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Post by Admin Team on Aug 26, 2005 19:15:45 GMT
I know Q8 won't take offense at me saying this...
I believe he uses AOL as his ISP and from past experience AOL seems to have an aversion to doing what the rest of us can do routinely.
I said to Q8 earlier in an email 'AOL - like the rest of the USA - wants to rule the world, and when it doesn't comply, it tries to kick back and spoil the party'.
But as Citysig said, I think we've adapted to the idiosyncrasy!
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Post by Admin Team on Aug 25, 2005 18:52:04 GMT
I'm sure that you will have been reading the various threads about the interest and possibility of arranging trips to various locations.
The question of members saving towards and paying for these trips is also something that Q8 and I have touched on.
Initially I said that I had an account that I'd be happy to use, but in hindsight, I don't think that this is too good an idea. Firstly, I'd be the only one with any access to and control over it and also once any money was paid into it, it would (in law) become mine and should (heaven forbid) anything happen to me it would be swallowed up in my estate.
Though I haven't looked into it in detail, there is the possibility that some sort of 'club' or 'society' account could be opened.
However, though I haven't dealt with this sort of thing for a good many years, I expect that any bank or building society would require 'us' to produce some sort of constitution and minutes with the appropriate resolution that the opening of such an account was to be done, who the members of the committee are etc.
Can I have thoughts please as to whether there is a consensus that we should do something and, if so, how we take it further.
If any of you are on such a committee and have an idea as to the current requirements for such a venture, I'd appreciate input too.
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Post by Admin Team on Aug 24, 2005 19:03:17 GMT
Rest assured that the T/Op who picked us up at Gunnersgury has been duly thanked - though how he worked out who you lot were is a complete mystery to me! Were we THAT obvious? Mind, he is a New Zealander, so maybe he's got some strange Maori powers! Having spoken to him, it seems that the sight of lots of cameras and video cameras was a bit of a giveaway ;D ;D And possibly the rolling gait and smell of beer may also have been a bit of a giveaway?
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Post by Admin Team on Aug 24, 2005 18:43:03 GMT
Great account of the weekend Q8 - loved the tales of the dodgy bog door!
Rest assured that the T/Op who picked us up at Gunnersgury has been duly thanked - though how he worked out who you lot were is a complete mystery to me! Were we THAT obvious? Mind, he is a New Zealander, so maybe he's got some strange Maori powers!
As for the matter of the cab fare - If you mention that again Q8 I'll be sending AlanL round next time he's at home to sort you out!
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Post by Admin Team on Aug 11, 2005 20:26:58 GMT
On a tip off from Solidbond, I had a look at the Wimbledon road today.
I noticed one such sign - it's just beyond Putney tunnel on the 'down' road, though is well graffitied and seems to be in a fairly advanced state of disrepair!
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Post by Admin Team on Aug 9, 2005 19:23:37 GMT
Not on the DR so far as I can recall.
Presumably they were considered superfluous when the D Stock came in with the Coasting and Weak Field Controls?
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Post by Admin Team on Aug 9, 2005 19:56:15 GMT
Pendennis Castle?? THAT's not Pendennis Castle. The proper one can be seen here www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk/great_western_society/4079_pendennis_castle.shtmlSlightly more seriously... I think the issue here is in many ways the distances involved. In truth the Run to penzance is probably marginal for a sleeper service (hence it's circuitous route perhaps?) whereas or colleague in Russia's geography far more justifies such a service, and hence the demand. I have to admit to never having used one myself......
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Post by Admin Team on Aug 11, 2005 20:43:19 GMT
Back to the thread though...
Sadly I don't actually remember too many of the loco's that would have hauled the trains I've used over the years.
But, memories from the '50's - holidays to Swanage and the Isle of Wight, so I guess were Southern Region - though I do seem to recall a Battle of Britain Class loco.
60's - *probably* Castle's to the West Country in the early part, various trips to Glasgow for holidays in the west of Scotland ex Euston IIRC up to about '63 and then in the latter part of the decade one memorable trip from Glasgow to Tour (in the Loire valley) all by rail in just over 26 hours, which included transfers by LU and the Paris Metro to various terminii. My travelling companion and I still remember that trip VERY well!
70's - probably only 'work trips' to Halifax ex Kings Cross via Bradford/Wakefield etc - no idea what would've hauled those!
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Post by Admin Team on Aug 11, 2005 20:33:17 GMT
]Never trust a man who smiles all the time ... ********************************************* Oh so THAT'S why I hate Tony Blair Yeah - but consider the options.............
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Post by Admin Team on Aug 11, 2005 20:23:56 GMT
Some fantastic links there guys - keep them coming! One day (when I finally get my site up to date again ) I do want to try to do some comparative stuff between 'our' system and others around the world, so those have given me some great research sources! (Note to Q8: Delete this thread and I'll never speak to you again! ) So much to do, so little time...............................
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Post by Admin Team on Aug 3, 2005 8:46:36 GMT
Because of the confusion that seems to predominate on this subject, some months ago I did put up a page on the topic on my web site which can be viewed at www.trainweb.org/districtdave/html/photos_on_lu.html - it even links to the appropriate section within the Conditions of Carriage. BUT - bearing in mind 'recent events' - I'd suggest that a little caution and commonsense be used in the present atmosphere. 'Tourist' photos (as alluded to by ADW) are one thing, but if you're taking photos of any more 'specific' details, you might get some raised eyebrows. Please bear that in mind, and respect the reasonable requests of staff and/or police.
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Post by Admin Team on Aug 12, 2005 19:17:12 GMT
Perhaps we should hold a pole. Will there be a dancer performing at the same time? Glad to see that PP has managed to bring things down to the 'usual level'! Thanks for the explanations on these points though, and I'm happy for the idea of a poll to test the water on the basic idea. The only thing I'd perhaps mention though is that 'this' forum does have the facility for members to indicate if they use MSN/AOLIM etc ( and you may note that I've made public that I use both of those mediums) so is there a benefit of actually setting up something seperate? Surely the availibility of those and the ability to be selective etc etc fulfils the criteria? Responses invited!!
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Post by Admin Team on Aug 11, 2005 20:31:12 GMT
Also we could do with an IRC channel round here. A WHAT??? (Shows ignorance of computer techie stuff)... Is that a) something we could do 'here' and b) would there be a demand for it? If the concensus is 'Aye' to the above we'll explore it - though I have a feeling that compsci will have the onerous task of sorting it out.
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Post by Admin Team on Jul 31, 2005 8:42:16 GMT
Back to the original thread!
I've been sent that from (I think) three other sources, all said that the place of origin was the same - i.e. Notting Hill Gate.
One theory I heard was that it was actually done as a bit of a joke outside traffic hours, photographed and distributed amongst a few selected people, but *somehow* has reached a wider audience.
I have to say that sounds quite feasible to me.
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Post by Admin Team on Jul 29, 2005 19:18:45 GMT
Nice thread!
For me, it's pretty much all that's been mentioned, though I admit to a long held fondness for steam - I *think* I mention on the web site my early memories of Western Region Great Western steam and old family connections with Swindon, Reading etc. Castles, Kings, 28xx freights etc. - I could go on! Oh, and not to mention sitting at Hanwell watching such haulage going over the Warnecliffe viaduct at Hanwell (another feat of Victorian engineering).
But also too when I was a lad (stop yawning at the back!) fewer people had cars, so the 'normal' transport was buses, but trains meant a LONG journey - holidays and stuff, so it was all a great adventure.
But I agree with zman - there are very few days when I don't want to go to work!
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TEA !!
Jul 28, 2005 21:53:36 GMT
Post by Admin Team on Jul 28, 2005 21:53:36 GMT
Out of my 494 posts (when this post was written) i do wonder how many of them are railway related. I hope you don't think i'm taking liberties, Dave. In my defense, i didn't start this thread! Chris, I think that if by now I (or the other Admins come to that!) had a problem with the content of your posts, you'd have heard about it by now! And I *think* that (apart from your tea obsession of course ) most of your posts have been perfectly valid!
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TEA !!
Jul 28, 2005 19:53:15 GMT
Post by Admin Team on Jul 28, 2005 19:53:15 GMT
I hope DD will soon give Chris an award for the most posts on a single non-railway subject ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D Ah-ha! But IS this TRULY a non- railway related topic?
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Post by Admin Team on Aug 24, 2005 17:06:13 GMT
For some reason - probably because I'm a twit (anyone who agrees will be banned! ) - I've only just spotted this thread, but in some ways I'm glad, as it's been interesting to read the comments made by others. Firstly Bob, I'd have done the same for anyone, and no I won't tell you how much the cab was! You were more than generous on Saturday to not only me, but all those who were there! But on your 'other' questions, personally I reckon this is how you perceive yourself, as much as how others actually see you; there have been many constructive replies here and I agree with them all, and chris W has summed it up very well IMHO. Those sort of gatherings are always difficult though - I was very conscious (later ) of not having to spoken to everyone as much as I'd wanted to and was concerned that I'd missed anyone out - groups like that are always a challenge in some ways.... So don't you try to change - you are who you are, and I think I can say for us all that we respect you for that. I have no 'problem' with you in any way, in fact I hope that if ever I find myself in your situation I can be as positive about it as you are.
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Post by Admin Team on Aug 3, 2005 9:25:42 GMT
Hmm.... now let me think. Had a pretty respectable run between Elm Park and Dag W w/b with MA in the cab once On the road, an indicated 188mph coming off the mountain heading towards Douglas on the Isle of Man on a ZXR750 in 1990. The engine hit the rev limiter - I went to change up, and discovered that I was in 6th already Got nicked on the M6 coming back home too. 'I made it 126' said the copper, 'but we'll call it 93 and a fixed penalty'. The mate I was with wanted to argue with him.......
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Post by Admin Team on Jul 25, 2005 21:28:13 GMT
No problem with that at all Pat - all in favour of something for nothing!!
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Post by Admin Team on Jul 25, 2005 9:03:33 GMT
That's been fascinating stuff to read zman!
Personally I think I'll stick with our system, though I can understand that if you've started your working life knowing that that's the basis of what you're letting yourself in for then fair enough!
I noticed that you touched on Vacation time. Did I misread, or am I correct in interpretting this as meaning that you just get two weeks off each year? If that's the case that would NOT suit 'us' - we get four blocks a year of two weeks each, one winter leave block, one spring leave block, one summer leave block and one autumn leave block - I'll stick with those thanks!
One other thing also occurs to me: Both the Transport Commissioner for London (Bob Kylie) and our Managing Director (Tim O'Toole) are both Americans, and I've heard that both get frustrated by the lack of flexibility in many of 'our' working practices and I heard mention that Tim once (at least!) ranted over our 'God-damn draconian employment laws' and the way that (in his view) they're weighted in favour of employees!
One thing your posts highlighted though are the 'earning opportunities' that your system allows. We don't have those - we cannot work rest days or volunteer for longer or any additional duties; we simply abide by our rostered duties.
I believe that pre 'Company Plan' (which was introduced in the early 1990's) there were opportunities for overtime and certain shifts carried a 'premium' payment, but that was all before my time. Perhaps some of our longer serving staff can compare those?
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Post by Admin Team on Jul 25, 2005 8:43:58 GMT
However i do not see the need for a thread all about it ? I'm 100% in agreement with AlanL in his response to this! I think it fair to say that we all probably have the mickey taken out of us to a greater or lesser degree for the enthusiasm and interest in the topic and IMHO this was just Luke letting off a little steam! No harm in that!
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Post by Admin Team on Jul 22, 2005 20:47:49 GMT
How about everyone goes and Graffiti's the GuestbookOops - surely I didn't even *think* that did I?
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Post by Admin Team on Jul 22, 2005 20:22:43 GMT
Was that the area Q8 was referring to?
I had a feeling there was something else closer to Croxley Green.
Probably wrong though - not an area I know all that well!
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Post by Admin Team on Jul 22, 2005 19:00:47 GMT
It's a while since I've had cause to go up that way (and by road, before any of you lot start with 'amusing quips') but I *think* it's now one of those 'commercial estates' - loads of pre-packed offices etc.
If you've a diagram/map of the area at the time you're referring to I'll consult the failing brain cells further!
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Post by Admin Team on Sept 6, 2005 15:53:02 GMT
I've heard for a while that there was to be an 08 acquired for use in the depot for the purpose of shunting wagons about.
Well, I finally saw it this morning - it's 08780 and is resplendent in a dark blue livery. When seen it was hauling a set of EWS ballast wagons into the depot from the sidings adjacent to West Ruislip station.
Whether it carries any other markings I'm not sure, as I only got a fairly quick glimpse of it, but I'll keep my eyes peeled and hopefully get a few photos.
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Post by Admin Team on Jul 25, 2005 8:37:45 GMT
Firstly, voting on this poll has now closed, and locked.
Further to this discussion, I’d just like to address a few specific points that a number of you raised, and to let you know where I/we stand on these:
Compsci raised valid points about the use of IP banning, the need for ‘valid’ email addresses and the option of vetting new members.
Yes, we appreciate the problems involved in the matter of dynamic IP addresses, so although there is an option of banning/blocking by IP it is far from foolproof. Again, yes, there is the option of vetting new members, but I feel this would be overkill, at least at this stage, and could well discourage new readers from signing up, which is the last thing we want to happen.
The use of ‘one off’ email addresses is similar in many ways, and I must admit that when I sent the ‘global email’ last night, I was fully expecting a number to be ‘bounced’. However, I’m pleased to say that this has not proved to be the case; not one was returned (at least so far), and I’d have expected this to have occurred by know, if this was going to happen.
Yellowsignal touched on the matter of deterring the ‘one off’ poster, and the question of a ‘Neutral’ option in the poll.
Yes, I realise this is the case, and was exactly the reason why I had originally not ‘demanded’ sign up. But as others have said, the registration process is straightforward (and under the ‘new’ Proboards software is even easier, in some ways) and I hope will not deter those with a genuine contribution to make.
I deliberately did not include a ‘Neutral’ reply option – I wanted contributors to ‘commit’ one way or the other!
Citysig’s point about the ability to PM a contributor to correct a situation where it is not always appropriate to post publically was a very big reason why this change has been made!
RayB’s point about the use of an e-group or yahoo group is well taken, (and his comments about the ‘familiarity’ with different styles of groups too) but when I set this one up I did so in this way as I was already reasonably familiar with Proboards and its workings and less so with the options he mentioned – hence my choice of this place! But as with all things, it’s familiarity of use IMHO!
To those of you I’ve not specifically mentioned, thanks for all the comments and contributions!
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Post by Admin Team on Jul 25, 2005 8:04:53 GMT
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Post by Admin Team on Jul 24, 2005 22:02:06 GMT
Thanks to all of you who've taken the trouble to vote - given that I only gave quite short notice on this I (and Solidbond and AlanL too) are delighted at the response it's received.
You should by now have received an email formally notifying you of the changes.
We've taken onboard the comments made, and we accept that this isn't a 100% foolproof situation and that if people want to abuse or misuse this forum then they'll find a way to do so.
But, overall, we feel this is the most pragmatic course we can take, and I'm pleased that the vast majority of those who've voted agree - thanks for the support.
The change will make little practical difference in your day to day visits here.
We hope you all continue to participate as regularly as you've done in the past.
Best wishes,
Dave and the Admin Team
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Post by Admin Team on Jul 21, 2005 19:01:35 GMT
You are all important contributors to this forum, and I (and Solidbond and AlanL too) value your opinions and input.
When this forum was created I deliberately left it as 'open' to individuals as to whether they formally registered or not before they posted.
One or two recent events, both on this forum and, more importantly, in London have prompted me to question whether this policy should be changed.
If the decision is taken to change this will NOT prevent anyone viewing this forum, after all I hope we agree that we want to encourage new members to participate, but simply that those who express views and opinions have at least some 'accountability' for the views they express.
The last thing I want is for this to be a 'closed' forum - that smacks of elitism, and destroys everything that this forum syands for.
I (sorry, we) need to make a decision quite quickly on this. Can I please ask for your votes and comments at the earliest opportunity. I propose leaving this open until close of traffic on 23 July when I'll try to get of the fence!
Thanks all,
Dave
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