Kelvin Crocker

I'm off to the local model railway emporium. My wallet is already crying.

Surprisingly with zero practice I scored 60% on the fundamental test then 80% on basic. Have signed up for the fundamental.

Have just signed up for CW Ops Academy and hope to get onto the May/June courses. Will hopefully be the nudge i need to get back on the radio.

First day as a qualified porter on the Swanage Railway today.

It is one f my big regrets that I never covered Glastonbury whilst I worked for the ambulance service.

Got an invite into the cab of this magnificent Class 31 at The Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway over the weekend. Another excellent heritage railway day out.

I find it hard to like anything about Red Bull - all the major players, whilst obviously outstanding players, all have a dislikable streak.

That second incident with Russell is why I have no respect for Verstappen despite his obvious talent. Petulant, premeditated and dangerous. What sort of example does this set to those coming up through the ranks? A 10s penalty is not enough.

Very pleasant day out at the New Forest Model Railway Society - some brilliant layouts. Redbridge Wharf was especially amazing although Fareford Depot was a very close second. Good to meet Sam from the Model Rail Replacement Podcast.

First attempt at riding a renationalised train has gone well. Cancelled due to a train fault. Have retired to a coffee shop to await the next service.

After a fabulous weekend away it’s time to drag myself back to the salt mines. Bills to pay and all that.

Time for a good night’s sleep before the Steam Gala at Severn Valley Railway tomorrow.

That’s Greg Davies home town!

Can see it from the bedroom window!

Home for the next few days

My ride for yesterday - decent day back and for between Swanage and Wareham.

One more day at work then a four day weekend. Quick turn as ticket inspector on the DMU tomorrow afternoon and may even dust off the radios over the weekend.

Me sat at a model railway layout

Quick go on the shunting puzzle layout at Wimborne Railex.

Long Covid Reigns on X: "“Finding treatments for #LongCovid must be prioritized. The present response…must match the urgency & scale of the problem. Registered trials…are being conducted at a slow pace that is unlikely to yield answers to inform patient care for years” #LongCovidAwarenessDay" / X “Finding treatments for #LongCovid must be prioritized. The present response…must match the urgency & scale of the problem. Registered trials…are being conducted at a slow pace that is unlikely to yield answers to inform patient care for years” #LongCovidAwarenessDay

x.com/longcovidrei...

Out and about disgustingly early waiting for a bus. First day of my prescriber course today.

It’s been a busy but productive weekend and I’m finishing it off with a London Pride and a Johnnie Walker Double Black chaser. Only two days actually at work next week as I’m at university one day, get a days study leave and I’m being paid back for a day covering a colleagues leave. Nice.

Nice to see the crowd booing the villains of the piece - Red Bull and the FIA #f175

I know I may not exactly be the target audience but I’m definitely not cool enough for F1 any more. #f175

This F1 launch is properly cringe.

Can’t beat a good old TRS button.

I totally agree with this.

Wonder where my life would have gone if I’d stuck to the original plan of studying civil engineering. Even had an offer of a place at Plymouth Poly (that shows my age!).

What is Sam’s Trains?

I’m keeping an eye on TT. Currently working on OO though I saw some cracking ideas in N gauge today built around box files. Also inspired by some MERG stuff. In the real world I’m caught by the operational side of the railway so anything I build might not be too pretty but the signalling will work.

I’m going to my first model railway show today hoping to pick up some ideas and get some inspiration. Also find out what sort of stuff is sold and if there are any local stockists.