I'm sorry but I managed to miss this so didn't enter but it was interesting reading the suggestions and I thought that it may be helpful to discuss and enlarge the "thoughts"? If the Directors don't feel this is a good idea please feel free to delete the thread!
Several people suggested an expansion on the "kit" side, whilst I have no interest in this as I doubt they'd do anything which suits me(!) but I do think it's worth looking at. One thing is that I can't remember anyone asking what they wanted produced, so how about asking for suggestions? Maybe doing a poll of all the suggestions to decide which to do first?
A RTR steam chassis would also be a good idea, but I'm not sure Neville would have the manufacturing capacity, is it worth the Society going to the N manufacturers for this using one of their current chassis? They do do "chassis only" in 00 so it may be possible. Perhaps start with Kato and Farish?
Regards the book on PDH's RM articles, I'd have thought the railway is already covered in his book, but the concept is a good one, could someone approach Peco and ask if they would allow articles in past magazine (RM and CM) to be added to the section of the Society's Website where the News is archived? And don't just stick to 009, but include HOe, OOn3 and HOm! It could be a massive job unless Peco have the files already done in suitable format, though!
Good point about the Handbook, are we going ahead or not, I was asked to provide something about my field of interest but have heard nothing since. Perhaps an update as to what is going on is in order?
I think Chris has mentioned before about track plans that he would like to provide them but can only do that if they are provided! I've always tried to include them, in fact CM (and I assume RM) insist on one, perhaps that's the only way! There is an easy alternative, a photo of the layout from above (can be done placing it on it's side if you can't get high enough!!)...
To the member that made the comment about lack of society presence in Scotland. I find this a little frustrating. We had a discussion about this a while ago on the forum and it was suggested to Scottish members (several of whom took part in the discussion) that one of them write a letter to the News asking interested members north of the border to get in touch with a view to forming a new group. I've yet to see any letter. This is one of those occasions where the old phrase "God helps those who help themselves" really stands. If you look at every other group they were all started with such a letter, that is what I did 25 years ago in the West Midlands. The Society doesn't do it, the MEMBERS do. So whoever you are can I suggest as you've taken the time to write in to enter the competition you do the same with a letter asking Scottish members to contact you and see how it goes?! BTW I'd suggest that Dundas Models of Fife may take exception to your comments about lack of trade support, I'd suggest you have the leading supplier of 009 in the UK up there!! ;)
I would just like to make a comment on the piece about 009 layouts and stands travelling to exhibitions in Scotland or the lack of them ?
In the last 10 years to my knowledge, Scotland has been well served by 009 layouts from South of the Border.
The Merseyside & South West Lancs Group went to Modelrail Scotland in Glasgow on three occasions 2011/12/13.
A different layout on each occasion supported by the 009 publicity stand.
We also attended the Perth Exhibition and we exhibited twice at the St Andrews Exhibition from 2014 to 2016.
again supported by the 009 publicity stand.
The Lampoons Group (Leeds) attended Modelrail Scotland in 2019
John Thorne exhibited one of his 009 layouts at the Perth Exhibition in 2019.
I think the above has shown that many members of the 009 society based South of the Border have tried their best, to attract more
people into 009 modelling and NG in general.
Stan.
There is distinct lack of 009 modellers in Scotland exhibiting their layouts I think (guilty m'lud!) The Edinburgh & Lothians used to exhibit Caerdwyn though.
Other "visitors" - the Jacobs have shown a couple of their layouts, Affyn-y-Llyin (wrong spelling I know) has appeared a few times (I think it was due to appear this year), the Grassings also exhibited (not strictly 009 I know). Brian Caton has shown his 009 live steam.
Edit: how could I forget! - the Stealth Bomber appeared at Perth.
With my Chairman's hat on, I welcome this thread (but whether I still do in ten pages time is another matter!) We asked for ideas in connection with the Baldwin competition and you have seen the results. I expect we will debate them at the next committee meeting and this will be a useful source of additional material.
There are two general points I would like to make now:
1) I would ask that people don't shoot down individual ideas or thoughts (not that I see this happening yet.). It just stops others from raising their heads above the parapet to give more ideas.
2) Please remember that getting any idea from thought to completed action means having a person willing to do it – could that person be you?
On some of the points raised already, let me try and give a brief update:
1) Kits. The first task is getting the supply of existing ones back in stock. Charles Collier is working hard on this and we have an agreed order waiting for a production slot. Once that is going again it will be right to consider new ventures.
2) Chassis. At the moment we are concentrating on talking to manufacturers about making chassis available separately for sale. Commissioning our own is a quite a large financial risk.
3) Handbook. I gave a brief update in my AGM report. We had a new editor but unfortunately he has had to withdraw through ill health. Any volunteers to take on this role? Our preliminary costings look good; I think this is really important and would love a new, completely revised, edition.
4) Presence in Scotland. Yes please! We would have been at Perth with the Society stand this year, but for Covid-19. We also have a big gap in our area group network in Scotland. If someone is willing to lead it we would facilitate it by contacting members and asking if they are interested and also underwriting reasonable costs to get the group going in a private house or village hall as appropriate.
I hope this doesn't come across as defensive, because more ideas are very welcome.
Julian
Quote from: GraemeD on July 01, 2020, 17:21
There is distinct lack of 009 modellers in Scotland exhibiting their layouts I think (guilty m'lud!) The Edinburgh & Lothians used to exhibit Caerdwyn though.
Other "visitors" - the Jacobs have shown a couple of their layouts, Affyn-y-Llyin (wrong spelling I know) has appeared a few times (I think it was due to appear this year), the Grassings also exhibited (not strictly 009 I know). Brian Caton has shown his 009 live steam.
Edit: how could I forget! - the Stealth Bomber appeared at Perth.
Don't forget the Leeds three were at Glasgow last year Waterhulme, Ghylldale and Angst-Lesspork! :)
Quote from: hughn on July 02, 2020, 09:13
Don't forget the Leeds three were at Glasgow last year Waterhulme, Ghylldale and Angst-Lesspork! :)
Thanks for reminding me! I remember now being most disappointed that I could not go which is why I was most determined to make it this year. Clearly The Lady ;) conspired against me.
Quote from: Julian Evison on July 01, 2020, 19:32
4) Presence in Scotland. Yes please! We would have been at Perth with the Society stand this year, but for Covid-19. We also have a big gap in our area group network in Scotland. If someone is willing to lead it we would facilitate it by contacting members and asking if they are interested and also underwriting reasonable costs to get the group going in a private house or village hall as appropriate.
I hope this doesn't come across as defensive, because more ideas are very welcome.
Julian
Not at all. Thanks for the encouragement. I've been thinking along these lines for a while and hope I am more able to commit time to it now I'm retired. As it is a bit lengthy perhaps I PM you and possibly a News article.
From my experience, Graeme, it just needs someone to get the ball rolling, we started of with half a dozen and now there's 50 or so between two groups! Good luck, and if you have any meets in Edinburgh and I'm up that way... ;)
Quote from: GraemeD on July 02, 2020, 09:44
Not at all. Thanks for the encouragement. I've been thinking along these lines for a while and hope I am more able to commit time to it now I'm retired. As it is a bit lengthy perhaps I PM you and possibly a News article.
Graeme,
Thanks very much for this. Please PM me, or send an email to chairman (at ) 009society (dot) com, and we can discuss fuirther (without obligation!) We have an idea about how to get the ball rolling so maybe we can have success this time.
Julian
Quote from: Julian Evison on July 01, 2020, 19:32
4) Presence in Scotland. Yes please! We would have been at Perth with the Society stand this year, but for Covid-19. We also have a big gap in our area group network in Scotland. If someone is willing to lead it we would facilitate it by contacting members and asking if they are interested and also underwriting reasonable costs to get the group going in a private house or village hall as appropriate.
I hope this doesn't come across as defensive, because more ideas are very welcome.
Julian
Julian
You raised the question of a Scottish Group with me at Narrow Gauge North back in March but I must admit it has been the last thing on my mind with this Covid 19 malarkey. It is a pity that the Perth show was cancelled as you would hopefully have had a chance to meet other Scottish members and maybe twist an arm or two. For my own part as someone who is shielding and will be staying shielded for some time I am currently unwilling to host a meeting and even if I could the maximum is six!
The Edinburgh & Lothians MRC's Caeredwyn layout was demolished five years ago however the baseboards for a new 009 layout are in the clubrooms awaiting the lifting of the restrictions on meetings being held. Regrettably over the years the E&LMRC have, I think, been the only Scottish club to normally have a 009 layout [and O-16.5 layout ] available for exhibitions and currently has two members H0 layouts available.
Re the suggestion about a book containing all the Craigshire articles by P D Hancock I have my doubts as to its saleability given that Narrow Gauge Adventure pretty well is a repeat of the RM articles. What I have always thought would be a better proposal would be an album of all the best published and some previously unpublished photographs with extended captions and a potted history of the layout and PD The colour photographs are in the E&LMRC Collection however until such time as the original black and white photographs are found this matter is on hold.
if anyone wants an index for PD'S articles or copies of them them then please pm me.
Malcolm
Malcolm,
Thanks for replying. Indeed I think everybody has had more important things to consider than setting up area groups over the last few months! As we look forward I hope we can find a willing volunteer to give it a go as (I hope) confidence grows in what is prudent to do.
Thanks also for the observations on the collection of Craigshire articles, which, as you say, has effectively been done. Also I feel the E&LMRC is best placed to lead on P D Hancock material (though the Society could support). I do wonder if the principle of the original idea can be extended to reproducing RM's historic articles on NG modelling might have an appeal. One for consideration.
Julian
Quote from: Malcolm on July 03, 2020, 18:11
Re the suggestion about a book containing all the Craigshire articles by P D Hancock I have my doubts as to its saleability given that Narrow Gauge Adventure pretty well is a repeat of the RM articles. What I have always thought would be a better proposal would be an album of all the best published and some previously unpublished photographs with extended captions and a potted history of the layout and PD The colour photographs are in the E&LMRC Collection however until such time as the original black and white photographs are found this matter is on hold.
if anyone wants an index for PD'S articles or copies of them them then please pm me.
Malcolm
I fully agree with Malcolm on the matter of a new book about the C&MR and indeed about Philip Hancock. As to photos of the C&MR or more accurately the surviving bit of it: Dundreich:
Some newer members on here or to the hobby who are interested in the pioneering Craig & Mertonford Railway may not be aware that I posted online a reasonably comprehensive collection of photos of the layout and stock that was taken at the fondly remembered 009 Soc 40th anniversary weekend convention at Kegworth, Derbyshire, back in September 2013 and this collection is still available for viewing on my, currently moribund, but still alive blog, link under my signature or if it isn't there (can't remember if it appears on this 009 Soc forum or not!!), at: http://micksrovingreporter.blogspot.com/
Go to the panel on the right hand side of the opening page, scroll down to 2013 and then select the Kegworth entry, and then scroll down the introductory blurb and select the link to open up Part 4. When you get there, click on the first image and this will open the album, then simply navigate your way through using the right and left arrow keys. Abbreviated captions are below the album images (not the thumbnails) or if you click in the "i" button, a panel opens on the right to display the full captions, regrettably because Google images is useless regarding albums which were originally created in the much better Google product Picasaweb, when you are viewing a blog album created in the superceded program, which the Kegworth album was, you can't keep this panel open as you scroll through and have to click the "i" button if you want the captions on each image. This is one of the reasons why I got fed up with fighting the fight to try to keep my roving reports up to date a couple of years ago, and got so far behind that I lost the will to carry on with it.
Mick
GraemeD, Avyn-A-llyin has appeared in Scotland 6 times now since 2008 at Falkirk, then at Dumfries, Perth [twice] and Cupar [twice]. It has got an invite back to the latter 2 when the new board is completed. Due to the distance travelling there, I make a holiday of it subject to finding somewhere to store my trailer.
Many thanks. I look forward to seeing it again! I've seen it twice, both times at Perth I think, though maybe one was at Cupar.
Hi Guys
I'm a new member to the 009 gauge society and have read this thread with a great deal of interest especially in regards to setting up an area group as I live in Scotland well near Glasgow actually I had to think back a long way to remember if any club member had 009 and it is a clear no however they did have HOe witch is pretty close then i realised that my membership of the club was 2002 then I moved clubs the realised my last visit to that club was 2005 so I haven't been in a local club for over 15 years due to one thing or another but that's not the reason why I'm posting here I'm wishing to say that if theirs an area group within reasonable travel distance to me bearing in mind I'd be using public transport I'd love to be considered as a member once we are back to normal life once again
Thanks
Alan
Hi Alan,
What used to work fairly well, given that 009 Society members are spread quite thinly in Scotland, was to arrange to meet up at exhibitions. It helps of course if there is an 009 layout being exhibited! We had some good meetings at Model Rail in Glasgow. Perth was another good exhibition for 009 layouts.
Graeme
Hello Alan and welcome to the Society!
I'm just a member, don't have the key to the executive car park at 009 HQ or anything, but I've been a badge holder for loads of years and until someone with more up to date knowledge than me comes along and answers your query authoritively, then please put up with mine!
This is an old chestnut that surfaces quite regularly I'm afraid! There are a number of Society members in Scotland but appear to be spread throughout the land and probably mainly for geographical constraints some previous attempts to set up area groups in your part of the world over the years have not matured.
The recipe is simple - there needs to be sufficient members within reasonable distance from each other to make it viable (that is subjective - I've seen area groups with only 3 members at the start which have become very successful groups); and someone who is prepared to volunteer to set up the group and coordinate it etc.
There is a very active section of the Edinburgh and Lothians MRC that models NG and I believe the group has a large 009 layout, but I suspect that might be too far away from you to consider joining?
The other alternative, which I think has also been floated before, is for some willing person to set up a regional on-line group particularly during current times. There are several area groups in the Society who have continued to hold regular "virtual" meetings which appear to be very successful and also several who continue to produce regular newsletters, where online usage involvement doesn't depend on where you live.
If you want to get a feel for how many members are in your area, obviously the Society is not allowed to disclose names and addresses, but if you email Brian Ellsmore, the Membership Secretary, and ask, I believe he is able to give you a steer by telling you how many members live within a defined radius of your own address - good idea if you do the defining in your request - eg "how many members live within 20 miles of me" etc!
Good luck and I hope you do manage to make some useful contacts. I live 400 miles from Glasgow so can't join in I'm afraid!
Hope this helps at least a bit
Mick
From what's been said previously when numbers were given with rough locations it would seem as if it would be possible to have a local group based in the Central Belt of Scotland. Round here we have several groups where people travel 25 miles or so from different directions to get to a meet (usually in a hired hall), so a meeting say in Falkirk would be feasible. The issue is that someone needs to bite the bullet and try to set one up, but people seem to be reluctant to try. It's a shame I don't live that way any more, I'd have given it a go! ;)
It's also worth opening it up to other NG modelling groups such as the 7mmNGA to get the numbers to make it worthwhile.
Quote from: GraemeD on January 28, 2021, 11:16
Hi Alan,
What used to work fairly well, given that 009 Society members are spread quite thinly in Scotland, was to arrange to meet up at exhibitions. It helps of course if there is an 009 layout being exhibited! We had some good meetings at Model Rail in Glasgow. Perth was another good exhibition for 009 layouts.
Graeme
Hi Graham
I've been attending model rail in Glasgow for the last 5 years as a paying customer unfortunately it won't happen this year however I'm hoping to say hello to anyone that's there next time I visit hopefully next year Perth is a bit of a no go due to traveling by public transport and cost but maybe I'll get one visit sometime
Thanks
Alan
Quote from: MickT on January 28, 2021, 11:20
Hello Alan and welcome to the Society!
I'm just a member, don't have the key to the executive car park at 009 HQ or anything, but I've been a badge holder for loads of years and until someone with more up to date knowledge than me comes along and answers your query authoritively, then please put up with mine!
This is an old chestnut that surfaces quite regularly I'm afraid! There are a number of Society members in Scotland but appear to be spread throughout the land and probably mainly for geographical constraints some previous attempts to set up area groups in your part of the world over the years have not matured.
The recipe is simple - there needs to be sufficient members within reasonable distance from each other to make it viable (that is subjective - I've seen area groups with only 3 members at the start which have become very successful groups); and someone who is prepared to volunteer to set up the group and coordinate it etc.
There is a very active section of the Edinburgh and Lothians MRC that models NG and I believe the group has a large 009 layout, but I suspect that might be too far away from you to consider joining?
The other alternative, which I think has also been floated before, is for some willing person to set up a regional on-line group particularly during current times. There are several area groups in the Society who have continued to hold regular "virtual" meetings which appear to be very successful and also several who continue to produce regular newsletters, where online usage involvement doesn't depend on where you live.
If you want to get a feel for how many members are in your area, obviously the Society is not allowed to disclose names and addresses, but if you email Brian Ellsmore, the Membership Secretary, and ask, I believe he is able to give you a steer by telling you how many members live within a defined radius of your own address - good idea if you do the defining in your request - eg "how many members live within 20 miles of me" etc!
Good luck and I hope you do manage to make some useful contacts. I live 400 miles from Glasgow so can't join in I'm afraid!
Hope this helps at least a bit
Mick
Hi Mick
Thanks for your response anything out with Glasgow can really be a nightmare especially when using public transport and even the cost of it has been a problem at times although what I would propose for people to think about is if their can be a list of interested parties then why can't we get together locally and approach a local club to see if they would be willing to accommodate it until it gets on it feet although this is just my thoughts on it I'm not sure how to make it happen tho
Thanks
Alan
The NW and Oldham groups have a monthly joint on-line meet-up. It's not the same as a face-to-face of course but it is very much better than nothing, and I think it has encouraged one or two members to get back their modelling "mojo" - so that's a big plus!
One member hosts the Zoom session - he uses the "free" version, so every 40 minutes or so we are all kicked off (as that is the limit for a free session) but he starts it up a gain and we get back on withing a minute or so... The host goes round everyone to check if they have anything to "show and tell" and can host slideshows.
You do need to know folks' email addresses to send out the invitations, and the members do require (in addition to a PC) a web cam and speakers or headphones (a tablet has these built-in)
Alan,
There are a number of successful 009 soc. groups in England including our own based in Rainford, Merseyside.
Well it was until covid hit,before that we had regular get togethers attracting 50 plus people each time.
We only held between 6 and 8 meetings a year and always on a Saturday, this helps with peoples travel costs and we found that
people are often reluctant to travel any distance on a weekday evening especially during the Winter.
As Hugh has said, the NW groups are still in contact via zoom, a North West Newsletter and by e-mail contact.
It maybe worth while contacting Brian Elsmore and asking would he contact people in your area by e-mail asking them to contact you.
You would then get an idea who would be interested,but it maybe sometime before we get back to normality.
Good luck to you with your efforts, but it is true that someone has to take the bull by the horns to make it happen.
Stan.
Quote from: Stan Williams on January 28, 2021, 12:59As Hugh has said, the NW groups are still in contact via zoom, a North West Newsletter and by e-mail contact.
It maybe worth while contacting Brian Elsmore and asking would he contact people in your area by e-mail asking them to contact you.
So does the West Mids group, also by both methods. The M5/M50 also do it via a very good newsletter.
With regard to trying to start up a group how about the old fashioned method of advertising in the News with contact details. Not everyone has an email, Stan, so the only way to guarantee getting everyone is the News.
But that assumes someone is willing to have a go, seems a bit cruel to put it all on a new member when several people have posted before about doing it who are also based in that area?
Alan please read this thread where we discussed it last time (but one!). Perhaps PM each other!!
https://www.009society.com/forum/index.php?topic=4094.15
Another model railway group to which I belong has 'Special Interest Groups' as well as keeping the local area group meetings going by Zoom. I'm not sure if SIGs would work in the 009 Society or what form they might take.
The other group also have paid-for access to Zoom, without the time limit, which is a bit of mixed blessing. A 40 minute session is a good length and if there is plenty of material a 10 minute comfort break and opportunity to boil the kettle for a fresh cuppa is welcome. At the other end of the scale, a small group of us from a university model radio control flying club have a weekly natter on Zoom to talk about model building and flying (or in my case the lack of it - though I should have a model to show next week).
Sorry not to get to this topic sooner to give some kind of 'official' answer. However, Mick has given an admirable summary of the position.
One of the the biggest holes in area groups is in Scotland and the Society would be delighted to see one formed and thrive. I'll repeat something I wrote in 2019 after attending the Perth show.
QUOTE
We have about 60 members in Scotland located all over the country, but there are a fair proportion in the Central Belt. To get an area group going, we need one local volunteer to co-ordinate the activity. If someone is willing, they should contact Brian Ellsmore (Membership Secretary) who can e-mail members in the relevant postcodes and ask those interested to get in touch with said volunteer.
The Society is happy to underwrite (reasonable) costs of the first couple of meetings (hall hire, etc.) so there is no financial risk in trying this out. (If in doubt, contact me or Geoff Bowyer about what is 'reasonable'!)
Obviously this isn't just about Scotland, but applies to any other area currently not covered.
Being a part of an area group is not for everyone, but many get a lot of pleasure and help from meeting others in this way.
UNQUOTE
All the above is still valid, except of course for the affect of Covid on physical meetings. However, this may also prove to be an opportunity as a Scottish area group set up (at least initially) on the basis of Zoom meetings (or any other platform) gets over the problem of geography. As Stan and Blair have meniotned their area groups (and others) are working with Zoom at the moment. It's very simple to set up and use.
If anybody in Scotland (or elsewhere) wishes to form a group, virtually or otherwise (when permitted), please contact me and Brian the Membership Secretary so we can let relevant members know who is taking the lead.
Thanks for raising this important topic again.
Julian Evison
Chairman