Today’s focus was on problem locos and with plenty in evidence the circuit was quickly set up and running but only after making the astounding discovery that nothing would run on it if we didn’t plug in the electrical connecting loops between the various sections.
First up was my SECR E Class 4-4-0 which stuttered a bit over the baseboard joints and repeatedly derailed the front bogie on one joint in particular. David Ho remedied the derailment problem on that particular joint by hitting it (the joint not the bogie) with his Birmingham screwdriver. After that considered opinion was that stuttering over the joints was a result of slight variations in track levels at the baseboard joints leading to momentary loss of power through only having pick-ups on two wheels. Once pick-ups are added to the tender wheels this problem will hopefully disappear.
Roger and David Ho had their Heljan Class 33 diesels with them. Both models were suffering from the same problem namely a split plastic cog in the drive mechanism which will be replaced by a metal cog to give the necessary strength.
Geoff had brought in a LNER J68 which David Gr worked on and managed to get going.
Rob had a pug that he was able to run round the circuit and Bill brought in a non-working Pannier that he had acquired. On investigation this appeared to have a smoke unit but how to access it was never discovered. Other locos included Ross’s B4 0-4-0 tank and one of David G’s S&DJR locos. David was adding washers to the axles of the B4 to enable smoother running. Elsewhere Richard B and Roger were studying a SECR Carriage Department drawing from 1888 of an inspection saloon which hopefully we will see at some stage in model form.
Work neared completion on the wiring of the Queen Charlotte Dock baseboards with the wiring for the DC isolation sections being installed by David L, Tim and Barry K.
Over lunch Geoff reported that he and Roger had manned an EKOGG stand at a show in Gravesend the previous weekend and Ross reported that there are apparently plans to bring the Grade 2 Listed Engine Shed at Faversham back into some form of use and will investigate this and let us know what is afoot.
In a busy day David Ho assisted by others kept us all provided with teas and coffees until we all drifted off home. Chris
