Theme of the day on the circuit was Green Engines and so GWR panniers and prairies quickly appeared in profusion. Fred ran his Dapol 3MT 2-6-2T and his Castle “Earl of Dartmouth” and Martin ran his Class 31 Diesel fitted with DCC and very loud sound. Diesels were pretty well represented with David G’s Class 24 Bo-Bo and Roger’s Class 33 Bo-Bo “Eastleigh” pulling a train of bogie wagons.
Dave B brought along his ex SECR P Class and his ex PDSWJR 0-6-0T “A S Harris” both in Southern Railway green and Geoff brought along a selection of small green engines.
Graham, who doesn’t really do small, brought along his ex LNER Class W1 60700, an experimental Gresley design and the only 4-6-4 tender locomotive to run in Britain.
Graham also ran his Thompson Class A2/1 4-6-2 “Highland Chieftain” and his BR Standard Class 6 4-6-2 “Clan Mackenzie”.
Tim got the micro layout out of the storeroom and he, David Ho and Steve discussed how best to resuscitate this project. Apparently, the Mk 2 version will feature additional narrow gauge track to provide further operational and viewing interest, so we look forward to that.
On the big table Paul worked on a brass kit of a GWR Riding Van and Roger started stripping the defective paint off of an SER van preparatory to giving it a re-paint.
Over lunch I reported on the situation regarding the proposed works to the hall. Since the last update on this matter the Hall Committee have had a number of meetings and have decided to get on with the works and in fact have already made a start in the toilet area. It now seems likely that we will not have to move out but that with a little bit of planning the bulk of the works can be carried out in between our meetings. Geoff reported that nearly everybody has paid their subscription fees for the year and that the club is well placed financially although we will shortly have some large bills to pay.
David G referred to Mick Hodden, a former member and staunch supporter of this club who had decamped to France some years ago. Mick still takes an interest in what we get up to and the Committee had decided to make Mick an honorary member.
As usual David Ho kept everybody supplied with teas and coffees all day. Chris
