After negotiating the closure of the Ashford Road between Faversham and Badlesmere eighteen of us eventually made it through the highways and by-ways of deepest Kent to EKOGG HQ although possibly others got lost never to be seen again. When the circuit was finally set up we were able to concentrate on today’s focus on four coupled locos (0-4-0’s, 2-4-0’s, 4-4-0’s et al). There were a very large and varied number of engines on show both on the table and running round the circuit from small 0-4-0 shunters to 4-4-0 mainline express locomotives.
At the smaller end of the spectrum were David Gr’s S&DJR 0-4-0 tank used for very limited shunting duties at Radstock and known as a Dazzler, Ross’s B4 Class 0-4-0 and Fred’s GWR 0-4-0 saddle tank. Fred also had a GWR 0-4-2 tank. Local interest was represented by a number of ex SECR H Class 0-4-4’s (Roger had three!) while Bill had his ex-LSWR M7 0-4-4 (not quite an H Class but still not bad).
We then moved on up the scale to the express locomotives with an SECR E Class 4-4-0 and Graham’s majestic ex Great Central Class D11 4-4-0 “Zeebrugge” which ran beautifully round the circuit. Graham also had another 4-4-0 loco from exotic climes (well the North-East) this was an ex LNER Class D16 (Super Claud) Class built by the LNER but to a GER design. Unfortunately, the D16 developed a minor fault and shorted out which will almost certainly have been sorted out by the time you read this.
The usual modelling and chatting activities were in full flow on the big table where we welcomed new member Richard to our happy band. Richard has been modelling in N gauge for many years and is now switching up to O gauge having got the bug and recently started a small O gauge layout.
David L, Tim and Barry K continued work on the electrics of Queen Charlotte Dock and were enabled by using the new transportation boards to work on the upturned baseboard section without having to worry about damage to the track work beneath.
As usual David Ho provided us all with teas and coffees and eventually, we all drifted off home hopefully avoiding getting lost in the verdant country lanes of olde England. Chris
