2012
Down to the last Derek
Thursday 13 September 2012
Two events of note at Tuesday's well-attended meeting at the football club (apart from England's lacklustre draw with Ukraine of course). Ian gave a presentation on I K Brunel - the Early Years and Derek the Younger made his farewells before removing himself to about as far away as he could get from us, Australia to be specific. We were assured it was nothing we said, but purely for family reasons, and he would keep in touch via the magic string of email and internet.
Corris in the rain, and sun
Wednesday 05 September 2012
They say that if you can't see Corris station from the museum then it's raining, and if you can see it it's still raining. A little harsh on the Dulas valley perhaps, and for one day over the August bank holiday it was very warm and very sunny. That day Tony spent down a mine, to minimise the risk of sunstroke. For the rest of the time three of us plus Ian (another Corris member) ran the newly-completed Walmer Bridge live steam layout at the exhibition in the village school, to the great delight of the exhibition manager and the modest amusement of the visitors.
This time we had the luxury of multiple vehicles, so cramming all the layout into one was fortunately not necessary. As before the layout and its attendant locomotives ran faultlessly all weekend, with Frank's Rochester Castle proving conclusively that manual control is perfectly adequate for an indoor layout. And in the intervals spent above ground Tony gained his Preparing and Driving a Model Steam Locomotive proficiency badge, Grade 3 (senior class).
Some photos are here.
This time we had the luxury of multiple vehicles, so cramming all the layout into one was fortunately not necessary. As before the layout and its attendant locomotives ran faultlessly all weekend, with Frank's Rochester Castle proving conclusively that manual control is perfectly adequate for an indoor layout. And in the intervals spent above ground Tony gained his Preparing and Driving a Model Steam Locomotive proficiency badge, Grade 3 (senior class).
Some photos are here.
Firing up on the Ratty
Wednesday 29 August 2012
They say there is a pyromaniac in all of us, and recently Tony's inner fire-raiser was given full rein on a return visit to the Ravenglass railway. What is cut down must be burnt up, despite a soggy substrata that required a mini-canal to drain surface water away from the chosen fire-ground. Fortunately the wind carried the smoke away from the track, so ex-chairman Peter and his fellow-drivers could continue timetabled services without interruptions, or respirators.
Tony is able to report that Mr Mills and his significantly better half are now installed in permanent accommodation at Dalegarth, although the latter is still commuting.
Tony is able to report that Mr Mills and his significantly better half are now installed in permanent accommodation at Dalegarth, although the latter is still commuting.
Playing trains in the Presidential Suite
Thursday 16 August 2012
Well not actually playing trains, more enjoying a slideshow of more of Tony's railway experiences, which seem to be accumulating faster than he can relate them. On this occasion the monthly meeting was held at Southport Football Club, for reasons of variety and of licensed bar availability.
Experienced presenter that he was, Tony did not start with the main feature but with a taster, in the form of a short film of steam around Bury. The interval was marked not only by sandwiches courtesy of Morrisons but also by a video of Jim's recent barbecue and steam-up, complete with authentic derailments. The evening was considered enough of a success for at least one return visit to be booked, although at the current rate more will be required to keep up with the deputy chairman's exploits.
Experienced presenter that he was, Tony did not start with the main feature but with a taster, in the form of a short film of steam around Bury. The interval was marked not only by sandwiches courtesy of Morrisons but also by a video of Jim's recent barbecue and steam-up, complete with authentic derailments. The evening was considered enough of a success for at least one return visit to be booked, although at the current rate more will be required to keep up with the deputy chairman's exploits.
A double dose of steam
Wednesday 15 August 2012
Last weekend saw not one but two live-steam layouts on show at the West Lancs summer gala, with new layout Walmer Bridge alongside the resident Hundred End. And just for variety Mike brought his current 009 layout on the Sunday. Six SMRS members were in attendance in one capacity or another (including the vitally important one of critical spectating) plus five from the local 16mm group to lend a bit of technical competence to the task of running steam all weekend.
Outside the engine shed six full-size locos competed for the available track space, but inside no less than twelve miniature versions operated, albeit not all at the same time. And much to the relief of the owner, the event proved that Walmer Bridge could fit in his car, and the vehicle could even be driven legally. Corris here we come.
Some photos are here, and if you can stand it, here.
Outside the engine shed six full-size locos competed for the available track space, but inside no less than twelve miniature versions operated, albeit not all at the same time. And much to the relief of the owner, the event proved that Walmer Bridge could fit in his car, and the vehicle could even be driven legally. Corris here we come.
Some photos are here, and if you can stand it, here.
The Porthmadog and Llyn, Isle of Man (South) and Cripple Creek Railway
Monday 06 August 2012
Why have one garden railway when you can have two? There is no sensible answer to this question, so Jim and Fiona's annual birthday barbecue (his birthday, as hers ceased some time ago, at least for official purposes) was a double-tracked affair, with a Thin Controller, a Shedmaster, a Master of Ceremonies and a Head Chef all gainfully employed in ensuring proceedings ran smoothly. And so they did, despite the odd rain shower and one slightly alarming incident when a train on the upper track took the direct, gravity-assisted pathway to the lower track. Fortunately only minor damage resulted.
Some more photos are here.
Some more photos are here.
Bowing out in style
Tuesday 31 July 2012
Retirement planning is a necessity nowadays, according to HM Government, and SMRS were faced with this requirement recently when it became clear that Saltash was starting to feel all of its fifteen years, and was in need of spending more time with its rolling stock. Consequently a big party was arranged in Victoria Park by the Woodvale Rally organisers, with lots of other layouts and other attractions laid on to ensure Saltash's last public appearance was one to remember. The fact that the usual venue at the RAF station was deemed inadequate for such an event speaks volumes for the layout's standing in the modelling world - the media story of asbestos under the taxi-ways was of course merely for public consumption.
And so for 48 hours Saltash was the star of the show, with large numbers of the railway fraternity coming to pay homage (or at least an entry fee). The all-star supporting cast included Terry's Sandale, Ian's Shell Cove and Eastbank MRC's Binns, together with numbers of SMRS members that on occasion reached double figures. No doubt conscious of the need to put on a good show, the layout ran well all weekend, with just a dicky controller to remind us of who was actually in charge and to test our on-the-fly maintenance skills. A bonus was the distribution of exhibition flyers to anyone coming with ten yards of our pitch, at least 800 judging by the diminished level of stock at the end.
And the fate of Saltash once Monday morning arrived with no work to go to? A temporary home in a garage whilst Jim's capacious cellars (to be renamed Dunshowing) are refurbished to the necessary high standard. Rumours that personal GPS systems will be provided to avoid visitors becoming disorientated in the maze of corridors and layout rooms under Maison Ford have yet to be confirmed, but seem entirely believable.
And so for 48 hours Saltash was the star of the show, with large numbers of the railway fraternity coming to pay homage (or at least an entry fee). The all-star supporting cast included Terry's Sandale, Ian's Shell Cove and Eastbank MRC's Binns, together with numbers of SMRS members that on occasion reached double figures. No doubt conscious of the need to put on a good show, the layout ran well all weekend, with just a dicky controller to remind us of who was actually in charge and to test our on-the-fly maintenance skills. A bonus was the distribution of exhibition flyers to anyone coming with ten yards of our pitch, at least 800 judging by the diminished level of stock at the end.
And the fate of Saltash once Monday morning arrived with no work to go to? A temporary home in a garage whilst Jim's capacious cellars (to be renamed Dunshowing) are refurbished to the necessary high standard. Rumours that personal GPS systems will be provided to avoid visitors becoming disorientated in the maze of corridors and layout rooms under Maison Ford have yet to be confirmed, but seem entirely believable.
Playtime in the garden again
Sunday 08 July 2012
Timing is everything, so it is said, and Richard and Marilyn got theirs spot-on yesterday, with a rare sunny day in this weird summer to host their first official 16mm Association garden railway event. The railway and its landscaping were carefully fettled by the respective specialists, beer and sandwiches prepared, the SMRS official urn filled with tea water and a barbeque planned for later in the evening. A good dozen turned up from near and far to drive trains, sit in the sun and/or hold earnest literary discussions, with teacup poised delicately between thumb and forefinger.
The Ruff Lane Quarry Railway (Phase 1) is a continuous run with varying gradients and tight-ish curves, with the added feature of a ground-level traverse through a man-shed that also houses an 00 layout. A lift-up section allows access to the far reaches of the 16mm line, whilst also targeting unwary operators at head level. A short section of 45mm track represents the beginning of a main line. We understand outline planning permission has been granted to permit extension of one, or possibly both, gauges in a north-westerly direction across the rear of the garden. The water feature at the far end is in urgent need of encirclement and bridging, and we look forward to further visits in due course to inspect progress. And more of the same weather please.
The Ruff Lane Quarry Railway (Phase 1) is a continuous run with varying gradients and tight-ish curves, with the added feature of a ground-level traverse through a man-shed that also houses an 00 layout. A lift-up section allows access to the far reaches of the 16mm line, whilst also targeting unwary operators at head level. A short section of 45mm track represents the beginning of a main line. We understand outline planning permission has been granted to permit extension of one, or possibly both, gauges in a north-westerly direction across the rear of the garden. The water feature at the far end is in urgent need of encirclement and bridging, and we look forward to further visits in due course to inspect progress. And more of the same weather please.
The sleeper trip does a foreigner
Friday 06 July 2012
It's June, it's raining, so it must be another sleeper trip. This time the vigorous new management team (average age 61 years and 9 months) took the bold decision to visit both halves of the Auld Alliance. Not deliberately, you understand, that might have been too much even for our polynational diversity-friendly members. It just happened that after going to Kent via Edinburgh (doesn't everybody?) it seemed to be a mere blip on a fast-moving horizon to extend our reach under the Chunnel to Paris. And, a world first for our excursions, wives and/or/but not both girlfriends might come to.
Space does not permit a detailed account here, save to say that six members traversed the Scottish lowlands three times in two directions on three different routes, did a Glasgow-Euston sleeper for the first time, and visited three railways in the Garden of England. An unexpected bonus was a visit to the Hornby Railway Exhibition at Margate, which turned out to be a better-than-expected nostalgia-fest. And Chatham Dockyard not only gave for most of us the first opportunity to explore a submarine (but not alas fire off any torpedoes) but also to try some local real ale at their very own micro-pub. Such was the success of the trip that next year's event may also be WAG-assisted, and possibly involve more foreign lands to the immediate west of the UK.
Some more photos, which will be added to as and I get round to it, are here.
Space does not permit a detailed account here, save to say that six members traversed the Scottish lowlands three times in two directions on three different routes, did a Glasgow-Euston sleeper for the first time, and visited three railways in the Garden of England. An unexpected bonus was a visit to the Hornby Railway Exhibition at Margate, which turned out to be a better-than-expected nostalgia-fest. And Chatham Dockyard not only gave for most of us the first opportunity to explore a submarine (but not alas fire off any torpedoes) but also to try some local real ale at their very own micro-pub. Such was the success of the trip that next year's event may also be WAG-assisted, and possibly involve more foreign lands to the immediate west of the UK.
Some more photos, which will be added to as and I get round to it, are here.
Another encyclopaedic discourse
Friday 06 July 2012
With the rise of the internet the role of the encyclopaedia seems doomed to diminish and disappear, but the speaker at the recent monthly talk is a walking, talking version of such a tome, at least as far as British steam railways is concerned. On this occasion John rummaged around his very comprehensive cranial database and gave us a detailed account of the history of those magnificent machines, the A4s and other streamliners of the LNER.
And no-one dared ask 'Isn't Flying Scotsman an A4?' Probably just as well.
And no-one dared ask 'Isn't Flying Scotsman an A4?' Probably just as well.
Modernism rules, but briefly
Sunday 03 June 2012
Most SMRS members are fairly traditional in their approach to layout control, but occasionally something new stirs in the circuits, and for a short time a revolution is threatened in the way we do things. Fortunately for the ultra-conservative wing of the club it was only Peter fiddling with the wiring on Portland St Lower to demonstrate his DCC locos. Joe provided the necessary technical supervision and the essential level of threat should normal service fail to be resumed at the end of the evening.
However the transformation to Schorndorf station went without a hitch and a small selection of German/Austrian locos were tested successfully, along with some of Dave's sound-equipped locos. And afterwards almost all of the wires were put back in their right places.
However the transformation to Schorndorf station went without a hitch and a small selection of German/Austrian locos were tested successfully, along with some of Dave's sound-equipped locos. And afterwards almost all of the wires were put back in their right places.
Tracklaying on Talisker
Thursday 31 May 2012
It seems no sooner that the ex-chairman has absconded to Cumbria than he is back again working on a layout. Using his new iPad Ithingy he has supplied photographic evidence of developments regarding the main line for Talisker Glen. One suspects Allan has done most of the tekkie bits, but progress is progress nonetheless, and we should be grateful for it.
Summer has arrived - official
Thursday 24 May 2012
There are certain tell-tale markers for the arrival of summer at Portland St. One is the regrettable exposure of certain parts of certain lower limbs to the fickle elements, another is the sight of grown men grovelling in the garden trying to get the track sorted and to run trains, simultaneously. Both indicators were present on Tuesday evening. Yet the sun did shine, and the track was fettled (sort of) and trains, or at least locomotives, did run.
For the first time in recorded club history two live steam locos ran on the track, even double-light-engine, if that is the correct term. And the near-universal adoption of radio control means that there was far less running about after errant items of stock, which is a big improvement for the operators, at the expense of the entertainment value for the spectators.
For the first time in recorded club history two live steam locos ran on the track, even double-light-engine, if that is the correct term. And the near-universal adoption of radio control means that there was far less running about after errant items of stock, which is a big improvement for the operators, at the expense of the entertainment value for the spectators.
The good, the bad and the laywers
Wednesday 16 May 2012
Most people can be quite defensive when their chosen trade or profession comes in for criticism. Not so Richard, however. Last night he fearlessly exposed lawyers as the prime movers behind a series of railway-building bubbles in the early years of the industry, each larger and more crash-prone that the one before. His presentation showed, with the devastating clarity that comes from rigorous research, that greedy capitalism was at the root of 19th-century railway mania, and lawyers had their grubby little mitts all over it. The fact that MPs didn't really want to know was no surprise, and neither that ten years is along time in both business and politics, so the same scam can be repeated several times on a forgetful and gullible public. There were a few mutterings amongst the audience that nothing had changed, and certain modern-day railway companies, and their political cronies, were just as bad. Such scepticism is totally unfounded, of course.
Richard's full confession is here.
Richard's full confession is here.
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Bears in the woods - official
Monday 07 May 2012
Sunday marked two events of potentially momentous proportions, a new French president was elected and West Lancs held its annual Teddy Bears event. The latter was probably more significant in Hesketh Bank and environs, not least because SMRS were involved in not less than three layouts in the engine shed. Mike's 009 and Terry's N gauge models were installed next to the West Lancs live steam layout, and all three performed well all afternoon, to appreciative audiences. Outside in the relatively-speaking real world Irish Mail and Montalban took child-sized bears and their human minders to experience close encounters with their grown-up cousins in the Wild Wood. As the article in today's Independent had it, a little bit of nonsense is the secret of a sane life.
Some photos are here.
Some photos are here.
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A garden for all seasons
Monday 23 April 2012
The arrival of Spring means something just has to be made over, renovated or just plain and simply tarted up. This year the garden was the chosen victim, and before it could lodge a protest, demand a recount or call for a second opinion it was dug up, levelled and gravelled, to produce a totally new look which its own mother would not recognise.
The result is hopefully a low-maintenance multi-purpose leisure facility which will enhance the external railway modelling experience. At the very least two new benches means we have at last somewhere to sit and watch the trains go by (Merseyrail or 16mm, depending on what happens to be running at the time).
The result is hopefully a low-maintenance multi-purpose leisure facility which will enhance the external railway modelling experience. At the very least two new benches means we have at last somewhere to sit and watch the trains go by (Merseyrail or 16mm, depending on what happens to be running at the time).
Cheque-book modelling is alive and well
Friday 20 April 2012
There are many ways of acquiring a new layout, the simplest (but probably not the cheapest) is to buy one from someone who has done all the hard building work. There are those who hold that constructing the layout is the primary source of modelling pleasure, but Hilary is not one of their number, as evidenced by a recent home delivery from Heywood MRC.
Fears that modifications to the front door portal would be required to effect entry of the layout turned out to be unfounded, although the model is no small thing.
In the end only one question remained - would you buy a second-hand model railway from such as these?
Fears that modifications to the front door portal would be required to effect entry of the layout turned out to be unfounded, although the model is no small thing.
In the end only one question remained - would you buy a second-hand model railway from such as these?
Yet another feeding frenzy
Wednesday 18 April 2012
One could be forgiven for thinking that socialising has a higher satisfaction rating in modelling in any members' survey. However the truth is that one has to eat, and why not in convivial company at Tony's, with the householder himself providing both the sustenance and the entertainment? We couldn't think why not either, so Tuesday evening saw us enjoying not only a cold collation but also Episode 2 of Confessions of a Footplate Junkie. This included more adventures with the Duke of Gloucester, and trips on the North York Moors railway and the Ffestiniog.
Back in the garden again
Tuesday 17 April 2012
For some people, mid-April is a touch early for running railways in the garden. However that particular branch of the fraternity is a particularly hardy one, so attending a steam-up of the newly-renamed Madog & Mersey Railway in south Liverpool had no terrors for selected SMRS members last Sunday. In the event the weather was kind, with a warmish sun competing with a coolish breeze all day, the result being a modest score-draw.
About a dozen turned up and spent a pleasant afternoon driving live steamers and battery diesels around a complex circuit which required just a little more route-learning than we could quite manage in the time available. However collisions were relatively few and relatively minor, although the owner did later discover what might have been a chunk of loco at the trackside. No-one so far has owned up to any loss, possibly as to do so might indicate a lower standard of driving skill than they would wish to be known for.
About a dozen turned up and spent a pleasant afternoon driving live steamers and battery diesels around a complex circuit which required just a little more route-learning than we could quite manage in the time available. However collisions were relatively few and relatively minor, although the owner did later discover what might have been a chunk of loco at the trackside. No-one so far has owned up to any loss, possibly as to do so might indicate a lower standard of driving skill than they would wish to be known for.
The chairman has resigned, long live the chairman
Saturday 14 April 2012
Last night's AGM in the Bowling Club's meeting room was unusual in at least two respects, firstly we had a change in the committee, and secondly the evening included a guest speaker. The change involved Chairman Peter stepping down to spend more time with his new railway, allowing Chairman Frank to be elected unopposed and without even having to issue a manifesto, let alone canvas support from the electorate. The finances were in a surprisingly healthy state, as a result of a good exhibition and regular fund-raising throughout the year. The absence of the treasurer may have caused a few to wonder if he was otherwise engaged in spending the accumulated largesse in the Bahamas, but we were assured that he was still in the country and still having to work for a living.
Otherwise the business was uneventful and relatively swiftly concluded, allowing us to partake of Terry's hand-made crisps and sandwiches and of the adjacent bar, before reforming again in an orderly fashion for the talk by John Pavitt. John is an Australian with a life-long interest in UK modelling, in particular the Somerset and Dorset, and gave an interesting account of the development of a large and detailed layout of the S&D for the Australian exhibition circuit. A feature of the speaker's modelling career included the wisdom of marrying a wife with similar interests and no little modelling ability. The layout was therefore a distinctly family affair, with sons contributing also in due time.
Otherwise the business was uneventful and relatively swiftly concluded, allowing us to partake of Terry's hand-made crisps and sandwiches and of the adjacent bar, before reforming again in an orderly fashion for the talk by John Pavitt. John is an Australian with a life-long interest in UK modelling, in particular the Somerset and Dorset, and gave an interesting account of the development of a large and detailed layout of the S&D for the Australian exhibition circuit. A feature of the speaker's modelling career included the wisdom of marrying a wife with similar interests and no little modelling ability. The layout was therefore a distinctly family affair, with sons contributing also in due time.
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Spending in large-scale
Friday 06 April 2012
Model railway shows come and go, but just occasionally a big one makes an impact, and not just on the wallet. Last weekend five members ventured to the Peterborough show ground for the annual jamboree of the 16mm Association. This is a biggy in more senses than one, with lots of traders, a respectable number of indoor garden railway layouts, talks, demonstrations and a real 12-inch-to-the-foot scale Penrhyn locomotive to admire. The total damage after we emerged blinking into the sunlight at the end of the day was well into four figures, with a certain doctor spending the bulk of that on one railcar. Note that for insurance purposes the model cannot be taken out of its bank vault without the close attendance of the British Transport Police SWAT team.
On the way back we diverted via the UK's longest railway viaduct at Welland for a quick photo opportunity, before returning to Richard and Marilyn's cottage bolthole in picturesque Braunston for rest and recuperation.
Next day we treated ourselves to a trip on the Great Central Railway, where with impeccable timing they laid on a 1960s steam gala, complete with seven steam locos, a DMU, a garden railway and a real-ale beer tent, complete with live music. The sun shone, the band played and all was well in the world, although the forthcoming credit card bills may bring us back to earth for a rather hard landing.
Some photos are here.
On the way back we diverted via the UK's longest railway viaduct at Welland for a quick photo opportunity, before returning to Richard and Marilyn's cottage bolthole in picturesque Braunston for rest and recuperation.
Next day we treated ourselves to a trip on the Great Central Railway, where with impeccable timing they laid on a 1960s steam gala, complete with seven steam locos, a DMU, a garden railway and a real-ale beer tent, complete with live music. The sun shone, the band played and all was well in the world, although the forthcoming credit card bills may bring us back to earth for a rather hard landing.
Some photos are here.
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Back to school again
Wednesday 14 March 2012
As Allan had barely started on his list of exam questions when the invigilator called time on his first talk, a re-sit was almost inevitable. And so it was last night that Allan embarked on Part 2, after Hilary had been invited to make a guest appearance in Tony's kitchen (and while she was there cook two courses for fourteen hungry members).
As before we were given insights into economy of wiring in a variety of situations, including return loops, controllers and point motors. The GPO background was a clear influence, although how he ever managed to attach wires to tortoises without attracting the attention of the RSPCA, was beyond at least this attendee.
Allan had his audience in the palm of his hand, freshly washed for the occasion, with Liverpool's 3-0 drubbing of Everton only a minor distraction. The list of subjects to address is still lengthy, so Part 3 is high likely.
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Eighty years young
Sunday 04 March 2012
If it's a birthday with a big number attached, it's worth celebrating twice, at least. And Joe did just that, with a modest event at the clubrooms on Friday followed by a larger affair at the Gild Hall Formby on Saturday. One of Joe's predilections was well catered for, and rumours of a Deltic or two were circulated as a strategic smokescreen.
And seeing Joe bopping the night away in the bosom of his family made one hope that we might all be so lucky come the day of our own big eight zero.
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That was India - for now
Friday 02 March 2012
A year nearly to the day since India was taken over by SMRS, and the Chairman felt his emotions were sufficiently under control to risk telling non-travellers what it was really like. A dozen members attended the deputy chairman's residence last Tuesday to partake of stew prepared by the chairman's wife in a brief lull between packing for the move north to take over the Ratty. Apparently the number of boxes full of such essentials as railway DVDs, railway magazines and railway models rendered the change of venue necessary, in only for the sanity of said chairman's wife.
The quality of both sustenance and talk was up to the usual high standard, with the latter provoking a strong sense of wanting to return amongst those who had attended the first time. The fact that the chairman labelled the slide show as merely Part One of a continuing saga, suggest he was not immune from such thoughts either.
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Southport goes Caledonian
Sunday 26 February 2012
It's not often that SMRS moves in such wholesale numbers, but for the second time in a week a full posse headed out from Southport, this time to ModelRail Scotland in Glasgow. Three were working for their living, with Terry and Peter exhibiting Terry's layout Jacksonville Yard, while Allan and fellow-members of Eastbank MRC showed off their layout Andersonville. To show solidarity no less than six supporters travelled north by bus and train, with only a brief interlude at Preston for second breakfast.
The show itself contained some impressive layouts and more traders than even a well-stuffed wallet could satisfy. Two layouts were deemed to be of a sufficient standard to receive the ultimate award, an invitation to the SMRS exhibition for 2013.
ModelRail is a large exhibition, and careful preparation was required to ensure a successful visit. The key elements were food and drink, prepared in some abundance by Hilary and enjoyed on both outward and return journeys, and at lunchtime. The latter event made full use of the exhibition's catering area, much to the surprise and no doubt envy, of adjacent patrons. However the workers were not forgotten, and a tin of highly-prized gourmet food was delivered by special courier.
The excitement took its toll however, and the journey home could easily have been mistaken for a sleeper service.
A review of the event by Terry Tasker is in the March 2012 edition of the newsletter.
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Rails at Burscough
Saturday 18 February 2012
It is rare that a new exhibition venue is created, but today was a novel experience for the citizens of Burscough, a combined model railway and tramway exhibition, no less. Organised by Tony, that veteran of many a long SMRS show, on behalf of the Liverpool branch of the Tramway and Light Railway Society.
With such a pedigree, its success was all but assured before the start, and it was not long into the day that it was clear that objectives were being achieved and mission statements were being vindicated. The venue was unusual (think Liverpool's Albert Dock in a more bijou and diminutive size) as was the selection of exhibits (trams and small-scale trains, no traders). The public came in encouragingly large numbers, including no less than ten SMRS members, many of whom paid for their admission. Even the sun shone fitfully on the wind-ruffled waters of the Leeds and Liverpool canal, in-between hail showers.
It was also one of the chairman's last public engagements, before applying for the office of Steward of the Chiltern Hundreds, to facilitate taking on a proper job at the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway.
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Advancing on the Italians
Tuesday 14 February 2012
It may come as a surprise to many to learn that there is a UK-based Italian Railways Society, with membership well into three figures. Two of their members are also SMRS stalwarts, and recently Jim and Allan braved winter snows and Virgin Pendolinos to attend an IRS function at Keen House, London, home of the, sorry THE Model Railway Club.
A good time was had by both parties, with chianti on the evening menu to fortify themselves against the weather and/or train delays.
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So good, we did it twice
Sunday 29 January 2012
Twice in two months, that is. So impressed were we of our efforts in November, five of us returned to Ravenglass for more trackwork at a time when the Cumbrian winter should have been at its coldest and most unrelenting. We therefore prepared carefully, with ample supplies of warm clothing, alcohol and haggis, and accommodation in the railway's hostel, which had the benefit of central heating. By taking the precaution of becoming members, the rate was reduced to a mere £5 per night, or an even more mere £3 for the unwaged retirees amongst us. The bunk beds were still a challenge however.
Apart from a brisk wind the weather was relatively clement, and good progress was made with securing new track to new sleepers, and bedding them in with new ballast. This time no sheep were harmed in the making of new permanent way, although a life-expired specimen was spotted in a line-side field, complete with attendant buzzard.
Apart from a brisk wind the weather was relatively clement, and good progress was made with securing new track to new sleepers, and bedding them in with new ballast. This time no sheep were harmed in the making of new permanent way, although a life-expired specimen was spotted in a line-side field, complete with attendant buzzard.
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Corris, cobblers and custard
Wednesday 18 January 2012
To let you understand, as they say north of the (Scottish) border, two-thirds of the title refers to elements of the excellent cuisine on offer at the monthly talk, and the reminder to the subject of said talk. The Corris railway has been a favourite of mine since I first visited it four years ago with fellow members of SMRS, and it was inevitable that sooner or later I would lecture the club on its finer points, of which there are many. This does not include some fairly unpronounceable Welsh place-names.
Wisely the chairman decided to get this particular presentation out of the way quickly at the beginning of the year, notwithstanding that this required the presenter to prepare two talks in quick succession. However at least he won a raffle prize second time round.
Wisely the chairman decided to get this particular presentation out of the way quickly at the beginning of the year, notwithstanding that this required the presenter to prepare two talks in quick succession. However at least he won a raffle prize second time round.
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