Today we set up the circuit in order to run Heljan locos. GWR locos prevailed with Bill running two prairies and a 2-6-0. Bill had also brought in two very smart looking GWR corridor coaches and a passenger brake van.
Other locos seen running round the circuit were Fred’s Crab, Steve’s WD Austerity loco and dockyard 0-6-0 diesel engine. Steve’s dockyard diesel struggled at first but after cleaning the backs of the wheels ran round the circuit perfectly.
Two Manning Wardle locos were brought in by Geoff. One was a Minerva model and the other an Agenoria kit. Although both were models of the same loco there were interesting differences between the two of them.
David G brought in some bits and pieces for sale having cleared out a drawer at home. Some of these were quickly snapped up and the rest will be added to our sales stand at the Gravesend show next weekend.
Paul W, David L, Ross and I continued track laying on Lenham despite having to commandeer part of the big table due to a reduction in the number of tables in the hall. As a consequence, fumes from the Butanone may well have contributed to the degree of levity at lunch time.
Tim and John P continued their discussions regarding track plan on the micro layout with Geoff and Roger adding helpful advice concerning the possible introduction and size of wagon turntables.
Over lunch I ran through our forthcoming meetings (including as previously mentioned the cancellation of our meeting on 26th November and it’s replacement by a meeting on Saturday 3rd December) and any outstanding issues.
We have a number of prospective topics for next year’s Saturday meetings including: a talk by Geoff on his train spotting youth, a talk by David L on 3D printing, a talk by Tim on signalling practice, a talk by MERG on electronics and much, much more.
Roger talked about the two shows that we are attending in November namely at Gravesend on the 5th and 6th of November and at Ashford on the 19th and 20th November. As last year we are not taking a layout to Gravesend but will have a table with display stands, a demonstration space, sales items and our banner and promotional literature.
Geoff will also be there with one of his dioramas. We are due to take Sarre to Ashford but at the moment have only two operators so unless we can get more volunteers will have to cancel which will be a shame especially as this invitation came as a result of our Open Day this year.
Tim reported that the Narrow-Gauge Association had responded positively to his overtures and he is to progress the matter further and hopefully get someone round to give us a talk or demonstration.
Finally, as the temperature inside the hall continued to be well below that of outside, we packed everything away and set off home. Chris M
