Airframe is not in flying condition…

No kidding?! :applause::stupid:

Yes.
That theory is one that is widely circulated by those who wear tinfoil-themed headgear, and no doubt use controlled substances…

Interesting.
During the entire programme, no one mentioned (or they forgot to mention) that the removal of items from a crash site without a MoD license is an offence…

Great video.
I recall having a somewhat heated discussion with a certain tinfoil hat-wearing tosser a few years ago (I’ve mentioned him previously on this Forum), who was trying out this particular argument on me; I tried explaining to him, but he wasn’t having any of it (I’ve just sent him this video link).

“But… What about the ‘planes? They’re made of steel?”
I corrected him.
“But… There were explosions. They brought down the towers.”

I then mentioned to him the melting point of aluminium (660 degrees Celsius, or thereabouts), and invited him to conduct an experiment for himself, by melting a small amount of aluminium (I resisted the urge to suggest melting down his tinfoil hat), throw some water onto the molten metal, then report back to me with the results!
(DO NOT try this experiment at home, kids.)

Perhaps unsurprisingly, I heard nothing back. He refuses to speak to me now. Ah well.

Halfords.*

As some of you know, I am a keen cyclist.
Over the past few months, I have noticed that the chainset on my Diamondback Topanga mountain bike is getting rather worn. She is currently on her third chainset, fitted by myself in 2009. Cost back then was around £55 for the lot (chainwheel, chain, rear cassette).
The bike in question is the 1995 model, and the frame was built to order for me. It is oversize, as the maximum size available off the peg was 22″. My frame is 24.5″.

A few days ago, on my way home from work while riding said bike, I decided to call into Halfords and obtain some prices.
After explaining that the parts that I required were for an older machine, and that I wanted to preserve as far as possible the bike’s original appearance, the rather pleasant young chap, Will, who served me admitted that he wasn’t sure about Shimano products, but as the mechanic (haha) was there, he would ask him. He disappeared into the back, returning a few minutes later. He told me that (according to this so-called “mechanic”) a complete chainset would be in the region of £200, plus fitting, and that I’d need a new bottom bracket (I don’t), which (apparently) are £70+. (They aren’t.)

I mentioned that I’d been servicing, repairing and building bikes for more than 25 years, and what this “mechanic” was telling me was utter b*ll*cks. I also added that the price given was more than six times what I’d found for the same parts online. I asked to speak with the mechanic, offering to show him the bike.
Strange thing was, this “mechanic” would not speak to me, but was happy to take a look at the bike. I watched with some trepidation as Will wheeled my bike into Halfords’ workshop.

A few minutes later, my bike reappeared. Will informed me that the mechanic wished to offer me a free service for my bike as a goodwill gesture. Having heard some horror stories about Halfords standards, I politely declined.

I have since ordered the parts I require to undertake a full Winter service on the bike. Total cost including new chainset, cables and brake pads: £60.

(*Also known in Chez Critter as Hellfrauds and Halfwits.)

So sorry for your loss, Paul.
Speaking as someone who is owned by two cats, I know exactly what you are both going through.

After we lost Timmy, my orange Tabby a couple of years ago to a RTA, I now repeatedly tell my partner & his daughters “No more cats!”
However, I have no doubt that there will be others; for us, and maybe even for you too.

Timmy is at rest at the top of the garden, quite close to his favourite sleeping spot under the rhubarb.
To the left is my Mum’s cat, a silver & white Tabby (also called Timmy), and to the left of that grave is Dinky, my second cat.
On the other side of the path lies Freddie, who was a rather bad-tempered black & white shorthair, and to the right of his grave is Charlie-cat, a grey & white shorthair with an incredibly long tail. Charlie-cat got his name from the ragged C-shaped marking on his back. We lost him to FLV.

Thinking of you both.

Don

Some fantastic photos in this thread.

Well Kudos to the team for re-arranging the route to fit in EMA after being diverted away yesterday – I hope those there enjoyed seeing her.

I certainly did.
The disappointment of the Saturday was more than made up for by Sunday’s appearance.
The Jet Provost’s take-off just behind the Vulcan was a nice bonus. As was its return shortly after, when most people had left.

Thanks VTTS.