• Indonesian sugar railways

    From boltar@3:633/10 to All on Saturday, June 06, 2026 15:41:40
    I've been watching this channel for a while now. Usually something
    interesting. Their locomotives seem to spend almost as much time off the
    track as on it but unlike in the UK they don't spend a day doing the re-railing. 30 mins seems to be enough.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hF18yMTp-ZU


    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Nobody@3:633/10 to All on Saturday, June 06, 2026 11:31:23
    On 2026-06-06 8:41 a.m., boltar@caprica.universe wrote:
    I've been watching this channel for a while now. Usually something interesting. Their locomotives seem to spend almost as much time off the track as on it but unlike in the UK they don't spend a day doing the re-railing. 30 mins seems to be enough.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hF18yMTp-ZU


    Someone (possibly you) flagged that here several years ago.

    There's also the video from Ecuador where the diseasel loco derails on a
    wonky switch while running through a small town... and is re-railed in
    short order.

    <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oIXg11xrIA>

    That's the work of well-known Kiwi videographer Geoff Mackley.

    It pre-dates the snazzy tourist train which stopped running with COVID
    but I think has resumed service in the last year or so.

    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From boltar@3:633/10 to All on Sunday, June 07, 2026 14:45:23
    On Sat, 6 Jun 2026 11:31:23 -0700
    Nobody <jock@soccer.com> gabbled:
    On 2026-06-06 8:41 a.m., boltar@caprica.universe wrote:
    I've been watching this channel for a while now. Usually something
    interesting. Their locomotives seem to spend almost as much time off the
    track as on it but unlike in the UK they don't spend a day doing the
    re-railing. 30 mins seems to be enough.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hF18yMTp-ZU


    Someone (possibly you) flagged that here several years ago.

    Not me, I only came across it a few months back.


    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Recliner@3:633/10 to All on Sunday, June 07, 2026 17:09:27
    <boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:
    On Sat, 6 Jun 2026 11:31:23 -0700
    Nobody <jock@soccer.com> gabbled:
    On 2026-06-06 8:41 a.m., boltar@caprica.universe wrote:
    I've been watching this channel for a while now. Usually something
    interesting. Their locomotives seem to spend almost as much time off the >>> track as on it but unlike in the UK they don't spend a day doing the
    re-railing. 30 mins seems to be enough.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hF18yMTp-ZU


    Someone (possibly you) flagged that here several years ago.

    Not me, I only came across it a few months back.


    Maybe not that exact one, but I?m sure you?ve posted similar videos before.

    Incidentally, if you want to see the sort of steam engines that these
    diesels replaced, I recommend a visit to the Statfold Barn Railway, which
    has an amazing collection of narrow gauge steam locos, many of which were
    built in the UK to work on agricultural railways around the world. There?s
    a rare, large narrow gauge roundhouse, too. There?s also a collection of vintage road vehicles and fairground rides. It all started out as the
    location for a rich man?s hobbies.

    https://statfold.com/spectacle-of-steam/


    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From boltar@3:633/10 to All on Monday, June 08, 2026 08:20:56
    On Sun, 07 Jun 2026 17:09:27 GMT
    Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> gabbled:
    <boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:
    On Sat, 6 Jun 2026 11:31:23 -0700
    Nobody <jock@soccer.com> gabbled:
    On 2026-06-06 8:41 a.m., boltar@caprica.universe wrote:
    I've been watching this channel for a while now. Usually something
    interesting. Their locomotives seem to spend almost as much time off the >>>> track as on it but unlike in the UK they don't spend a day doing the
    re-railing. 30 mins seems to be enough.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hF18yMTp-ZU


    Someone (possibly you) flagged that here several years ago.

    Not me, I only came across it a few months back.


    Maybe not that exact one, but I?m sure you?ve posted similar videos before.


    Incidentally, if you want to see the sort of steam engines that these
    diesels replaced, I recommend a visit to the Statfold Barn Railway, which
    has an amazing collection of narrow gauge steam locos, many of which were >built in the UK to work on agricultural railways around the world. There?s
    a rare, large narrow gauge roundhouse, too. There?s also a collection of >vintage road vehicles and fairground rides. It all started out as the >location for a rich man?s hobbies.

    https://statfold.com/spectacle-of-steam/

    "There has been a critical error on this website.

    Learn more about troubleshooting WordPress."

    Oh well.


    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Recliner@3:633/10 to All on Monday, June 08, 2026 11:04:33
    <boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:
    On Sun, 07 Jun 2026 17:09:27 GMT
    Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> gabbled:
    <boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:
    On Sat, 6 Jun 2026 11:31:23 -0700
    Nobody <jock@soccer.com> gabbled:
    On 2026-06-06 8:41 a.m., boltar@caprica.universe wrote:
    I've been watching this channel for a while now. Usually something
    interesting. Their locomotives seem to spend almost as much time off the >>>>> track as on it but unlike in the UK they don't spend a day doing the >>>>> re-railing. 30 mins seems to be enough.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hF18yMTp-ZU


    Someone (possibly you) flagged that here several years ago.

    Not me, I only came across it a few months back.


    Maybe not that exact one, but I?m sure you?ve posted similar videos before. >>

    Incidentally, if you want to see the sort of steam engines that these
    diesels replaced, I recommend a visit to the Statfold Barn Railway, which
    has an amazing collection of narrow gauge steam locos, many of which were
    built in the UK to work on agricultural railways around the world. There?s >> a rare, large narrow gauge roundhouse, too. There?s also a collection of
    vintage road vehicles and fairground rides. It all started out as the
    location for a rich man?s hobbies.

    https://statfold.com/spectacle-of-steam/

    "There has been a critical error on this website.

    Learn more about troubleshooting WordPress."

    Oh well.


    Works fine at my end. Looks like the problem was either temporary, or at
    your end.


    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From boltar@3:633/10 to All on Monday, June 08, 2026 14:49:44
    On Mon, 08 Jun 2026 11:04:33 GMT
    Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> gabbled:
    <boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:
    https://statfold.com/spectacle-of-steam/

    "There has been a critical error on this website.

    Learn more about troubleshooting WordPress."

    Oh well.


    Works fine at my end. Looks like the problem was either temporary, or at
    your end.

    Working now, obviously temporary glitch. 16 quid for kids seems a bit tight, even the National Trust don't charge that much and they're not exactly shy
    of price gouging. Looks interesting but too far for a day trip so won't be going.


    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Recliner@3:633/10 to All on Monday, June 08, 2026 16:16:33
    On Sun, 7 Jun 2026 14:45:23 -0000 (UTC), boltar@caprica.universe wrote:

    On Sat, 6 Jun 2026 11:31:23 -0700
    Nobody <jock@soccer.com> gabbled:
    On 2026-06-06 8:41 a.m., boltar@caprica.universe wrote:
    I've been watching this channel for a while now. Usually something
    interesting. Their locomotives seem to spend almost as much time off the >>> track as on it but unlike in the UK they don't spend a day doing the
    re-railing. 30 mins seems to be enough.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hF18yMTp-ZU


    Someone (possibly you) flagged that here several years ago.

    Not me, I only came across it a few months back.


    On Sat, 1 Apr 2023 15:49:31 -0000 (UTC), Muttley@dastardlyhq.com wrote:

    I've been watching this indonesian railway guys videos with fascination, >mainly about how the hell the loco stays on the tracks. No surprises they >finally push their luck too far and into the dirt it goes:

    https://www.youtube.com/shorts/UrzCqXZFJr0




    On Thu, 30 Mar 2023 15:56:36 -0000 (UTC), Muttley@dastardlyhq.com wrote:

    This is one way to re-open an old line I suppose:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdRrtLpPQbo

    Looks like it's on the verge of tipping over at some points.

    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Recliner@3:633/10 to All on Monday, June 08, 2026 21:34:39
    <boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:
    On Mon, 08 Jun 2026 11:04:33 GMT
    Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> gabbled:
    <boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:
    https://statfold.com/spectacle-of-steam/

    "There has been a critical error on this website.

    Learn more about troubleshooting WordPress."

    Oh well.


    Works fine at my end. Looks like the problem was either temporary, or at
    your end.

    Working now, obviously temporary glitch. 16 quid for kids seems a bit tight, even the National Trust don't charge that much and they're not exactly shy
    of price gouging. Looks interesting but too far for a day trip so won't be going.


    It?s near Alton Towers, and a lot cheaper. We know you?re very interested
    in those narrow gauge sugar railways, so I?m surprised you?re not
    interested in seeing authentic, restored steam trains from them in action within driving distance from home.


    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From boltar@3:633/10 to All on Tuesday, June 09, 2026 08:50:53
    On Mon, 08 Jun 2026 21:34:39 GMT
    Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> gabbled:
    <boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:
    On Mon, 08 Jun 2026 11:04:33 GMT
    Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> gabbled:
    <boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:
    https://statfold.com/spectacle-of-steam/

    "There has been a critical error on this website.

    Learn more about troubleshooting WordPress."

    Oh well.


    Works fine at my end. Looks like the problem was either temporary, or at >>> your end.

    Working now, obviously temporary glitch. 16 quid for kids seems a bit tight, >> even the National Trust don't charge that much and they're not exactly shy >> of price gouging. Looks interesting but too far for a day trip so won't be >> going.


    It?s near Alton Towers, and a lot cheaper. We know you?re very interested
    in those narrow gauge sugar railways, so I?m surprised you?re not
    interested in seeing authentic, restored steam trains from them in action >within driving distance from home.

    Define within driving distance. Penzance is driving distance from home but I wouldn't go there for an afternoon trip. Also unlike you its not just about me, I have a family I have to consider.


    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Recliner@3:633/10 to All on Tuesday, June 09, 2026 10:35:55
    <boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:
    On Mon, 08 Jun 2026 21:34:39 GMT
    Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> gabbled:
    <boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:
    On Mon, 08 Jun 2026 11:04:33 GMT
    Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> gabbled:
    <boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:
    https://statfold.com/spectacle-of-steam/

    "There has been a critical error on this website.

    Learn more about troubleshooting WordPress."

    Oh well.


    Works fine at my end. Looks like the problem was either temporary, or at >>>> your end.

    Working now, obviously temporary glitch. 16 quid for kids seems a bit tight,
    even the National Trust don't charge that much and they're not exactly shy >>> of price gouging. Looks interesting but too far for a day trip so won't be >>> going.


    It?s near Alton Towers, and a lot cheaper. We know you?re very interested
    in those narrow gauge sugar railways, so I?m surprised you?re not
    interested in seeing authentic, restored steam trains from them in action
    within driving distance from home.

    Define within driving distance. Penzance is driving distance from home but I wouldn't go there for an afternoon trip. Also unlike you its not just about me, I have a family I have to consider.


    Plenty of families drive from London to Alton Towers for the day.

    This is the sort of thing you missed

    https://youtu.be/tiNLDlbpYKY?si=fMfrsJ1KgktZ4J6_


    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From boltar@3:633/10 to All on Tuesday, June 09, 2026 10:43:48
    On Tue, 09 Jun 2026 10:35:55 GMT
    Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> gabbled:
    <boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:
    Define within driving distance. Penzance is driving distance from home but I

    wouldn't go there for an afternoon trip. Also unlike you its not just about >> me, I have a family I have to consider.


    Plenty of families drive from London to Alton Towers for the day.

    No way is my wife going to spend 5 hours sitting in a car there and back in order to attend an event she has zero interest in. Ditto the sprog.

    This is the sort of thing you missed

    https://youtu.be/tiNLDlbpYKY?si=fMfrsJ1KgktZ4J6_

    Looks fun.


    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Recliner@3:633/10 to All on Tuesday, June 09, 2026 11:04:07
    <boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:
    On Tue, 09 Jun 2026 10:35:55 GMT
    Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> gabbled:
    <boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:
    Define within driving distance. Penzance is driving distance from home but I

    wouldn't go there for an afternoon trip. Also unlike you its not just about
    me, I have a family I have to consider.


    Plenty of families drive from London to Alton Towers for the day.

    No way is my wife going to spend 5 hours sitting in a car there and back in order to attend an event she has zero interest in. Ditto the sprog.

    It?s probably a couple of hours drive from North London. And go on your own
    if your family has no interest in trains.


    This is the sort of thing you missed

    https://youtu.be/tiNLDlbpYKY?si=fMfrsJ1KgktZ4J6_

    Looks fun.

    It?s probably the most intensive steam service of any UK preserved railway festival day, with a wide variety of locos and carriages, including the
    most powerful 2? gauge steam loco in the world. Locos have been found, retrieved and restored from as far away as Tasmania. The collection now includes the late Adrian Shooter?s Beeches Railway Darjeeling Himalayan
    Railway train (though the loco is currently out of service while its new
    boiler is constructed).

    https://statfold.com/museum/




    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Roland Perry@3:633/10 to All on Tuesday, June 09, 2026 15:29:04
    In message <f0SVR.7374$xwgc.67@fx17.ams1>, at 10:35:55 on Tue, 9 Jun
    2026, Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> remarked:

    Plenty of families drive from London to Alton Towers for the day.

    In which case they are bonkers. It's around 4hrs each way, assuming the traffic isn't bad.
    --
    Roland Perry

    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Roland Perry@3:633/10 to All on Tuesday, June 09, 2026 15:32:06
    In message <HqSVR.6983$wjw4.1233@fx15.ams1>, at 11:04:07 on Tue, 9 Jun
    2026, Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> remarked:

    Plenty of families drive from London to Alton Towers for the day.

    No way is my wife going to spend 5 hours sitting in a car there and back in >> order to attend an event she has zero interest in. Ditto the sprog.

    It?s probably a couple of hours drive from North London.

    If you've got a car with a blue light on the roof. Google maps says 3hrs
    from Watford (Middx). 2hrs would be an *average* speed of 70mph. Which
    on the country roads the last six or seven miles is clearly impossible.
    --
    Roland Perry

    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Ulf Kutzner@3:633/10 to All on Tuesday, June 09, 2026 14:39:43

    Roland Perry <roland@perry.uk> posted:

    In message <HqSVR.6983$wjw4.1233@fx15.ams1>, at 11:04:07 on Tue, 9 Jun
    2026, Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> remarked:

    Plenty of families drive from London to Alton Towers for the day.

    No way is my wife going to spend 5 hours sitting in a car there and back in
    order to attend an event she has zero interest in. Ditto the sprog.

    It?s probably a couple of hours drive from North London.

    If you've got a car with a blue light on the roof. Google maps says 3hrs from Watford (Middx). 2hrs would be an *average* speed of 70mph. Which
    on the country roads the last six or seven miles is clearly impossible.

    Average speed will not apply for every single (or double) mile.

    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Recliner@3:633/10 to All on Tuesday, June 09, 2026 15:51:37
    On Tue, 9 Jun 2026 15:32:06 +0100, Roland Perry <roland@perry.uk> wrote:

    In message <HqSVR.6983$wjw4.1233@fx15.ams1>, at 11:04:07 on Tue, 9 Jun
    2026, Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> remarked:

    Plenty of families drive from London to Alton Towers for the day.

    No way is my wife going to spend 5 hours sitting in a car there and back in >>> order to attend an event she has zero interest in. Ditto the sprog.

    It?s probably a couple of hours drive from North London.

    If you've got a car with a blue light on the roof. Google maps says 3hrs >from Watford (Middx).

    Nope, from Watford Junction, Herts, Google estimates a driving time of 2h 11m via the M1.

    I think Neil lives near the eastern end of the Picc, so let's assume somewhere near Cockfosters. Google says 2h 27m from
    there, which is probably why he estimated a total of 5h for the return trip, which sounds about right.

    BTW, I know you're a visitor from the last century, but Middx was abolished back in 1965. In any case, Watford was never
    in Middx. So you seem to be hallucinating again.

    2hrs would be an *average* speed of 70mph. Which
    on the country roads the last six or seven miles is clearly impossible.

    Please show your workings. You seem to be hallucinating again.

    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Graeme Wall@3:633/10 to All on Tuesday, June 09, 2026 16:13:39
    On 09/06/2026 15:51, Recliner wrote:
    BTW, I know you're a visitor from the last century, but Middx was abolished back in 1965. In any case, Watford was never
    in Middx. So you seem to be hallucinating again.

    Apparently there are attempts to resurrect at least part of Middlesex!
    When it was abolished most of the county ended up in Greater London, but
    a small part was amalgamated into Surrey. With the forthcoming split of
    the latter into East and West, there is a suggestion that West Surrey is
    named West Surrey and South Middlesex!

    --
    Graeme Wall
    This account not read.



    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Recliner@3:633/10 to All on Tuesday, June 09, 2026 16:15:02
    On Tue, 9 Jun 2026 16:13:39 +0100, Graeme Wall <rail@greywall.demon.co.uk> wrote:

    On 09/06/2026 15:51, Recliner wrote:
    BTW, I know you're a visitor from the last century, but Middx was abolished back in 1965. In any case, Watford was never
    in Middx. So you seem to be hallucinating again.

    Apparently there are attempts to resurrect at least part of Middlesex!
    When it was abolished most of the county ended up in Greater London, but
    a small part was amalgamated into Surrey. With the forthcoming split of
    the latter into East and West, there is a suggestion that West Surrey is >named West Surrey and South Middlesex!

    Yes, I'd seen that.

    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Ulf Kutzner@3:633/10 to All on Tuesday, June 09, 2026 15:22:11

    Graeme Wall <rail@greywall.demon.co.uk> posted:

    On 09/06/2026 15:51, Recliner wrote:
    BTW, I know you're a visitor from the last century, but Middx was abolished back in 1965. In any case, Watford was never
    in Middx. So you seem to be hallucinating again.

    Apparently there are attempts to resurrect at least part of Middlesex!
    When it was abolished most of the county ended up in Greater London, but
    a small part was amalgamated into Surrey.

    A bit more complicated, see chapter following https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middlesex#New_London_boroughs_from_former_Middlesex_CC_area

    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From boltar@3:633/10 to All on Tuesday, June 09, 2026 15:23:26
    On Tue, 09 Jun 2026 11:04:07 GMT
    Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> gabbled:
    <boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:
    On Tue, 09 Jun 2026 10:35:55 GMT
    Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> gabbled:
    <boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:
    Define within driving distance. Penzance is driving distance from home but >I

    wouldn't go there for an afternoon trip. Also unlike you its not just >about
    me, I have a family I have to consider.


    Plenty of families drive from London to Alton Towers for the day.

    No way is my wife going to spend 5 hours sitting in a car there and back in >> order to attend an event she has zero interest in. Ditto the sprog.

    It?s probably a couple of hours drive from North London. And go on your own >if your family has no interest in trains.

    2 hours up the M1 in its current state? Unlikely. Also I'm going to guess you've never been married. Going out for a drink down the pub with a mate
    for a few hours is one thing, going out for the entire day on the w/e while wife looks after the kid would go down like the proverbial bucket of sick.


    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Ulf Kutzner@3:633/10 to All on Tuesday, June 09, 2026 15:25:56

    boltar@caprica.universe posted:

    On Tue, 09 Jun 2026 11:04:07 GMT
    Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> gabbled:
    <boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:
    On Tue, 09 Jun 2026 10:35:55 GMT
    Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> gabbled:
    <boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:
    Define within driving distance. Penzance is driving distance from home but
    I

    wouldn't go there for an afternoon trip. Also unlike you its not just >about
    me, I have a family I have to consider.


    Plenty of families drive from London to Alton Towers for the day.

    No way is my wife going to spend 5 hours sitting in a car there and back in
    order to attend an event she has zero interest in. Ditto the sprog.

    It?s probably a couple of hours drive from North London. And go on your own >if your family has no interest in trains.

    2 hours up the M1 in its current state? Unlikely. Also I'm going to guess you've never been married. Going out for a drink down the pub with a mate
    for a few hours is one thing, going out for the entire day on the w/e while wife looks after the kid would go down like the proverbial bucket of sick.

    Maybe some do on steam-hauled specials?

    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Roland Perry@3:633/10 to All on Tuesday, June 09, 2026 16:46:02
    In message <tj9g2ltgl2drpvhgla0dq2u8eop9sn1vdp@4ax.com>, at 15:51:37 on
    Tue, 9 Jun 2026, Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> remarked:
    On Tue, 9 Jun 2026 15:32:06 +0100, Roland Perry <roland@perry.uk> wrote:

    In message <HqSVR.6983$wjw4.1233@fx15.ams1>, at 11:04:07 on Tue, 9 Jun >>2026, Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> remarked:

    Plenty of families drive from London to Alton Towers for the day.

    No way is my wife going to spend 5 hours sitting in a car there and back in
    order to attend an event she has zero interest in. Ditto the sprog.

    It?s probably a couple of hours drive from North London.

    If you've got a car with a blue light on the roof. Google maps says 3hrs >>from Watford (Middx).

    Nope, from Watford Junction, Herts, Google estimates a driving time of
    2h 11m via the M1.

    Odd that when I did that half an hour ago it said 3hrs.

    Let's try again specifying a Saturday morning, arrival when Alton Towers
    opens @10am, on a random August day.

    2hrs 10min to 3hrs. Mindful that Google maps is always very optimistic
    about its lower boundary, so you'd have to be very lucky to do it in
    less than 2hrs 40mins.

    2hrs would be an *average* speed of 70mph. Which
    on the country roads the last six or seven miles is clearly impossible.

    Please show your workings. You seem to be hallucinating again.

    It's 136 miles, which in 2hrs is an average speed of 68mph, you can see
    the country roads from Uttoxeter to Alton yourself. (8 miles typically
    16-28 minutes).

    Of course, to park and get to the pedestrian entrance will take at least another ten minutes.
    --
    Roland Perry

    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Recliner@3:633/10 to All on Tuesday, June 09, 2026 16:22:53
    Roland Perry <roland@perry.uk> wrote:
    In message <tj9g2ltgl2drpvhgla0dq2u8eop9sn1vdp@4ax.com>, at 15:51:37 on
    Tue, 9 Jun 2026, Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> remarked:
    On Tue, 9 Jun 2026 15:32:06 +0100, Roland Perry <roland@perry.uk> wrote:

    In message <HqSVR.6983$wjw4.1233@fx15.ams1>, at 11:04:07 on Tue, 9 Jun
    2026, Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> remarked:

    Plenty of families drive from London to Alton Towers for the day.

    No way is my wife going to spend 5 hours sitting in a car there and back in
    order to attend an event she has zero interest in. Ditto the sprog.

    It?s probably a couple of hours drive from North London.

    If you've got a car with a blue light on the roof. Google maps says 3hrs >>> from Watford (Middx).

    Nope, from Watford Junction, Herts, Google estimates a driving time of
    2h 11m via the M1.

    Odd that when I did that half an hour ago it said 3hrs.

    Let's try again specifying a Saturday morning, arrival when Alton Towers opens @10am, on a random August day.

    2hrs 10min to 3hrs. Mindful that Google maps is always very optimistic
    about its lower boundary, so you'd have to be very lucky to do it in
    less than 2hrs 40mins.

    2hrs would be an *average* speed of 70mph. Which
    on the country roads the last six or seven miles is clearly impossible.

    Please show your workings. You seem to be hallucinating again.

    It's 136 miles,

    Where did you get that from? Google doesn?t agree, but perhaps you?re hallucinating about the destination?


    which in 2hrs is an average speed of 68mph, you can see
    the country roads from Uttoxeter to Alton yourself. (8 miles typically
    16-28 minutes).

    Of course, to park and get to the pedestrian entrance will take at least another ten minutes.

    Have you ever been to Statfold Barn?


    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Nick Finnigan@3:633/10 to All on Tuesday, June 09, 2026 17:57:55
    On 09/06/2026 17:22, Recliner wrote:
    Roland Perry <roland@perry.uk> wrote:
    In message <tj9g2ltgl2drpvhgla0dq2u8eop9sn1vdp@4ax.com>, at 15:51:37 on
    Tue, 9 Jun 2026, Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> remarked:
    On Tue, 9 Jun 2026 15:32:06 +0100, Roland Perry <roland@perry.uk> wrote: >>>
    In message <HqSVR.6983$wjw4.1233@fx15.ams1>, at 11:04:07 on Tue, 9 Jun >>>> 2026, Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> remarked:

    Plenty of families drive from London to Alton Towers for the day. >>>>>>
    No way is my wife going to spend 5 hours sitting in a car there and back in
    order to attend an event she has zero interest in. Ditto the sprog. >>>>>
    It?s probably a couple of hours drive from North London.

    If you've got a car with a blue light on the roof. Google maps says 3hrs >>>> from Watford (Middx).

    Nope, from Watford Junction, Herts, Google estimates a driving time of
    2h 11m via the M1.

    Odd that when I did that half an hour ago it said 3hrs.

    Let's try again specifying a Saturday morning, arrival when Alton Towers
    opens @10am, on a random August day.

    2hrs 10min to 3hrs. Mindful that Google maps is always very optimistic
    about its lower boundary, so you'd have to be very lucky to do it in
    less than 2hrs 40mins.

    2hrs would be an *average* speed of 70mph. Which
    on the country roads the last six or seven miles is clearly impossible. >>>
    Please show your workings. You seem to be hallucinating again.

    It's 136 miles,

    Where did you get that from? Google doesn?t agree, but perhaps you?re hallucinating about the destination?


    which in 2hrs is an average speed of 68mph, you can see
    the country roads from Uttoxeter to Alton yourself. (8 miles typically
    16-28 minutes).

    Of course, to park and get to the pedestrian entrance will take at least
    another ten minutes.

    Have you ever been to Statfold Barn?

    You appear to be discussing a journey to Statfold Barn, whereas Roland is discussing Alton Towers (it's at the top of the quotes).


    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Recliner@3:633/10 to All on Tuesday, June 09, 2026 17:12:14
    Nick Finnigan <nix@genie.co.uk> wrote:
    On 09/06/2026 17:22, Recliner wrote:
    Roland Perry <roland@perry.uk> wrote:
    In message <tj9g2ltgl2drpvhgla0dq2u8eop9sn1vdp@4ax.com>, at 15:51:37 on
    Tue, 9 Jun 2026, Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> remarked:
    On Tue, 9 Jun 2026 15:32:06 +0100, Roland Perry <roland@perry.uk> wrote: >>>>
    In message <HqSVR.6983$wjw4.1233@fx15.ams1>, at 11:04:07 on Tue, 9 Jun >>>>> 2026, Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> remarked:

    Plenty of families drive from London to Alton Towers for the day. >>>>>>>
    No way is my wife going to spend 5 hours sitting in a car there and back in
    order to attend an event she has zero interest in. Ditto the sprog. >>>>>>
    It?s probably a couple of hours drive from North London.

    If you've got a car with a blue light on the roof. Google maps says 3hrs >>>>> from Watford (Middx).

    Nope, from Watford Junction, Herts, Google estimates a driving time of >>>> 2h 11m via the M1.

    Odd that when I did that half an hour ago it said 3hrs.

    Let's try again specifying a Saturday morning, arrival when Alton Towers >>> opens @10am, on a random August day.

    2hrs 10min to 3hrs. Mindful that Google maps is always very optimistic
    about its lower boundary, so you'd have to be very lucky to do it in
    less than 2hrs 40mins.

    2hrs would be an *average* speed of 70mph. Which
    on the country roads the last six or seven miles is clearly impossible. >>>>
    Please show your workings. You seem to be hallucinating again.

    It's 136 miles,

    Where did you get that from? Google doesn?t agree, but perhaps you?re
    hallucinating about the destination?


    which in 2hrs is an average speed of 68mph, you can see
    the country roads from Uttoxeter to Alton yourself. (8 miles typically
    16-28 minutes).

    Of course, to park and get to the pedestrian entrance will take at least >>> another ten minutes.

    Have you ever been to Statfold Barn?

    You appear to be discussing a journey to Statfold Barn, whereas Roland is discussing Alton Towers (it's at the top of the quotes).

    The discussion was about a day trip to Statfold Barn, but Roland
    hallucinated that it was to Alton Towers.


    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Bevan Price@3:633/10 to All on Tuesday, June 09, 2026 22:21:33
    On 09/06/2026 18:12, Recliner wrote:
    Nick Finnigan <nix@genie.co.uk> wrote:
    On 09/06/2026 17:22, Recliner wrote:
    Roland Perry <roland@perry.uk> wrote:
    In message <tj9g2ltgl2drpvhgla0dq2u8eop9sn1vdp@4ax.com>, at 15:51:37 on >>>> Tue, 9 Jun 2026, Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> remarked:
    On Tue, 9 Jun 2026 15:32:06 +0100, Roland Perry <roland@perry.uk> wrote: >>>>>
    In message <HqSVR.6983$wjw4.1233@fx15.ams1>, at 11:04:07 on Tue, 9 Jun >>>>>> 2026, Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> remarked:

    Plenty of families drive from London to Alton Towers for the day. >>>>>>>>
    No way is my wife going to spend 5 hours sitting in a car there and back in
    order to attend an event she has zero interest in. Ditto the sprog. >>>>>>>
    It?s probably a couple of hours drive from North London.

    If you've got a car with a blue light on the roof. Google maps says 3hrs >>>>>> from Watford (Middx).

    Nope, from Watford Junction, Herts, Google estimates a driving time of >>>>> 2h 11m via the M1.

    Odd that when I did that half an hour ago it said 3hrs.

    Let's try again specifying a Saturday morning, arrival when Alton Towers >>>> opens @10am, on a random August day.

    2hrs 10min to 3hrs. Mindful that Google maps is always very optimistic >>>> about its lower boundary, so you'd have to be very lucky to do it in
    less than 2hrs 40mins.

    2hrs would be an *average* speed of 70mph. Which
    on the country roads the last six or seven miles is clearly impossible. >>>>>
    Please show your workings. You seem to be hallucinating again.

    It's 136 miles,

    Where did you get that from? Google doesn?t agree, but perhaps you?re
    hallucinating about the destination?


    which in 2hrs is an average speed of 68mph, you can see
    the country roads from Uttoxeter to Alton yourself. (8 miles typically >>>> 16-28 minutes).

    Of course, to park and get to the pedestrian entrance will take at least >>>> another ten minutes.

    Have you ever been to Statfold Barn?

    You appear to be discussing a journey to Statfold Barn, whereas Roland is >> discussing Alton Towers (it's at the top of the quotes).

    The discussion was about a day trip to Statfold Barn, but Roland
    hallucinated that it was to Alton Towers.


    If you go on a "gala" / "special event" day, for many people the best
    way to Statfold Barn is train to Tamworth, then free (heritage) bus from
    just outside the station to Statfold Barn.

    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Recliner@3:633/10 to All on Tuesday, June 09, 2026 21:42:26
    Bevan Price <bevanprice666@gmail.com> wrote:
    On 09/06/2026 18:12, Recliner wrote:
    Nick Finnigan <nix@genie.co.uk> wrote:
    On 09/06/2026 17:22, Recliner wrote:
    Roland Perry <roland@perry.uk> wrote:
    In message <tj9g2ltgl2drpvhgla0dq2u8eop9sn1vdp@4ax.com>, at 15:51:37 on >>>>> Tue, 9 Jun 2026, Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> remarked:
    On Tue, 9 Jun 2026 15:32:06 +0100, Roland Perry <roland@perry.uk> wrote: >>>>>>
    In message <HqSVR.6983$wjw4.1233@fx15.ams1>, at 11:04:07 on Tue, 9 Jun >>>>>>> 2026, Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> remarked:

    Plenty of families drive from London to Alton Towers for the day. >>>>>>>>>
    No way is my wife going to spend 5 hours sitting in a car there and back in
    order to attend an event she has zero interest in. Ditto the sprog. >>>>>>>>
    It?s probably a couple of hours drive from North London.

    If you've got a car with a blue light on the roof. Google maps says 3hrs
    from Watford (Middx).

    Nope, from Watford Junction, Herts, Google estimates a driving time of >>>>>> 2h 11m via the M1.

    Odd that when I did that half an hour ago it said 3hrs.

    Let's try again specifying a Saturday morning, arrival when Alton Towers >>>>> opens @10am, on a random August day.

    2hrs 10min to 3hrs. Mindful that Google maps is always very optimistic >>>>> about its lower boundary, so you'd have to be very lucky to do it in >>>>> less than 2hrs 40mins.

    2hrs would be an *average* speed of 70mph. Which
    on the country roads the last six or seven miles is clearly impossible. >>>>>>
    Please show your workings. You seem to be hallucinating again.

    It's 136 miles,

    Where did you get that from? Google doesn?t agree, but perhaps you?re
    hallucinating about the destination?


    which in 2hrs is an average speed of 68mph, you can see
    the country roads from Uttoxeter to Alton yourself. (8 miles typically >>>>> 16-28 minutes).

    Of course, to park and get to the pedestrian entrance will take at least >>>>> another ten minutes.

    Have you ever been to Statfold Barn?

    You appear to be discussing a journey to Statfold Barn, whereas Roland is >>> discussing Alton Towers (it's at the top of the quotes).

    The discussion was about a day trip to Statfold Barn, but Roland
    hallucinated that it was to Alton Towers.


    If you go on a "gala" / "special event" day, for many people the best
    way to Statfold Barn is train to Tamworth, then free (heritage) bus from just outside the station to Statfold Barn.


    Yes, that sounds like good advice, but I don?t think Neil does trains if
    the car is an option.


    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Nick Finnigan@3:633/10 to All on Tuesday, June 09, 2026 23:57:51
    On 09/06/2026 18:12, Recliner wrote:
    Nick Finnigan <nix@genie.co.uk> wrote:
    On 09/06/2026 17:22, Recliner wrote:
    Roland Perry <roland@perry.uk> wrote:
    In message <tj9g2ltgl2drpvhgla0dq2u8eop9sn1vdp@4ax.com>, at 15:51:37 on >>>> Tue, 9 Jun 2026, Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> remarked:
    On Tue, 9 Jun 2026 15:32:06 +0100, Roland Perry <roland@perry.uk> wrote: >>>>>
    In message <HqSVR.6983$wjw4.1233@fx15.ams1>, at 11:04:07 on Tue, 9 Jun >>>>>> 2026, Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> remarked:

    Plenty of families drive from London to Alton Towers for the day. >>>>>>>>
    No way is my wife going to spend 5 hours sitting in a car there and back in
    order to attend an event she has zero interest in. Ditto the sprog. >>>>>>>
    It?s probably a couple of hours drive from North London.

    If you've got a car with a blue light on the roof. Google maps says 3hrs >>>>>> from Watford (Middx).

    Nope, from Watford Junction, Herts, Google estimates a driving time of >>>>> 2h 11m via the M1.

    Odd that when I did that half an hour ago it said 3hrs.

    Let's try again specifying a Saturday morning, arrival when Alton Towers >>>> opens @10am, on a random August day.

    2hrs 10min to 3hrs. Mindful that Google maps is always very optimistic >>>> about its lower boundary, so you'd have to be very lucky to do it in
    less than 2hrs 40mins.

    2hrs would be an *average* speed of 70mph. Which
    on the country roads the last six or seven miles is clearly impossible. >>>>>
    Please show your workings. You seem to be hallucinating again.

    It's 136 miles,

    Where did you get that from? Google doesn?t agree, but perhaps you?re
    hallucinating about the destination?


    which in 2hrs is an average speed of 68mph, you can see
    the country roads from Uttoxeter to Alton yourself. (8 miles typically >>>> 16-28 minutes).

    Of course, to park and get to the pedestrian entrance will take at least >>>> another ten minutes.

    Have you ever been to Statfold Barn?

    You appear to be discussing a journey to Statfold Barn, whereas Roland is >> discussing Alton Towers (it's at the top of the quotes).

    The discussion was about a day trip to Statfold Barn, but Roland
    hallucinated that it was to Alton Towers.

    Someone other than Roland mentioned Alton Towers, and the journey time.
    Someome else, not Roland, mentioned the journey time to Alton Towers.
    Roland then followed up about Alton Towers with a journey time.

    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Nobody@3:633/10 to All on Tuesday, June 09, 2026 16:20:20
    On 2026-06-09 3:57 p.m., Nick Finnigan wrote:
    On 09/06/2026 18:12, Recliner wrote:
    Nick Finnigan <nix@genie.co.uk> wrote:
    On 09/06/2026 17:22, Recliner wrote:
    Roland Perry <roland@perry.uk> wrote:
    In message <tj9g2ltgl2drpvhgla0dq2u8eop9sn1vdp@4ax.com>, at 15:51:37 on >>>>> Tue, 9 Jun 2026, Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> remarked:
    On Tue, 9 Jun 2026 15:32:06 +0100, Roland Perry <roland@perry.uk> wrote: >>>>>>
    In message <HqSVR.6983$wjw4.1233@fx15.ams1>, at 11:04:07 on Tue, 9 Jun >>>>>>> 2026, Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> remarked:

    Plenty of families drive from London to Alton Towers for the day. >>>>>>>>>
    No way is my wife going to spend 5 hours sitting in a car there and back in
    order to attend an event she has zero interest in. Ditto the sprog. >>>>>>>>
    It?s probably a couple of hours drive from North London.

    If you've got a car with a blue light on the roof. Google maps says 3hrs
    from Watford (Middx).

    Nope, from Watford Junction, Herts, Google estimates a driving time of >>>>>> 2h 11m via the M1.

    Odd that when I did that half an hour ago it said 3hrs.

    Let's try again specifying a Saturday morning, arrival when Alton Towers >>>>> opens @10am, on a random August day.

    2hrs 10min to 3hrs. Mindful that Google maps is always very optimistic >>>>> about its lower boundary, so you'd have to be very lucky to do it in >>>>> less than 2hrs 40mins.

    2hrs would be an *average* speed of 70mph. Which
    on the country roads the last six or seven miles is clearly impossible. >>>>>>
    Please show your workings. You seem to be hallucinating again.

    It's 136 miles,

    Where did you get that from? Google doesn?t agree, but perhaps you?re
    hallucinating about the destination?


    which in 2hrs is an average speed of 68mph, you can see
    the country roads from Uttoxeter to Alton yourself. (8 miles typically >>>>> 16-28 minutes).

    Of course, to park and get to the pedestrian entrance will take at least >>>>> another ten minutes.

    Have you ever been to Statfold Barn?

    You appear to be discussing a journey to Statfold Barn, whereas Roland is
    discussing Alton Towers (it's at the top of the quotes).

    The discussion was about a day trip to Statfold Barn, but Roland
    hallucinated that it was to Alton Towers.

    Someone other than Roland mentioned Alton Towers, and the journey time.
    Someome else, not Roland, mentioned the journey time to Alton Towers.
    Roland then followed up about Alton Towers with a journey time.

    Recliner mentioned the steam-powered sugar-industry connexion at
    Statfold Barn... the link somehow didn't initially work for Neil... and
    when it did, he wuzn't impressed at the price.

    In the ensuing forth-and-back, Recliner remarked: "It?s near Alton
    Towers, and a lot cheaper."

    cf: Recliner's post at 10.34 pm BST 2026-06-08/8 June same year


    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Recliner@3:633/10 to All on Tuesday, June 09, 2026 23:35:27
    Nick Finnigan <nix@genie.co.uk> wrote:
    On 09/06/2026 18:12, Recliner wrote:
    Nick Finnigan <nix@genie.co.uk> wrote:
    On 09/06/2026 17:22, Recliner wrote:
    Roland Perry <roland@perry.uk> wrote:
    In message <tj9g2ltgl2drpvhgla0dq2u8eop9sn1vdp@4ax.com>, at 15:51:37 on >>>>> Tue, 9 Jun 2026, Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> remarked:
    On Tue, 9 Jun 2026 15:32:06 +0100, Roland Perry <roland@perry.uk> wrote: >>>>>>
    In message <HqSVR.6983$wjw4.1233@fx15.ams1>, at 11:04:07 on Tue, 9 Jun >>>>>>> 2026, Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> remarked:

    Plenty of families drive from London to Alton Towers for the day. >>>>>>>>>
    No way is my wife going to spend 5 hours sitting in a car there and back in
    order to attend an event she has zero interest in. Ditto the sprog. >>>>>>>>
    It?s probably a couple of hours drive from North London.

    If you've got a car with a blue light on the roof. Google maps says 3hrs
    from Watford (Middx).

    Nope, from Watford Junction, Herts, Google estimates a driving time of >>>>>> 2h 11m via the M1.

    Odd that when I did that half an hour ago it said 3hrs.

    Let's try again specifying a Saturday morning, arrival when Alton Towers >>>>> opens @10am, on a random August day.

    2hrs 10min to 3hrs. Mindful that Google maps is always very optimistic >>>>> about its lower boundary, so you'd have to be very lucky to do it in >>>>> less than 2hrs 40mins.

    2hrs would be an *average* speed of 70mph. Which
    on the country roads the last six or seven miles is clearly impossible. >>>>>>
    Please show your workings. You seem to be hallucinating again.

    It's 136 miles,

    Where did you get that from? Google doesn?t agree, but perhaps you?re
    hallucinating about the destination?


    which in 2hrs is an average speed of 68mph, you can see
    the country roads from Uttoxeter to Alton yourself. (8 miles typically >>>>> 16-28 minutes).

    Of course, to park and get to the pedestrian entrance will take at least >>>>> another ten minutes.

    Have you ever been to Statfold Barn?

    You appear to be discussing a journey to Statfold Barn, whereas Roland is >>> discussing Alton Towers (it's at the top of the quotes).

    The discussion was about a day trip to Statfold Barn, but Roland
    hallucinated that it was to Alton Towers.

    Someone other than Roland mentioned Alton Towers, and the journey time.
    Someome else, not Roland, mentioned the journey time to Alton Towers.
    Roland then followed up about Alton Towers with a journey time.


    I simply pointed out that people from London do day trips to Alton Towers, which is further than Statfold Barn. Nobody was suggesting that Neil go to Alton Towers.


    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Nobody@3:633/10 to All on Tuesday, June 09, 2026 16:48:07
    On 2026-06-09 4:35 p.m., Recliner wrote:

    Nobody was suggesting that Neil go to Alton Towers.


    I wuz? <g>

    [I'm on your side... jus' joshing.]

    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Recliner@3:633/10 to All on Tuesday, June 09, 2026 23:52:49
    Nobody <jock@soccer.com> wrote:
    On 2026-06-09 3:57 p.m., Nick Finnigan wrote:
    On 09/06/2026 18:12, Recliner wrote:
    Nick Finnigan <nix@genie.co.uk> wrote:
    On 09/06/2026 17:22, Recliner wrote:
    Roland Perry <roland@perry.uk> wrote:
    In message <tj9g2ltgl2drpvhgla0dq2u8eop9sn1vdp@4ax.com>, at 15:51:37 on >>>>>> Tue, 9 Jun 2026, Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> remarked:
    On Tue, 9 Jun 2026 15:32:06 +0100, Roland Perry <roland@perry.uk> wrote:

    In message <HqSVR.6983$wjw4.1233@fx15.ams1>, at 11:04:07 on Tue, 9 Jun >>>>>>>> 2026, Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> remarked:

    Plenty of families drive from London to Alton Towers for the day. >>>>>>>>>>
    No way is my wife going to spend 5 hours sitting in a car there and back in
    order to attend an event she has zero interest in. Ditto the sprog. >>>>>>>>>
    It?s probably a couple of hours drive from North London.

    If you've got a car with a blue light on the roof. Google maps says 3hrs
    from Watford (Middx).

    Nope, from Watford Junction, Herts, Google estimates a driving time of >>>>>>> 2h 11m via the M1.

    Odd that when I did that half an hour ago it said 3hrs.

    Let's try again specifying a Saturday morning, arrival when Alton Towers >>>>>> opens @10am, on a random August day.

    2hrs 10min to 3hrs. Mindful that Google maps is always very optimistic >>>>>> about its lower boundary, so you'd have to be very lucky to do it in >>>>>> less than 2hrs 40mins.

    2hrs would be an *average* speed of 70mph. Which
    on the country roads the last six or seven miles is clearly impossible.

    Please show your workings. You seem to be hallucinating again.

    It's 136 miles,

    Where did you get that from? Google doesn?t agree, but perhaps you?re >>>>> hallucinating about the destination?


    which in 2hrs is an average speed of 68mph, you can see
    the country roads from Uttoxeter to Alton yourself. (8 miles typically >>>>>> 16-28 minutes).

    Of course, to park and get to the pedestrian entrance will take at least >>>>>> another ten minutes.

    Have you ever been to Statfold Barn?

    You appear to be discussing a journey to Statfold Barn, whereas Roland is >>>> discussing Alton Towers (it's at the top of the quotes).

    The discussion was about a day trip to Statfold Barn, but Roland
    hallucinated that it was to Alton Towers.

    Someone other than Roland mentioned Alton Towers, and the journey time.
    Someome else, not Roland, mentioned the journey time to Alton Towers.
    Roland then followed up about Alton Towers with a journey time.

    Recliner mentioned the steam-powered sugar-industry connexion at
    Statfold Barn... the link somehow didn't initially work for Neil... and
    when it did, he wuzn't impressed at the price.

    Actually, I was quite surprised at Neil?s resistance to the price, which
    seems surprisingly good value to me. I guess Neil has never visited any
    other preserved railways, which, even on gala days, don?t offer the same intensive service and spectacle as the amazing Statfold Barn Railway, but usually cost more.

    Where else do you get to ride on hard-working triple-headed steam trains, running in parallel? And, yes, see and experience steam locos that were
    built for, and served on, Indonesian sugar estates. In fact, the very first loco acquired for the collection was built by Hunslet for the Trangkil
    sugar mill estate in Indonesia.

    There?s also a new-build miniature steam railway that?s particularly
    attractive to children. And there are other non-railway attractions on the
    site as well, all included in the price, including some aimed at children.

    I?ve seen plenty of families there, so it seems not all husbands are as hen-pecked as Neil.

    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From boltar@3:633/10 to All on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 08:23:27
    On Tue, 09 Jun 2026 15:25:56 GMT
    Ulf Kutzner <user2991@newsgrouper.org.invalid> gabbled: >boltar@caprica.universe posted:

    On Tue, 09 Jun 2026 11:04:07 GMT
    Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> gabbled:
    <boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:
    On Tue, 09 Jun 2026 10:35:55 GMT
    Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> gabbled:
    <boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:
    Define within driving distance. Penzance is driving distance from home >but
    I

    wouldn't go there for an afternoon trip. Also unlike you its not just >> >about
    me, I have a family I have to consider.


    Plenty of families drive from London to Alton Towers for the day.

    No way is my wife going to spend 5 hours sitting in a car there and back >in
    order to attend an event she has zero interest in. Ditto the sprog.

    It?s probably a couple of hours drive from North London. And go on your >own
    if your family has no interest in trains.

    2 hours up the M1 in its current state? Unlikely. Also I'm going to guess
    you've never been married. Going out for a drink down the pub with a mate
    for a few hours is one thing, going out for the entire day on the w/e while >> wife looks after the kid would go down like the proverbial bucket of sick.

    Maybe some do on steam-hauled specials?

    My wife has as much interested in trains, steam or otherwise, as I have in
    the latest milan fashions. Whenever we do go to a railway there's some quid
    pro quo in that we also have to visit somewhere she wants to go too.


    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Sam Wilson@3:633/10 to All on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 09:08:33
    Graeme Wall <rail@greywall.demon.co.uk> wrote:
    On 09/06/2026 15:51, Recliner wrote:
    BTW, I know you're a visitor from the last century, but Middx was
    abolished back in 1965. In any case, Watford was never
    in Middx. So you seem to be hallucinating again.

    Apparently there are attempts to resurrect at least part of Middlesex!

    Insert witty and topical comment about gender neutral toilets and
    non-binary update of said facilities.

    Sam

    --
    The entity formerly known as Sam.Wilson@ed.ac.uk
    Spit the dummy to reply

    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Sam Wilson@3:633/10 to All on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 09:11:50
    Sam Wilson <ukr@dummy.wislons.fastmail.co.uk> wrote:
    Graeme Wall <rail@greywall.demon.co.uk> wrote:
    On 09/06/2026 15:51, Recliner wrote:
    BTW, I know you're a visitor from the last century, but Middx was
    abolished back in 1965. In any case, Watford was never
    in Middx. So you seem to be hallucinating again.

    Apparently there are attempts to resurrect at least part of Middlesex!

    Insert witty and topical comment about gender neutral toilets and
    non-binary update of said facilities.

    Non-binary *uptake*. Sigh.

    Sam

    --
    The entity formerly known as Sam.Wilson@ed.ac.uk
    Spit the dummy to reply

    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Martin@3:633/10 to All on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 12:37:39
    On 09/06/2026 16:22, Ulf Kutzner wrote:

    Graeme Wall <rail@greywall.demon.co.uk> posted:

    On 09/06/2026 15:51, Recliner wrote:
    BTW, I know you're a visitor from the last century, but Middx was abolished back in 1965. In any case, Watford was never
    in Middx. So you seem to be hallucinating again.

    Apparently there are attempts to resurrect at least part of Middlesex!
    When it was abolished most of the county ended up in Greater London, but
    a small part was amalgamated into Surrey.

    A bit more complicated, see chapter following https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middlesex#New_London_boroughs_from_former_Middlesex_CC_area

    Excellent. It would be nice to have a least part of the country I was
    born in reinstated.

    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Roland Perry@3:633/10 to All on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 13:54:24
    In message <x5XVR.6984$wjw4.189@fx15.ams1>, at 16:22:53 on Tue, 9 Jun
    2026, Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> remarked:

    [Getting to Alton Towers]

    2hrs would be an *average* speed of 70mph. Which
    on the country roads the last six or seven miles is clearly impossible. >>>
    Please show your workings. You seem to be hallucinating again.

    It's 136 miles,

    Where did you get that from? Google doesn?t agree

    From Google Maps, so of course it agrees.
    --
    Roland Perry

    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Roland Perry@3:633/10 to All on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 13:56:12
    In message <110a5pf$3fs6$1@dont-email.me>, at 23:57:51 on Tue, 9 Jun
    2026, Nick Finnigan <nix@genie.co.uk> remarked:

    The discussion was about a day trip to Statfold Barn, but Roland
    hallucinated that it was to Alton Towers.

    Someone other than Roland mentioned Alton Towers, and the journey time. Someome else, not Roland, mentioned the journey time to Alton Towers.
    Roland then followed up about Alton Towers with a journey time.

    Thank you. So at least one person here isn't completely confused about
    what we are discussing.
    --
    Roland Perry

    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Recliner@3:633/10 to All on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 13:18:51
    Roland Perry <roland@perry.uk> wrote:
    In message <110a5pf$3fs6$1@dont-email.me>, at 23:57:51 on Tue, 9 Jun
    2026, Nick Finnigan <nix@genie.co.uk> remarked:

    The discussion was about a day trip to Statfold Barn, but Roland
    hallucinated that it was to Alton Towers.

    Someone other than Roland mentioned Alton Towers, and the journey time.
    Someome else, not Roland, mentioned the journey time to Alton Towers.
    Roland then followed up about Alton Towers with a journey time.

    Thank you. So at least one person here isn't completely confused about
    what we are discussing.

    As usual, only one person here is confused. You dreamed up a journey from a mythical Watford, Middx to Alton Towers ? why?

    Everyone else knows we?re discussing possible journeys from north London to
    the Statfold Barn Railway.


    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Roland Perry@3:633/10 to All on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 14:46:56
    In message <%udWR.6993$wjw4.3242@fx15.ams1>, at 13:18:51 on Wed, 10 Jun
    2026, Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> remarked:
    Roland Perry <roland@perry.uk> wrote:
    In message <110a5pf$3fs6$1@dont-email.me>, at 23:57:51 on Tue, 9 Jun
    2026, Nick Finnigan <nix@genie.co.uk> remarked:

    The discussion was about a day trip to Statfold Barn, but Roland
    hallucinated that it was to Alton Towers.

    Someone other than Roland mentioned Alton Towers, and the journey time.
    Someome else, not Roland, mentioned the journey time to Alton Towers.
    Roland then followed up about Alton Towers with a journey time.

    Thank you. So at least one person here isn't completely confused about
    what we are discussing.

    As usual, only one person here is confused. You dreamed up a journey from a >mythical Watford, Middx to Alton Towers ? why?

    I picked Watford as someone mentioned north London, and most people
    would recognise it. I picked Alton towers because of:

    ## >Plenty of families drive from London to Alton Towers for the day.

    ## No way is my wife going to spend 5 hours sitting in a car there and
    ## back in order to attend an event she has zero interest in. Ditto the
    ## sprog.

    ... and wanted to check the "five hours" bit.

    Everyone else knows we?re discussing possible journeys from north London to >the Statfold Barn Railway.

    Everyone apart from Nick, you mean? Did you conduct a poll, please show
    your methodology.
    --
    Roland Perry

    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Recliner@3:633/10 to All on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 15:54:04
    On Wed, 10 Jun 2026 08:23:27 -0000 (UTC), boltar@caprica.universe wrote:

    On Tue, 09 Jun 2026 15:25:56 GMT
    Ulf Kutzner <user2991@newsgrouper.org.invalid> gabbled: >>boltar@caprica.universe posted:

    On Tue, 09 Jun 2026 11:04:07 GMT
    Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> gabbled:
    <boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:
    On Tue, 09 Jun 2026 10:35:55 GMT
    Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> gabbled:
    <boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:
    Define within driving distance. Penzance is driving distance from home >>but
    I

    wouldn't go there for an afternoon trip. Also unlike you its not just >>> >about
    me, I have a family I have to consider.


    Plenty of families drive from London to Alton Towers for the day.

    No way is my wife going to spend 5 hours sitting in a car there and back >>in
    order to attend an event she has zero interest in. Ditto the sprog.

    It?s probably a couple of hours drive from North London. And go on your >>own
    if your family has no interest in trains.

    2 hours up the M1 in its current state? Unlikely. Also I'm going to guess >>> you've never been married. Going out for a drink down the pub with a mate >>> for a few hours is one thing, going out for the entire day on the w/e while
    wife looks after the kid would go down like the proverbial bucket of sick. >>
    Maybe some do on steam-hauled specials?

    My wife has as much interested in trains, steam or otherwise, as I have in >the latest milan fashions. Whenever we do go to a railway there's some quid >pro quo in that we also have to visit somewhere she wants to go too.

    So have you never visited a heritage railway?

    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From boltar@3:633/10 to All on Thursday, June 11, 2026 10:19:39
    On Wed, 10 Jun 2026 15:54:04 +0100
    Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> gabbled:
    On Wed, 10 Jun 2026 08:23:27 -0000 (UTC), boltar@caprica.universe wrote:
    My wife has as much interested in trains, steam or otherwise, as I have in >>the latest milan fashions. Whenever we do go to a railway there's some quid >>pro quo in that we also have to visit somewhere she wants to go too.

    So have you never visited a heritage railway?

    Yes, but we always did something else too. We'll spend a few hours at one,
    not the entire day.


    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Ulf Kutzner@3:633/10 to All on Thursday, June 11, 2026 10:26:13

    boltar@caprica.universe posted:

    On Wed, 10 Jun 2026 15:54:04 +0100
    Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> gabbled:
    On Wed, 10 Jun 2026 08:23:27 -0000 (UTC), boltar@caprica.universe wrote: >>My wife has as much interested in trains, steam or otherwise, as I have in >>the latest milan fashions. Whenever we do go to a railway there's some quid >>pro quo in that we also have to visit somewhere she wants to go too.

    So have you never visited a heritage railway?

    Yes, but we always did something else too. We'll spend a few hours at one, not the entire day.

    At the first intermediate stop, some non-rw market/exhibition
    should be organised...

    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)