2010
Winter draws in, and nights draw out
Tuesday 21 December 2010
Barely a year seems to have gone by and here we are celebrating Christmas again, with a party at a new venue, namely a cafe designed mainly for employees at a small town-centre industrial estate, but opened in the evening especially for us. Two of the Chairman's better halves excelled at the catering, and the Chairman himself took advantage of a captive audience not only to deliver his traditional end-of-year harangue but also to show 160-odd slides of the Docklands Light Railway. It seemed more.
The star turn, however was the weather, which seemed determined to make up for previous mild winters with a blast of ice and snow which would dent the resolve of even the most fervent global-warmist. Perhaps there is a difference between weather and climate, and one frozen robin may not make a winter of discontent, but the intent to impress was definitely there in abundance.
The star turn, however was the weather, which seemed determined to make up for previous mild winters with a blast of ice and snow which would dent the resolve of even the most fervent global-warmist. Perhaps there is a difference between weather and climate, and one frozen robin may not make a winter of discontent, but the intent to impress was definitely there in abundance.
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Toasting the Duke of Lancaster
Saturday 27 November 2010
Today, as any fule kno, is the very day of Lancashire, when in 1295 the first elected representatives from Lancashire were summoned to The Model Parliament.
SMRS members were likewise summoned by Jim and Fiona to celebrate with Lancashire hotpot, Chorley cakes, Eccles cakes and assorted local beers. This was followed by videos of local steam railways in their heyday and of our own model railway exhibition in the vintage year of 1989. The latter allowed us the doubtful privilege of spotting our younger selves preserved on film, with haircuts and clothing styles to match.
SMRS members were likewise summoned by Jim and Fiona to celebrate with Lancashire hotpot, Chorley cakes, Eccles cakes and assorted local beers. This was followed by videos of local steam railways in their heyday and of our own model railway exhibition in the vintage year of 1989. The latter allowed us the doubtful privilege of spotting our younger selves preserved on film, with haircuts and clothing styles to match.
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The Night Ferry, at night
Tuesday 16 November 2010
Another of our Tuesday night social jamborees, this time with Alan showing good old-fashioned colour slides of the Night Ferry sleeping cars that used to run from London to Paris via Dover and Dunkerque. After seeing how it used to be done, the overwhelming impression was that progress on this front has been decidedly backward since a certain female prime minister become convinced that vehicles with rubber tyres were the only way to travel. As someone said, things have come to a pretty pass when Pendolino first class offers inferior accommodation to a Mark III standard class coach...
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Old habits die hard
Tuesday 19 October 2010
Once a lecturer, always a lecturer. Richard clearly did not let his recent retirement, or the associated golden goodbye, prevent him from making a comeback at the club tonight. His theme for the evening was 'All you ever wanted to know about DCC'.
With the skill of the professional presenter he did just that, just enough, not too much. The interest generated led him to believe, for one brief, tantalising moment, that soon he might not be the only club member with a significant investment in all things digital. The reality will kick in soon enough....
With the skill of the professional presenter he did just that, just enough, not too much. The interest generated led him to believe, for one brief, tantalising moment, that soon he might not be the only club member with a significant investment in all things digital. The reality will kick in soon enough....
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Homework in progress
Wednesday 13 October 2010
It has long been the assertion of members of the SMRS Armchair Section that they are using said armchairs as an essential means of respite from frenetic modelling activities undertaken in the domestic environment. They cannot therefore be expected to burn the 4mm-to-the-foot scale candle at both ends. Evidence of said activity is generally hard to come by, as it remains locked away in a loft, cellar or back bedroom and rarely sees the light of day.
However a garden railway is by its very nature exposed to the harsh glare of an autumnal Indian summer, and one in particular in a leafy Ormskirk suburb was captured on camera by your roving webmaster. Retirement brings many benefits, the ability to work on 32mm tracklaying uninterrupted for hours on end being just one of them.
However a garden railway is by its very nature exposed to the harsh glare of an autumnal Indian summer, and one in particular in a leafy Ormskirk suburb was captured on camera by your roving webmaster. Retirement brings many benefits, the ability to work on 32mm tracklaying uninterrupted for hours on end being just one of them.
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An old model resurfaces
Sunday 10 October 2010
An old name, at least. Back in the Eighties, when even the Chairman was in short trousers, the club built an N-gauge model of a station on the Devon and Somerset Railway to exhibition standard, and exhibited it.
Dulverton has long since been sold, but its spirit lives on in the clubrooms, thanks to re-discovery of the nameboard which once adorned the front of the layout.
Regrettably, the Chairman still wears short trousers on occasion.
Dulverton has long since been sold, but its spirit lives on in the clubrooms, thanks to re-discovery of the nameboard which once adorned the front of the layout.
Regrettably, the Chairman still wears short trousers on occasion.
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Exhibitioning again
Thursday 30 September 2010
The third exhibition at Birkdale school seems to have come round surprisingly quickly. This year was characterised by a weekend of warm sunshine, which may have contributed to a slightly lower attendance. Otherwise, all went well, and a good time was had by all, including the mayor.
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Mike's model at Manchester
Wednesday 22 September 2010
The Aviation and Transport Enthusiasts' Fair (the modelling equivalent of a multi-media show) took place recently in the shadow of Concorde at Manchester airport. Our man Mike took his layout Llanwroc to represent Southport and Environs.
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Scots'R'Us at the cinema
Thursday 16 September 2010
One might be forgiven for thinking Burns Night had come four months early at Tony's last night. A distinctly Scottish theme to the latest film night, with haggis and neeps, various malts and Whisky Galore as the main feature.
Eleven members attended, tempted no doubt by the quality of the bill of fare and the hope that they might avoid the washing-up. Apparently all of Tesco, if not all of Southport, was emptied of prime haggis specimens to feed us all. Even after seconds a slight surplus remained, so doggy bags were rapidly constructed of tinfoil and clingfilm, to ensure nothing went to waste.
As can be seen, the cheap seats were well populated, whilst those who had the foresight to enter the viewing lounge promptly were careful to select the better-upholstered seating.
Eleven members attended, tempted no doubt by the quality of the bill of fare and the hope that they might avoid the washing-up. Apparently all of Tesco, if not all of Southport, was emptied of prime haggis specimens to feed us all. Even after seconds a slight surplus remained, so doggy bags were rapidly constructed of tinfoil and clingfilm, to ensure nothing went to waste.
As can be seen, the cheap seats were well populated, whilst those who had the foresight to enter the viewing lounge promptly were careful to select the better-upholstered seating.
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Action this day, or next week at any rate
Wednesday 25 August 2010
Unheard of activity at t'club last night. Just as members were settling down for a quiet snooze in front of the (unlit) fire, the Chairman summoned selected personnel to a high-level meeting, upstairs in the back room. There he revealed another element of his Master Plan. A new modelling front is to be opened, namely the re-birth of the Talisker Glen layout. Like the beverage that the model is named after, this layout has been maturing quietly in a darkened room until judged ready for release to an expectant public. The Chairman decreed that this moment has now arrived, and we are required to proceed to the next stage, which is to get our collective fingers out and actually build the thing.
So it was said, and so it will be done. New boards, a new track plan and a new(ish) team will hit the deck running, or at least jogging gently, from next week. Watch this space.
So it was said, and so it will be done. New boards, a new track plan and a new(ish) team will hit the deck running, or at least jogging gently, from next week. Watch this space.
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Running at night
Saturday 14 August 2010
In an attempt to stem the fervent tide of modelling activity at the clubrooms, which was threatening to engulf all that stands before it, the chairman has decreed that for two nights a month members must down tools, bring some models, and just relax and watch them run round a layout.
He wishes. However the running nights will take place, and we will encourage members to not only show off their hardware but also explain why they spent their hard-earned cash on particular models, and what tweaks they have made, or would make if they felt brave enough.
He wishes. However the running nights will take place, and we will encourage members to not only show off their hardware but also explain why they spent their hard-earned cash on particular models, and what tweaks they have made, or would make if they felt brave enough.
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Ealing Films flash to the fore
Thursday 12 August 2010
Last night saw the second of the current season of SMRS film nights. This time a select audience enjoyed Titfield Thunderbolt as the main feature, with video of a recent run by Duke of Gloucester around the west coast of the Lakes as the supporting film. The latter included shots of the deputy chairman wielding a shovel on the footplate, and looking for all the world as if he knew what to do with it.
As is traditional in cinemas, a considerable amount of snacking on popcorn, crisps and peanuts was undertaken, supplemented by ice creams sponsored by a member of the audience. Regrettably the latter items were dispensed not from a tray borne by a buxom young usherette but from a plain plastic bag wielded by a chairman fast approaching middle age, and not necessarily looking any the better for it. Real ale was also consumed in moderation.
The evening was enlivened by an introduction to the film by a member of sufficient vintage to have actually been present during some of the shooting, albeit as an interested passer-by rather than as a paid extra.
As is traditional in cinemas, a considerable amount of snacking on popcorn, crisps and peanuts was undertaken, supplemented by ice creams sponsored by a member of the audience. Regrettably the latter items were dispensed not from a tray borne by a buxom young usherette but from a plain plastic bag wielded by a chairman fast approaching middle age, and not necessarily looking any the better for it. Real ale was also consumed in moderation.
The evening was enlivened by an introduction to the film by a member of sufficient vintage to have actually been present during some of the shooting, albeit as an interested passer-by rather than as a paid extra.
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Woodvale time again
Sunday 08 August 2010
Like Christmas, the Woodvale model aircraft rally creeps up on the unwary and propagates a sudden burst of slightly panicky activity, as SMRS tries to decide (a) shall we attend this year? (b) why should we attend this year? (c) who's going? and (d) what layouts shall we take? All four questions were eventually answered in a more-or-less positive manner, and a select band of volunteers were awarded entry passes and lectured on the purpose of the visit, which was to advertise ourselves and the exhibition and not to enjoy it too much.
The mission statement was adhered to with reasonably accuracy and success, as the weather steadily improved during the weekend and the crowds flowed through the model railway tent. The deputy chairman's selection of a near-door position (to maximise the breeze potential) turned out to be a prescient one. Numerous exhibition leaflets were scooped up by the visitors, and both layouts behaved themselves. The fact that one was advertising the Corris railway as much as, or even slightly more than the SMRS-branded product, was either not noticed or politely ignored.
The mission statement was adhered to with reasonably accuracy and success, as the weather steadily improved during the weekend and the crowds flowed through the model railway tent. The deputy chairman's selection of a near-door position (to maximise the breeze potential) turned out to be a prescient one. Numerous exhibition leaflets were scooped up by the visitors, and both layouts behaved themselves. The fact that one was advertising the Corris railway as much as, or even slightly more than the SMRS-branded product, was either not noticed or politely ignored.
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A modeller's trilogy
Friday 02 July 2010
It's not often in the modelling world that three goes into one, but we witnessed such an event two nights ago courtesy of Southport Model Engineering Club. They invited us to a running night at their extensive track facility at Rotten Row, along with the Gauge 1 Society. Right next to where the Southport Flower Show is held, to name-drop just a little. So we had the benefit of two sizes of trains to admire, and in the case of the larger one, to ride on. Indeed one or two members were even seen piloting a battery-powered locomotive, which seemed to be taking hospitality a touch far.
The large coal-fired steam locos were the most impressive, not only for their appearance and performance but also for their weight and start-up time, which would have tested the patience, not to mention the sinews, of lesser mortals. Purpose-built trolleys were used to move said locos from the back of well-sprung estate cars to the elevated track, the trolleys no doubt serving a double purpose of stretchers for members overcome by the exertion.
An excellent evening organised by a friendly and skilled bunch of modellers. Plans are in hand to return the compliment at the SMRS clubhouse, although our garden railway may appear a mite weedy by comparison.
The large coal-fired steam locos were the most impressive, not only for their appearance and performance but also for their weight and start-up time, which would have tested the patience, not to mention the sinews, of lesser mortals. Purpose-built trolleys were used to move said locos from the back of well-sprung estate cars to the elevated track, the trolleys no doubt serving a double purpose of stretchers for members overcome by the exertion.
An excellent evening organised by a friendly and skilled bunch of modellers. Plans are in hand to return the compliment at the SMRS clubhouse, although our garden railway may appear a mite weedy by comparison.
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The chairman peaks at last
Thursday 01 July 2010
The chairman looked a little peaky last weekend, and well he might, after a marathon train ride from London to North Wales to the Lake District to the Scottish Highlands. Apparently it was interspersed with a stroll or two through the countryside in the balmy twilight of the summer solstice, some of it a little uphill by all accounts. And all for charity, so he promised to hand over our willing donations to a good cause, in due course of course.
The official title was the 2010 Three Peaks by Rail Challenge, to which Our Leader rose in triumph, to subside again rather quickly once it was all over. Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis, in that order, in case you were wondering.
The official title was the 2010 Three Peaks by Rail Challenge, to which Our Leader rose in triumph, to subside again rather quickly once it was all over. Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis, in that order, in case you were wondering.
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AGM, and RIP
Sunday 16 May 2010
Strange, it seems barely twelve months since the last AGM, and here it is again. Fairly routine business, apart from the minute's silence at the start of proceedings in memory of fellow member Colin James, who passed away suddenly last week, at an age which nowadays would be regarded as far too young. Colin, as was said at the meeting, was more in the background of the society rather than in the vanguard of developments, but had wide-ranging interests that included the railways of North Wales and the Rotary. The latter included not only District Governership but also involvement in a number of overseas charities. One measure of the man was an acknowledgement that we will have to be early at the funeral on Wednesday to get seats.
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The Dockers' Umbrella
Thursday 13 May 2010
A little culture was enjoyed recently by several SMRS members, in the event more little than most of us expected. Apparently in 1897, before even SMRS was thought of, Lumiere Brothers filmed sections of the Liverpool Overhead Railway, from inside one of the carriages. Liverpool University have acquired copies of the footage, and one Dr Kodeck has analysed every inch of it with Teutonic thoroughness. At Crosby cinema a public presentation was given of the results, in the form of a lecture by the said doctor in cooperation with National Museums Liverpool.
His main interest apparently was using maps and clever software to link the moving images directly to the buildings and other structures along the line. Not the most exciting research one might think, but what might have turned out to be a rather dry presentation was enlivened by the presenter's obvious enthusiasm for the subject and his desire to preserve the archive for the good of his adopted city. The actual showing of the film was a blink-and-you'll-miss-it experience, the four clips lasting less than five minutes in total. Something to do with the amount of film that hand-cranked cameras of the period could carry, and no doubt the amount of cranking that could be undertaken before repetitive strain injury set in.
The finale was a repeat of one clip 'improved' to show how it might look from a vantage point inside the carriage, complete with images of wooden doors and windows and a dum-de-dum sound track. The Liverpool museum trying just a little too hard perhaps.
His main interest apparently was using maps and clever software to link the moving images directly to the buildings and other structures along the line. Not the most exciting research one might think, but what might have turned out to be a rather dry presentation was enlivened by the presenter's obvious enthusiasm for the subject and his desire to preserve the archive for the good of his adopted city. The actual showing of the film was a blink-and-you'll-miss-it experience, the four clips lasting less than five minutes in total. Something to do with the amount of film that hand-cranked cameras of the period could carry, and no doubt the amount of cranking that could be undertaken before repetitive strain injury set in.
The finale was a repeat of one clip 'improved' to show how it might look from a vantage point inside the carriage, complete with images of wooden doors and windows and a dum-de-dum sound track. The Liverpool museum trying just a little too hard perhaps.
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Who needs friends?
Monday 26 April 2010
Everyone, apparently, certainly the SMRS needs all those it can get. So it was a pleasure to recognise one of our official friends at a recent trip on the Ffestiniog railway. John responded by selling us several copies of his new book, complete with autograph at no extra charge. 1500 have been printed, and have been widely advertised, so we expect John's house to be submerged in paperbacks for only the briefest of interludes.
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The Eagle has landed
Saturday 17 April 2010
Not many people know that Southport was the home of the Eagle comic and its best-known character Dan Dare. Most SMRS members didn't but we were reminded recently when the organiser of the Eagle Society's celebrations of 60 years of the magazine contacted us to ask if they could visit the clubrooms. Apparently the comic ran occasional articles on model railways, so there was a link, albeit tenuous. So as part of a three-day tour of the town's connections with the Eagle, a couple of dozen members of the Eagle Society (collective noun comedians?) had a tour of our premises, hosted by the deputy chairman in his well-practised role as club diplomat and chief ambassador. The Visiter local paper carried an article on the anniversary, and generously included a seven-word mention of SMRS's contribution. Better than a blast from the Mekon's ray gun, anyway.
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Another pensioner
Friday 12 March 2010
The average age of SMRS members is slowly creeping up... Another member hits the 65 anniversary, with curry and cake to mark the fact.
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Another brush with the law
Wednesday 03 February 2010
Not airbrushing this time, but the local Transport Police are developing a model railway layout to use as a teaching aid on the perils of misusing the permanent way. They have asked us if we can help with any spare modelling items and some general technical input. As a more-or-less responsible member of the local community SMRS is happy to assist our neighbourhood enforcement colleagues, and not just because it might do us some good if we ever find ourselves on a Merseyrail train with no visible ticketing.
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A respray offer
Wednesday 03 February 2010
A small postscript from last Tuesday's visit, Railway Models 4U have kindly offered to revisit for a full day, the better to show us more airbrush and weathering techniques, in a more leisured environment perhaps. Dare we mention the clubhouse window frames badly need a touch-up?
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SMRS has a paint job
Tuesday 26 January 2010
A Tuesday Special tonight, in the form of Leslie and Doris from Railway Models 4U of Blackpool, demonstrating their airbrushing skills and the range of spraying equipment they sell. The size of the audience (about 20 members and visitors) necessitated two sittings, and the interest shown meant both overran their allotted time. Fortunately no overtime was charged, and even some sales were made, so everybody went home happy, eventually.
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Infamy at last
Saturday 23 January 2010
An unexpected email has arrived, from a researcher for Eggheads (a BBC TV quiz show). We are invited to send a team to an audition in Liverpool, presumably with the incentive to take part in the show. The Chairman seems quite keen, possibly because as a scouser he feels he has a point to prove. Personally I don't need to prove anything....
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