Hi Ian, Well that might be a good thing too, I guess. Our UK police are becoming much tougher on those who flout the Covid rules. But the use of Armed Forces in civil policing operations is really tricky, they need special training to deal successfully with the issues that arise (said as a serviceman involved with Fireman's Strikes many years ago!)

"This evening (12 Jan), the RAF delivered nearly 6,000 life-saving Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines to RAF Gibraltar on behalf of the Foreign, Development and Commonwealth Office. They were collected by members of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment and rapidly transported to hospital. Up to 175 Armed Forces personnel from British Forces Gibraltar will provide logistical assistance to the Government of Gibraltar in responding to the Covid-19 pandemic. They will support by distributing vital equipment and supplies between medical sites and to vulnerable people". It's good to know our Services are there for us! 👍

Hi Nerys, I agree the general concerns you raise but it is worth pointing out that the Oxford University vaccine, produced by AstraZenica, is sold at cost price (£3 a shot) vs the Biontec one at £15 a shot. This was part of the 'deal' struck by OU when looking for production partners and we should be thankful in UK we have such a principled group helping us to get over the virus. I just hope they will sell future vaccines at this price to overseas customers.

👍 Graupner Elke was my first RC boat, way back in 1973. I was living in Germany so easy to get spares etc. It sailed well but had take care with side winds and big waves. (We had 8 Deutsche Marks to the £ then, which makes today's exchange rates look pretty sick!). Elke now refurbished and given to my grandson - so it's still sailing!

Lovely model, looks the part and it looks like it sails well. I used to live near Upnor, very nice place to visit if you're in the Chatham area, winds can be tricky on the River Medway and there are loads of sandbanks; you're better off sailing in Barry!

This is a restoration project - my first radio control boat 'Elke', is a small fishing boat with plastic hull, a Graupner kit, purchased in Germany when I was serving in the Army there in 1974. I am restoring it for my grandson. it used to be a good runner with a 6v battery, small electric motor, two servos, one wired so it could move boat in reverse as well as forward. A good little sailor, light in weight and a good pond model. Had to be careful of wave height. Anyway, it has been in the garage for 40 years now so much to do. The inside is a bit of a mess and everything has a layer of dust. I will fit a speed controller and NiMH battery. But nothing too difficult so hope to have it finished for Christmas. (Motor: 6v) (5/10)

This was a static scratch built model constructed by a model engineer probably in 1970s, I was gifted the boat by the local RNLI Branch with the proviso I looked after it and occasionally displayed it on Flag Days. The boat is a model of the Lizard and Cadgwith lifeboat 'Duke of Cornwall' which saw service for 20 years and saved 95 lives. I have fitted 6 channel San,wa remote control and the Torpedo engines and batteries. She runs very well on the water and achieves a good scale speed when both motors are at full power. Batteries are 12 volt gel type and new, I have never had a problem with endurance. Control is by two Electronize speed controllers which plug in independently to receiver. She has a two tone siren, worked from retract servo switch, which is useful for clearing a way through birds. Steering (like the real thing) was rather sluggish, a single blade rudder but it improves by using the two engines. She is pretty heavy to lift into the car, I use nylon strops to lower her into water. I have done several adjustments to her topside so that she more correctly resembles the 1962 Barnett lifeboat she is modelled on, main adjustment was to put mahogany veneer onto to forward and rear bulwarks, as the originals had. The original boat topside was painted grey and it was only later that areas were painted orange, she is a non self righting lifeboat one of the last of this type and modifications were made in the mid sixties to seal off the rear doors and provide a watertight compartment, as well as fully enclosing the wheelhouse (the model's wheelhouse is open at the rear, as was the original. All hatches and doors open. The railings are chain link and seem to be a very good match to the ones fitted. My only issue at the moment is the radio wires which seem to be very vulnerable, have used electric thread but not a great solution - something to look out for. I have purchased 3 crew and am about to paint them, two will be in the wheelhouse. (Motor: Torpedo x 2) (ESC: Electrinize) (8/10)