Model Engine Maker

General Category => Chatterbox => Topic started by: Mosey on March 26, 2013, 07:40:46 PM

Title: Visiting the UK
Post by: Mosey on March 26, 2013, 07:40:46 PM
Following up on our planned trip to England later this year, we will visit London and Oxford, and it has been suggested that we plan to see Tetbury and Bibury, and Cotswolds more generally. Thoughts  and suggestions are welcome. We will go in September when some head home.
Mosey
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: tangler on March 26, 2013, 08:29:25 PM
Mosey,

Nice part of the world, although you don't have to go far in the UK to find somewhere pretty.  There's a great cheese shop in Tetbury (when I say great,  it's actually very small).  My first encounter with Stinking Bishop.  Just north of Oxford is the Hook Norton brewery which is steam powered by a horizontal engine (Thornley drop inlet, Corliss exhaust, driven by two eccentrics).  Well worth a visit - we really must go sometime  (fortunately Mrs Tangler is a Pints of Real Ale Girl  :cheers:)

I'm sure you'll have great time,

Rod
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: Jo on March 26, 2013, 08:34:07 PM
Rod,

Sounds like a bit of bad planning there who is going to drive  :o

Down here we have RATs (Real Ale Steam Trains) the problem is I always have to drive so what is the point :shrug:

Jo
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: Mosey on March 26, 2013, 08:50:14 PM
3 words that spell a good time....steam, engine, and beer!

Jo, I am working on the menu for you, nothing you can't make given the time.

I've heard about the cheese shops in the area. I understand that it is also a place for painters, which is a main point (not the house type, the other ones with the tiny brushes.

Are there any other sights, like steam locos, etc.?

Mosey
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: Jo on March 26, 2013, 08:57:28 PM
http://www.watercressline.co.uk/product.php/10/real-ale-train-r-a-t

And the beer is cheap  8).

Jo
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: Jo on March 26, 2013, 09:17:29 PM
Kennent and Avon Canal: Crofton steam engines & Devizes lock staircase followed by Stonehenge.

Jo
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: fcheslop on March 26, 2013, 09:42:29 PM
If you are looking to paint come to gods country the NORTH :Lol:  :mischief: :mischief:The Lake district,Northumberland then of course there's Hadrians wall and my favourite place Cragside house the home of Lord Armstrong and we are more friendly than those southerners :lolb:
What do you paint Iv spent 40 years trying to master water colours.
Oh and the beers are far better  :LittleDevil: :LittleDevil: and not warm
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: Deko on March 26, 2013, 10:29:27 PM
Steam locos. The place to find those is most definitely the NORTH.  York has loads of them (plus a nice little church called the minster or somthing) :lolb: Manchester has the first passenger rail station in the world. and more industrial heratage than you could see in a month of Sundays.  Sheffield, where steel making got started. The lake district if you are into Wordsworth, or Beatrix Potter, I could go on all night but it's my bed time. :o

Cheers Dek. :old:
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: Mosey on March 26, 2013, 11:00:01 PM
Wow, guys and gal, this sounds good! Cheap, cool beer, steam railways, friendly natives, beautiful countryside, on and on. I can't promise to do it all, but I want to hear about all of the places to go. I'm going to France first, and then England. 2 languages to brush up on.
Thanks.
Mosey
Title: Visiting the UK
Post by: ths on March 27, 2013, 02:17:16 AM
French is easy, but you'll need a dictionary for the UK.

Hugh.
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: Steamer5 on March 27, 2013, 07:18:21 AM
Hi Mosey,
 Great minds must think alike. Wifey & I will be in the U.K. In September too! We are doing a tour so might not get to see  much steam! We've got 2 days in London before & again after so hope to find & fit some in then, wifey mentioned that she would like to see one of the pumping engines by Baxelgette, oh I do like it! (comes from living in a house with 3 guys who like engineering!) but it looks like Crossness is open before & after we are there :censored:
Would of liked to see K1 on the Welsh Highland Railway, but we go close but don't get the tee shirt! Should post a photo of the pile of casting for it just for Jo!

Cheers Kerrin
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: Jo on March 27, 2013, 07:34:06 AM
Locomotive castings  :headscratch:
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: Steamer5 on March 27, 2013, 08:02:29 AM
Hi Jo,
 Yes a BIG pile of them! They have been quietly "aging" under the bench for way too many years! But machining is getting closer! All the info that you & others post on how to attack them is worth heaps. I'll dig the camera out tomorrow & post a photo. Oh & if I read one of your post right awhile ago we will be passing through Bath on our travels....hope the beers good  :DrinkPint:, usually put on a kilo or two while we are away!

Cheers Kerrin
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: Jo on March 27, 2013, 08:38:29 AM
At this point I need to mention that I might be slightly biased towards Bath.

(The Claverton waterwheel just outside Bath, on the Kennent and Avon Canal is cute.)

Jo
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: zeeprogrammer on March 27, 2013, 11:06:25 AM
If you go to Bath, head up the hill from the center of town and visit the old hardware store.
It was a fun and interesting visit.
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: Steamer5 on March 27, 2013, 07:34:52 PM
Hi Zee,
 Is that a REAL hardware store where you can get just about anything, & when you talk to the guy or guyess behind the counter they KNOW what you are talking about?
I have only had the privilege of visiting 2 of these! A Mecca for engineers! Arkwright is still with us!
Unfortunately we arent spending much time in Bath, being on a tour does only give you limited time to see such wonderful site! But you never know, maybe be able to escape.......

Cheers Kerrin
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: zeeprogrammer on March 27, 2013, 10:37:54 PM
It's a museum. All kinds of stuff from the early 1900's if not before.
The fellow who ran it also ran a bottling shop. Can't remember what he bottled.
I think it was an early 'soda water' system.
Two or three stories tall. Has some machining equipment run by belt that they ran when we visited.
As I recall, the original hardware store was down by the river.
When T and I visited (last year) there was no one in the place except two 'kids'.
It was actually kind of hard to find.
But they were very knowledgeable and very happy to talk about the place's history.
I certainly enjoyed it...others may not.
Of course, if you don't have much time in Bath...you must see the Roman Bath.
Read the curses people dropped into the well.
I always find it interesting that over hundreds of years, changes in politics, changes in technology, different parts of the world, whatever...the concerns of everyday people, and their conversations, have not changed much.

Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: mklotz on March 27, 2013, 10:48:17 PM
Quote
...the concerns of everyday people, and their conversations, have not changed much.

For a good time, call Messalina at xvi-lxxi   :LittleDevil:
Title: Visiting the UK
Post by: ths on March 27, 2013, 11:00:25 PM
I was at Maes Howe, a Neolithic tomb on Orkney (just north of Scotland) a few years ago. In the 8th century Vikings had raided the tomb looking for treasure, and had left the stone walls covered with carved graffitti extolling the sexual characteristics of the local women. Just like any public toilet today. About 12 feet from the floor, just above the entrance tunnel was my favorite bit of graffitti from anywhere, "I am a very tall Viking".

Hugh.
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: zeeprogrammer on March 28, 2013, 12:21:07 AM
just above the entrance tunnel was my favorite bit of graffitti from anywhere, "I am a very tall Viking".

I like that.

I should clarify a bit about that hardware store. I said it's a museum...but it's a museum of an actual hardware store that was well known.
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: Mosey on March 29, 2013, 02:31:21 AM
If you are looking to paint come to gods country the NORTH :Lol:  :mischief: :mischief:The Lake district,Northumberland then of course there's Hadrians wall and my favourite place Cragside house the home of Lord Armstrong and we are more friendly than those southerners :lolb:
What do you paint Iv spent 40 years trying to master water colours.
Oh and the beers are far better  :LittleDevil: :LittleDevil: and not warm
I have been painting transparent watercolors of urban scenes, architectural fragments, and people in a loose style, and look forward to the London, Oxford, and Cotswold scenes.
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: sco on March 29, 2013, 07:22:28 AM
From your avatar maybe a visit to the goodwood revival would be of interest.
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: Mosey on March 29, 2013, 12:11:38 PM
Yes, very much so, but when is it? June? I am going in September to miss some of the tourists like me.
Mosey
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: sco on March 29, 2013, 01:34:19 PM
No June is the Festival of Speed ('hill climb'), the Revival (circuit racing) is 13th - 15th September.  It's a good opportunity to dress up - if you went for a 60s look you might even get away with a tutu - Zee?

Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: Mosey on March 29, 2013, 02:30:43 PM
Northants, hmm, down the road from those lovely Climax engines. My past coming back. Eric Broadley, hmm. Mick Andrews, Dalesman.
Mosey
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: sco on March 29, 2013, 02:43:46 PM
Well Cosworth is still going but Lola closed recently.  I think RML still has a pulse just.
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: Mosey on March 29, 2013, 02:51:06 PM
I'm afraid I go back to the A40 engine with the Cosworth heads. Slightly later than the Diluvian. When ships were wood, and men were iron. Before the 8 speed paddle shifters and twin clutch gearboxes with energy recovery.
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: zeeprogrammer on March 29, 2013, 04:24:38 PM
It's a good opportunity to dress up - if you went for a 60s look you might even get away with a tutu - Zee?

With a straight face I say 'har har'.

Had it been the 50's, a poodle skirt would be more appropriate.
For the 60's, perhaps capri pants (paisley print of course) or even a mini-skirt. A bikini is most likely inappropriate for such event.

None of which are for me although I've always thought poodle skirts were one of the most attractive bits of clothing...
along with polka-dots.

50's fashion was great.
For me...showing less is more attractive...which is why my tu-tu doesn't get much use.

 :lolb:

I need help.
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: Mosey on March 29, 2013, 04:41:24 PM
Yes, you need to see someone.

Pedal-pushers seems appropriate in your case.

M.
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: Tennessee Whiskey on March 29, 2013, 06:33:23 PM
Mosey, I swear I think they are trying to overload you. Go, have a good time, eat the chocolate, drink the beer and wine, don't drink the water, and take bunches of piccys :lolb: :lolb:

Yo Redneck,
Eric
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: Mosey on March 29, 2013, 07:03:18 PM
Eric,

That's the plan...
M.
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: Tennessee Whiskey on March 29, 2013, 07:10:12 PM
Oh yeah, if something should happen between you and the misses, there' s this lass in Hampshire that's freaking nuts over models and castings. :lolb: :LittleDevil: :lolb:. And I hear she's got some nice equipment too. :LittleDevil:

Yo Redneck,
Eric
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: Jo on March 29, 2013, 07:15:11 PM
don't drink the water,

Yo Redneck,
Eric

Agreed anything from north of the boarder that says Scotch is a dangerous type of water, best avoided, has nasty side effects, best stick to the cyder  ;).

Jo
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: sco on March 29, 2013, 07:53:39 PM
I'm afraid I go back to the A40 engine with the Cosworth heads. Slightly later than the Diluvian. When ships were wood, and men were iron. Before the 8 speed paddle shifters and twin clutch gearboxes with energy recovery.
Well actually they are 7 speed with a single clutch but i know what you mean.  Although it pays the mortgage I find the historic stuff much more fun to watch.
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: Mosey on March 29, 2013, 09:04:07 PM
Retired the vintage stuff, and watching is nice but riding is better. So, I have to make the machines myself. Miniatures are more manageable anyway. I will definitely take your advise Jo, and stay away from that northern fire-water. Kentucky stuff is real good, though.

What kind of sweet talk would get me into her shop, I wonder?
M.
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: zeeprogrammer on March 29, 2013, 09:14:34 PM
Nothing wrong with the water...but there are many better alternatives.
Was in Oban last year. Nice.

And boy did I get in trouble. T wanted to buy a couple of bottles but it was at the beginning of our trip and I didn't want to lug it around.
I told her we'd get it later.
Never did find it.
Complained for months until she found it in the states.
Surely she knows it can't be the same stuff (why would you export the better stuff to us?)

Anyway...just enjoy the trip.
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: Mosey on March 29, 2013, 10:01:41 PM
Last time I was in the UK, I stayed on the ship in Southampton, and regaled all night with the Limey longshoremen. Wow, what a language difference! They were the most fun I've ever had that didn't end up in jail. Remember the Calshot Spit. It's been almost 60 years. Bet you weren't machining then, Jo.
M.
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: Jo on March 30, 2013, 06:32:17 AM
Strangely enough no  :headscratch:, my Mum may have just about started school.....

Jo
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: Tin Falcon on March 30, 2013, 05:45:32 PM
AAH memories. I had the privledge of making the trip to RAF upper Heyford late April 1993. Now Heyford park  http://www.raf-upper-heyford.org/Today.html (http://www.raf-upper-heyford.org/Today.html)

 I was in the NJ  Air National Guard.  That year my two weeks of training was in England. So I was paid to go, my air fair was covered and I got a decent per diem to cover food and souvenirs. So got to go to London visit the tower museum on a guest pass and was able to pick up a copy of the Rapier and Small sword by A.B.Norman. A young gal airman that I was working with was nice enough to take myself and a friend from my unit to visit Stone Hedge.

I enjoyed the pub grub., and the Strongbow or woodpecker Cider. Had dinner at one of the local pubs just about every night.  This is the name I remember. http://barley-mow-upper-heyford.co.uk/ (http://barley-mow-upper-heyford.co.uk/)   The three horseshoes was just down the street. It is now closed converted to a private residence, and is for sale. The barley mow is right near the canal that goes into oxford.

If you are going to visit oxford  plan some time to visit the Blackwell book store. http://bookshop.blackwell.co.uk/ (http://bookshop.blackwell.co.uk/) I have purchased books from them mail order they have a great selection of UK published model engineering books and good prices.  It may even save some money if you purchase and have them ship to your house may save VAT. Not sure how that works But I do know VAT is higher in the UK than in NJ. Or just stuff a suitcase full of books. I was not into model engineering at the time or likely would have purchased a suitcase full of books myself.When I was there. 


Heyford is just a short drive, train ride, or canal boat ride north of Oxford.
Tin
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: Mosey on March 30, 2013, 06:30:33 PM
Well, Tin, that is very nice of you to mention some of the places you remember. I will surely dedicate at least 1 brew to you when there. And 1 for Jo, and 1 for Bogs, etc,.....
M.
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: Tin Falcon on March 30, 2013, 07:24:40 PM
I was never a great beer or ale drinker but I do like english cider when I have the opportunity. Here in the states we have woochuck they serve it at Jacobs Jessups tavern in New Castle DE at least did the couple times I was there.

Let me know how you like the Shepherds pie.
Tin
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: old phart on March 30, 2013, 08:23:13 PM
http://www.amberleymuseum.co.uk/
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: zeeprogrammer on March 30, 2013, 09:35:02 PM
By the way...are you staying at hotels or B&Bs?
If it's not too late, and if at all possible, I highly recommend the B&Bs.
T and I were over there for two weeks last year.
Being able to talk to locals gives us half our memories of a good trip.
And the breakfasts are excellent!
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: Tin Falcon on March 31, 2013, 09:17:06 PM
Yeah have a pint of cider for me

  :DrinkPint:

Tin
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: Mosey on March 31, 2013, 11:00:01 PM
We do the B&B's mostly. A pint of cider for Tin.
M.
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: fcheslop on March 31, 2013, 11:33:52 PM
Sorry for the slow reply Iv been trying to master mixed media painting for a while notice the word trying :lolb:
Good luck with the visit but you should realy come to the land of the Prince Bishops  :Lol:
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: Mosey on April 01, 2013, 12:38:02 AM
I'm beginning to understand...a fair country of breweries, separated by dialects, driven by steam? I like that.
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: doubletop on April 06, 2013, 08:06:33 AM
If you are doing Oxford, there's the Didcot Railway Centre

http://www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk/ (http://www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk/)

Or model railways

There's Pendon in Abingdon

http://www.pendonmuseum.com/ (http://www.pendonmuseum.com/)

Then go over to the GWR museum in Swindon.

http://www.steam-museum.org.uk/ (http://www.steam-museum.org.uk/)

The real plus with the Swindon Museum is scoring points with the Mrs at the factory outlet shopping centre on the same site. Its in the old railway works buildings.

http://www.mcarthurglen.com/uk/swindon-designer-outlet/en/ (http://www.mcarthurglen.com/uk/swindon-designer-outlet/en/)

Then head south to Crofton

http://www.croftonbeamengines.org/ (http://www.croftonbeamengines.org/)

and then Salisbury Cathedral

http://www.salisburycathedral.org.uk/ (http://www.salisburycathedral.org.uk/)

Middle Wallaop Army aviation Museum

www.armyflying.com (http://www.armyflying.com)

and of course Stonehenge

http://www.stonehenge.co.uk/ (http://www.stonehenge.co.uk/)

Have a pint of 6X for me

Pete

Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: Mosey on April 06, 2013, 01:18:10 PM
Now were talking, Pete! This is a great list, just what we need.
We are planning on Oxford, and she has a big color book of the Cotswolds that seems to be full of that craggy charming cottagey stuff, great for painting. Of course we made reservations in Midsummer to meet up with the Barnaby's, hopefully he won't be busy working.

I think there are many more intriguing places to visit, but you guys (not Doubletop) are holding out, not wanting to let the secrets be known.
Normally, I don't drink, but I'll have a pint for you.
Mosey
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: CliffH on April 16, 2013, 06:49:44 PM
Might I put in a word for one or two places that I always love: 1. Rochester cathedral - it seems small (and may be smaller than many others) but is a beautiful building, and always - at least when I've been there - quiet, and well worth viewing from the adjacent keep in Rochester castle. Chatham dockyard's worth a trip, too. 2. Ripon cathedral: as above. 3. Cambridge, in particular, Fitzwilliam museum. Bedford ought to be well worth visiting, but isn't. If you travel by train, better get a mortgage arranged before you come...
CliffH
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: Mosey on April 16, 2013, 07:52:14 PM
Thank you Cliff, we are taking it all in and planning our itinerary.
I wonder if there are places to see machine tools, just in case can sneak out. Aciera bits would be nice.
Mosey
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: GWRdriver on April 16, 2013, 08:22:55 PM
I'll be headed to old Blighty this summer myself, 10 days or so in the west counties, mostly near Bath Spa, and the rest in London.  My digs near Bath will be Limpley Stoke, a beautiful little village (last time I saw it) and Seend (nr Devizes.)  For those of you who know the movie The Titfield Thunderbolt, Limpley Stoke was the village where the movie takes place.  There's lots to see in that district, especially for a GWR fan.

If you go to Bath, head up the hill from the center of town and visit the old hardware store.
Known as Mr Bowler's Business (or Shop) IIRC.  If you visit, the volunteer at the door (the ticket agent) will ask if you are local or tourist . . . you should always answer Local!  Last time I was there townspeople got in without charge and the man at the door said I looked like a local (nudge-nudge, wink-wink) but I dropped a couple of quid in the donation box anyway.  If you Google "Mr Bowlers Business" all will be revealed.

On a clear and warm day the Caen Hill Locks, near Devizes, are a spectacular sight.
Title: Re: Visiting the UK - Other Questions
Post by: GWRdriver on April 16, 2013, 08:41:49 PM
I plan to take along my auto GPS (SatNav) and the UK map chip is installed and operational.
(Test command "GO London" - Answer: "Go 300 ft to End of Driveway, Turn Right, Go 4237.6 miles to destination.")

What I need to know (among many other things) is what sort of power connection am I likely to have available in an economy rental car?  My GPS/SATNAV has only a cigarette-lighter type power connector and I would like to be prepared for the connection the auto will probably have.  The rental agency can't confirm because they don't know exactly which vehicle will be available, but perhaps it's the same in everything now.  Any guesses?
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: sco on April 16, 2013, 10:06:57 PM
I'm sure most cars in the uk will have a cigarette lighter socket - whether they are the same as US sockets is another matter though.
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: Bluechip on April 16, 2013, 10:13:09 PM
I think they are just about the same, loooong time since I was in the USA.

This sort of  free plug can be picked up at virtually any car accessory shop anyway.

http://cpc.farnell.com/_/353-01/cigarette-lighter-plug-12v/dp/CP02369.

Dave BC

EDIT If you look on this from Farnell Newark, they look much the same as far as I can see.

http://www.newark.com/tripp-lite/pv150/inverter-dc-ac-120v-150w/dp/81C9215?in_merch=Popular Products

Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: Deko on April 16, 2013, 11:10:07 PM
I bought and sold USA cars in the late 60s early 70s and they were all the same then. They have not changed over here, so if they are still the same in the USA then you should be OK.

Cheers Dek.
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: Mosey on April 17, 2013, 06:25:28 PM
Do these hotels ring any bells for anyone? Grange Langham in London, or the Remont in Oxford?
Mosey
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: GWRdriver on April 17, 2013, 07:50:45 PM
I'm sure most cars in the uk will have a cigarette lighter socket - whether they are the same as US sockets is another matter though.
sco,
If they have them, then I would think they would be the same.
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: doubletop on April 18, 2013, 06:59:32 AM
Do these hotels ring any bells for anyone? Grange Langham in London, or the Remont in Oxford?
Mosey

For bookings take a look at http://www.laterooms.com/en/r100_hotels-in-uk.aspx (http://www.laterooms.com/en/r100_hotels-in-uk.aspx) but maybe its a bit early for these bargains.

For writeups http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/  (http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/) but take some of them with a pinch of salt. There are some picky buggers out there.

Don't get the Grange Langham mixed up with The Langham.

Pete
Title: Re: Visiting the UK
Post by: CliffH on April 26, 2013, 07:06:21 PM
I don't know about Aciera bits, Mosey, but there should be some good machines in some of the workshops of the preserved railways, f'rinstance at Didcot (GWR) Sheffiled Park (Bluebell Railway) Loughborough (Great Central Railway) These places have the added bonus of being well populated by the odd steam locomotive...
Cliff
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