A very good idea indeed. As someone who refrains from posting on the model thread - but does read through it every day (in winter at least) the new thread should hopefully save a lot of time and be informative in the process. As regards the various concerns which some have over the new thread - firstly I am fairly confident that model output discussion will not be diluted. I hope that people are not too hasty in forming an opinion on this one - because at present it is becoming a little quieter in there - but this is purely due to the fact that the weather is turning milder in the short-term. Nothing else. I also think that the number of posters invited is about right and the contributors involved are those whose posts I make an effort to seek out in the model thread - precisely because they give the best, most reasoned and realistic view of what is likely to develop. One other point. I do find it strange that some are complaining that the so-called cream of the crop now have a locked model analyst's thread. As if it is a case of 'them and us'. Well I have to say that I totally disagree with that viewpoint. Apart from being fairly infantile and short-sighted (in my opinion) I also find such a stance to some degree quite arrogant. I know for instance that I do not have the technical expertise, depth of knowledge and level of understanding attributed to our more experienced posters and in that sense rather than develop an inferiority complex and throw toys out of prams - I try to learn from reading posts by those who really do know what they are talking about. If the new thread makes that somewhat easier - and I believe it will - all the better. Well done Netweather and thanks again for a fantastic idea!