.. I purchased a dockside crane and a small girder bridge, both covered in coal dust, how do I explain it to the wife?

tell her dennis and oz are shipping it to usa

Hartlepool heritage you are doing your bit.

It seemed a good idea at the time. ...........

can I ask a very good question, why?

I know that your recently retired from the counicl and doing well for yourself but if you want to wast money give it to me

I could have had a small footbridge as well, but thought better of it ..... there are only so many hours in a day.

Are you getting into Lego again Mr Snowy?

Working up to it, you know a supplier like, say no more, nudge, nudge, wink.

Tell her you bought it as a present to get her out the bath

ouch

Y'know the film Zulu, the bit where they're on guard duty and one says.. "Can you hear a sound like a train in the distance" till it gets louder and LOUDER and 25,000 Zulu's appear and their arses drop out ..? well if you're sat in the park at Huntingdon with you're lass and she says to you " Can you hear a train" ....she's read your post over my shoulder.