Jonboy [Jonathan] Walton
Greetings from 'down-under'.
Home - This data is updated daily.
@@@@@@@@@ AMATEUR RADIO NEWS @@@@@@@@@
HF PROPOGATION FIGURES
[Info. WWV & G4ILO's Shack websites]
IONOSPHERIC, SOLAR and TROPOSPHERIC CONDITIONS
IPS Radio and Space Services
Owing to recent issues with obtaining data from the VE3EN 'Solarham 24' site plus the fact most of the data until now is projected for the Northern Hemisphere made me realise this web site "Jonboyradio.com" should be promulgating data for the Southern Hemisphere. Solar data and information will shortly be issued from Melbourne, Australia with the permission by IPS for Radio Amateurs in the Southern Hemisphere. I would like to take this opportunity of thanking Kevin VE3EN for the opportunity to utilise his data both in the past and the future.
Am currently awaiting permission to use the IPS data and links. The reason - IPS Radio and Space Services" is run by the Australian Government and Bureau of Meteorology [BoM]. Of course, it will assist those in the Northern Hemisphere with utilising data from both sites on Ionospheric, Solar and Tropospheric conditions for all bands especially the six meter band, and for all those interested in Communications.
[Info. IPS Australian Government & BoM: comments by VK4CY - 19MAY.2012]
SOLARCYCLE # 24 by SolarHam [VE3EN]
.NET Domain:
As you may have noticed, SolarHam is now running off the .NET domain. This will be until I can get my .COM domain issues resolved. Sorry about the ongoing headaches. I hope to have everything fully resolved within the next couple of weeks. The solar data provided by my friend Paul N0NBH will be restored by the weekend.
Solar Update:
Solar activity is currently low. Sunspot 1476 is now located on the western limb and out of direct Earth view. A new sunspot rotated into view off the northeast limb and should be numbered 1486 on Friday. There is currently a chance for C-Class flares.
Make sure to check out this website on SolarHam Facebook and click "LIKE". You will get the latest solar updates and more in your news feed.
Solar Activity Forecast:
Solar activity is expected to be at predominantly low levels with a slight chance for M-class activity for all three days of the period (18 - 20 May).
Geophysical Activity Summary 16/2100Z to 17/2100Z:
The geomagnetic field was at quiet to active levels. An isolated active period was observed during the 16/2100Z - 2400Z period due to a prolonged southward period of the Bz component of the interplanetary magnetic field. A >10 MeV and >100 MeV proton event at geosynchronous orbit was observed associated with the M5 flare. The >10 MeV event began at 17/0210Z, crossed the 100 pfu threshold (S2) at 17/0245Z, reached a max of 255 pfu at 17/0430Z, and fell below 100 pfu at 17/0945Z. The greater than 100 MeV proton event began at 17/0200Z and reached a max of 20.4 pfu. Both events were still in progress at the time of this report.
Geophysical Activity Forecast:
The geomagnetic field is expected to be mostly quiet during the first half of day 1 (18 May). Around mid to late on day 1, a shock arrival is expected from the partial halo CME associated with the 17 May M5 flare. Active to minor storm conditions are expected. Early on day 2 (19 May), unsettled to active conditions are expected, returning to quiet to unsettled levels by the end of the day. Quiet to unsettled conditions are expected on day 3 (20 May).
For the latest data including the above stories; N0NBH figures; SDO; Lasco of the CMEs and Stereo pictures, PLUS the Global D-Region Absorption Indicator; WSA Enlil Solar Wind Prediction data - click on the site in 'green' - SolarHam,
[Info. SOLARHAM website - 19MAY.2012]
@@@@@@@@@ MARITIME NEWS @@@@@@@@@
Francis Drake's "GOLDEN HINDE"
London UK view the attached YouTube link to view the replica of Sir Francis Drake's vessel in which he circumnavigated the globe between 1577 to 1580 - Golden Hinde - London 2012.
[Info. YouTube clip by "jf4950"; Comments by VK4CY - 19MAY.2012]
Royal Barge "GLORIANA"
London UK view the attached BBC link to the royal barge "Gloriana" - Gloriana - BBC London.
[Info. BBC News clip; Comments by VK4CY - 19MAY.2012]
LAURA DEKKER onboard her yacht "GUPPY"
Laura and "Guppy" at approx. 3:00PM local time - 21st January 2012 [Sint Maarten time] - entered port to become the 'youngest' solo "round-the-world" sailor.
In her blog during her momenteous voyage, Laura mentioned that her greatest achievements to date have been:
[a] being nominated for the 'Conny Van Rietschoten' Award.
[b] becoming the 'youngest' person to circumnavigate the globe.
[Updated 18MAY.2012]
Laura + crew and "Guppy" are experiencing 'lumpy' weather conditions as they make their way 's l o w l y' towards the Galapagos Islands having 'acquired' another passenger "Kiwi" - the cat.; Galapagos - Laura explains in her 'blog' exactly what has transpired and is now preparing herself and crew for her next voyage across the Pacific. Noted the NZ flag flies at the stern - Marvellous! Great photo's by the way; Happydaze
Laura - the attached chart(s)/(data) for your current position may be of assistance.
[1] Oceanweather Inc. wave height/direction data
[2] Wisc. edu
For a comprehensive overview of Laura, her boat, current position, news item updates etc. click onto her official webpage, [appreciate the 'translater section' into English too!] - in green Laura Dekker and "Guppy" .
[Info. Laura Dekker; Oceanweather Inc.data; Wikipedia data on Galapagos Islands; Wisc. edu data; comments by VK4CY - 19MAY.2012]
@@@@@@@@@ STEAM PRESERVATION NEWS @@@@@@@@@
DIDCOT RAILWAY CENTRE [81E]
The Great Western Society is located on what was part of the Great Western Railway - BR shed code # 81E and one of the remaining GWR sheds in existance. The site includes a broad gauge running line, signalling, locomotive(s) etc., all beautifully restored, plus operational mainline steam locomotives plus coaches/wagons from the GWR past - last time I visited [1991] stayed in the area for 72 hours.
One major item of interest found in 2012 is a NEW website for the 2999 "Lady of Legend" - the Saint re-build - 2999 "Lady of Legend" ; enjoy the experience.
Another is recent bequeth to the GWS of the name plate of Castle Class #4096 "Highclere Castle", near Newbury, is one of the closest castles to Didcot and has become famous as the location for Downton Abbey in the television series. Highclere station was on the Didcot, Newbury and Southampton line. It is particularly appropriate to have the nameplate on display this year as the railway centre is running a gala at the beginning of May to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the closure of the Didcot to Newbury line.
To see these and other features visit their website on a regular basis - click on the Green section - Didcot Railway Centre ; Even better, if you are in the UK especially if you are visiting for the Olympics from overseas - visit the Centre.
[Info. Didcot Railway Centre; comments by VK4CY - 19MAY.2012]
BLUEBELL RAILWAY [75H]
On the 18MARCH.2013, there will be 'time-tabled' trains running to/from East Grinstead and Sheffield Park on the latest extention of the Bluebell Railway.
Extension Progress:
Quote:
The recent wet weather has, needless to say, put us behind in terms of work re-profiling the cutting, but this has to be weighed against the superb weather towards the end of last year, which was the really critical and expensive phase of the operation, when the last of the Waste by Rail trains ran. The weather has not deterred our track gangs working at the North end of Kingscote, where progress on re-laying the point-work has continued, as Chris White explains:
Progress on the NEP at Imberhorne Lane can best be described as slow due to the continuing rain and increasingly wet ground surfaces. Despite this, the eastern (down side) cutting face is now exposed throughout its length, enabling stability checks to take place on the original sandstone material and datum points to be installed.
It has also been possible to transfer some of the residual waste onto the south end sandstone shelf above the cutting, which is another job done. However, in the grand scheme, we remain behind schedule and when things improve, there will be a lot of catching up to do.
Meanwhile, work at Kingscote North is also progressing slowly and extra "Brownie points" must be awarded to the undeterred volunteer Permanent Way team that continue to support Matt Crawford with his tight works delivery schedule. The lack of run-round facilities is placing a heavy operational burden on the Locomotive Department, making the programmed end of May on-time restoration of these facilities absolutely crucial for all.
Unquote:
The Kingscote Goods Yard Project - [KGYP] has its own website as per the posting on 4th May 2012. Looks grand. The new cattle dock work has been completed by the Mears apprentices at Kingscote. This will make a Kingscote stopover a 'well worth while' event in the near future along with the Goods Yard Crane etc. etc; Well done Lorna Webb with the fund raising effort during the recent London Marathon run ably assisted by Adam Fink who provided several pictures; New trackwork adjustments at Sheffield Park, extension work and Kingscote signal box operations, plus the trackwork at the Northern throat end is also of interest as all are being prepared for full operational with East Grinstead; New washout facilities at Sheffield Park are now in use; Latest data on the new signalling at Sheffield Park etc. will make for an interesting experience especially for those who have not revisited the Bluebell in recent years. Congratulations to everyone working hard on the Bluebell!
Currently there are oodles of jobs, projects, signalling, PW features, drains, culvets, passing loops etc. but there will be an extension into East Grinstead.
Can you help in any way? :-
if you can assist via the myriad of ways: Gift-Aid, Volunteer, Become a Member, your efforts made will be very much appreciated by all concerned.
Even better, if you get the opportunity to visit especially in this Olympic year if you are from 'overseas' a wonderfully preserved railway also awaits you.
Latest data - [updated 14MAY.2012] - Bluebell Railway - whats new blog ; Enjoy the experience and have a pint for me at the "Bessemer Arms" Hotel at Sheffield Park; you will not be disappointed.
[Info. Bluebell Railway; 'Extension Progress' data quoted direct from site information; comments by VK4CY - 19MAY.2012]
GLOUCESTERSHIRE WARWICKSHIRE RAILWAY [85E] - GWr
The Gloucestershire, Warwickshire Railway [GWr] are looking forward to a complete line by Autumn 2012 with trains from Cheltenham to Laverton.
With the Broadway extension work continuing which is of great interest to both locals and visitors. The trials of 2010/2012 tended to focus on the slippages but to the nameless folk in the background who had seen the situation and who stepped up to the plate as it were; Take a look at what you have accomplished and the answer lies in what the GWr Teams have accomplished because they have been making history by rolling up their sleeves and having a go.
Their website - [updated 17MAY.2012] - the latest data on the slippages' plus the marvellous remedial work that is well on the road to completion.
During the coming weekend the GWr is hosting the 4th CAMRA event; Over the May Day holiday weekend 'Kids GO FREE'; Chicken Curve progress; Update on P&O; April report on 4F locomotive; A sharp increase in funds for the "Chicken Curve" Appeal via a "Steam Railway Magazine" initative and associated article as covered in the 400th issue of the magazine. [refer to the pdf files mentioned]. The appointment of a Development Fund Manager which includes completion of the Broadway extension and beyond. The installation of the Ian Allen Award plague at Winchcombe & unveiling of same by Pete Waterman and Lord Faulkner with a large media attendance; Latest on the Chicken Curve issues and remedies, costings and, the work has resumed as promised. Appreciate the pictures/cures/remedies plus of course, the reasons why it [the slip] has kept occuring since BR days. Here's to continued success to the team(s) involved and their completion period of Autumn 2012 ; Their new diesel shed; Also - click on the Green section - GWr Latest news. ; Of course, if you can assist especially by donations, however small it should mean that the GWr will be a COMPLETE RAILWAY again by September 2012. Can you help please?? - Thank you in advance.
Enjoy the experience PLUS say hello to fellow enthusiast, GWr President Pete Waterman of "Top of the Pops" fame at Toddington.
[Info. GWr Railway; comments by VK4CY - 19MAY.2012]
GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY [15D] - GCR
This is the ONLY preserved main line railway in the UK where steam and diesel heritage traction can pass at realistic speeds. All run by volunteers yet again, plus they are hoping to link up with their Northern neighbours so that an inter-City link can be forged again utilising heritage traction.
They are currently attempting to 'bridge the gap' BUT if/when it occurs, several huge factors will come into play. Take a look at the following YouTube video clip which explains it fully [in GREEN] GCR Promotional video. ; Heritage traction will be able to provide inter city travel between Nottingham and Leicester. There is a link from the Northern section to Network Rail [ex. British Rail] which will allow access to both lines if/when the 'gap' is completed.
During 2011, the GCR teams cleared, restored and installed a 'new turntable' at Quorn and Woodhouse station. "Hanglands" via YouTube compiled a montage of this feature which can be accessed via the LHS [Left Hand Side] which shows the normal UK weather [liquid sunshine] attempting to dampen the teams efforts.
It will also assist the local economies is providing income from a link to a mineral site Mountsorrel Extension - Mountsorrel Extension 10MAY.2012 [update]. - latest details with pictures - that would remove trucks/heavy lorries from the local road network to transport to anywhere in either UK and/or Continent.
Can you help in any way? :-
if you can assist via the myriad of ways: Gift-Aid, Volunteer, Become a Member, your efforts made will be very much appreciated by all concerned - this especially applies to the Mountsorrel Extension.
Ironically one of the features which the original planner of the Great Central Railway had envisaged in the the late 1890's - UK to Continent via a tunnel. Mr Watkins was like Brunel, someone who thought outside the square.
Further, if you would like more information - check their link - in green - GCR Home Page. - Better still visit them - especially in this Olympic year and when their Galas are occuring. They are huge events with great appeal on both systems.
[Info. Great Central Railway; comments by VK4CY - 19MAY.2012]
RHEILFFORDD LLANGOLLEN [LLANGOLLEN RAILWAY] - LR
Rheilffordd Llangollen/Llangollen Railway Trust is exploring means by which the financial challenge of completing Phase 2 of the project can be met. In the meantime, further support by way of donations is required towards achieving the 2013 target for train services to operate to the Corwen temporary platform.
This railway owes its existance to its 'big four' regional founder the "Great Western Railway" on its route toward Barmouth from Raubon. Like the majority of preserved Railways in the British Isles, it is run by volunteers, and recently they commenced their extension from Carrog to Corwen [see above] awaiting permission to run into a 'temporary' station near the old site but on the old line formation, with trains running by late 2012/early 2013.
View their web site via the link provided [updated 16MAY.2012] - Llangollen Railway - even better if you can visit them it will be worthwhile enjoying the beautiful Dee Valley area of North Western Wales. Yet again you will NOT be disappointed.
Extracted from YouTube are the first passenger trains to transit this new section of line: Llangollen Railway, 21APRIL.2012 posted on YouTube by K4corwen Well done to all concerned.
[Info. Llangollen Railway; Llangollen Railway Trust; View BBC Wales news clip on extreme LHS 21APRIL.2012; YouTube by "k4corwen" 21APRIL.2012; Comments by VK4CY - 19MAY.2012]
PEAK RAIL - PR
One of the many minor preserved railways in the UK which were part of one of the major 'big four' regional groups in the UK - Peak Rail having been on the route on Midland later the LMS [London, Midland and Scottish] Railways Midland [Manchester] to London [St. Pancres] route via the Derbyshire Dales.
All run by volunteers yet again, and recently [02JULY.2011] they obtained permission to run into Matlock Main Station at Platform # 2.
It has ben a period of struggle and strife but, all very much worth it. Remember the area well as a young lad visiting relatives at Bakewell, Matlock, Matlock Baths and of course Sheffield/Rotherham - as always, we travelled by train.
View their web site via the link provided which has a sub-link for their 2012 Brochure - Peak Rail - even better if you can visit them it will be worthwhile enjoying the West Riding of Yorkshire/Northern Derbyshire hospitality plus the amazing Dales area. You will NOT be disappointed either.
[Info. Peak Rail; comments by VK4CY - 19MAY.2012]
SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY - SVR
One of the Senior preserved railways in the UK which was once part of the mighty "Great Western Railway"; The SVR are celebrating their 150th Anniversary ; view the attached BBC link with the HRH Duke of Gloucester [also a railway enthuaist and whom the locomotive #71000 "Duke of Gloucester" is named after] officiating; Severn Valley 150th Anniversary
Remember the area well as a young radio Operator visiting maritime friends at Kidderminster - never realising that some 52 years later, it would be still operating with steam still being supreme motive power.
View their web site via the link provided - Severn Valley Railway - even better if you can visit them it will be worthwhile the SVR area, you'll be made very welcome and, you will NOT be disappointed either.
[Info. Severn Valley Railway; BBC News clip 14MAY.2012; comments by VK4CY - 19MAY.2012]
@@@@@@@@@ PLANES TV NEWS @@@@@@@@@
"PLANES TV"
Aircraft are another of my hobbies and pursuits. Personally I enjoy UK stuff BUT, check out the attached link to Planes TV founded by Iain Campbell 22 years ago. This embraces all aspects of aviation - world wide.
If YOU would like to receive the Planes TV video clips regularly, click on the link in 'green' - and tell Iain that Jonboyradio sent you and/or where you found the link - it's FREE - latest details from "Planes TV" is the Abingdon Country and Airshow DVD 2012 - Planes TV.
By the way - the attached clip is of a British invention - "a hybrid air vehicle" - got huge potental in more ways than you can dream up!! - BBC - British hybrid air vehicle - huge potential. Enjoy 'n happydaze.
[Info. Planes TV; BBC news clip; comments by VK4CY - 19MAY.2012]
@@@@@@@@@ THE RAILWAY CHANNEL - YouTube TV NEWS @@@@@@@@@
"THE RAILWAY CHANNEL"
Along with Amateur Radio another of my hobbies and pursuits are steam railways. Personally I enjoy UK stuff BUT, check out the attached link to Railway World founded by Mark Found. Recently Mark has re-established his original concept and it is now renamed 'The Railway Channel". This embraces all aspects of railways through YouTube - world wide [Argentina, Australia, Austria, China, Cuba, Germany, Indonesia, NZ, Poland, South Africa, UK, USA, etc.,] including model and minature plus live steam on 5", 7-1/4" gauge stuff - again world wide coverage.
Click on the link in 'green' - it's FREE too though your clips, support etc. are welcome, The Railway Channel. and enjoy the trip.
[Info. The Railway Channel; comments by VK4CY - 19MAY.2012]
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