CitroJim's AX, C3 Picasso, Cycling and Running Tales

[Huskyxantia]

I do miss my old MK1 so so comfy to drive

[xantia_v6]

Only on LHD models I believe Richard, allegedly there was no room for the Diravi on RHD cars... Like there was no room on RHD Xantias to allow a V6 Activa to be produced...

My theory on those never sold RHD variants, such as V6 Xantia estates, or V6 Xantias (and ES9 XMs) with manual transmission, or diesel Activas, is that the factory could make them, and would have been quite happy to, but Citroen UK worked on a basis of bulk ordering cars from the factory with a limited range of options, and did not have any interest in ordering the more specialist versions. I believe that in France it was more normal for the dealer to order a car from the factory with the exact specification that a customer desired.

[Stickyfinger]

Only on LHD models I believe Richard, allegedly there was no room for the Diravi on RHD cars... Like there was no room on RHD Xantias to allow a V6 Activa to be produced...

My theory on those never sold RHD variants, such as V6 Xantia estates, or V6 Xantias (and ES9 XMs) with manual transmission, or diesel Activas, is that the factory could make them, and would have been quite happy to, but Citroen UK worked on a basis of bulk ordering cars from the factory with a limited range of options, and did not have any interest in ordering the more specialist versions. I believe that in France it was more normal for the dealer to order a car from the factory with the exact specification that a customer desired.

The Uk market for new cars at the time was very Company Cars orientated, these tended to offer a list of cars/versions that were not normally chosen by the end user, the Rep (was offered by the fleet manager).....You (I) got a list he/she had selected for your grade within the company and you could not deviate from that even with options. LX,GL.SDI, Ghia snobbery was rife.

The "back room" gossip about me getting a SAAB 900Turbo (in Anthracite !) caused a few ruffles but I got away with it as I was in a unique post with the company...I paid extra from my wage + the MD was a car nut and appreciated me wanting to stand out from all the Carltons the others had (He had a Maserati BiTurbo)

[CitroJim]

That's a good, new slant on it that I'd not previously been aware of. Thanks both

And we all know the RHD Activa is not only a possibility but a reality

I still say my ultimate Xantia would have been a V6 Activa Estate... If only...

[Stickyfinger]

[Skull]

21.00 m > couple of Citroens …lucky b4stards I remember watching this before in the mid 90’s…
33.00 m > bet he wishes he could have the BX back

[CitroJim]

21.00 m > couple of Citroens …lucky b4stards I remember watching this before in the mid 90’s…
45.00 m bet he wishes he could have the BX back

Lucky indeed, driving a Xantia on Thursday made me realise, yet again, just what great cars they are... I really can't justify owning one again but if I could

I've never driven a BX and would love to - if that could be made so I'd be very, very happy...

In other news, I now have my dates for being made radioactive and subsequent surgery Just before that I'm taking a proper holiday by the seaside.

Thursday was a good test of my driving ability and on the strength of that I'll be driving a considerable distance further to spend a few days back where I spent a lot of my childhood and have some very happy memories of

I'm looking forward to it. I have already arranged a day out on the West Somerset Railway with an old friend who lives down that way.

It will be my first proper visit there in ten years. Last time was a pass-through and short stop during Mick's South Coast Tour...

Next year I plan a return to Cornwall and many more adventures, mostly railway themed...

[Rp0thejester]

Hello Jim are you up to date on the DIY Car Maintenance with function over finesse thread...... it's a great thread and beneficial to your blog.

[CitroJim]

Hello Jim are you up to date on the DIY Car Maintenance with function over finesse thread...... it's a great thread and beneficial to your blog.

I've put a few suggestions in Mick's thread Ryan I really hope between us we can crack this one...

[CitroJim]

A special day today at parkrun - I achieved my 400th Volunteer day

email from parkrun

Screenshot from the parkrun 5K app.

And me in action timekeeping at my 399th Volunteer day yesterday

Linford Wood parkrun with Linda

Another year and I'm on course to hit my big 500th and for that I get a special blue milestone tee, blue milestone hoodie and other goodies

[mickthemaverick]

And me in action timekeeping at my 399th Volunteer day yesterday

And I thought we'd seen The Last of the Mohicans!!

[CitroJim]

And I thought we'd seen The Last of the Mohicans!!

Totally on-trend with that Mick

[CitroJim]

Yesterday was a good day : The morning was spent with the little one and rapidly expanding one in a new establishment that combines a café with baby/toddler soft play

Whoever hit on that as a business venture really has struck gold... It was rammed with mums, babies and toddlers. I was the only man there...

Massive fun and hugely enjoyed

Yesterday afternoon saw me here:

It felt just like an MoT test... Height, weight, BP, ECG, bloods and swabs...

All conducted with supreme efficiency by the most lovely nurses I passed with just one advisory: I always get an attack of 'white cost hypertension' that sends my blood pressure sky-high in such situations

I now have to submit home readings for a few days... The two I've done so far look fine...

Huge thanks Mick for the supreme hospital patient transport, it was really appreciated The Subaru makes one superb ambulance! We arrived a good 20 minutes early and happily, I was seen early...

Onwards and upwards to the main event - bring it on

And also, I've been cleared to run again - at least up until the surgery I'm making the most of that and started off yesterday with a superb run around town despite getting soaked in the rain...

[CitroJim]

I enjoyed a superb holiday down by the seaside last week and struck so lucky with the weather...

It was four days of walking the coast paths, visiting old childhood haunts, meeting up with old friends and playing trains on the West Somerset Railway

I stayed in a luxury caravan with full central heating, a dishwasher, a washer/drier and a bigger 'fridge and freezer than I have at home. And it had a sea view!

It was truly magical and just what I needed before next week... Shame I returned with severe ear problems and tooth ache. The latter is not serious and has been dealt with but the former is not looking good. More investigations will happen once the issue to be dealt with next week is resolved.

I was delighted to spend a lot of time in and around my all-time favourite diesel locomotive when it came into the station 'light engine' on a test run and had to wait for the token to continue its journey. Standing chatting to the crew and listening to its Maybach engine idling for a good 25 minutes was simply awesome.

I was invited into the signal box

This is a fully operational 'box and worked in the old traditional way, even down to the level crossing gates still operated by the capstan wheel visible in the picture above. I was there to witness the operations required to bring the 'up' train into the station - complete with bell codes

The only nod to modernity in the 'box is the switches to operate maglocks on the crossing wicket gates - an ORR requirement...

I was later to learn the railway still operates a small Strowger telephone exchange for internal communication purposes...

Being up close and personal to an idling Hymek and being in a live signal box was bliss - I thought I'd died and gone to heaven

After idling for so long, when the Hymek finally got going it did so in a nice little cloud of clag

The photo is not the best as I had to dash out of the signal box to get it and had no time to compose it. Click shutter and hope! The driver was giving the Hymek a bit of welly and it really did sound gorgeous

[Hell Razor5543]

Looks like fun, Jim. Often ear ache is caused by the tooth ache, so hopefully now the tooth ache has been dealt with the ear ache will recede.