A Day in the Life of a Trainspotter.
Trainspotter.
Way back in 1954 Bobby’s dad, Sid, bought him an Ian Allan Train spotting book. He still has it. That, allied to Sid’s own keen interest in all things mechanical, led to his son’s enduring interest in such things. Given that being a trainspotter was the main hobby of schoolboys in 1954 it is hardly surprising that that generation is still prominent today. Heritage steam railways, traction engine rallies, bus rallies, airshows all have their committed supporters from those halcyon days. It’s an interest that endures to this day and explains Bobby’s unusual preferences when travelling abroad. (more…)
Continental Railway Journeys: Lammersdorf
Back to Lammersdorf.
In Continental Railway Journeys Austria, you heard how Bobby got the idea of coming to a less well know part of this wonderful country from English people in a Country Walking Magazine article. Amazingly, but due to his being an obsessive collector, as a result of that heatwave, staying indoors, sorting out junk, he discovered he had kept the article!
Country Walking Magazine – Hidden Austria.
A Day in the Life of a Heatwave.
Heatwave 2017.
Sunday
Bertie: “It so bleeding ‘ot! (Sarf London). Can’t put up with this heatwave much longer. How about you Bobby? Bobby? BOBBY? What’s the matter with you? You do look a bit cream crackered. Even Uncle Dick.”
Bobby: “Uhhhhh. Given up. Made an executive decision. Had an outbreak of common sense. I’m giving up!” (more…)
The Flying Legends Duxford 2017
Flying Legends, Duxford.
June is busting out all over…
Bertie: “Told her that blouse was too bleedin’ tight…” (more…)
A Dancer Called Alexis.
Alexis.
I would like to introduce you to Alexis, from the United States of America. She wants to be a dancer. With her determination and clear love for her passion I am sure she will succeed. I spoke to her mum Debra who told me that all her daughter had ever wanted to be was a dancer. (more…)
Continental Railway Journeys in Germany.
Continental Railway Journeys in Germany.
Well here we are back in Lammersdorf, Austria. Writing blogs from an idyllic office.
Tom is the new owner of the hotel. Upholding the recent tradition of Dutchmen owning it. He has agreed to be interviewed by me later in the holiday. (more…)
Tim, the Technical Director.
Technical Director.
It may seem to be a bit pompous to have a Technical Director for something as trivial as a blog. But then, Bobby isn’t renowned for doing things normally. It also seems a bit wrong to be posting something so trivially amusing as this after last night’s events. So, please take a minute in silent contemplation and respect for all those affected before reading on. (more…)
When Bertie is on His Holidays…
Holidays!
Bertie and Bobby are on their holidays, so they have foolishly handed the reigns over to me. Tim. The Technical Director! (more…)
Unveiling the Bench in Memory of Diddley.
The Bench.
Chris. National Trust Volunteer… “Chris of all trades”.
Continental Railway Journeys to Venice.
Venice.
So the romance was over before it had even begun (see Brief Encounter). Good luck Giz A La (Gisele). It was fun. So, here I am. Venice. Walking out of the station, you look down on the Grand Canal. On a scene quite unimaginable the first time. But for a first time you really need to come by train. Planes, coaches and cars are all outside the ancient city. The railway station is right in the middle.
Venice Santa Lucia Station. Down the steps. Walk. Waterbus. Gondola. Launch. A man with a barrow.