A second very useful and enjoyable meeting of this group was held on 26 January 2022, with five members present (we had one last-minute apology). The two who joined us for the first time explained how they got to know French NG lines, what attracts them to modelling such prototypes, and one of the people gave us a presentation covering his French models.
We engaged in the usual general conversation – some directly relevant to the SIG, and quite a lot on interesting, but more tenuously connected, topics. We discussed how we can add to our embryonic list of reference sources for French NG modellers.
We also had two short prepared presentations. The first was a modelling one on the steps followed for designing 3D-printed Côte du Nord and Sarthe tram locomotives. The other covered the history of the P'tit Train de St-Trojan, a popular beach tramway on the Atlantic coast of France using both period postcard views and personal photographs, as well as referencing an article about a delightful model of the line featured some years ago in Voie Libre magazine. We also had a glimpse of some part-complete stock for a project set on an imaginary Channel Island (just about counting as French!).
We talked of people's ideas and plans for French layouts, recognising that many of us who start projects take a very long time to complete them. Just possibly, this SIG may spur one or two into action...
The provisional date for the next meeting is Wednesday 23 February 2022, when we hope we will see some pictures of the Corrèze line – both historical and the modern-day remains.
(http://img_8062%20(2).jpg)