundamental level, their individual journeys of exploration, discovery, and implementation converge, bringing them together."

She concluded, "So, you are correct, Eli, theirs is a bond that goes beyond friendship. They share a common journey and a purpose. They are both seekers, exploring uncharted realms of knowledge, knowledge which they apply creatively in their respective fields. The legacy of their forebears is etched in inherited memory. They recall the Twelve who, aboard their graceful ships, fled ill-fated Atlantis to be dispersed across the vast expanse of Earth."

"Who were the Twelve, Sylvie?" Eli softly asked as she sipped her hot chocolate.

"According to the oldest and most reliable legends, they were the Poet, the weaver of words, who could encapsulate the human experience in verse; the Physician, the healer, who had a deep knowledge of the human body and natural remedies; the Farmer, the nurturer, who knew how to cultivate a variety of crops and understood the rhythms of nature; the Scientist, the observer, who sought to understand the laws of the universe through observation and experimentation; the Magician, the mystic, who understood the unseen forces of the universe and could manipulate them; the Architect, skilled in designing and constructing structures that harmonised with the environment, using principles of sacred geometry; the Astronomer, an expert in celestial navigation, who understood the movements of the stars and planets and their influence on Earth; the Musician, a master of harmonies and rhythms, who could both excite and soothe minds and hearts with their melodies; the Philosopher, a deep thinker and seeker of wisdom who questioned the nature of existence and reality; the Artisan, an expert creator of attractive and functional objects, bringing beauty into everyday life; the Guardian, a protector of the people and upholder of justice and fairness in the society; and last but not least, the Historian, the keeper of the past who recorded the history, discoveries, and wisdom of Atlantis."

"Fascinating", exclaimed Eli.

"Every one of these remarkable individuals brought their unique skills and knowledge, contributing to the survival and growth of new communities around the world. When Atlantis sank beneath the sea, the Queen Priestesses brought these traditions and practices to a new home in Belerion, 'The Shining Land', known to us as Cornwall. Their legacy lives on today with us, the 'Karadow', as we fulfil our responsibility to carry these ancient traditions onward."
#8
General Discussion / Re: Unhappy Thread
Last post by Trainfish - March 26, 2024, 10:41:18 PM
Quote from: Trainfish on March 24, 2024, 03:02:01 PMSounds like the 'norm' for tickets these days unfortunately @Papyrus. I also print out the so called e-tickets just in case the system is down when I get there. I do this for any tickets including rail. I remember a little while back when the rail ticketing system went down in London (possibly the rest of the country too) and nobody could access their tickets during rush hour.

Back to Octopus. In 'fairness' they have today responded withing 15 minutes to my latest email and say they have logged an official complaint for me. They have said they can't refund more than the credit which is in my account as of now but I think they've completely missed my point in that if they hadn't taken the extra payment then my account would have been £225 or thereabouts in credit at the time of my payment on the 10th. The next point I will raise with them is that if I hadn't changed my payment date then the £225 would still be in my account and not theirs. As I see it this is 100% their mistake in taking 2 payments and not mine for changing the payment date. Unless of course anyone here disagrees?

Issue resolved  :D

They have offered me £60 credit on my account which takes my balance just over the £225 meaning they can/will now refund the £225 and I have had £60 worth of free gas and electric which lasted about 8.13 days by my calculations.
I do wonder though if it had needed £80 (or more) to take my balance over the £225 would they then have refunded that amount instead? If the answer is yes and I had known I would have had the heating on full blast for the past 2 weeks.
#9
General Discussion / Re: Unhappy Thread
Last post by Trainfish - March 26, 2024, 10:25:03 PM
Quote from: Papyrus on March 26, 2024, 06:07:17 PM
Quote from: Trainfish on March 26, 2024, 12:56:40 AMIn my experience of replacing several key fob batteries for different cars I find the solution is to use a decent make, eg Duracell as many of the others simply don't work.

The Duracell ones were what I bought. I can only assume I was doing something stoopid. And, before you ask, I had removed the little piece of sticky paper.

Cheers,

Chris

Something stoopid you say? Ok, here are a couple of possibilities  :D

Did you put the battery in the right way up?
Did you put the cover back on the fob before trying it as some have a battery contact on the cover.

I'm not trying to be a smart arse but you did say it could be something stoopid  :laughabovepost:
#10
General Discussion / Re: Unhappy Thread
Last post by emjaybee - March 26, 2024, 09:23:46 PM
Quote from: Newportnobby on March 26, 2024, 03:01:20 PM
Quote from: emjaybee on March 26, 2024, 02:33:50 PM
Quote from: Newportnobby on March 25, 2024, 06:55:29 PM
Quote from: RailGooner on March 25, 2024, 06:18:56 PMPressing the 'Lock' button twice will lock the car and disable keyless entry. In this state 'relay theft' will fail. You'll need to press the 'Unlock' button or use the key to unlock the car.

No need to waste any money on faraday boxes, or worry needlessly. Just RTFM.

My Qashqai actually has no keys/keyholes. It's purely key fob entry

I suspect it actually has. There should be an emergency key in the fob, with a release catch, and probably part of the handle trim pops off to reveal the key hole.

(My sister had a Cashcow)

By Heck - you is quite right. Both fobs have a key hidden inside 'em but more embarrassingly I found a keyhole on the driver's side I'd not noticed before. Just shows my powers of observation are minimal :-[
There is no keyhole passenger side but who needs passengers anyway >:D
(Yes, yes, yes - I know once I've opened the car they can get in))

Ta-da!
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