About
Welcome to the MRWAIN about me page.
This page is about getting to know me a little better.
Had a great life, no regrets and did some really exciting stuff.
I feel sorry for the next generation and the ones following.
Western civilisation is under attack and in decline. I believe "1984" is becoming reality.
The foundations of democracy: Freedom of expression, speech and assembly are under attack and that should concern us all.
Jim
My working life was with the Australian Federal Government in a variety of technical disciplines.
I have built 3 layouts not counting the current one under construction.
All three layouts have been demolished due to changing houses.
My area of interest with model railways is computer control which is understandable because that was what I did in the Public Service, computers, not model railways.
Computing, networking, secure communications, cryptography, electronics and a few other things I'm not allowed to talk about.
Had the opportunity to travel overseas to numerous Australian Embassies and High Commissions and consider myself very lucky, all expenses paid by the Australian tax payer.
Spent a few years in the Army Reserve, 126 Signal Squadron, 1st Commando Regiment.
As a civilian I spent time onboard Royal Australian Navy ships performing trials of Turana, a guided target missile to be used by the Australian Navy for gunnery practice.
Explosive bolts attach the 10,000 pounds of thrust boost motor that fires for 2.3 seconds and then drops in the ocean.
Blink and you will miss the launch, the missile is out of sight.
In both military and civilian life I had the opportunity to engage in activities that challenged me to the max and it brings out the best in you and loved every minute. During my career I participated in counter terrorism exercises providing technical support for the army and state police forces. Had the privilege of working with members of the Australian Army, Special Air Service Regiment (SASR)and have absolute respect for the Regiment and the professionalism of its members.
Now I'm just cruising along in retirement, mucking around with 3D printers, Arduino's, learning a bit of music, and of course building a computer controlled model railway.
If I was a 5 year old prodigy I would be breezing the music in, but at my age it can be a challenge, but an enjoyable one.
I was in Perth on work related business once and had the opportunity to climb the building below...didn't have to be asked twice.
Opportunity to do a bit of parachuting; excuse the pun but I jumped into that with open arms.
I will parachute from a plane but never off a building or a cliff face (base jumping).
I'm stupid but not totally.
Hello!