Simon Hickman @simonhickman.bsky.social · 11/09/2026Delighted to report that John Craven is as avuncular in real life as his is on telly. Came over to the Brunel swing bridge to film us a video for free yesterday, top man. 1264
Simon Hickman @simonhickman.bsky.social · 25/06/2026Bought some of those reflective mats you put behind radiators plus some suction pads, and made some removable external heat blinds. My South facing House is 12 degrees cooler than outside. Might book a slot on Dragons Den. 040
Simon Hickman @simonhickman.bsky.social · 04/05/2026We were there all weekend; the Confortmatic stoically withstood the deluge! 110
Simon Hickman @simonhickman.bsky.social · 04/05/2026This one doesn’t, but I previously had a larger model - pictured - which had space for a loo. I traded it for this one because you can put it up with one person, the larger model needs two and the current Mrs Hickman is less of an enthusiast than me! 110
Simon Hickman @simonhickman.bsky.social · 04/05/2026I’d love to have met the guy who designed it in the 60s. There’s a full kitchen, wall cupboards, dinette/double bed and a set of bunk beds concealed within. In the age of the electric car an updated version (less orange fabric!) could be a winner. 100
Simon Hickman @simonhickman.bsky.social · 04/05/2026It’s completely watertight, big deluge yesterday and it stayed bone dry. Here’s how it works ~ m.youtube.com/watch?v=8lVE...m.youtube.comUnfolding the Rapido Confort (Matic)YouTube video by Rogier Langeveld 110
Simon Hickman @simonhickman.bsky.social · 04/05/2026To North Cornwall for the bank holiday in the connoisseur's choice of temporary accommodation, my 1970s folding caravan. A midcentury modernist classic in brown and orange velour. 370
Simon Hickman @simonhickman.bsky.social · 01/05/2026It’s a trial run for local politicians and transport staff using a preserved unit built in the 80s. The public service is a couple of years off. 010
Simon Hickman @simonhickman.bsky.social · 01/05/2026If you like trains and like Bristol, visit www.avrht.org/appealavrht.orgFit for the Future Appeal — Avon Valley Railway Heritage Trust 000
Simon Hickman @simonhickman.bsky.social · 01/05/2026The Avon Valley Railway has just launched our “Fit for the Future” Appeal. With coal, loco hire, and utilities, it costs us over a grand a day to operate. We can manage costs if we overhaul the buffet to generate more spend & restore our own loco. More about the appeal here: www.avrht.org/appeal 033
Simon Hickman @simonhickman.bsky.social · 01/05/2026First passenger train up the Portishead line! WECA / Metrowest have hired a Pacer for the day to tour their proposed Network. Seen here between Ashton Gate Platform and Clifton Bridge. 36612
Simon Hickman @simonhickman.bsky.social · 26/04/2026Very much enjoyed this gaff rigged cutter heading up the Avon gorge earlier 070
Simon Hickman @simonhickman.bsky.social · 06/04/2026Been repainting my wheels. The Mini looks smarter with fresh socks. 020
Simon Hickman @simonhickman.bsky.social · 05/04/2026"The conversation, like many others I had with people on trains, derived an easy candour from the shared journey, the comfort of the dining car, and the certain knowledge that neither of us would see each other again" Paul Theroux 020
Simon Hickman @simonhickman.bsky.social · 21/03/2026Joined a group deconstructing and rebuilding drystone walls today at the foot of the Mendips today. Lovely stuff. 090
Simon Hickman @simonhickman.bsky.social · 04/03/2026Cracking. Did you get any shots on the section that’s now the AVR, or the wider Midland route from Bristol to Bath? 000
Simon Hickman @simonhickman.bsky.social · 04/03/2026SCENES on the Avon Valley Railway, as the clock turns back 60 years and Dr Beeching is incarnate. This Sunday from 10! 120
Simon Hickman @simonhickman.bsky.social · 03/03/2026This Sunday I will mainly be playing Dr Beeching at the Avon Valley Railway’s event marking 60 years since the Doctor swung his ace on many lines, including what’s now the preserved AVR. Come along and laugh at my embarrassment. www.avonvalleyrailway.org/news/the-peo... 011
Simon Hickman @simonhickman.bsky.social · 27/02/2026Been having a terrific time at work securing planning consents for the conversion of Norman Foster’s seminal Spectrum building in Swindon into a drone factory. It doubled as a Bond villain HQ for A View to a Kill, and the angled beams are modelled on Roger Moore’s eyebrows. 040
Simon Hickman @simonhickman.bsky.social · 25/02/2026First drive on a public road in 21 years. Two icons of engineering! 181
Simon Hickman @simonhickman.bsky.social · 04/02/2026Lovely stuff. I had a very enjoyable mooch around the Old Town a few years ago; it was full of character if bereft of people. Decent local transport museum too! 010
Simon Hickman @simonhickman.bsky.social · 29/01/2026More AI model railway nonsense, where recent storms have left the 1:76 scale farmers on my foldup layout in despair 021
Simon Hickman @simonhickman.bsky.social · 24/01/2026Very much enjoying the application of ChatGPT to my model railway 2371
Simon Hickman @simonhickman.bsky.social · 20/01/2026Lower Park Row, Bristol. Chevy Chase must be playing the Bristol Beacon this evening. 020
Simon Hickman @simonhickman.bsky.social · 13/01/2026Looks very clean. Beta marine? Like the idea of an A4 bucket seat. Can’t be many engines that offered their drivers such refinement 110
Simon Hickman @simonhickman.bsky.social · 11/01/2026Let’s see your boat Phil! I’d love a Narrowboat, probably the only thing I’d sell the Mini for to fund 100
Simon Hickman @simonhickman.bsky.social · 11/01/2026The exterior is still a bit scruffy and multi-toned (“patina”) but you can now eat your dinner out of the engine bay 120
Simon Hickman @simonhickman.bsky.social · 11/01/2026Got my Mini working for the first time since 2005. Passed my driving test in this car back in 1995. 2100
Simon Hickman @simonhickman.bsky.social · 25/12/2025It’s a pleasingly white Christmas here in France, an hour South of Lyon. 060
Simon Hickman @simonhickman.bsky.social · 24/12/2025Went looking for one a couple of years ago but there was no sign. Last services early 90s, last maintenance train 2010. All still there, but no chance of reopening when the roads are so good. Upper part of the line to Dunières is a velorail now. 020
Simon Hickman @simonhickman.bsky.social · 24/12/2025I am at my father in law’s in France and am very excited by this notification 150
Simon Hickman @simonhickman.bsky.social · 20/12/2025This weekend sees the withdrawal of South Western Railway’s venerable class 455 units after 44 years of service. Unremarkable trains which I have a soft spot for, having used one as our wedding transport back in 2013. 071
Simon Hickman @simonhickman.bsky.social · 19/12/2025Interesting Richard, does that imply sections were actually built? There are details of the fuller plans in the London Gazette here: www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue...thegazette.co.uk 110
Simon Hickman @simonhickman.bsky.social · 14/12/2025I don’t think so, I’ve only been involved for a few months and don’t think I’ve met Mike. He may have taken a back seat recently. You should come over Richard, be nice to meet you. There are some interesting talks upcoming - b-i-a-s.org.uk/bias-events/b-i-a-s.org.ukEvents from 10 January 2026 – 10 January 2026 – Bristol Industrial Archaeological Society 100
Simon Hickman @simonhickman.bsky.social · 13/12/2025Excellent morning at the Bristol industrial Archaeology Society’s Xmas social with unusual party game called “guess the objects from Geoff Wallis's garage”. That’s a line-belt stretcher & a Bulgarian scyther’s corn gathering tool, of course. Meetings in Keynsham every month! www.b-i-a-s.org.uk 261
Simon Hickman @simonhickman.bsky.social · 30/11/2025Had an excellent day out in Swanage with volunteer colleagues from the Avon Valley Railway today. Held a meeting on board a steam train with the chair of the Swanage Railway Trust, to learn about their recent restructuring. Top stuff. 050
Simon Hickman @simonhickman.bsky.social · 28/11/2025Went for a night walk with my daughter in Ashton Court earlier this week and stumbled into a testing of the lights for the forthcoming illuminate festival. Utterly magical - all the more so ‘cos we were the only ones there. 050
Simon Hickman @simonhickman.bsky.social · 16/11/2025Had a wander round Cheltenham today and very much enjoyed this bench plaque in Berkeley Place 031
Simon Hickman @simonhickman.bsky.social · 14/11/2025You know that times are tough when Pecorama, the best reason to visit Devon, announces its closure. Hopefully temporary?? www.pecorama.co.ukpecorama.co.ukPecorama Public Statement: November 2025It is with great sadness and after much soul-searching we have decided to close Pecorama, our well-loved family attraction, for the 2026 season. 130
Simon Hickman @simonhickman.bsky.social · 26/10/2025It looks splendid back home. But I’ll be more excited if the light railway plans develop some traction! cirentrain.org.ukcirentrain.org.ukCiren-Kemble Railway - The PlanCirencester Community Railway Project - The Plan to Re-establish the Train link between Cirencester and Kemble 101
Simon Hickman @simonhickman.bsky.social · 15/10/2025Lovely stuff Phil. Only pic no 1 can still be recreated, but the Barlow screen is part masked by the modern extension. 000
Simon Hickman @simonhickman.bsky.social · 10/10/2025Tomorrow morning, Bristol Industrial Archaeology Society are hosting what promises to be a very interesting talk by Rob Pritchard on the history of Bristol's harbour. Keynsham Masonic Hall at 1030, visitors welcome! b-i-a-s.org.uk/bias-events/b-i-a-s.org.ukEvents from 11 October – 11 October – Bristol Industrial Archaeological Society 032