In a radical change from our normal practice the circuit was set up near the entrance door and the big table set up at the stage end of the hall. This was no idle whim but was done in order to accommodate one of the hall’s storage trolleys which is currently residing in the hall while works continue to the stage area. Actually, this might be a better arrangement as it means that the folk on the big table are not in a draft every time somebody comes in or goes out of the hall.
Anyway, today on the circuit we were focussing on GWR/Western Region. Not surprisingly a number of pannier tanks appeared in various guises, GWR, BR and even LT. Fred and David G both ran GWR railcars and Stuart ran his GWR Mogul pulling amongst other things a tinplate six wheel saloon. Fred also ran his GWR 14xx 0-4-2T with a coal train and not to be outdone Rob’s pannier pulled a very nice selection of wagons and vans all kept in order by his Cambrian Railways brake van. Later Bill set up a very nice train of private owner wagons but unfortunately his GWR 517 Class 0-4-2T decided to have an off day and declined to start. Then last but not least Geoff gave his GWR 0-4-0T “Trojan” an outing and also his Class 14 Diesel which was the last locomotive built at Swindon.
On the big table Paul carried on with his GWR Riding Van brass kit and Roger worked on some GWR coal wagons. Tim brought along and worked on a signal box for Lenham Junction while Steve fettled away at the other end of the table, as Stuart was picking brains on a number of subjects. Later on, ably assisted by Rob and overseen by Ross and others, I started cutting the Lenham Junction platform tops to fit the curves through the station.
A number of people reported on the Ashford Show at the weekend which apparently had two nice layouts but was felt to be overpriced at £12.50. We haven’t heard anything yet this year regarding the Pett Show and Roger is to contact Mike Watson to find out if our presence is required.
The handmade point work in the storeroom that David L had brought in a while back was taken by Fred although unfortunately the board that it was on was left sticking out so that later in the day your Chairman managed to brain himself on it. Still, it could have been worse it could have been somebody’s eye.
With David Ho away Tim stepped into the breach once more and kept everybody supplied with teas and coffees until we drifted off home. Chris
