Hornby Model Railway track.

The basic element of Hornby Model Railway Track is that the dimensions are based on two dimensions. These are the clearance required between two parallell tracks and the minimum curve radius that will allow two trains to pass each other without the coaches or rolling stock touching. These dimensions have been worked out using the standard running clearances used on real life railways and scaling this down to a scale of 4mm to the foot. Using these measurements, Hornby have created a modular track system which just push fits together. If the correct track item is used, this will give the user a straight forward way of creating a model railway layout.

The system is basically consists of four circles of different diameters. The smallest diameter is 742mm, the second is 876mm, the third is 1010mm and the fourth is 1144mm. To make these circles of track into ovals, simply add the preformed straight lengths of track to both sides. The straight lengths of track used in the Hornby Track system are available in three modular sizes. The standard straight being 168mm long, the double straight 335mm long and the long straight being 670mm long. As you will see, the straights are multiples of the standard straight length. The reason for this is that should you wish to add points(or switches) to allow trains to move from one track to another then all that is required is to simply add the required points on the straights.

The points also form part of the track geometry. By this I mean that when points are inserted into the track plan, the distance between the tracks is not compromised. Generally the points are the same length as a standard straight( 168mm in length). The standard points are available in either left hand or right hand. The radius part of the standard point is the same radius as the second radius curve (438mm). So if two right hand or left hand points are put together with the curved part butting up to each other, you will then have a point on the first circle and a point on the second circle. This combination will allow trains to move from one track to another.

This is the very basic model railway layout using the Hornby Track system. Using the above measurements you can easily work out the size of area that is required for your layout. You decide which diameter will be the largest you want your layout to be. So if the largest diameter you want to use is the third radius, then the minimum size will be1010mm. Don’t forget to add, say 20mm, all round the edge. This then will give you a space of 1040mm by 1040mm square. For more information on the Hornby Track system, why not check out one of the many online model shops, such as www.allsortsmodelshop.co.uk/hornby/track, who will only be too pleased to help.

• 30% of men will tidy the bathroom to impress a prospective partner
• A mere 1% clean up to impress a partners’ ex • Sack of potatoes, motorcycle handlebars and pyramid of used toilet rolls listed as most unusual things found in a bathroom

Mothers-in-law are renowned for being the most feared member of the family, however a new survey reveals that when it comes to a visit from a partner’s mother people no longer roll out the red carpet; a mere 11% of Brits, make the effort to clean and tidy their bathroom when expecting a visit from their mother-in-law – we are nearly twice as likely to tidy up for friends. Instead, research from the UK’s No.1 shower manufacturer, Mira Showers, has found 30% of men will tidy and scrub the bathroom to impress a potential partner whereas women aren’t that fussed (13%) what their future boyfriend thinks of them.

Jenni Trent Hughes, relationship expert said “It’s interesting to see that mothers-in-law no longer have the same fear factor that they used to. In former decades when you married you tended to become part of your new spouse’s family which meant that their mother became your mother as well. Now a woman’s role in society in particular has changed and we are much more independent and in charge of our own lives.

“Another interesting development in society is what we now refer to as ‘framilies’ which is an extended and diverse group of friends which we surround ourselves with, often in place of our real families. This has come about for a host of reasons mainly geographical movement. Because of this you will often find that impressing our friends can take precedence over impressing our families.”

When it comes to embarrassing products and features to hide away from visitors, feminine products are at the top of the shame list. A variety of personal feminine products were listed by the majority of Brits (57%) as products they would hide away from visitors and over a third of men (39%) would hide feminine products before the arrival of guests on behalf of their partner. Other features which made it onto the shame list are cleaning products, own label bath or shower products and old magazines.

“For many women the bathroom is an Aladdin’s cave of secrets. Everything from makeup, lotions, potions, to even more personal products – our secrets are there. We need them to hand but we certainly don’t want them on display for all to see! And while Modern Man may now be persuaded to pick up ‘feminine items’ for us at the chemist they still don’t want them in full view for all their mates to see” Jenni continued.

Some of the more unusual products found in the bathroom by the British public were a pyramid of used toilet rolls, motorcycle handlebars used as a wall hanging, a sack of potatoes, as well as live snakes, dead frogs and a prosthetic thumb. What Brits really want to see in a desirable modern bathroom, the survey revealed, is minimal clutter (22%) and for women – coordinated towels and bathmats.

“The fact that women want to see so coordinated towels and bathmats is a natural reflection of a world where we want our undergarments to match and our eyeshadow to coordinate with our nail varnish. Most women thrive on order. We want things to be neat, tidy and visually coordinated. One school of thought is that we are that way because we tend to have many more things to keep track of – house, children, career, whose birthday is it etc. and the more coordinated and ordered things are, the easier it is for us to maintain control.”

The research also highlighted that youngsters, aged 18 – 24 are far more concerned with brands. More people this age than any other age group said they would hide away own label bath and shower products before visitors came round and a further 25% said they would go as far as buying in luxury brand products.

Roger Crabb, marketing manager at Mira Showers said “The bathroom is most definitely one of the most important rooms in the house. It is one that, when decorated and fitted stylishly, can add thousands of pounds on the property of your house, so at Mira we weren’t surprised to find out that nearly half of Brits make a split judgement on someone based on their bathroom décor and cleanliness. It doesn’t seem too hard to impress judgemental Brits either, as long as there are no live snakes or hair in the plughole then homeowners should be ok!”

The top of Brits’ wish list for a desirable, modern bathroom:

1. Bath screen or shower cubicle as opposed to a shower curtain
2. Minimal clutter
3. Tiles or linoleum floor
4. Coordinated towels and bathmat
5. Luxury high end products on display
What Brits look to avoid when creating a modern bathroom:

1. Feminine products 2. Cleaning products
3. Old Magazines
4. Own label shower/bath products
5. Knitted/doll shaped toilet roll holders

-ENDS-

Notes to editors
About the research:
Research was carried out in April 2012 by the UK National Research panel Atomik. Results were collected from a sample of 2,000 people across the UK.
About Mira Showers:
Founded in 1921, Mira is the UK’s leading manufacturer of mixer, electric, power and digital showers. The entire range of showers and accessories, such as taps and shower trays, use stylish design and innovative technology to deliver a high performance showering experience in every price range. For more information contact mira@lucre.com or call 0208 332 9690 and speak to Katie – Jo or Nicola

A HUMILIATED punter who recorded part of top comedienne Sarah Millican’s stand-up routine has been told never to return to any of her shows by the star after a light-hearted row turned ugly on Facebook.

Millican, who won a People’s Choice Queen of Comedy award last year, spotted fan Clare Evans recording a 10-second clip of her show at Wolverhampton Civic Hall last Friday.

The top comedienne confronted the front row fan, who lives in Aldridge, West Midlands, as part of her routine and after a few jokey words were exchanged, Clare’s husband Paul says Millican called her a ‘bitch’.

Despite the swearing, the whole incident appeared to have been taken in good spirits and the couple laughed along with the rest of the sold-out arena – but it was when Clare got home and took to Facebook that things turned nasty.

Writing on the comedienne’s wall on the social networking site, star-struck Clare said: “Just seen your show in Wolves, it was fab, I was the lady videoing you in the front row, great show xxx.”

But instead of continuing with the light-hearted banter from the show, the angry comedienne snapped back, saying: “Did you delete it as I take these things very seriously? “I really hope you don’t come to any more of my shows. You’re not welcome if you’re to behave in such a disrespectful way.

“What you did is basically theft and against the rules of the theatre.”

Speaking on Tuesday Clare’s husband Paul said the couple were shocked by Milligan’s “aggressive” behaviour.

“It’s stupid really because everybody takes pictures at a concert,” he said.

“They are all over Facebook, you can see pictures of Take That in concert all the time.

“She was obviously very aggressive on the Facebook so she could be the kind of person who says I want to take this further.

“At the end of the day it’s illegal but it would be petty to be done for a 10-second clip.”

According to a later post, Clare said she had only filmed a 10-second clip to show her mother. “I came to your show because I think you are really funny. How you can say after I paid money to see you and without even knowing me that I am disrespectful is ridiculous,” Clare wrote.

“I did not intend to offend anyone and I was not the only one filming. When you singled me out we all laughed.”

Writing on her own Facebook profile, a clearly annoyed Millican said: “Can’t quite believe that someone is arguing with me because I have a problem with her filming my show.”

Other fans also became embroiled in the row, with some defending Millican’s comments and others sticking up for the vilified fan.

Richard Colston wrote: “These people who you are bad-mouthing enable you to lead the life you live. They go to work and work hard to pay for tickets to come and see you.

“Paul and Clare have captured a few seconds of footage so they can remember their night and you are making a big deal about it.”

While Julie Relf commented: “Isn’t that actually illegal or is that just cinemas, either way extremely rude and ignorant! Buy the DVD love!”

Millican was today unavailable for comment.

Desperate cops were forced to pursue an elderly motorist after he drove the wrong way up a motorway – and SPIN his car around while it was still moving.

The manoeuvre, called a ‘hard stop’ is normally used by traffic cops in a last-ditch attempt to stop fleeing criminals on the run from the law.

But officers from the Central Motorway Police Group were forced to deploy the move against the getaway grandad after his “erratic and dangerous driving” posed a threat to fellow drivers.

He was spotted driving in the opposite direction up the M5′s northbound carriageway this morning/yesterday morning (THURS).

A rolling roadblock had to be put in place around junction 5 near Droitwich, Worcestershire, after cops received a number of calls from panicked motorists who saw the 80-year-old’s Mitsubishi Colt pootling up the motorway.

Teams from the Central Motorway Police Group managed to get to the scene within four minutes of the alarm being raised.

Police spun the car around, but only managed to stop the persistent pensioner after he had hit an unlucky police officer.

Both men were taken to hospital after the incident.

The policeman suffered minor injuries, while the 80-year-old was kept in hospital to be treated for an existing medical condition.

Chief Inspector Carl Flynn said: “Our officers acted quickly and decisively to try and stop the motorist from posing a further threat to other road users and himself.

“The nature of the man’s driving was of great cause for concern, and despite the road block the car was still driven erratically and dangerously in the wrong direction into stationary traffic.

“Our officers bravely intercepted the vehicle and spun the car so that it was then facing in the right direction. “Unfortunately the vehicle then collided with a police officer, who was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

“After making further inquiries it appears the elderly gentleman was unwell, and we will now investigate whether his condition played any part in these events.”

The pensioner, from South Staffordshire, was taken to hospital where he was kept in for observation.

A GRANDMOTHER who was devastated when a callous thief stole a purse containing photos of her dead daughter is thanking her lucky stars after a friend bumped into the person who found her treasured items – at the exact moment they were picking it up. Pat Williams, from the sleepy village of Lubenham, Leicestershire, was left distraught when the purse containing pictures of her tragic daughter Lisa Jacques, who died of cancer in 2007, was stolen from her bag during during a shopping trip.

But in a remarkable coincidence, less than a week later the lucky grandmother received a phone call from her good friend Susie Munton saying the purse had been found in the town centre.

By chance, hairdresser Susie had bumped into council cleaner Stu Bird just seconds after he had found the purse dumped in an alleyway. “When I saw the purse I knew it was Pat’s,” said Susie, who knows the grandmother through their fundraising for Cancer Research UK.

“It was completely intact apart from the cash so I rang Pat straight away to tell her. She was nearly in tears. She said she couldn’t believe it.

“Just a few days earlier she had been on the phone to me really upset and crying because the purse had been stolen.”

Lucky Pat said she thinks the thief had distracted her in the Co-op shop before stealing her purse – which contained precious photos of her late daughter Lisa.

“I was in the shop walking down the aisle and a woman asked me to check a price for her. When I got to the till I noticed my purse was gone,” she said.

“When Susie phoned me I was absolutely gobsmacked that she should be the one to find it, because I know her really well.

“It had photos of Lisa in it so it was nice to be able to get those back.

“I’m very grateful. I’ve phoned the chap who found it and thanked him. It is a relief to have it back.”

Lisa Jacques, of Kettering, Northamptonshire, passed away after losing her battle with breast cancer in 2007 – leaving behind her six-year-old daughter Mia.

“My son Simon and I got together at the beginning of the year and decided we wanted to organise lots of fundraising events throughout the year to raise money for Cancer Research UK,” said a devastated Pat in 2008.

“Everybody knew Lisa. She was a wonderful person. Lisa’s daughter Mia and her cousin, Rebecca, will be running ten laps together in the relay.

“We want to raise as much money as we can because cancer affects so many
people’s lives.”

Among the many fundraisers arranged by friends and family was a gruelling 24-hour relay run – when a brave 14-strong team tackled the Relay for Life at Leicester Tigers rugby ground in memory of 36-year-old Lisa.

A teenage sex abuse victim killed herself as she waited for the retrial of her karate teacher after the first case was scrapped when a top barrister breached strict legal guidelines.

Troubled 16-year-old Dana Baker had made a final cry for help on Facebook hours before she committed suicide, pleading: “Lying here, trying to figure out what the hell I’m gonna do.”

The tragic victim, 16, hung herself near a busy roundabout in Kidderminster, Worcestershire last March, as she awaited the retrial of Jaspal Riat.

Now it has emerged the first trial was dramatically halted after prosecutor and part-time judge David Jones held a meeting over lunch with the then 15-year-old at his home – breaking the rules on witness contact. The barrister with No5 Chambers in Birmingham resigned from the Bar soon afterwards.

Riat ,48, was jailed more than a year later for repeatedly abusing Dana – but justice came too late for the gifted student.

The abuser from Handsworth Wood, Birmingham, was jailed for eight years in September at Gloucester Crown Court after jurors heard how he had tied up and had sex with Dana when she was aged just 13 and 14.

He was cleared of rape but convicted of sexual assault and seven counts of sexual activity with a child.

Riat first went on trial for abusing Dana at Birmingham Crown Court in the summer of 2010.

A jury was sworn in on August 2 and Mr Jones opened the case on behalf of the Crown Prosecution Service.

But the next day Judge Philip Parker QC dramatically halted the trial, which had taken months of preparation.

He revealed Mr Jones had held a pre-trial meeting at his house with Dana, who was described by the judge as a vulnerable witness.

Judge Parker said at the time: “It is a very serious case, at its highest an allegation of rape of a young girl of 13 or 14 by a man in a position of trust.

“This morning matters have been drawn to my attention over concern about a meeting which prosecuting counsel, Mr David Jones, had with the complainant in the case.

“The long and short of it is that as a result of disclosures in respect of that meeting, the defence… wish that the jury be discharged and that some investigations take place concerning this meeting so that Mr Jones’ position is clear and so that the defence have material upon which they might consider making further applications in respect of the trial.” The meeting took place on July 29, 2010 at Mr Jones’ home.

Dana attended with her foster mother and a carer or social worker. It is understood that Mr Jones’ wife was also present at the meeting, which included food.

Yet the barrister breached his own profession’s Code of Conduct because the Crown Prosecution Service was not notified of the meeting, no police officer was in attendance and no notes were taken.

Mr Jones had said he had wanted to discuss with Dana if she would give evidence via a TV link, or live in court behind a screen.

Such a meeting could have been allowed under `special measures’, as long as no evidential matters were discussed.

But the barrister admitted to the judge that Dana had seen the transcripts of her video evidence and a `prosecution case summary’ which included a `summary of what she was maintaining, but also included summaries of other witnesses’ evidence’.

The judge added that Mr Jones believed Dana had also been allowed to take away `his own personal summary of her interviews’.

Mr Jones apparently told the judge the meeting had been `well-intentioned’ and was aimed at seeking to `avoid any problem with late video editing which might hold up the trial’.

It was a misjudgement, in the judge’s view, to “see a witness in such circumstances, in particular a young witness, a witness with some sort of psychological/ psychiatric background.

“The long and short of it is that I do not believe that this jury can continue to consider this case… I am afraid the result of my ruling is that the current jury will have to be discharged and we will have to seek a new potential date for the trial.”

A subsequent hearing took place about two months later at which Riat’s defence team argued for the case against him to be thrown out on the grounds that there had been `an abuse of process’.

That application failed but Mr Jones resigned from the Bar the day after that hearing in which his meeting with the teenage victim was heavily criticised.

An inquest into her death was opened last autumn. A full hearing to determine how and why she died will be held later this month.

Despite the death, West Midlands Crown Prosecution Service successfully argued for a retrial and lawyers had her crucial videotaped evidence admitted.

In a statement, Tony McDaid practice director of No5 Chambers said he could not comment on the circumstances of the rape trial collapse.

He added: “Mr Jones joined us in 2006 and was a leading barrister on the Midlands’ circuit for 40 years. What happened was a very unfortunate matter but Mr Jones had an exemplary record.” He added that the Crown Prosecution Service had faith in Mr Jones’ judgement and advocacy skills, in giving him such a sensitive case.

Mr Jones was unavailable for comment last night.

A SIX-YEAR-OLD boy was dumped “shivering” and “crying” in the snow with no shoes by thieves who had stolen his father’s car while he sat in the passenger seat, a court heard.

Walsall Magistrates Court was told how the boy’s father faced a frantic few minutes when his car was stolen before the youngster was found shivering at the side of the road by a family friend.

Paul Russell, 40, was jailed for 16 weeks after police found him driving the VW Passat shortly after, while twice the legal drink-drive limit – but he claimed he had come across the car after it had been dumped and did not take it with the child inside.

Jason Corden-Bowen, prosecuting, said the boy’s father was returning to his home in Darlaston, West Midlands, with his wife, 16-month-old daughter and six-year-old son at about 1.30am on Sunday after staying with his mother.

He said: “He goes to the front door to let his wife in and she’s holding the baby. “He sees the car being pulled away and runs down the front garden. He calls the police very distressed because the six-year-old is in the passenger seat.”

Shortly after the family received a telephone call saying a family friend had found the child in a nearby street. He was returned “crying, but physically unhurt”.

Just 20 minutes after the car was stolen, police saw it being driven in Wolverhampton Street in Willenhall, West Midlands, by Russell, and stopped him. They found that he had an alcohol level of nearly twice the limit, at 69mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath.

But Russell, from Bushbury, West Midlands, claimed he found the car abandoned in Scarborough Road in Walsall, near the victim’s home, and took it to get to his mother’s.

He admitted taking a vehicle without consent, drink-driving, driving while disqualified and driving without insurance. No-one has been charged with the initial theft.

Mr Hockham Singh Suthi, defending, told the court: “The distinction ought to be drawn that he did not take the vehicle when the child was in it. It appears the vehicle was abandoned when it was parked in quite an awkward position. He had no involvement in the initial taking of the vehicle.”

Russell was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison for each of the offences of driving while disqualified, taking a vehicle without consent and drink-driving, to run concurrently. He was also disqualified from driving for 30 months.

Hamilton Grand, St Andrews is undergoing a multi-million pound redevelopment by Kohler Company, owners of five red star Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort and Spa – and today part of this project saw the St Andrews skyline regain an important piece of its history as this iconic building, overlooking the 18th green of the world-famous Old Course, was ‘crowned’ with a new dome.

The original dome was replaced after a fire in 1976 with a fibreglass replica. The new dome – made in Scotland – is a lead-clad timber frame weighing 3.5 tonnes, true to the original structure.  The lead sections were constructed in Falkirk by Matheson Plumbing Co. Ltd and the joinery carried out by Dundee based firm WBS Keilor.  The dome was expertly raised and positioned on the Hamilton Grand tower at 12.30pm this afternoon.

The history of the building and the importance of the event were not lost on the town of St Andrews as locals and visitors witnessed the dome lift – capturing images and launching into the world of social media with over 60,000 Twitter recipients by the time the dome reached its final position.

The dome caps Hamilton Grand which, after the R&A’s headquarters, is the most photographed building in the game of golf. It is being transformed into a collection of 26 homes of distinction – two, three and four bedroom apartments together with a private residents’ lounge and function suite as well as a new, stylish restaurant and bar that is set to become a firm favourite of those visiting golf’s mecca.

“We are honoured to work with community members throughout this exciting project” said Debbie Taylor, President – Hospitality and Real Estate, Kohler Co., adding: “Hamilton Grand is a unique real estate opportunity for those who want to own a home in the birthplace of golf and a premier destination that is rich in history – the holy grail of golf. Today, we are delighted to have crowned a piece of Scottish history.”

For photographs and further press details:

Deborah Luna Rose, Marketing & PR Manager, the Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa
Direct:  +44 (0)1334 474 371
Mobile: +44 (0)7969 201 194
Email: Deborah.lunarose@oldcoursehotel.co.uk

Ian Drake, British Cycling’s Chief Executive has welcomed the ‘Cities fit for cycling’ campaign launched today by The Times newspaper. An eight-point manifesto sits at the heart of the campaign, which comes in the wake of a serious accident involving a Times journalist, Mary Bowers, in November last year.

“We are delighted to see The Times take such a positive stance on cycle safety and welcome any initiative which raises the issue in the minds of the public and the policy makers,” said Drake. “Obviously the circumstances which led to the launch of the campaign are appalling and our thoughts are with Mary’s friends and family.

“We have worked closely with The Times over the past month, sharing with them the thoughts of our members gathered towards the end of last year. We have released more details on these findings today and will push on with our own efforts to influence the policy changes required to make the roads safer for cyclists.”

The manifesto published by The Times outlines what needs to be done to make cities fit for cyclists:

Trucks entering a city centre should be required by law to fit sensors, audible truck-turning alarms, extra mirrors and safety bars to stop cyclists being thrown under the wheels. The 500 most dangerous road junctions must be identified, redesigned or fitted with priority traffic lights for cyclists and Trixi mirrors that allow lorry drivers to see cyclists on their near-side.A national audit of cycling to find out how many people cycle in Britain and how cyclists are killed or injured should be held to underpin effective cycle safety.

Two per cent of the Highways Agency budget should be earmarked for next generation cycle routes, providing £100 million a year towards world-class cycling infrastructure. Each year cities should be graded on the quality of cycling provision. The training of cyclists and drivers must improve and cycle safety should become a core part of the driving test.20mph should become the default speed limit in residential areas where there are no cycle lanes.Businesses should be invited to sponsor cycleways and cycling super-highways, mirroring the Barclays-backed bicycle hire scheme in London.Every city, even those without an elected mayor, should appoint a cycling commissioner to push home reforms.

As part of the launch in The Times, Olympic Road Race Champion Nicole Cooke outlined her thoughts on the topic and highlighted the need for greater mutual respect between cyclists and other road users.

British Cycling encourages all its members to back the campaign. More details on how to do so can be found at http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/public/cyclesafety/contact/.

A MAN has admitted harassing a former 80s pin-up after he made repeated attempts to contact her over the last 30 years.

Peter Underwood, 51, appeared in Northampton Magistrates’ Court yesterday and pleaded guilty to the harassment of 1980s Page 3 girl Caroline Christensen.

Underwood. from Northampton, first sent letters to the model’s home address in 1982 after he claimed he saw her at a bus station in the town in November of the same year, the court heard.

Julie Costello, prosecuting, said Ms Christensen reported the handwritten letters to the police at the time and Underwood was given a warning.

Underwood made repeated attempts to contact the victim over the next 30 years by sending letters to another Page Three model, searching BT online to locate her family members, contacting the Jersey Tourist Board where he thought she was living, contacting a rally club her husband belonged to and hiring a private investigator, the court heard.

Ms Costello said Underwood’s latest attempt to contact the victim was by handwritten letters he sent to the publishing company of her debut novel, Shadows Over Time, which was released last year.

Ms Costello said the letters were received on December 10, 2011, and they claimed Ms Christensen had been the cause of Underwood’s breakdown and put pressure on the model to be with him.

She said: “Caroline has found it extremely depressing that he has been obsessive over that period of time since the first contact.”

Underwood attempted to contact the victim 10 times since 1982, the court heard.

In a police interview Underwood said the moment he saw Ms Christensen in 1982 was “like magic in the air” and that she smiled at him, the court heard.

Hayley Kempeneer, mitigating, said Underwood had been unemployed since 1994 due to mental health issues and his actions showed naivety and emotional immaturity.

She said: “He meant no harm and no malice. He has realised in his own head that it is never going to amount to anything.”

Presiding magistrate, Brian Gibbins, sentenced Underwood to a six-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.

He also ordered a supervision order to be carried out by the probation service.

Underwood was given a restraining order and ordered to pay GBP50 in court costs.

Mr Gibbins said: “We feel that this offence was exacerbated by significant planning.

“It involved others and was over a long period of time.

“We believe you need supervision.”