Winter Series 2002-2003
Round 3 - 15th December 2002

Report by TX operator, Dave Peacock:

Not to be outdone by the previous aerial, which was a grade 2 listed building, I went on the hunt for something unusual. A disused freight line was the target. The site, Platt Bridge.

On Saturday I set up the aerial, it was stretched across the top of some trees from the small wooded area, which was to be my hiding place, cleverly disguised in the thin twigs and branches. I then ran it along side the train track for about 20-30 metres before tying it to the actual rail, on the map the track runs about 5km, plus extra track which is not shown as it runs off the map.

Hayley (niece) was with me on Sunday or I would have been more vindictive and have hidden on the south side of the track where it was extremely wet and marshy. The site proved to be a great success as I soon found out when Chris Heys was first on site just after 11am, assisted by Dave Holland - back DFing after another stint working in Spitsbergen. Hayley and I had great fun watching him running up and down the rail track as he couldn’t decide which way the signal went, this is because he was unaware he was standing on top of the aerial. A bit of teasing switching the transmitter on and off didn’t help.

10 minutes later Chris Plummer with son Colin and Roger arrived. A couple of trips up and down the line later, he went over the other side of the track before I transmitted again then he came straight in. No sign of C.H. at this point. C.P. thus enjoyed his usual teasing when C.H. came back once more, soon to find his way in as well.

Donna then met up with the troops brandishing mince pies and hot vimto. “Dave Chip where are you??” Was the cry heard shortly after! Some 10 minutes later he turned up and found his way in relatively easily. Perhaps he had a bit of guidance from the rest of the teasing crowd?

“A difficult DF” C.H. quoted, but a good result as all teams completed.

The pub was The Royal Oak, Brewers Fayre. Other venues were looked at but the menus weren’t very fulfilling. Donna and I are connoisseurs when it comes to Fayres, the food is always good.

Photos:
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Can you spot the aerial? I didn't!	Dave P and niece Hayley in the dugout
Hot Vimto and Mince Pies all round, Cheers!	"Come in Dave Chip... where the **** are you!?"
Dave Chip appears. Did he miss his train?	Plummer's bearings - how does he do it?
Packing up for the pub	Hayley works her way through the sweet menu
Like father like son... Colin Plummer whips out his latest gadget	"Whose ya daddy?" - "The TX Operator!"