009 Society Members Forum

Oldham Group notes

March 16th 2022

Contact: Paul Titmuss – see the 009 News for contact details.

There were a "bakers dozen" attending the March Zoom meeting with 3 apologies.

As usual locos dominated the meeting:
Hugh with a Model Engine Works Hunslet VC that had been adapted to run on a Bandai 4 chassis (construction started);
Tony with a Harlech Castle loco running on a Farish 03 chassis (Society stand purchase);
Garry had several locos completed, one from the Bingley Works range and others using a chassis and boiler components from David Molton and completed in the livery of the 'Chandrapur Light Railway';
Rob had completed his adapted Sierra Leone loco with bunker for Turtle Bay;
Charlie showed us photos of (amongst other things) a completed Delta Railways Bagnall, a Sharp Stewart on a Fleischmann chassis and small Swedish loco – completed in a week – running on a Porter loco chassis.
Alan showed us how he built the chassis for his 00n3 Co. Donegal Class 1 loco 'Alice'.

Paul M. had purchased a coach in teak finish for his proposed Spanish themed layout and Ian had more or less completed the rake of Dundas Models GVT coaches.

Bob was able to share with us the progress he is making with the TTm layout of St-Trojan where several of the buildings were nearing completion and there had been a test set up of the track ready for laying.

We also chatted about the success of Narrow Gauge North where several group members had displayed displaying layouts.

Future meeting dates:
13th April – Zoom meeting starting at 8.00pm.
7th May – group meeting at Greenfield Methodist Church hall starting at 2.00pm.
15th June – meeting in Grasscroft starting at 8.00pm.

(uploaded by HN, 26 March)

Oldham Group Meeting 12 April 22

Eleven group members made it to the rearranged Zoom meeting on Tuesday evening, there were 4 apologies.

Darryl began the meeting by asking about the age 009 locos can expect to run to. A hundred years maybe? He had been putting some of his 40+ year old locos on test and they were still running well.



David had started a station building, inspired by Beddgelert station on the Welsh Highland railway. It combines two Wills SS60 station platform building kits and some additional doors and windows from the Wills SS86 pack.

Continued...

Rob discussed some developments with the Turtle Bay loco fleet. A New arrival at Turtle Bay was a Windle built 'Little Ande' is seen on shed as a similar loco passes by. Also in the shed is a NGG16 which has had some repairs to its front tank.'

Continued...

Garry had constructed two Czech oil tanker wagons. Technically TT kits but just the correct size for Colonial 009 stock. They ran on Lilliput bogies.  He had built examples of the new Innisfail wagons which looked very smart.

He had also repurchased on eBay one of his old models sold many years ago. It was built from a Tal-y-llyn coach body with a Thornycroft bonnet. It has subsequently been re motored with a Tomytec chassis.

Continued...

Andrew had been very busy modifying a Scalescene castle to enhance a corner on his layout. There had been a number of modelling challenges, all of which were successfully overcome.

Continued...

Bob showed us how he built some French ng points with working mechanism and  progress with the loco shed turntable.

The St -Trojan layout is now coming together and track is in place ready for final testing before the ballast (a covering of sand) is put in place.

Continued...

Philip showed us some Dundas Snailbeach hopper wagons. One is cut down to a two plank version. As a matter of interest one is filled with material collected at Snailbeach from the tip and contains minute particles of lead so not a lot of extra weigh was required. The locomotive is unpowered at the moment  - a scratch built Kerr Stuart 40 hp version of the 60 hp loco used on the Welsh Highland for a time.

As we discussed they are not the easiest kit to build but In my mind having seen the new Peco versions much better in the fine detail.

Continued...

Tony had progressed a couple of locos that he had chassis's for.

The brown loco is a cheap 3D print from the sales stand which has not required much work other than priming. It will get a top coat in due course plus handrails, exhaust and a crew.

The other loco is a Rushby's Resins Deutz, bought cheaply off eBay. 4 days in a jar of Dettol and a lot of scraping to remove the thickness of paint and messy glue then cleaned up and spray painted green. A horrible kit which still doesn't sit quite square despite filing and jiggling. Will need more work before I'm satisfied and I won't do another one!

Continued..

Richard showed us photos of various locos he'd seen on a recent visit to the open day at the Statfold Barn Railway. Additionally photos and movie of the forthcoming quarry Hunslets due to be released next year.

Continued...

Paul had completed two card coach models (Mallorca 3' gauge, Brown Marshall) and a further T&D bogie brake. The technique for making bolt heads has been refined and they came out more successfully than those on the wagon in the challenge put forward by Tony in the NW Groups newsletter.

Thank you to everyone who was able to contribute info. for this report.

The next meetings are:

May 7th. Greenfield Methodist Church. Start 2.00pm. Contribution of £2 towards room hire appreciated. Tea, coffee and biscuits.

June 15th. Wednesday evening, 8.00pm start, Grasscroft.

June 29th. Zoom meeting starting at 8.00pm.

Oldham Group Meeting 7th May 2022

There was a good turnout at our May meeting held at Greenfield Methodist Church hall. 4 apologies were received.

Bob was able to show us progress with his French model of St-Trojan-les-Bains in 3mm scale (TTm). This is now beginning to look like a layout with the beginnings of the landscape and various buildings. There were several items of rolling stock and running was mostly successful though I believe that further work on one point was planned as a result of demonstrating in an exhibition style setting.

Alan C had brought along various items of 5.5mm scale Tal-y-llyn Railway stock including models of all the regular steam locos, 3 coaches and brake van. They had all been scratch built and were completed to the highest of standards, definitely museum quality work. They were able to run on the 12mm gauge test track and impressed.

Alan G showed us his latest Co Donegal locos, also 12mm gauge and built from scratch, of the Class 1 locos Alice and Lydia, the former finished in the original apple green livery, the latter the later black. They ran very smoothly and were an impressive couple of locos. Additionally there was a chassis for another new build, CVR No 4, the former Castlederg & Victoria Bridge loco.

Charlie had a number of locos to run along the test track known as Cranbrook End, essentially a micro layout. Noted were several locos seen recently at the Zoom meetings including a Swedish steam loco and steam railcar. Also running were the new Kato/Peco 'Prince' along with an example of the separately available chassis which will be a boon for many modellers.

David brought MEW island for display with its 6.5mm gauge track (so about 18" gauge) with working lighthouse and convincing waves around the cliffs and beach. Apparently it is a bird watchers paradise.

Garry showed a collection of stock we had been treated to view at the Zoom meetings over the last few months including several locos for the 'Chandrapur Light Railway' as well as coaches and wagons.

Hugh had a box full of the new 009 Society handbook to sell and it returned a lot lighter. Our thanks to Hugh for bringing these along.

Mark visited with his extensive stock of Irish 3' in TTn3. There were many locos, coaches and wagons all excellently finished along with several projects in the planning stage. These were joined by Charlie's TTn3 locos and other stock and they made for an interesting comparison. Quite a display when they were all set up.

Along with all the above Richard had brought along 3 recently built locos, at least one of which ran on the group's 009 test track and David had completed the Beddgelert style waiting shelter he had been busily working on – though I believe at some point it will receive an interior and lighting.

There was plenty of talk and my thanks to all who attended and especially to those who brought items for display.

The next meeting is planned for Wednesday 15th June in Grasscroft.

Oldham Group Meeting 15 June 22

There were 11 at the latest meeting with half a dozen apologies. It was good to get back to a meeting around the dining room table (it's not that big! A few had to squeeze into various free spaces).
Both the test track and Melton Market (still very much a work in progress) were out to help with running.

Bob brought along some of his stock from St-Trojan-les-Bains, his TTm layout, running on 9mm gauge track. There were a couple of Corpet-Louvert 030-T locos with coaching stock and a Billard A80D in undercoat that were put through their paces on Melton Market.

Charlie showed us several locos he had been busy working on and these took turns running around the circuit with a Swedish coach, van and wagon. The locos were based on a variety of prototypes and not just from Sweden. All ran well.

David had painted a FR Hibbard Planet diesel body that was now ready for detailing, glazing, couplings and placing on a Kato chassis. This I believe was a 3D print from the Merseyside and SW Lancs group enterprise.

Garry had 17 new steam locos, most of which had been constructed this year. A significant number were in the livery of the 'Chandrapur Light Railway'. They were given a run round the circuit of the test track, most with success. Set out they were an impressive loco stud that would be the envy of many a light railway.

Hugh also brought several locos including a print of tram loco inspired by those running on the Wisbech tramway and several dock lines. There was also a Belgium type 23 Garratt tram loco from Model Engine works. This is a large machine, even so it negotiated the 9" radius curves with no issue.

Rob had produced a 3D print from his own machine inspired by diesel locos that used to run on the Thai metre gauge network. It ran on a Roco diesel chassis, a smooth runner. Two trial prints were also available for inspection. Detailing was required and we look forward to seeing this loco develop.

On the 00n3 front there was a C&VB Beyer Peacock designed by David Hurst and printed by Thingymaker, a CDR brass coach from N-Drive Productions (formerly Backwoods) and the chassis for CDR coach 30 (Worsley Works). Curiously the buffer beams had to be made from scrap etch – truly a scratch aid kit...

Next meetings:
Zoom, Wednesday 29th June at 8.00pm – details to be circulated to group members.
Grasscroft, Wednesday 20th July at 8.00pm.

Oldham Group Meeting 29-6-22 (Zoom)

There were 11 at the latest meeting with 2 apologies.

Alan showed us the progress he had made in constructing the Clogher Valley Railway 2-6-2T in brass (00n3). The loco had come from the Castlederg and Victoria Bridge line following closure and needed some modification to adapt it for use on the much longer CVR. Following the presentation of construction shots there was a video of it running along Alan's Ballyshannon branch line.

Bob had prepared a scale drawing of the proposed extension to the St-Trojan-les-Bains layout (TTm) which included a roadside tramway section and train turntable. He had made good progress with a 3D print of a Billard A80D which was now painted and awaiting final touching up and glazing. Also shown were the designs for a de Dion Bouton railcar with turning mechanism which showed good promise.

Darryl reported on a steam tram and coach that was available and also on the WW2 rail gun project. A diorama had been created and the gun could be hauled with a Dean Goods 0-6-0. Hopefully we'll be able to see this project completed at our next Zoom meeting.

Garry continues to be busy with loco production with 5 finished examples at this meeting. First up was a Sentinel narrow gauge tram loco that needed very little doing to it other than painting for completion before attaching the Kato chassis. This was followed by 2 Cyprus Gov't railway tender locos from Roxy Mouldings and finally two tram locos for the Chandrapur Light Railway utilising chassis and smoke box from Dave's Railway Bits (David Malton) on Shapeways.

Ian had taken photos of the Chivers Finelines latest bogie wagons from the Innisfail Tramway. There was a useful comparison shot with the Bachmann WW1 bogie wagon – those from Australia were longer, wider and a little higher.

John is in the process of creating a new industrial building for the Ghylldale Light Railway. A card mock up has now been followed up by a structure using Wills sheets for the walls and roof with windows, etc also from Wills. Good progress had been made. There was some discussion on how to cut the plastic sheets which will be useful to us all. Hopefully more photos when the project is complete.

Paul M had purchased a couple of Peco GVT kits with the intention of creating a bicabine loco for his French railway project. He was pleased to discover that he had in stock the necessary Farish chassis. Another project is a Bagnall loco in 00 that should be straightforward to complete.

We were able to see a number of photos of Tony's developing layout 'Windy Bottom' which included an original Minitrains Geminder, the updated version and a 3D diesel loco of more British outline from A1 Models that uses the Geminder chassis. An effective piece of modelling by Tony.

Paul finished the business part of the meeting with photos of 3 projects – a CD&VB Beyer Peacock (Model Engine Works), CDR coach 30 (Worsley Works) and a CDR panelled coach (N-Drive, formerly Backwoods). Additionally there were photos of the recent event organised by Stan at the West Lancs Light Railway and entrance to the Sentinel works (Shrewsbury).

Next meetings:
Weds 20th July at 8.00pm (Grasscroft).
Weds 17th August at 8.00pm (on Zoom) – awaiting confirmation.
Sat 29th October at 1.30pm (Greenfield Methodist Church)

Oldham Group Meeting 20-7-22

There were 5 at the latest meeting with 6 apologies.

David had completed the construction of a 'Varikit' tram loco with the open skirts and balloon stack chimney. It had been very tidily finished in acrylic paint. It ran incredibly smoothly on a Bachmann Thomas chassis. Details such as lining, changing the wheel colour and a change to more appropriate couplings were the only outstanding jobs.

Rob had a former Paul Windle loco, a Baldwin style 2-8-2 loco, initially constructed for Paul's planned South American layout which is no longer a project. It is just the job for Turtle Bay. The Thai style diesel that Rob has designed and printed went on several rounds of the test track, initially with two styles of bogie van (L&MR and BLR) but then with an ever growing train eventually consisting of a L&M Centre Models coach, L&M flat wagon and transporter wagon with flat standard gauge wagon on board. We were also able to inspect two Chivers Finelines Innisfail wagons – one with square ends, the other with rounded ends.

Stuart showed us a DB H0e brake van that he had purchased at Arcadia Models in Shaw (a very useful shop). This also had a run around the test track. As there were no H0e locos available an 0-4-2T Skylark loco stood in to do the honours.

On the 00n3 front were etched brass coaches, CDR coach 30 (Worsley Works – what a challenge), and N Drive Productions CDR coach 12 (formerly Backwoods Miniatures) along with the CVR (ex C&VB) Hudswell Clarke No 4 built by Alan Gee and much admired.

The next meeting is on Zoom (17th August)
followed by a meeting in Grasscroft (prob 14th September)
and the meeting in Greenfield Methodist Church hall (29th October).

If there is demand I anticipate a Zoom meeting early October.

Oldham 009 group Zoom meeting Wednesday 17th August, 2022.

A dozen group members attended the Zoom meeting with half a dozen apologies.

Alan showed us progress with his latest 00n3 loco, the Countess of Antrim, a 0-6-0T that ran on the Ballycastle Railway in the north of Ireland. He now had a working chassis and was considering the body which necessitates the construction of a saddle tank and different options were discussed.

Andrew had completed the scenic work around the castle area of the layout with various types of scatter for different vegetation, trees and a monolith. Good progress had been made.

August 17th continued...

Bob had been working on his TTm A80D which was now painted (pictured). There was some talk about the moulded buffers, a prominent feature, which were not at the height of other stock. Various possibilities were discussed.

He also showed us the first part of his plan to build a de Dion Bouton autorail using a Kato chassis as power unit.

August 17th continued...

Charlie had plans for the mechanism of the newly released Bachmann model of Peter Sam. He also had a couple of bodies from Fourdees that fitted the Kato 'Prince' mechanism. These will be completed soon. On the French front he had built a coach inspired by those at Froissy. We were also treated to photos of Garrys locos displayed at the East Midlands open day.


Darryl told us about his visit to the Ripon Light Railway, a 2' gauge system with various diesel and battery locos with stock that occupies a garden by the Ripon Canal. Neil, the proprietor, was very welcoming. He is preparing to write an item for the 009 News on 009 trams (and locos).


David had made further progress with the Varikit tram loco which was now lined out (pictured). Questions were asked about the wire holes in the side tanks – not really prototypically placed and it was decided that these should be filled.

August 17th continued...

Garry had purchased from Westcliff Works some bogie open wagons along with a narrow gauge version of an Indian style guards van. There was serious interest from those who modelled colonial railways. Additionally Garry had used some N gauge Pullman bogies with a Triang TT continental tender as the start of another Colonial style loco project (more anon).


Hugh showed us how he'd used a turntable mechanism with an electric motor from MotionCo to turn the Disc on the back of the Turtle on his Discworld model. He had also sourced suitable feet to complete the model which will accompany Angst-Lesspork at exhibitions. (see his layout thread on the forum)


Paul M had cleaned up some Eggerbahn Western coaches (pictured) ready to be adapted for the forthcoming French layout. One will run on the Kato chassis as an autorail whilst the other will form a remorque. Additionally he had adapted the Wills taxi office, adding a canopy, as a station building for a yet to be decided light rail project (pictured).

August 17th continued...

Rob had built some yard lamps for Turtle Bay which at some point will be wired in. He had also begun painting figures from Scale 3D. He had replaced the chassis on his Paul Windle loco with that of a Bachmann 8F which improved running. There are also plans for adaptations of the bo-bo diesel loco initially inspired by those running in Thailand.


Tony had been working hard on creating a rail based Land Rover which will run with a wagon made from coffee stirrers that sits on a N gauge 15' chassis. The Land Rover runs on a Kato 'shortie' (pictured).

August 17th continued...

Paul T had completed construction of 2 brass coaches, one from Worsley Works (CDR 30) and one from N Dive Productions (CDR 12). The first section of track for Clogher (00n3) had been laid connecting with the fiddle yard.

August 17th continued...

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 14th September in Grasscroft, start 8.00pm.

There will be a Zoom meeting on Wednesday 11th October

followed by a meeting at Greenfield Methodist Church on Saturday 29th October.

~ Paul Titmuss

Oldham 009 group meeting Wednesday 14th September, 2022.

Four group members attended the meeting in Grasscroft; Bob, David, Peter and Paul. There were half a dozen apologies.

Bob had two railcars (properly autorails) that he had brought along to run on the test track, both modelled in TTm.
One was the 3D print of a Billard A80D that runs on a Tomytec chassis and featured in the previous Zoom meeting. Running was good.

The other was the de Dion Bouton railcar which had been discussed at the previous meeting. Using an ingeniously tilted Kato chassis with new front wheels (wired in with wipers) it ran superbly. The body was crafted in plastic card, completed with glazing and finished to a spec I can only aspire to. To cap it all a mechanism had been created to lift and turn the railcar – a sort of mimic of the jacking up and turning that occurred with the originals on the light rail network in France.

David had completed the Varikit model – also a feature of the previous meeting. The tank side holes had been filled with 'Greenstuff' from Games Workshop and all painting touched up. It also allowed us a discussion of lining techniques. Placed on the Bachmann Thomas chassis there was faultless running on the test track.

Paul had two locos on the 00n3 siding. The Castlederg & Victoria Bridge Beyer Peacock (Model Engine Works) had been painted and was awaiting some light weathering. Once a driver had been purchased and installed the cab will be fitted and final details and finishing off will be completed. The Kitson tram loco, also on the siding, had developed a tilt when running at the Leigh Model Railway Exhibition and work was underway to rectify this.

The next meeting will be on Zoom, Wednesday 12th October. (NB date correct this time)

This will be followed by a meeting at Greenfield Methodist Church on Saturday 29th October.

~ Paul Titmuss

Oldham 009 group Zoom meeting Wednesday 12th October, 2022.

Ten group members attended the Zoom meeting. There were three apologies. We were able to welcome David H. to his first meeting with us on Zoom.

Tony showed us some photos of his visit to the Tanat Valley Railway which included a very little narrow gauge and a unique industrial monorail line, locos and stock.

Charlie had used a Minitrains Brigadelok chassis to construct a model of the Borsig 'Genevieve' that runs on the Haute Somme line in France. Also two voiture voyagers baladeuse (open coaches) that also run on the Haute Somme. He had purchased a Fourdees freelance loco for the Kato 'Prince' chassis, a Wells 3D print of Edward Thomas for the Bachmann Peter Sam loco and a Mannin Models S&S 'Erin' (for 009, chassis to be sourced) – we are looking forward to seeing progress with these soon.

Graeme described some of the meetings that SCOONS had attended and their plans over the next few months. Zoom had made quite a difference enabling quite a number of Scottish modellers (including some further afield) to meet up on a regular basis.

Paul M. had completed a 9mm gauge test track on a large piece of foam board and had also started a railbus which drew inspiration from a number built by Garry a few years ago.

David H. showed us a trio of C&VB Beyer Peacock tram locos in 4mm scale, suitable for 009 (circa 3.5mm scale) and 3mm scale. All completed very smartly. Also several projects of GW style narrow gauge locos which are yet to appear on the Model Engine Works web site.

Bob showed us various bits and pieces from his recent visit to France. The highlight was a piece of video showing his de Dion railbus being turned in a simulation of the jack-up-and-turn that occurred in real life. Marvellously crafted work.

Garry, unusually, did not have any models to report on. However he does have a Fourdees 'Thames' class loco ready for completion at some point soon.

Hugh showed us his now completed Orrery of Discworld that will accompany Angst-Lesspork to exhibitions. Hugh had also added points to his test track (Ed - it's beginning to sound more like a layout to me).

David E. had purchased some GV wagons and the etched brass GV coach to construct.

Paul T. showed progress with his 3D print of the C&VB Beyer Peacock and the beginnings of a revised station hut for the Lispole diorama (00n3).

The next meeting is being held at Greenfield Methodist Church on Saturday 29th October. Start time 1.30'ish for 2.00pm.

There will be a meeting in Grasscroft on Wednesday 16th November.

Following that there will be Zoom meetings on 14th December, 11th Jan and 15th February (all t.b.c.).

~ Paul Titmuss

Oldham group notes – meeting of 29th October, 2022.

Eight attended the meeting at Greenfield Methodist Church
– Alan C, Bob, Garry, Hugh, Raymond, Stuart, Tony and Paul.
There were apologies from Alan G, Bill, David E, David H, Mark and Philip.

Alan had two displays of stock, 00n3 from his Ramsey layout and Tal-y-llyn in 009.

The much modified Anbrico railcars featured in an article in the Railway Modeller.

No 7 'Tom Rolt' and No 2 'Dolgoch' had a run around the test track.

Bob brought along his St-Trojan-les-Bains layout in TTm. We were treated to demonstrations of the de Dion railcar being turned. In reality these were fitted with a special jack for turning wherever necessary and didn't need a turntable.

Also in view are a Billard A80D and a Corpet Louvet loco. The scenery has yet to be completed.

A better view of the Corpet-Louvet loco at St-Trojan is in the lower photo.

Garry had a selection of items for sale. One loco that was definitely not for sale was this D&H inspired loco from the Japanese manufacturer Sugiyama

Hugh set up his test track – an elaborate affair with five points and bespoke electrics operated from a hand built control panel.

One of the locos running was a bashed-about "Skylark" from Model Engine Works (designed to fit on the Kato 11-110). It was stretched it to fit on (at the front) a Bachmann "N" Percy chassis and (at the rear) a dummy 0-4-0 chassis from the Kato 10-503-1 Pocket Line Steam Passenger Train pack. It makes a nice little Kitson-Meyer.

(note 12 Nov - I have now put some coal in the bunker!)

Tony had converted a Land Rover to rail transport with a Tomytek chassis. This pulled a small open wagon made of coffee stirrers and coloured with wood stain, all smartly done.

I missed taking a photo of Stuart's Baldwin and short train of a H0e van and flat wagon.

There was plenty of discussion about modelling and railways in general.

The next meeting is on Wednesday 16th November in Grasscroft, commencing at 8.00pm.

Future meetings for December 14th, January 11th and February 15th will be on Zoom, starting at 8.00pm.

s.p.t. 31-10-22

Oldham group notes – meeting of 16th November, 2022.

Four attended the meeting in Grasscroft – Alan, Bob, David and Paul.
There were apologies from Andrew, David H, Garry, Stuart, Peter, Philip, Tony.

Bob showed us progress with the construction of trees and undergrowth for the St-Trojan layout on a small diorama. A lot are needed for the layout.

Woodland Scenics tree armatures had been adapted for pine trees and holm oaks along with foliage clusters. The undergrowth was more of an issue. The pro's and con's of sea foam were discussed.

Bob's Corpet-Louvert 030 T with coach did a few circuits of the test track.

Alan had brought along two locos to show chassis construction – one style for his CDR Class 4 and the other he had developed for his Swilly Andrew Barclay (and other locos) – following a request from Paul.
These were a helpful catalyst to discussion.

Paul had the Worsley Works etches for an Andrew Barclay as well as items from Alan Gibson (details) and Markits (wheels, etc). Just the gearbox, motor and fly wheel needed acquiring. A last 'big build' project?
Additionally there was a progress report on the updated Lispole station hut, it was decided that the C&VB Beyer Peacock needed a fireman installing before the roof was attached and progress on the start of track laying on a Clogher baseboard was seen and discussed.

The next meeting will be held on Zoom.
Wednesday 14th December, starting at 8.00pm. Details to be circulated nearer the time.

Oldham and NW groups zoom meeting 14th December, 2022.

Ten attended the December meeting – Alan, Bob, David E, David H, Garry, Hugh, Ian, Paul M, Tony and Paul T.
There were 3 apologies form Darryl, John and Philip.

Alan described his progress to date on his model of the Ballycastle Railways 0-6-0 saddle tank the Countess of Antrim with particular reference to the construction of the saddle tank. He then described a list of further work that would be needed to complete the locomotive.

Bob had progressed his TTm layout St-Trojan with the construction of more of the distinctive cottages and the 2nd baseboard which will lead to a train turntable.

. . . . . . . . . .

David had purchased some kits (brake van and slate wagons) and an Eggerbahn chassis in a sale and was in the process of rehabilitating the kits which had not been well constructed. The Eggerbahn chassis needed the addition of spare parts to get it going again.

Paul M had purchased a REE Models A80D Billard for his planned H0m project. A very smart model.

. . . . . . .

Ian showed us photos of the various 009 layouts that had attended the Rainhill Model Railway Club Christmas show (including the 009 exhibits in the upstairs room). Also a photo of his recently acquired Bachmann 'Britomart', another very smart r-t-r model.

Tony was working on a Cooper Craft lorry body that will fit onto a Kato chassis, another road vehicle adapted for rail use on 'Windy Bottom', the RAF themed layout.

. . . . . . . .

Paul T ran through a number of on going projects including the Swilly coach and the now completed C&VB Beyer Peacock 2-4-0T from Model Engine Works.

He also showed some photos of the Waller's 'Bron Hebog' that attended the recent Manchester Model Railway Exhibition – and Bob was able to add further shots from his visit. Finally a photo of the Bachmann 'Charles', yet another smart r-t-r model.

Our next meeting (on Zoom) will be on
Wednesday 11th January starting at 8.00pm.
Look forward to seeing you if you can make it

s.p.t.

Oldham and NW groups zoom meeting 11th January, 2023.

Thirteen attended the January Zoom meeting – Alan, Andrew, Bob, Charlie, Darryl, David E., Garry, Hugh, Ian, Martin, Paul M, Tony and Paul T.

There were apologies from David H., Graeme, John, Richard and Stuart.

Alan has now completed his model of the Ballycastle Railway 0-6-0 saddle the Countess of Antrim.  He explained how the boiler fittings were added to the superstructure and the paints used for air brushing the locomotive. Alan mentioned his next project would be a LLSR Hudswell Clarke 4-6-2T, as Worsley Works had agreed to produce etches for this locomotive at a request of members of the OOn3 io group.

Bob gave us an update on St-Trojan which now had an extension board with 'train table'. Additionally he flagged up the small storage boxes that were now surplus to requirement (slide sized). Please contact Bob if you are interested.

Andrew had been working on the left hand side of his layout which has made progress over the last 4 months. He also introduced us to his loco Charles from Bachmann.

Charlie showed us the progress he'd made with Fourdees Kerr Stuart 'Tattoo' loco based on the Corris no 4 (running on a Bachmann 'Peter Sam' chassis) and the freelance 'Starbeck' loco (using the Kato Prince chassis). Although freelance Dan has a good eye for loco design, and the shape of the tank is very like those of Thomas Green and Co locos.

Darryl flagged up the 'Hobby Magazine', an annual publication that had several interesting and helpful articles in along with advertisers of useful bits and pieces.

He had information that the late Roy Hurst's layout '1918' and stock had been taken to France where it will be displayed at the Somme Battlefield Museum. A most appropriate and fitting location to display Roy's high quality modelling.
Darryl has also written several items for magazines including Garden Rail on setting up temporary layouts in the garden (from Z to 0 gauge).

David E had picked up a Co-Co chassis by Life Like with a double flywheel for £15. It runs very well and he intends using it under Dapol Drewry kit to make a 009 diesel.

Garry was able to confirm dates that Bachmann had announced new 009 products and the date of sale, years in some instances and moments in others.

Hugh told us about the improvements made to the lighting of Angst- Lesspork by the use of L.E.D.s.

Martin gave an update on Dave Scott's 'Chelthwaite Mills' and 'T'yn Goch'. The former layout has now been moved to the Preston M.R.C. premises with a view to rehabilitation and exhibition in the future. The latter – now 50 years old – is to be fettled and probably partially exhibited at the 009 Society 50th Celebration at Statfold Barn.

Tony updated us on the model he was building using a Coopercraft lorry body. The body has now been constructed. He's using the 4 wheeled Kato chassis and will add a front bogie to give a more plausible appearance. {photo}



Tony also updated us on items of narrow gauge modelling interest from the latest Railway Modeller.

Paul T showed a photo of new acquisitions – the Bachmann Charles and Nesta. There ensued quite a bit of discussion on aspects of the two models.

Two recent projects – the WIP R&ER 3' First class coach and now completed Mk 1 Côtes du Nord 'wagon couvert' in 4mm scale.

The next meeting will be on Zoom. Date Wednesday 15th February at 8.00 pm.

Future meetings are planned for 15th March (Zoom) and Saturday 15th April at Greenfield Methodist Church (OL3 7JJ).


s.p.t.

Oldham and NW groups zoom meeting 15th February, 2023.

Eleven attended the february Zoom meeting – Alan, Bob, Charlie, Darryl, David E., Garry, Hugh, Paul M, Rob, Paul T and we were pleased to welcome Stuart to his first meeting.

There were apologies from Andrew, David H., Ian and Tony.

Alan outlined two forthcoming projects; an etched brass Lough Swilly Hudswell Clarke 4-6-2T and the Ballycastle Von Borries 2-4-2T. The latter had Walschaerts valve gear which will prove a challenge. The frames for this loco had been completed.

Bob had made good progress with St-Trojan which now had numerous trees. Some ground level bushes were still required to complete the scene.

Charlie showed us photos of his quarry Hunslet, based on Holy War, built 20 years ago with the new Bachmann Nesta. It was considered that he had done an excellent job. He had started some FR coaches, kits from Fourdees, was making progress with a Decauville from Meridian (using a Percy chassis) and had built another Fourgon using an Egger box van. He is now a Modelu character!

Darryl updated us on a couple of magazine articles. Firstly his own on the construction of a temporary garden railway (Garden Rail) and Andy Cundick's Castlederg layout (Model Rail). Paul also flagged up John Crane's Kurseong in the latest Continental Modeller.

David E had started a farm and attached barn from Pocket Money Kits (laser cut MDF) and had also purchased two Modelu figures for his quarry Hunslet.

Garry showed us some VoR coaches he had purchased, restored and would be selling on the Society sales stand soon. He had also purchased a resin building model based on a sardine canning factory. This building still exists and Bob was able to find its location and photos of the building. It'll make a very smart model. Additionally we saw an improved Hornby Scaledale model of cottages and a TU2 body purchased from Ukraine. The latter needs a chassis (it is designed as a static model), probably a Lilliput 2095.

Rob had completed some scenic work on Turtle Bay. He had painted a NG G16 Garrett (Backwoods); improved the bogies on one of the Eggerbahn coaches (that had been already 'colonialised') and others will follow. He had also produced a new design for a B0-B0 diesel loco which will run on Turtle Bay. Two had been printed for export to the USA.
Stuart updated us on several projects including his new Bachmann sound fitted Linda. He'd purchased a DCC controller (pre owned) so that the loco runs more effectively with sound.

Paul was completing the painting of the ex C & VBT loco No 4 as adapted for use on the Clogher Valley Railway built for him by Alan. The body had been completed and the chassis, pistons and wheels now needed painting.

Hugh had invited Melton Market to the AGM in May and Paul outlined what he planned to do to make the layout more complete – ambitious and aspirational maybe?

A photo showing the starting point for the challenge (it is a challenge) is seen below. At the AGM spot the difference!

Our next meeting is on 15th March (Zoom). Future meetings are planned for and Saturday 15th April at Greenfield Methodist Church (OL3 7JJ) and Wednesday 10th May in Grasscroft.

~ s.p.t. ~

Oldham and NW groups zoom meeting 15th March, 2023

Sixteen attended the January Zoom meeting – Bob, Charlie, Darryl, David E., David H., Garry, Graeme, Hugh, Ian, John, Paul M, Richard, Rob, Stuart, Tony and Paul T.
There were apologies from Alan and Andrew.

Bo showed us some progress photos of St-Trojan which now had many more trees and some more ground cover will be introduced to give the full 'forest' effect. Another home had also been built and installed. He'd also modelled the characteristic donkeys with their leggings along with various carts for them to pull.
[The layout is booked to attend our next meeting on 15th April at Greenfield Methodist church.]

Charlie showed us a comparison between his Meridian Decauville and 3D Factory early Decauville (the latter needing paint to complete. He has buit some toast rack coaches which are to be weathered and he had received a model of himself as a loco driver (ModelU) which will be transferable between stock dependent on the layout exhibited.

Darryl had enjoyed the variety of layouts at NGN (as did many of us) and had purchased a larger scale model of the CVR railcar No 1 at another show.

David E. showed a photo of a hearse wagon he had bought. It's origins (maker) were discussed, GEM for the Ffestiniog Railway.

David H. showed us progress with several projects including a German style tram that runs on the Bachmann 'England' chassis and a 4mm scale version of the Schull & Skibbereen early tram loco 'Ida' as running in its latter years.

Garry showed us a couple of Riverossi TT coaches he had altered for use on 'Colonial' 009. This was essentially a cut and shut procedure, the hardest part of which was restoring the roof profile which involved quite a bit of work and filler. PECO L&B bogies finished off this project. Paul M. had the same coaches ready for a similar job.

Graeme gave us a revue of the SCOONS stand at the Model Rail Scotland (Glasgow) exhibition – a very impressive display. Included was a small box file layout (with very tight corners) that Graeme had constructed.

Hugh showed us that reconstruction of a dropped 3D print was possible along with some footage of a Garratt (name of designer forgotten David Malton, I think and now in the owenership of Richard Pike - HN) running around Angst-Lesspork.

Ian had bought from Fourdees a print for an England style loco with just a spectacle plate and much cab pipe and dial detail. Good discussion ensued on the challenge of painting.

Coincidentally Richard had completed the same print and showed us photographs of the finished model {photos}

He'd built a generator unit on a flatbed truck and had purchsed a Bachmann Dorothea (my favourite of the two cabbed locos).

Rob had 3D printed his model of a Bolivian Sulzer Crocodile loco, now painted and weathered. This fits an 9mm gauge chassis. He has aleady prepared one for posting to the States.

Tony gave us some feedback on the recent Rainhill show where he exhibited Grimbledon Down with success (after some last minute hitches were sorted). Also his experience of riding the Wells and Walsingham Light Pailway (cushion advised ...).
His train was pulled by one of the two Garretts, 'Norfolk Hero'.

Stuart had also invested in ModelU footpalte figures for his new locos and had a new backdrop for his current 009 project.

John did have a presentation but sadly his computer failed to co-operate, hopefully we'll see it next time he is able to attend.

Finally Paul updated the group on 3 projects. A house on Melton Market had now been completed after a period of 7 years. It has a Saddleworth style of architecture.

He had completed CVR Hudswell Clarke No 4 built for him by Alan. Works photo below:

The tracks for Clogher had been laid though there is yet much to do before a train can traverse the station from end to end.

A reminder that our next meeting is on Saturday 15th April at Greenfield Methodist Church (OL3 7JJ), commencing at 1.30 'ish

and Wednesday 10th May in Grasscroft, 8.00pm start


~s.p.t.~

Oldham group meeting 15th April, 2023.

Fifteen group members attended the meeting held at Greenfield Methodist Church. Andrew, Bob, Charlie, David E, David H, Garry, Hugh, Mark, Peter, Philip, Rob, Stuart, Tony and Paul. We were pleased to welcome Ron to his first meeting.
There were apologies from Alan C. and Alan G.

Bob brought along his 'St-Trojan-les-Bains' layout which is moving towards completion. It included donkeys with their trousers (to keep off the flies). An interesting idea with the 'train table' for railcar storage as well.

Oldham group meeting 15th April, 2023. cont/d...

Charlie had brought along his scenic test track 'Cranbrook End'. Several new locos (mostly from Fourdees) had a good run up and down on the layout.

Oldham group meeting 15th April, 2023. cont/d...

David H. displayed a scenic diorama based on a small fishing port along with several recently finshed models and 3D print locos – some of which are available from Model Engine Works (via Shapeways)

Oldham group meeting 15th April, 2023. cont/d...

David E. had a recently completed a FR coach (Dundas DM64) and painted and lined it to match the PECO 4 wheel Victorian coach.

Both Rob and Stuart made good use of the circular test track. Rob ran a model (Golden Arrow) of the S&K Kitson Meyer which had a bespoke chassis and Stuart a Roco loco (H0e). Both ran very smoothly.

Garry displayed a number of models that he had built or adapted in the last few months, most seen on our Zoom meetings. (photo)

Oldham group meeting 15th April, 2023. cont/d...

Philip brought over his attractive layout 'Lockwood Wharf' on which ran stock that was largely made up of 3D prints.

Oldham group meeting 15th April, 2023. cont/d...

The final layout on display was Tony's 'RAF Windy Bottom', a work in progress, which made good use of several repurposed Airfix kits. The signal box/engine shed arrangement was inspired by that at Moretonhampstead in Devon.

Oldham group meeting 15th April, 2023. cont/d...

Rob brought along his 3D print of a Bolivian Sulzer Crocodile loco, painted and weathered. This fits onto the BEMO crocodile chassis.

Oldham group meeting 15th April, 2023. cont/d...

A reminder that our next meeting is on Wednesday 10th May in Grasscroft (8.00pm start). Future meetings will be advised.

~ s.p.t. 16-4-23

Oldham Group meeting 10th May, 2023.

Four attended the Wednesday evening meeting; David, Peter, Tony and Paul. There were apologies from Alan C., Alan G., Andrew, Bob, Ron and Stuart.

Tony brought along 4 locos to run on the test track. There was a smartly finished Narrow Planet kit of the loco 'Pamela', named Joan, and formerly owned by Roger Christian. Also a per-owned Chivers Skylark class loco that still had its Ibertren chassis. Running was a bit erratic so Tony was going to look at some basic maintenance before looking to re chassis. On the diesel front there was a Paul Windle built Baldwin and a neatly repainted Liliput V5 loco.

Paul had brought down to the meeting Melton Market prior to its appearance at the Society AGM in Leeds. Progress was being made with some buildings and two, a half timbered house and weavers cottage in 'Saddleworth style' were considered in more detail. On the 00n3 front the Alphagraphix Swilly Cleminson coach was now complete (at last!) and a new 3D print for the CdN van (Fr "wagon couvert") with much better detail was there for inspection.


There was a lot of discussion about rail and model rail related topics.

Several people who are or who have been connected with the Oldham group were exhibiting at the Little Trains in Leeds II (the AGM meeting). I took a few photographs which I hope will be of interest.

Oldham Group meeting 10th May, 2023.

First Melton Market. A work in progress even after its appearance at the 2013 AGM in Rainford. Note 'heritage' mock up, ten years on, on the left!

Oldham Group meeting 10th May, 2023.

Tony Ennis was exhibiting is layout Grimbledon Down which contains a lengthy run over a series of gradients – not a place for an underpowered loco! This shows the station area. Like my layout it is a work in progress, but much better progressed.

Oldham Group meeting 10th May, 2023.

Charlie Insley was helping Elizabeth with her layout Winter Overcoats. This has featured in the Railway Modeller.

Oldham Group meeting 10th May, 2023.

Philip Lockwood was showing his characterful Lock Wood Wharf.

Oldham Group meeting 10th May, 2023.

Stephen Penn attended the meetings frequently several years ago when he was working in the area. He brought along Eastbrook, a layout he now owns.

Oldham Group meeting 10th May, 2023.

Richard Pike's terminus layout Lockden. This layout has featured in the Railway Modeller.

Oldham Group meeting 10th May, 2023.

Alan Martin's Knottmuch Moor on its final show before the new owner took possession (at the close of play!)

Oldham Group meeting 10th May, 2023.

Last but not least, Jonathan Stockwell's H0e Dornochbahn - a scottish distillery with a European flavour!

Oldham Group meeting 10th May, 2023.

The next meeting is pencilled in for 12th July here in Grasscroft, stating at 8.00pm (NO meeting in June).


I will arrange a couple of meetings for August, one live and one on Zoom, and hopefully we'll be able to have a get together at the church hall in Greenfield in the autumn (dodging other 009 ng events.

s.p.t. 24-5-23.

Oldham Group meeting 19th July, 2023.

Three group members were present for the meeting, David, Tony and Paul.
Apologies had been received from Alan, Bob, Garry, Hugh and Philip.

The meeting unusually focused on wagons rather than locos.

David had completed two Hudson steel dropside bogie wagons (Dundas) inspired by a photo showing a Ffestiniog Railway vegetation clearance train at TyB. We tried identifying the other wagons to help with completing the project.

Tony had brought along several Bachmann WD wagons liveried for ICI that he had started lightly weathering and they had a good run around the test track. A Ninelines van also completed a circuit or two – in the manner they so often do ...

Paul had completed a six wagon rake of the Dundas 'Irish Narrow Gauge goods wagons', essentially built for the West Clare Railway. Each had a coal load and most were branded GS. They were wide wagons and seemed very large for 009, much more suitable for 00n3.

Two of the Clogher station boards (00n3) had been put up and were wired for use, a third remains to be completed. When finished they will attach to the Annascaul fiddle yards.

As usual there was useful discussion on construction techniques, developments in 009 and railways in general.

The next meetings are planned as follows:
   August 9th (Grasscroft)
   August 22nd (Zoom – TUESDAY)
   September 30th (Greenfield Methodist Church – Saturday pm)


~ s.p.t.

Oldham Group meeting 9th August, 2023 at Grasscroft.

Eight group members were present for the meeting, Alan G., Bob, David E., Garry, Hugh, Tony and Paul and we were pleased to welcome Alan S. to his first meeting.

3 apologies had been received from Charlie, David H. & Peter.

Alan G. brought two new locos he'd built to the meeting. Models of the 0-6-0ST 'Countess of Antrim' (Ballycastle Railway) and 2-4-2CT No 110 (Ballymena & Larne Railway). The latter loco was inspired by Derek Naylor's loco built in the '50's (and now in the Society's Heritage Collection). Both ran well up and down the track laid for Clogher station.

Bob had locos, stock and buildings from his St-Trojan station project. He had constructed a 3rd Corpet Louvert which ran on a Roco chassis, the second with the typical cab style of the railway. All the coaches have now been now been widened to reflect their correct width and the buildings are for an additional backdrop to the layout.

Garry brought along 6 Kiso Forest Railway 0-4-2T locos built originally by Baldwin, 2 were built from Joe Works kits and the others were models from Endo Corporation both of Japan. None of the locos had been run for years, 3 of those by Endo Corp surprised us by running reasonably well.

Hugh brought along a new controller that he had built that could be switched into and out of feedback mode. The difference to the control of running with open frame or coreless motors was noted. Most of the locos brought along to the meeting were tested with the controller and the difference in performance noted for some in either mode.

Tony had a model of a Kerr Stuart diesel that ran on a Plymouth 'brick' chassis. A few additions to the body are required to finish it off. The loco did not run well – wheels need a clean and possibly gears a lubricate – but performance improved no end when run with feedback.

Paul had set up the 3 based boards for Clogher station and most of the electrics had been completed. Loco's were run up and down, including Alan's two, and all seemed to operate successfully. The layout now needs wiring up to the fiddle yards.
Additionally there was a static of CdN railway stock that included a new print of a van (wagon couvert). This made the fourth item of stock available in 00n3/1:76 scale for this line.

It is with sadness that I have to report the passing of Stuart Goodwin earlier in the month.

Stuart had been a long time member of the Oldham Group. He came to his first meeting in January 2010 and was a regular at our gatherings here in Grasscroft and in Chadderton (when we met at Laurence's). He was a loyal, stalwart member of the group and we last saw him in April at our meeting in Greenfield at the church hall.

His main passion was H0e and he built a small layout, Martini, that he exhibited locally (including a Society agm in Rainford) and also wrote an article on it for the 009 News. It was a smart and well thought through layout that was popular with exhibition visitors.
Stuart had what is probably termed a 'short illness' and passed peacefully at home surrounded by his wife and family.
Stuart's staunch support for the Oldham group will be missed.


The next meetings are planned as follows:
Saturday September 30th at Greenfield Methodist Church in the afternoon.

   Wednesday October 19th (provisional) in Grasscroft at 8.00pm.

~ s.p.t.

"North west" groups Zoom meeting 21st August, 2023.

Ten group members were present for the meeting, Alan, Bob, David E., David H., Garry, Ian, Paul M., Philip, Tony and Paul T.
Apologies had been received from Andrew and Stuart.

Alan gave details of two chassis' he had recently constructed.
The first was an inside frame chassis with Walschaerts valve gear for the Cavan and Leitrim Railway 0-6-4T locomotive King Edward.  {photo1}

The second was an outside frame chassis with conventional valve gear for the London and Lough Swilly Railway's Hudswell Clarke 4-6-2T tank locomotive – a brand new kit from Worsley Works. {photo 2}

"North west" groups Zoom meeting 21st August, 2023 cont/d.

Both Garry and Philip had purchased special editions of the PECO L&B van.
Garry's was a very limited edition WHHR '590' van and Philip the more widely available 'Purple Moose' variant.

Bob had been busy with a variety of donkeys and carts for a street scene on St-Trojan. He'd also completed a third Corpet-Louvert loco, running on a Roco chassis, as no 22. The last of the coaches had been widened including the addition of new balcony ends constructed in brass. He's also had the opportunity, whilst on holiday, to photograph some of the few remaining railway buildings on the Ile d'Oéron.
Later Bob showed us some photos of the CdN Association museum site at Boutdeville along with the former station at St Brieuc and some notable bridges of the line.

David E. had had acquired a Wills halt building that he'd painted for use in a future project.

David H. showed us some new models from Model Engine Works including a German Plettenberg box tram that ran on the Small England chassis, a Schull & Skibbereen tram loco (early version) that had been printed and completed by Jamie, along with a chassis for the T&D Hunslet tram loco No 4.

Ian had now painted his England variant loco from Fourdees and there is going to be an item on his new layout Tapp in the October edition of the 009 News.

Paul M. had purchased a model of the Hornby Wayside Halt building that he thought would come in handy at some point. Also an Atkinson Walker steam tractor (Philip had another 'version' of this loco from a different manufacturer) and was adapting some Hornby Mcvities vans for use on the narrow gauge.

Tony asked if anyone was available to help with operating Grimbledon Down at the Hazel Grove MRE on Sunday 29th October. There were no takers at the meeting but if you could help please contact Tony either directly or via me (Paul T).

"North west" groups Zoom meeting 21st August, 2023 cont/d.

Paul T gave a quick update on his new layout Clogher including a look at the station building which will be a challenge in card. There was some discussion on possible techniques of construction, roof pitch, etc. (David H. offered to look at Alan's photos and help with the design and soon produced a scale resource to help aid construction to scale.)
There were a couple of photos of the final design print of the CdN van (wagon couvert) and loco photos taken on a recent visit to the W&L Rly.

The card mock up of Clogher Station building:

"North west" groups Zoom meeting 21st August, 2023 cont/d.

Sir Drefaldwyn running on the W&L Rly, Saturday 19th August, 2023, at Welshpool station. The loco has recently returned to service.

"North west" groups Zoom meeting 21st August, 2023 cont/d.

The next meetings are planned as follows:
Saturday September 30th at Greenfield Methodist Church in the afternoon.
   Wednesday October 19th (provisional) in Grasscroft at 8.00pm.

And at a date to be agreed in November – Zoom meeting.

s.p.t. 5-9-23.

16 October
For some reason or other, in the period since I last updated these reports,  the forum software has lost all the images from this thread and the Card SIG thread. It appears that the only option fo rme is to re-upload them all...

This may take some time...
HN

Oldham Group meeting 30th September, 2023.

Twelve group members were present for the meeting, Alan C., Alan G., Bob, Charlie, David E., David H., Peter, Raymond, Rob, Ron, Tony and Paul.
4 apologies had been received from Alan S., Hugh, Mark, & Phil.

Below is a photo report of the meeting. I think I got to see most of the models on display and my apologies if I missed anything.

Alan C brought along some Isle of Man stock (00n3) – No 1 Sutherland with a couple of coaches and the ex CDR railcars using some parts of the Anbrico kits.

Oldham Group meeting 30th September, 2023. cont/d.

Alan G. also had locos to run on the 00n3 track. Three new builds, The 'Countess of Antrim', an 0-6-0ST; a Ballymena & Larne 2-4-2T and a Worsley Works Hudswell 4-6-2T from the L&LSR (photos show the latter two).

Oldham Group meeting 30th September, 2023. cont/d.

Bob had brought his TTm layout St-Trojan-les-Bains, a terminus on the metre gauge lines that served the island of Oléron off the coast of France. The layout has made good progress and is now close to completion.

Oldham Group meeting 30th September, 2023. cont/d.

Charlie had an eclectic mix of stock which included some of his Indian railway locos, one seen below with what can only be described as a mixed train.

Oldham Group meeting 30th September, 2023. cont/d.

David H. brought along many of the recent Model Engine Works models in TTn3, 009 and 00n3. A selection are shown below, some of which are in the development stage.
00n3 – Ilen and Ida from the Schull & Skibbereen Railway. Both use a Halling chassis (IDENT-VAR-H0M)

Oldham Group meeting 30th September, 2023. cont/d.

... and some freelance locos and coaches. The locos us the Kato England chassis. (I should have checked the coach roof! It does fit.) {first photo}

... and two locos under development – they also use the England chassis. {second and third photos}

Oldham Group meeting 30th September, 2023. cont/d.

David E. brought two wagons that will make up a track clearance train and had found a small model of a tree shredder which will be placed on another wagon, a significant find for the project.

Raymond had fixed up a demonstration of delayed action uncoupling in use with 009 stock. It used a dropper and pin carefully placed on couplings and an electromagnet. This worked very well.

Paul had set up the Clogher Station boards which use Annascaul fiddle yards. All seemed to operate well once he'd worked out the direction of the switches for on and off!
There is still some woodwork tasks to complete and then work will move onto painting and ballasting the track.

He'd also provided 3 trains to run on the layout including the Cotés-du-Nord Blanc-Misseron tram loco with a short CdN goods train.

Oldham Group meeting 30th September, 2023. cont/d.

The next meetings are planned as follows:
   Wednesday October 19th in Grasscroft at 8.00pm.
   Wednesday November 8th on Zoom (t.b.c.)


s.p.t. 3-10-23

Oldham Group meeting 18th October, 2023.

Four group members were present for the meeting, Alan G., Charlie, David E., and Paul who had braved the beginnings of Storm Brabet to reach Grasscroft.
4 apologies had been received from Alan S., Bob, Peter and Phillip.

The 009/00n3 test track was out for use.

Alan brought to the meeting a chassis for a new build loco – the 0-6-4T King Edward from the Cavan & Leitrim Railway. This ran very smoothly along the track. The next task was to complete the body for the loco.

Charlie showed us a redesigned Sierra Leone style Hunslet which made use of the Dundas kit with significant alterations. It runs on the Fort Whiting layout. It currently uses an adapted Fleischmann 2-8-4 chassis. Unusually neither chassis present ran well for any length of time despite fettling so Charlie was considering 'Plan C' for an alternative chassis.
Running well was a small French railcar using an old style Kato chassis and a new project for a brake van in colonial style that had it's origins with a Chris Ward 3D print.

Paul had been busy continuing with the woodwork for the Clogher layout so had completed very little modelling. He had decided for 'relief' to recommence one of the buildings on Melton Market and had added 'paper' timber to the ends as a first step towards completion (by the end of November??).

The Bachmann 'Charles' trundled around the track with a rake of wagons and this focused some discussion on ready to run 009 and kits. There was also discussion about the highly successful Statfold 50th Anniversary exhibition and the forthcoming 009 village at the Warley MRE at the NEC.

The next meeting is planned as follows:
Wednesday November 8th on Zoom – back to the 2nd Wednesday of the month. Details to be circulated the weekend before.

s.p.t. 25-10-23

Oldham & NW groups meeting 8th November, 2023.

Fourteen group members were present for the meeting, Alan G., Alan S., Andrew, Darryl, David E., David, Garry, Hugh, John, Stuart, Tony, Paul M., and Paul T. We were pleased to welcome Paul Ta to his first meeting.
Three apologies had been received from Bob, Ian and Phillip.

Alan G.'s latest model is of the Cavan and Leitrim Railways 0-6-4T locomotive King Edward. He had already built the chassis but he found that on making the body the water tank sides do not totally hide the gearbox. This will cause the gearbox to be seen under the boiler. Alan is now making different templates from card and rolling them to the boiler's shape to see if this problem can be overcome, before he makes a boiler out of brass sheet.

Oldham & NW groups meeting 8th November, 2023. cont/d.

Alan S. had constructed a Leek and Manifold Light Railway transporter wagon from various resources with the help of plans from Gratton's book
on the line. {photos}

He'd also constructed, mostly from card, a Glyn Valley Tramway tar wagon.

Oldham & NW groups meeting 8th November, 2023. cont/d.

Andrew showed us a number of photos of new developments on his 009 layout which included track laying for the lower station, a carriage shed (ex Ratio) that was under construction, and engine shed (Bachmann) and an adapted industrial building (Metcalf) that had been completed with an extension along with other new features around the landscape.

John reported: "Garry had kindly offered to build a heavy hauler for Ghylldale's stone trains a long time ago; probably when we first began exhibiting together.  Time and other commitments meant that other matters intervened.
Imagine my delight and gratitude, when Garry gave this locomotive to me during a Boys' Away Day earlier this summer.
Garry named it "IONICUS", the pseudonym of the artist Jos Armitage. It was he who coined the name "Ghylldale" for the fictional village in cover illustrations for Yorkshire Dalesman magazine in the '50s and '60s.
Thanks are also due to Charlie Insley who helped Garry finish the model, including the beautiful lining."

Oldham & NW groups meeting 8th November, 2023. cont/d.

Darryl talked us through a number of projects and purchases. He intends to show us progress with his 'Boat yard, 1920's' layout at the next meeting. Additionally he'd bought a near indestructible radio controlled light aircraft and the grandchildren enjoyed playing with his ancient Hornby tin plate 0 gauge in the garden.

Tony had exhibited Grimbledon Down (009) at the Hazel Grove MRE at the end of October. We were able to see photos of various layouts in different gauges and scales. The standard of layouts on display was impressive. Tony thanked Paul T. for his help on Saturday and Paul Ta. for his help on Sunday.

{Photo:} Two Oldham group characters with the layout, Tony left, Paul T right. I had asked Tony for a suitable caption but it was a little non-PC...

Oldham & NW groups meeting 8th November, 2023. cont/d.

Paul T. showed several ongoing projects including his latest build of the Dundas Models Snailbeach hopper wagon. {Pic06}
Paul asked the question "Is this the most difficult of the Dundas kits to make?" There was a chorus of "yes!" ~ No dissenting voices.
A report on progress next meeting.

Stuart admitted to having 5 to build...

Progress had been made with the new Clogher layout and all the major items of woodwork have now been completed. Next steps are painting track and sleepers, laying the platforms and ballasting. {Pic07}

Oldham & NW groups meeting 8th November, 2023. cont/d.

There was plenty of discussion on modelling matters, the 50th Anniversary exhibition at Statfold, the forthcoming 009 village at Warley and other upcoming exhibitions.

The next meeting will be held on Zoom on Wednesday December 13th starting at 8.00pm. Joining details will be circulated the weekend before.

s.p.t. 13-11-23

Oldham & NW groups meeting 13th December, 2023.

Twelve group members were present for the meeting, Alan, Andrew, Charlie, Darryl, David E., Hugh, Ian, Paul M., Philip, Stuart, Tony and Paul T.
Apologies had been received from Alan S. & Bob.

Paul began the meeting with a short reflection on Garry. He had been attending Oldham group meetings since February 2008 and was a good friend to many of us. He had attended our last Zoom meeting in November and whilst we knew he wasn't well I don't think any of us had expected his passing to happen so soon.

Paul had posted an appreciation of Garry to group members.

He will notify those at the meeting of funeral details when he had received them and will attend on behalf of the group if at all possible.

Alan had made progress with his model of King Edward, a Cavan & Leitrim 0-6-4T. He had overcome the protruding gearbox problem. He has managed to do this by changing the shape of the boiler wrapper and the Walschaerts valve gear cover so they hide the gearbox from view. Some of the boiler fittings have been added to the locomotive but there is still a lot of work left to do to complete the model.


pic1.jpg

Oldham & NW groups meeting 13th December, 2023. cont/d.

Charlie showed us progress with several projects. He began the presentation with a photo of Garry receiving his Life Membership at the Society AGM in 2008, a happy time.

We saw photos of Fort Whiting at Warley on which much of the stock running belonged to Rob.

His current major project is a modified build of a Roxy Cyprus tender loco, using a Minitrix 2-10-0 chassis converted to a 4-8-0, to create a new colonial loco.

Other projects lined up included several Fourdees 3D prints which use the Bachmann quarry Hunslet chassis.

We look forward to seeing these models develop.

Darryl showed us progress with his layout 'Boat Yard, 1920's'. He had constructed a length of quayside and had a boat to go with it. Next time we'll see the lighthouse he's constructed.

Ian had constructed a tram loco kit from Fourdees. It runs on the Kato 109 chassis. It is made up of four different parts. The internal cab and boiler detail is comprehensive though when completed is hidden. The roof has been made detachable to view this detail.

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Oldham & NW groups meeting 13th December, 2023. cont/d.

Paul M. had several projects on the go involving adaptation of models such as a Bedford bus made into a railcar (with a Kato 110 chassis), some Lima HO BR fruit vans (using PECO wagon chassis's) as narrow gauge stock, a Dundas Welsh Highland coach to be adapted into a railcar and a Matchbox diesel loco also to become a narrow gauge shunting loco.

Philip has started an extension to Lockwood Wharf and has constructed a large brick kiln that will be positioned close to the tracks. Inspired by an example he saw on the visit to the West Lancs Light Railway (organised by Stan) he's also built a rail mounted burger van.

Tony has been busy with several projects including adding couplings to his ex TT Triang tank wagons and is working on 'whole train stock boxes' using the widely available plastic pencil/crayon boxes. He'll sort out some padding to keep the stock safe in transit.


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The tank wagons before couplings attached.

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(Box being checked for stock.)

Oldham & NW groups meeting 13th December, 2023. cont/d.

Paul T. gave an update on the construction of the Dundas Snailbeach hopper wagon, the current progress on the final half timbered building for Melton Market and a card mock up for the T&D Railway loco 4T as built (the Castlegregory branch loco) which will become a new 3D print for 00n3.

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Wagon held down with Blu-tak to help with attaching strapping. Note 1: nothing completely square! Note 2: Strap should really rest on sole bar!

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Oldham & NW groups meeting 13th December, 2023. cont/d.

Charlie, Hugh and Paul showed photos of various layouts exhibited in the '009 village' at the recent Warley Model Railway exhibition, a successful event for the Society.

The next meeting will be held on Zoom on Wednesday 17th January (t.b.c.) starting at 8.00pm. Joining details will be circulated the weekend before.

s.p.t. 21-12-23

Oldham & NW groups meeting 17th January, 2024.

Fifteen group members were present for the meeting, Alan G., Alan S., Bob, Charlie, Darryl, David E., David H., Hugh, Ian, Paul M., Philip, Stuart, Tony and Paul T. We were pleased to welcome Stephen to his first meeting.
An apology had been received from Richard.

Alan G. has now completed his model of the Cavan and Leitrim 0-6-4T locomotive King Edward. He has spray painted the locomotive in the original C&L emerald green livery with red lining. He has added the large headlamp and cowcatcher which were features on the locomotive when it was first supplied to the C&L railway.

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Oldham & NW groups meeting 17th January, 2024. cont/d.

Bob showed his 1:100 Côtes du Nord Blanc-Misséron loco, using a print from Ivan industries, kindly re-scaled from a 1:87 design by Ivan.  He also showed recent progress on scenery for St-Trojan, including a small vineyard built using modified parts from a Busch HO kit.

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Oldham & NW groups meeting 17th January, 2024. cont/d.

Charlie showed us some photos of his canal side layout Kinwardine Wharf which had recently been exhibited. There was also progress with a number of locos including a repainted Minitrains Henschel, a Narrow Planet O&K 0-4-0T and a Fourdees Pioneer that ran on the Bachmann quarry Hunslet chassis.

Darryl had made progress with the lighthouse with flashing light. A decorator (with moving arm) will be painting the door. He'd also fitted a smoke generator to one of the moored boats and there was a speaker available that played a number of sounds including market sounds and sea gulls.

David E. showed us photos of a Joe Works wagon kit he had recently built, also a 3mm scale salt wagon that he'd acquired with thoughts of making it into a works wagon.

David H. had progressed the project for T&D No 4 (a tram loco) and showed us prints from his own 3D printing machine and Shapeways. He'd also designed and printed a model of the Grade 2 listed tram shelter found in Huddersfield (please contact David if you are interested in a print of this structure).

Paul M. showed us a number of projects that he'd commenced. He'd modified an Eggerbahn coach with the intention of creating a tram for a possible tramway layout. He'd also modified two Hornby vans to create a narrow gauge bogie wagon and was modifying a Kato chassis to fit under the diecast diesel loco body.

Philip had bought two 009 models that needed completing or some tlc. One was a VoR 2-6-2T loco (Chivers kit) and the other a L&B 2-6-2T. He asked if anyone had photos of the top of a VoR loco to help with the locating of pipework. (Images were later provided by Bob and Stuart which were most helpful).

As you can see from the photo below Philip has started to make some progress with the detailing.

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Oldham & NW groups meeting 17th January, 2024. cont/d.

Stephen had built a small mixed gauge layout (Tilling track) with 009 and H0 stock. He had also started a small 009 test track to try out an automatic electronic project. Hopefully we'll see more of this at a future meeting.

Stuart had built a new baseboard for his next 009 project and had made good progress with indexing the articles in the 009 News for the Society.
At Statfold he'd purchased one of the Society's Anniversary vans. Unfortunately one set of wheels didn't run true so he contacted PECO and replacement arrived a couple of days later showing excellent customer service.

Tony had received a model of a Golf Mk2 GTI as a present. It was remarkably similar to the 12"/ft version in his garage.

Paul reported on several projects that were inching forward.

There had been progress with the half-timbered building on Melton Market that was currently the focus of attention for completion.

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Several ideas were discussed on how to tackle the brick-built station building at Clogher which will be a significant modelling challenge if it is to be completed more or less accurately.

There was also discussion on the use of super fine N gauge ballast and fine 00 ballast, both from Geoscenics of Warrington. It was decided that the fine 00 ballast worked best.

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(Left N gauge fine scale, right 00 fine ballast)

Oldham & NW groups meeting 17th January, 2024. cont/d.
Thank you to Alan, Bob, Philip and Stuart for their help with this report.

The next meeting will be held on Zoom on Wednesday 14th February starting at 8.00pm. Joining details will be circulated the weekend before.

s.p.t. 30-1-24

Oldham & NW groups meeting 14th February, 2024.

Twelve group members were present for the meeting, Alan G., Bob, Charlie, Darryl, David E., Hugh, Ian, Paul M., Richard, Rob, Tony and Paul T.
Apologies had been received from Alan S., Andrew, David H., John, Philip, and Stuart.

Alan explained why he his replacing his LBER goods vans, as the first ones he made are on display with the layout on exhibition at Burtonport. He outlined the method and materials he is going to use to rebuild this new L&BER rolling stock.

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Oldham & NW groups meeting 14th February, 2024. cont/d.

Bob had been busy completing a few details on his St-Trojan layout, and then photographing it with a view to submitting an article to Voie Libre magazine, and another article to 009 News.  He showed a selection of these pictures at the meeting.

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Oldham & NW groups meeting 14th February, 2024. cont/d.

Charlie updated us on a number of loco projects including Indianising a Fourdees 'Windle' loco for the future Indian branch line railway project and a Fordees 'Thames' loco. The former uses a quarry Hunslet chassis, the latter the Peter Sam chassis (which was noted as an excellent runner).

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Oldham & NW groups meeting 14th February, 2024. cont/d.

Darryl showed us several locos and items of road transport that he intended to use on his layout 'Boat yard 1920's'. He is also seeking information about timber storage and posed the question is it ok to lend a layout for exhibition to give a novice exhibitor a chance to test the waters? The discussion that followed was not conclusive!

Oldham & NW groups meeting 14th February, 2024. cont/d.

Hugh had purchased a "farmyard accessory" pack from one of the traders at Statfold which he has now constructed. It consisted of laser cut wood and card for a rabbit hutch, small kennel and a shed. It has made some interesting models that will find their way onto Angst-Lesspork.

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Oldham & NW groups meeting 14th February, 2024. cont/d.

Richard showed us various projects including a recently completed model of Kerr Stuart 4415. "The body is a free download from Thingyverse.  It was printed by David Malton for me and he also provided laser cut wooden screens using the printer at PECO.  I added the vac hoses from the spares box and the piping round the side is brass wire.  The radiator (in the cab) is white metal from a showman's generator kit and the hand brake from brass tube and wire.  The 3d print file doesn't include a roof so this one is brass.  Works plates from Light Railway Stores.  Runs on a Kato 109 chassis. Weight is provided by two 5g adhesive wheel balance weights stuck inside the bonnet. Couplings from Tramfabriek."

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Oldham & NW groups meeting 14th February, 2024. cont/d.

Rob had been working on a modification to the landscape at the end of the turntable on Turtle Bay so that some of the larger locos – the DHR pacific in particular – could be turned after their shift. He'd also added night time lighting for use at home (full moon!) and had added several bogie vans for fruit and fish based on a model from the Westcliff Wagon Works.

Oldham & NW groups meeting 14th February, 2024. cont/d.

Tony had added drystone walls (manufactured by Javis) to Grimbledon Down. "They really do make a huge difference to the layout. Looking forward to seeing the sheep installed."

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Oldham & NW groups meeting 14th February, 2024. cont/d.

Paul T had completed a project with one of the buildings for Melton Market (and within a year of the start!) bar the downpipe. He is currently focused on progressing Clogher for NGN – the tasks seem to take longer than planned. It will definitely be a work in progress at the exhibition...

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Oldham & NW groups meeting 14th February, 2024. cont/d.

David H. had sent his apologies but we did have photos of the T&D Hunslet No 4 to look at. The models were making good progress and will debut at NGN on Clogher. The loco will run as an 0-4-2T.

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Oldham & NW groups meeting 14th February, 2024. cont/d.

Philip had also sent his apologies but did send photos of his latest 009 projects. He'd finished two locos that he'd purchased as 'nearly completed'. One was a Stenning L&B 2-6-2T and the other a VoR 2-6-2T. Philip passed on his thanks to Bob and Stuart for the help he'd received for piping up the VoR loco.

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Oldham & NW groups meeting 14th February, 2024. cont/d.


At Narrow Gauge North, Pudsey – 9th March - Charlie is exhibiting Roger Christian's South West Lancs Light Railway (009), Tony is exhibiting Grimbledon Down (009) and Paul is exhibiting Clogher (00n3).

The next meeting will be held on Zoom on Wednesday 13th March (confirmed) starting at 8.00pm. Joining details will be circulated the weekend before.

s.p.t. 17-2-24

Oldham & NW groups Zoom meeting 13th March, 2024.

Fifteen group members were present for the meeting, Alan S., Andrew, Bob, Charlie, Darryl, David E., David H., Hugh, Ian, John, Paul M., Paul Ta., Stuart, Tony and Paul T.
Apologies had been received from Alan G., and Philip.

Alan S. shared some photos of the progress he'd made with his shelf layout which included a small hut and a first try out at building a tree (which was successful). His future plans were also discussed.

Andrew showed us a couple of videos of his layout in operation. This now forms a through route, with gradients from the low to high level and return, allowing trains to complete a full and interesting circuit.

Bob was making a decision on future stock for St-Trojan. Possibly a Pinguely or a loco that ran on the Portuguese narrow gauge. Other ideas included an early French battery powered railcar or a bogie saloon coach.

Charlie had built a Donegal style railcar (from M.E.W.) for operation on 'Winter Overcoats'. This involved a modification to the non-motorised end and was painted in GWR style (the line being a narrow gauge branch of the GWR). He'd also built a Roxy Cyprus 2-6-0 for use with this layout.
Other projects included Nigel Brooks stock kits that were fine quality prints and a Fourdees 'Pioneer' loco.

Darryl had had a rethink on the "Boatyard 1920's" layout and had decided to introduce a tramway using components from the 'Uni-track' system that he had in store.

David E. had completed the resin bodied wagon we'd seen at a previous meeting. It had been carefully weathered though the cruel lens of the digital camera managed to find place where a couple of touch ups were required (... and David pointed this out to us, I doubt we would have noticed otherwise).

David H. showed us 3 recently completed locos. One was based on the NCC compounds that ran on the 3' lines to Larne and Ballycastle; another was a German box tram loco; and the final loco was a rework of the M.E.W. Peckett. All ran on the Kato England chassis which suited the locos well. We also saw the 3' gauge T&D No 4 which David had printed on a filament printer, the quality of the print impressed.

Hugh had been presented with some 4mm scale 'characters' at NGN and several will find a place on Angst-Lesspork. He'd also been given a print of the Grade 2 listed tram shelter found close to Huddersfield (courtesy of David Hurst) which he is planning to start work on soon. It is an interesting structure with loads of character which is probably why it is listed.

Ian showed us a few photos that he had taken of 009 layouts at NGN. [A very successful exhibition, raising £3,000 for the Wheatfields Hospice in Leeds. The next show is planned (provisionally) for Saturday 8th March, 2025.]

Stuart had been working on a coach for his garden railway, 16mm gauge I think, and we could see the progress he'd made to date. [Definitely not 009!]

Tony had been busy working on Grimbledon Down and had added drystone walls (Javis) and sheep (various suppliers) and these two details had made a significant visual impact to the layout. It may become a home based layout in future as the baseboards are a little unwieldy.

Paul T updated the group with progress made on Clogher following some sustained work on the layout leading up to NGN.

As ever some useful discussion on the narrow gauge, both from the real world and in model form.

The next meeting will be held in Grasscroft
on Wednesday 10th April starting at 8.00pm.

A meeting is planned at Greenfield Methodist Church on a Saturday afternoon in May and once a date has been confirmed it will be circulated to Oldham group members.

s.p.t. 27-3-24

Thank you for posting the meeting report Hugh - very comprehensive.

Just one query please - "Charlie had built a Donegal style railcar (from M.E.W.) "

I can't find anything on good old Google to give me a clue as to what M.E.W. is, can you expand please?

Thanks

Mick

Model Engine Works (https://www.shapeways.com/shops/model-engine-works) perhaps?

Thats David Hurst  aka David H.  on the thread.
Garry W., had a number of his locos.

Stan.

Thanks Julien and Stan, that makes sense!

I am familiar with Garry's collection of them - They have always appeared too small for me, I think they have been proportionally reduced overall to something less than HO scale for 009 and even my little roving reporter railcar looks large alongside one of the artic Donegal railcars.

I think the way that Roger reduced the length of a pair of Worsley Donegal artic etches for 009 was a better approach personally.

Mick

Ah yes, sorry about that, Mick. In my defence: "I just put the report on the forum... Paul T types them up!" I'll have to remember to proof-read them nect time!  <grin>

P.S.
It is gratifying to know that these reports get read.

Oldham group meeting 10th April, 2024.

Seven group members were present in Grasscroft for the meeting: Bob, David, Hugh, John, Peter, Tony and Paul.
Apologies had been received from Alan G., Alan S, Andrew, Ian and Philip.

Bob brought along his 3mm version of the Côtes-du-Nord Blanc Misseron, a very smartly finished loco. This runs on a very shortened Kato chassis and did a number of runs around the test track. Paul organised a photo line up with his 3.5mm and 4mm models (see below).
Bob also had completed a new wagon couvert that was an accurate model (unlike the 3D prints available) of those that ran on the network of Ile d'Oléron. There are plans to construct a few more.

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Oldham group meeting 10th April, 2024. cont/d.

David showed us the wagon he'd completed recently that was a £1 purchase from the Society sales stand. It was possibly an ex 3mm scale salt wagon. It will run as a tool wagon.

Hugh brought along several models we'd seen at previous Zoom meetings. These included the laser cut kits for rabbit hutch, dog kennel and shed – the detail was very fine.

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He had also completed the Huddersfield tram shelter, a 3D print by David H. Roof slates made from card had been fitted, the interior was finished with posters and waiting passengers and the exterior painted in red and white as per the real, Grade 2 listed, structure. A quality job in all respects.

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Oldham group meeting 10th April, 2024. cont/d.

John brought along his Garratt 'Ionicus' which was a gift from Garry Whiting. Charlie had completed the painting of this model. It's a very smart loco and will look just the part on Ghylldale.

Tony showed us his converted Land Rover that had featured in the latest edition of the 009 News – inspired by a photo in a book he'd been given. It ran beautifully on the Kato bo-bo shorty chassis and pulled along a scratch built open wagon. We were also able to examine his Snailbeach hopper wagons printed by Nigel Brooks. No issues with squareness with these. They are very detailed prints (fortunately they come with wheels inserted). They will require careful handling so that the small features are not damaged.

Paul had completed the Dundas Snailbeach hopper wagon purchased at Statfold at the Society's 50th Anniversary exhibition. This ran round the test track with his other 3 Snailbeach hoppers. All are slightly different and "not quite right" in all respects!
The 00n3 T&D No 4 tram loco ran up and down the test track with a van and a wagon. Progress is being made with this model from David H. (Model Engine Works) with some added detail, internal weighting and couplings.

Also out was the n.e. baseboard of Clogher which, since NGN, has further landscaping added and the board exit had been constructed.

Oldham group meeting 10th April, 2024. cont/d.

The next meeting will be held at Greenfield Methodist Church on Saturday 11th May in the downstairs hall. Start is around 1.30pm – 2.00pm. Refreshments will be provided. A contribution to hall hire will be appreciated.
There are a number of tables available for us to use and if anyone can bring a layout, module or items for display that will be appreciated – please "book" a table with Paul.

s.p.t. 25-4-24

Oldham group meeting 11th May 2024.

Twelve group members were present at Greenfield Methodist Church for the meeting: Alan C., Alan S., Charlie, David H., Hugh, Mark, Paul M., Philip, Raymond, Rob, Tony and Paul T.

Apologies had been received from Alan G., Andrew, Bob, David E., Ian and Peter.

This is unapologetically a predominately photo report.

Alan C. brought along 4 of his Blackpool trams, hand built and painted in 5.5mm scale. Predominately constructed from hardboard, balsa and plastic card...

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Alan had also showed his two new build narrow gauge locos in 5.5mm scale – Midlander from the Tal-y-llyn Railway and the Dinorwig quarry Hunslet Maid Marion. The former runs on a Mike Chinnery chassis, the latter on a Halling motor bogie adapted with motion (as seen in the 009 News a short while back).

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Oldham group meeting 11th May 2024. cont/d.

David H showed us his 'Littlethorpe Mill' layout on which models from Model Engine Works were displayed.

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We were able to view again his small Peckett which runs on a Kato England chassis. This won the prize for best '3D printed model to own design' in the Society AGM competition.

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We got to see his prize of a Hayai-Go rocket vehicle in action. The golden sphere was the presentation package. David designed and printed the carrying frame which had been fitted with carefully radiused track and flashing lights. Superb.

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(Hugh may have added video of the rocket in action to these notes in the Society Forum.)

Also on Littlethorpe Mill was Charlie's modified Co. Donegal style railcar (Model Engine Works) built for use on Winter Overcoats.

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Oldham group meeting 11th May 2024. cont/d.

Rob brought along the layout 'el Tortuga' (the Tortoise) based on a minor narrow gauge line in Spain (in H0e). The layout had been built by Don Sibley in the early 1980's and did feature in the Continental Modeller. It had latterly been in the ownership of Garry Whiting – none of us were aware of this.

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A little restoration is required in places but considering it is 40 years old the layout has aged exceedingly well.

Exhibition will be a joint project with Charlie who brought along most of the stock for the layout seen during the afternoon.



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Oldham group meeting 11th May 2024. cont/d.


More El Tortuga...

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Note the dog kennel under the tree!

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Oldham group meeting 11th May 2024. cont/d.

Tony brought along a section of RAF Windy Bottom. The shed, back wall and signal box are made from Airfix kits and took inspiration from the shed and box at Moretonhampstead.
There is some electrical work to complete before this section is fully operational.

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Oldham group meeting 11th May 2024. cont/d.

And on the test track:

Charlie showed us a model of a Garrett built by Garry Whiting. It is based on an example that ran in Cuba and used bagasse for fuel (if memory serves me correctly).

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Oldham group meeting 11th May 2024. cont/d.

And on the test track:

Hugh had brought along a tram loco from Model Engine Works that uses the Kato England chassis. This was accompanied by two tram coaches from Fourdees. The tram hut was printed by David H, based on the Grade 2 listed shelter in Huddersfield and completed by Hugh.

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Oldham group meeting 11th May 2024. cont/d.

And on the test track:


Philip had a couple of RhB railcars (Bernina Bahn), one as running today and the other as it had been converted as a works car. Models by BEMO.

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Philip also showed his VoR 2-6-2T and a Glyn Valley Tramway Beyer Peacock 0-4-2T, a 3D print by Nigel Brooks (and accompanied by Tisdale coaches built by Charlie from Fourdees).

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Oldham group meeting 11th May 2024. cont/d.

And on the test track:

Finally David H's T&D Hunslet No 4 ran on a section of Paul's developing layout Clogher.

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The next meeting will be in June on Zoom, date yet to be decided. Following that a meeting in July in Grasscroft (dta), a Zoom meeting in August and a meeting at Greenfield in September (prob 28th).


s.p.t. May 2024

Oldham group meeting 11th May 2024. cont/d.

Prompted by the notes, here is the video of the Kato rocket car....

Oldham/NW groups meeting 19th June, 2024.

Nine group members attended the Zoom meeting: Alan, Bob, Darryl, David E., David H., Hugh, Ian, Tony and Paul T.

Apologies had been received from Paul M. (computer issues), Richard and Stuart.

Alan had commenced the construction of the Beyer Peacock 2-6-0ST, known as The Bruiser, which ran on the Ballymena and Larne Railway. The chassis is almost complete.
He also shared his experiences of riding on the 891mm gauge heritage line in Gotland ("Swedish 3' ").

Bob talked us through a number of projects he intends to complete for running on the St-Trojan station model.
His eye had been caught by the EC Accumulator Railcars that ran on several metre gauge lines in France during the late 1920's and 1930's.
Using a drawing in Voi Libre he has constructed a model of one that ran on one of the CdFd Charente routes.
The auto rail was built from plastic card and powered by a Tomytec chassis. Another very smartly completed model to add to the CdFd I'ile de Oléron fleet.

Darryl had moved out of storage a tram layout he'd not run for 6 years. Both the narrow gauge and standard gauge trams tried out ran well. The standard gauge line is out and back, whilst the narrow gauge is a loop with sharp curves at each end.

David E. had revisited a number of his diesel locos for a repaint in a shade of red. Most were 3D prints and one was a Kerr Stuart diesel loco.
He is working on an 009 layout at his local model railway club, set in WW1.

David H. had purchased from the sales stand a N gauge 2-6-2T, an LMS 4MT, a loco similar to those that pulled the spoil trains connected with the construction of the M1 near Belfast. He'd designed and printed the spoil wagons used – they will be suitable for 009 as well. David had also constructed a body of a narrow gauge style 4MT that fitted on top of the Farish body, not a far cry from the 3' loco adapted by the LMS to run on the Ballymena and Larne Railway.

Hugh had completed a census of people on Angst-Lesspork with a couple of aerial photos which were printed out and a head count made. When loco crew and coach passengers are totalled there are in excess of 200 people and others (characters?), plus horses. An impressive total.
He'd also going to add an additional 3 monks dressed in a similar way to Buddhist monks, adapted from Noch monks.

Tony had not had the opportunity to follow up on any of his modelling projects but was able to tell us about two very different train journeys. One was 'The Fellsman', hauled by Sir Nigel Gresley, from Crewe to Carlise via the Settle & Carlisle Railway. This was very much enjoyed and recommended. The other was a nightmare journey to Glasgow with Avanti West Coast involving 3 different trains between Warrington and Glasgow (fortunately the return journey was better).

Paul had two new photos of Clogher station (via Alan and courtesy of Charles Friel) and another in non-cropped format which were very helpful with further details on the station site. Certain assumptions made for the layout are now questionable and the cattle dock will need modifying to make it more accurate (or less inaccurate).
The car in one of the photos was a Vauxhall 14 (thank you Ian). [No one makes a model of this vehicle but the Wolseley Super 6 sat in a box may be an acceptable substitute.]
Photos showing progress with one of the layout boards were shown and the T&D tram loco No 4 had also made some progress – most additional wire work having been completed.


The next meeting will be in July in Grasscroft (prob 24th),
a Zoom meeting on August 14th (confirmed)
and a meeting at Greenfield in September (prob. 28th).


s.p.t. June 2024

Oldham group meeting 24th July, 2024

Seven group members attended the meeting in Grasscroft on Wednesday 24th July – Alan G., David E., Hugh, John, Peter, Tony and Paul.

There were apologies from Alan S., Bob, Charlie, David H. and Philip.

Alan G showed us the chassis he is building for the Beyer Peacock 2-6-0ST 'The Bruiser' that ran on the Ballymena and Larne Railway. It ran up and down the 00n3 test track very smoothly. The challenge will be the body with saddletank. We look forward to seeing more at a future date.

David E brought along a couple of diesel loco bodies that he was repainting, trying out a different technique beginning with a base colour of yellow followed by a shade of red. The effect was very good, giving a jaded paint finish expected of a tired loco and I'd imagine it's a technique David will adopt again.

Hugh was developing some new board connectors to make the setting up and break down of Angst-Lesspork quicker and easier. This involved aluminium rod and 'R' clips, making the toil of using coach bolts and wing nuts redundant. {see https://www.009society.com/forum/index.php?topic=282.522 (https://www.009society.com/forum/index.php?topic=282.522) }

He was also modifying the mechanism that raised and lowered the witch in flight to make it more responsive in use in exhibition mode.

John brought along an ex Garry Whiting built Mallett loco that ran through its paces on the 009 test track. No running issues and it took the 9" radius curves with ease.

Tony had 3 locos and 3 coaches with him to run around the test track.
From the Bachmann stable were a Baguley-Drewry diesel in green, an ex Ashover coach and a pre-owned 'Charles' in mint condition bought at a healthy discount.
From Liliput (which is also Bachmann ...!) were a recent edition of the 0-4-0 dieselok and two coaches, one of which Tony intends to repaint so that he has a matching pair (I believe another coach has also been purchased and will also go into the paint shop).

Paul had one of the Clogher boards out, the final one in need of serious work before the Leigh exhibition. He had built the roadway with a surface for the level crossing.

He'd also nearly completed the T&D 0-4-2T no 4, a bi-cabine that ran on the Castlegregory branch. The model is the work of David Hurst and will go onto the Model Engine Works list at some point. The model had been printed by Shapeways (now in administration) and runs on a Halling motor bogie (not quite sure what's happening with Halling ...). It might be that the loco body may need adapting for a different motorised chassis, a case of watch this space. David may print the models on his own 3D printer or use another provider.

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The next meeting is on Zoom, 8.00pm, Wednesday 14th August, and joining details will be circulated at the weekend.

It is planned to have a meeting either later in September or early October at Greenfield Methodist Church. When a date has been decided group members will be notified.


s.p.t. 8-8-24.

Oldham & NW groups Zoom meeting 14th August, 2024.

Twelve group members attended the meeting on Zoom on Wednesday 14th August – Alan, Andrew, Bob, Charlie, David E., David H., Hugh, Ian, Paul M., Rob, Tony and Paul T.
There were apologies from Stuart and Philip.

Alan has completed the chassis on the Ballymena and Larne 2-6-0 saddle tank called the Bruiser that he is constructing. Alan now has to decide what is the best method of construction to use for the superstructure; either a separate boiler with the saddle tank fitting on top of the boiler, or a totally separate combined boiler and saddle tank.

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Oldham & NW groups Zoom meeting 14th August, 2024. cont/d

Andrew showed some photos of Swiss narrow gauge lines after his recent visit.  In particular a 750mm gauge loco with coupling similar to a standard 009 one

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Oldham & NW groups Zoom meeting 14th August, 2024. cont/d

Bob has completed examples of all types of Oléron freight stock for his St-Trojan layout.  The 3D-printed chassis's (his final order from Shapeways...) have scratch built low-sided bodies.  The bolsters are removable, like the originals.  The pair can carry long loads like timber, but a single wagon can be used for the more usual loads of wine barrels or sacks of salt or onions.  Bob also showed pictures of surviving buildings of the narrow gauge in Charente, following a holiday visit.

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Oldham & NW groups Zoom meeting 14th August, 2024. cont/d

Charlie had a number of loco and rolling stock projects to tell us about. From Precision Model Works (India) had had purchased a couple of 1:76 narrow gauge coaches. They are huge.
He is currently working on a Roxy Nasmyth Wilson 4-8-0 tender loco.
Completed loco projects included a Fourdees Secunda and a Barog both of which ran on the Peco/Kato England chassis.
He'd also purchased 2 large England's and a RNAD diesel, perfect to run on SW Lancs Light Railway.

David H. The picture shows a sample 3D print in 3mm scale of the Ulster Transport Spoil Wagon from the late 1960's, several scaled versions have been printer to see how they work, including an 009 version on Dundas 00n3 axles with 8mm diameter wheels regauged to 9mm.

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Oldham & NW groups Zoom meeting 14th August, 2024. cont/d

David E. showed us the various stages of painting a Viking diesel loco to try and give it a more realistic appearance. It started with bright green, dry brushed with yellow and then a coat of red. This was quite effective.

Ian had begun construction of a  Scalescenes.com boxfile layout kit. Track and inlays are now in place and clearances checked, the first of the buildings is starting to come together. He cheated slightly by buying a laser-cut card pack for the kit to cut down on the donkey work. Ian is still considering whether to add LEDs to illuminate the interiors of the buildings.

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Oldham & NW groups Zoom meeting 14th August, 2024. cont/d

Rob is working on a modified Roxy Toodos loco. We were able to see other loco's in his collection including a Paul Windle Kitson and another built by Garry Whiting. Additionally he'd modified a pre-owned bolster wagon to run on Turtle Bay.
For El Tortuga he'd purchased a Koppel loco from Jelly Models and it was perfect for Don Sibley's former layout.

Tony had been working on a trio of Snailbeach hopper wagons from Nigel Brooks. Following Roger Christian's lead he'd applied several tin coats of paint. All they required now were the fitting of couplings, light weathering, numbers and loads.



Paul T had made progress with the S.W. board of Clogher.
The road that led to Clogher had been completed as had certain scenic work.
Once the home signal has been installed the task of completing a cover of flock could be completed. (Thank you to Tony for the bail out with a packet of rough pasture to allow progress to continue).

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Paul had now completed the construction of the T&D tram loco no 4T with the exception of number plates.
The model had been develop[ed by David Hurst (Model Engine Works) and had been printed by Shapeways. It runs on the Halling motor bogie IDANT-VAR-Hom.
Once a decision has been made about future printing of the loco (as a result of the demise of Shapeways) it will be available to purchase.

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Oldham & NW groups Zoom meeting 14th August, 2024. cont/d

Future meeting dates for your diary:

    • Saturday 12th October. Greenfield Methodist Church hall. Time: 1.30pm – 4.30pm.

    • Wednesday 13th November. Grasscroft. Start at 8.00pm

    • Wednesday11th December. Oldham & NW groups Zoom meeting. Start at 8.00pm.


s.p.t. 19 Aug

Oldham Groups meeting 12th October, 2024.

Seven group members attended the meeting at Greenfield Methodist Church on Saturday 12th October – Bob, Charlie, David E., David H., Paul M., Tony and Paul T.

There were apologies from Alan C, Alan G., Andrew, John, Mark, Peter, Philip, Richard, and Rob.

Bob brought his layout St-Trojan-les-Bains (TTm) with a full selection of stock. This now has a cloud backscene behind the Perspex protector and a name board. It was good to see the 'Accumulator' battery powered railcar, previously discussed and seen at the Zoom meetings.
Here is a selection of photos from this highly scenic layout.

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(and one more...)
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Oldham Groups meeting 12th October, 2024. cont/d.

Charlie gave us the opportunity to see again the layout el Tortuga (H0e) by Don Sibley, another highly scenic layout. Charlie had provided appropriate stock.

This layout will be appearing at the 009 AGM next April.

Charlie had also brought along a couple of locos from Fourdees and a Langley WW1 Hunslet running on a Mallet chassis; these got a turn to run around the test track.

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Oldham Groups meeting 12th October, 2024. cont/d.

David H. had a selection of his recent loco prints that ran on the PECO/Kato England chassis and a Kato 11-110 motor unit that he's converted to 12mm gauge. This chassis was placed under a Skylark tram loco and ran very smoothly. Testing also took place on Wood Brook to check there were no issues running through the points.
(I'm not sure the van was properly on the track ...!)
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Paul M. brought along a selection of stock he had rebuilt or was in the process of reconstructing that had started out as standard gauge commercial models or H0e coaches.

Paul writes "There were 3 Eggerbahn Western Union coaches, 2 in green as railcars with repanelled body sides, and 1 in red primer, which was 2 coaches spliced together mounted on Dundas VoR bogies with a balsa roof.

The 3 bogie vans were made by cutting and shutting 1 1/2 Dapol gunpowder van bodies together, one with a peaked roof (card) & one with Dapol sides & a Dundas spare roof (DP08).  The spare doors from the gunpowder van were married with a shortened/narrowed Dapol Interfrigo van kit.  All of these run on PECO GR-106 arch bar bogies.

The remaining bodies were examples of standard gauge items that can be narrowed for 009/H0e, including a Hornby LMS milk van (4mm removed from centre), Rivarossi 4 wheel Italian coach (about 7mm removed from width, lower side repanelled with planked plasticard) and a Triang LWB open (red), about 2mm removed from that & mounted on the PECO bogies again".

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Oldham Groups meeting 12th October, 2024. cont/d.

Tony brought over his former exhibition layout Matthew and Son (009) which had been in store for a while. Various diesels and stock were put through their paces on the circuit of track. It was really good to see the layout again.
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Paul T brought two sections of Wood Brook (00n3) with a couple of locos from Model Engine Works and a little stock for shunting around. The photo shows David H's Skylark loco on regauged Kato 11-110 chassis on the layout.
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Oldham Groups meeting 12th October, 2024. cont/d.

The meeting was quite an exclusive event! Maybe we'll have to look more carefully at a date for the autumn meeting in the hall next year.

Thank you to every on who was able to attend, there was plenty to see and discuss.

The meeting raised £22 for the church, thank you for everyone's contributions.

The next meeting dates are:

At Grasscroft – Wednesday 13th November starting at 8.00pm

On Zoom – Wednesday 11th December starting at 8.00pm.


S.P.T.

Oldham Groups meeting 13th November, 2024.

Six group members attended the meeting in Grasscroft on Wednesday 13th November – Alan, Bob, David E., Peter, Tony and Paul.
There were apologies from Andrew, Charlie, David H., Mark and Philip.

Alan brought along his model of a Black Hawthorn 0-6-0 saddle tank he had constructed, 'The Countess of Antrim'. He showed some pictures of another 0-4-2 Black Hawthorn saddle tank he wanted to make where the rear wheel is smaller than the driving wheels but fixed in the frames. Various suggestions were discussed as to how a chassis such as this could be constructed so all six wheels would make contact with the track.

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Bob had brought 3 different railcars he'd constructed. Two, the accumulator railcar and 3D print Billard A80D were in 3mm scale and the third, a Sentinel railcar for his L&B layout in 4mm scale. All were given a test on the track (the Sentinel restricted to the straights as the 9" radius curves were too tight for this vehicle).

There was discussion on introducing rear wheel pick up to the accumulator railcar to improve running. A task to be accomplished in the forthcoming winter evenings.

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Accoumulator Railcar

Oldham Groups meeting 13th November, 2024. cnt/d.

Tony showed us a number of recent acquisitions including a Paul Windle freelance Hudswell Clarke on Bachmann (left) & a MD Models Skylark (right) on Bachmann Percy chassis along with a Billard loco tractor he was in the process of painting. In addition there was a small rake of Snailbeach hopper wagons, one a PECO, two from Nigel Brooks (3D printed) and one from Dundas. Tony spoke about the merits of each. All were given a run on the test track.

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Paul had set up one section of Clogher which now had in place the two similar (but not identical) water columns. These had been constructed from brass wire and tube, card, tissue paper, envelope address label and plasticine. The next task will be the challenging station building – and in card.

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The more challenging down platform water column.

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The up platform column.

Oldham Groups meeting 13th November, 2024. cont/d.

The next meeting will be held on Zoom. This will be on Wednesday 11th December, starting at 8.00pm. Joining details will be circulated nearer the time.

s.p.t. 20-11-24.

Oldham/NW Groups meeting 11th December, 2024.

Eleven group members attended the meeting on Zoom on Wednesday 11th December – Alan G., Andrew, Bob, Darryl, David H., Hugh, Paul M., Phillip, Tony and Paul T. We were pleased to welcome Allen H. to his first meeting.

There were apologies from David E., Ian, Peter and Stuart.

Alan G. explained why is next project is a Black Hawthorn 0-4-2 saddle tank from the Ballymena Cushendall and Red Bay Railway.  He has recently completed the chassis and described how he overcame the problem of the rear wheels being fixed in the frames and not a bogie.

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Allen H. showed us some hand made track he'd constructed in 9mm gauge including a point and cross over. His latest trackwork uses code 40 rail.

Andrew showed some pictures and a video of his recently completed left hand side of his railway.  To break up the long loop into the station rather than use an Abergalslyn tunnel he used a rock shelter as something different.  Like all model railways they are never fully finished and within days of starting to run train the pin on one of the seep motors sheared off.

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Oldham/NW Groups meeting 11th December, 2024. cont/d.

Bob had modified one of his scratch built French bogie railcars, to provide additional power pickup from the trailing bogie to improve running.  

He showed pictures of two attempts at split-axle wheel sets, and two bogie frame assemblies (the first attempt proved to be too wide to negotiate sharp curves).  This bogie, together with a modified pivot for the Tomytec chassis used as a power bogie allowed thin phosphor-bronze wires on the body at each end to carry power from the trailer bogie to the motor.  Initial running trials showed much steadier running through pointwork, and fewer derailments.

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Darryl was putting up a section of 00 track with train to entertain the grandchildren at Christmas. We also discussed the format that people preferred to see a model railway; at an exhibition, on DVD, at a club or in someone's home, or as a computer simulated model railway? Would the latter be acceptable in a model railway magazine?

David H. showed us the the pickups bending jig he'd developed to converted the Kato 11-110 chassis to 12mm gauge

He'd also redesigned the Hudswell diesel footplate so that it will accept either a Halling or a Kato 11-110 chassis with no mods required.

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Oldham/NW Groups meeting 11th December, 2024. cont/d.

Hugh showed us a few pictures from the Great British Model Railway Show at the Moto museum in Gaydon on 26/27 October that he'd attended with Angst-Lesspork.

Grouped in the "009 room", along with the Society publicity stand, were:

Richard Holder's Wantage Tramway;
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Peter Cullen's Wellford Coppice;
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Mark Holland's Spirit of Weshpool;
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Oldham/NW Groups meeting 11th December, 2024. cont/d.

Charles Insley's Ulvaryd (Strand);
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and his Angst-Lesspork.
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It was busy both days and a lot of young families came along which is all to the good!

Oldham/NW Groups meeting 11th December, 2024. cont/d.

Hugh has mounted the gibbet cage on a - well - a gibbet - and added a couple of crows from Modelu (in the absence of Ravens!)
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And the latest rabbit hole is the arrival of Bachmann (US)'s "Emily" from the Thomas range in "N" - a 4-2-2 (which is mechanically a 2-2-2-2 with the second pair of wheels on the front bogie being driven).
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[I believe it's watch this space – Ed!]

Oldham/NW Groups meeting 11th December, 2024. cont/d.

Paul T. had completed a few projects. Firstly he'd completed both of the water columns for Clogher – similar but different. These turned out to be 'multi media with brass tube, brass wire, cardboard, sticky paper, tissue paper and plasticine.

Due to a false start he had a spare that had now been installed on Melton Market.
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Re honing his soldering skills he'd also constructed a third Ravenglass & Eskdale Rly third class coach.
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Final with the help of David H. (see above) he'd regauged a Kato 11-110 to 12mm gauge.
It's now held together with electricians tape and probably has no warranty(!) but does run well.
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The next meetings will be held on Zoom. These will be on Wednesday 8th January and Wednesday 12th February, starting at 8.00pm (both confirmed). Joining details will be circulated nearer the time.

s.p.t. 18-12-24.

Oldham/NW Groups meeting 8th January, 2024.

Fourteen group members attended the meeting on Zoom on Wednesday 8th January – Alan, Andrew, Bob, Darryl, David, Hugh, Ian, John, Mark, Phillip, Richard, Tony and Paul T. We were pleased to welcome Peter to his first meeting.
There was an apology from Stuart.

Alan mentioned a member of the 3mm Society was now the custodian of Derek Naylor's 00n3 Aire Valley Railway layout which first appeared in the July 1972 Railway Modeller. It is hoped that some of the layout can be displayed at a railway modellers weekend organised by the Ffestiniog Railway the weekend of the 17/18 May. Details will be published on the Ffestiniog Railways web site nearer the date in the events section.

Andrew showed some photographs of stock he had created by converting some Triang TT bogie tankers to OO9 'scale' using both Kato and PECO bogies.  The key issue with the PECO bogies being the need to alter the chassis through thinning down the thickness of the mounting plate and widening the pivot hole.  The Kato bogies being a lot easier to fix in place with the correct size screw - and they also run much better!

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Re-purposed TT tankers



Bob (and, separately, Tony, as it turned out) had visited Pete Waterman's "Making Tracks" event, at Sandiway, near Northwich over Christmas.  Pete's team had brought 65 feet of his West Coast Main Line layout (as seen in Chester Cathedral in past years).  For this event, he had Bushey viaduct, Watford Junction station and tunnels, and Roade Cutting, near Northampton.  The other side of the "oval" was a large fiddle yard. An excellent standard of modelling, but simplified to suit his exhibition needs - no points on the scenic section, for example, and electric stock running with pantographs down!  But it was very popular, and visitors of all ages were encouraged to walk round the layout with a mobile phone, controlling one of the many trains in use.  There was coffee available, and opportunities to chat to Pete and his team.  Visitors were given a "goody bag" containing Bachmann and Accurascale catalogues. 

Whilst not the sort of model we would generally favour, and not narrow gauge, Pete is certainly doing his bit to encourage people into the hobby.

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Oldham/NW Groups meeting 8th January, 2024 cont/d.

Hugh showed the results of a bit of programming (in Javascript) to create a couple of animated demonstrations of the Murray Semaphore system – on which the "Clacks" tower on his layout is loosely based.

One shows each code for letters selected from a table, the other is a bit more sophisticated and allows the user to enter a sentence (early Text message?) which it then turns into the correct sequence of codes along with a "Message starts" and "Message ends" code, and displays them.

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Screenshot

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Sample code - this is "C" used for "Start of Message"

Hugh also reported that David Hurst has been designing 3D printed bodies to fit on the latest Bachmann US "N" gauge engine in their Thomas range – the 4-2-2 Emily (see photo in December meeting notes).

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David Hurst's test prints

Oldham/NW Groups meeting 8th January, 2024 cont/d.

Ian had made progress with his Scalescenes Canal Wharf boxfile diorama. Lighting, some furniture and posters had been added for internal details. There were downloadable windows for printing out on an acetate sheet. Ways to reduce the brightness of the LED's were also discussed.

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Darryl gave us some feedback on the windowsill layout he'd put together for the grandchildren. Their moving buildings around had been a success effectively changing the layout.
He'd also visited a model shop - Harrogate Models – which also doubles up as a Post Office. It was packed with all sorts of models and accessories including railway items.
Darryl's new years resolution is to complete some models that have so far been started and left unfinished.

John had started on the conversion of the Berne tram trailer for a narrow gauge compressed air powered tram loco. These preceded the introduction of electric trams in the city.

Peter asked about the various ways that people used to mixed their paints.
Some had battery powered hand held mixers, others used coffee stirrers or large paper clip.

Oldham/NW Groups meeting 8th January, 2024 cont/d.

Tony had started work on a Peckett loco, the parts of which he had been given to him by David H. at a previous group meeting.

He'd smoothed it off where possible then given it a coat of matt black from rattle can.
The loco shell was smoothed again and another coat of matt black was applied.

He'll give it a final smoothing and will then paint with the finishing colour (still to be decided upon.
The cab internals will be cream.

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The Peckett in progress

He'd also purchased a Bemo shunter with crane from Stan (left) which ran well on Grimbledon Down at Rainhill exhibition.
He'd then purchased another version from Culcheth Models Railways (right) via eBay for £50. He's fitted a new buffer beam and coupling which were damaged on the model purchased.
Currently there are 3 on eBay, all over £100, so a good purchase.

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Bemo Shunters

Thirdly he'd completed work on a Skylark from MD Models. It was a very fragile print and needed some strengthening. He's also added NEM coupling pockets added.

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Oldham/NW Groups meeting 8th January, 2024 cont/d.

Paul had completed another building on his 009 layout 'Melton Market' which is due to be exhibited at Narrow Gauge North on the 8th March. It'll be the last exhibition before some sort of completion ... (?). He'd had to use Buff Titanium as the base for the stonework as the DecoArt Sandstone is no longer available.

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He'd also started building the level crossing gates for Clogher. The road that crossed the road on a skew was narrowish and spanned both tracks. There is only partial evidence for the gates and their configuration is something of a conundrum. There was some discussion and it is most likely that they will be set up as seen in the photo – unless further evidence comes to light (which is doubtful).

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He'd exhibited 'Wood Brook' at the Tyne-Tees group open day in November. There were many excellent layouts present. The photo shows a coal mine inspired by that at Beamish Museum which was part of the groups modular layout.

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Oldham/NW Groups meeting 8th January, 2024 cont/d.

The next meeting will be held on Zoom. This will be on Wednesday 12th February, starting at 8.00pm (confirmed). Joining details will be circulated nearer the time.                        

s.p.t. 16-1-25.

Oldham/NW Groups meeting 12th February, 2025.

Twelve group members attended the meeting on Zoom on Wednesday 12th February – Alan, Andrew, Bob, Charlie, Darryl, David E., David H., Hugh, Paul M., Stuart, Tony and Paul T.
There were apologies from Ian, Peter and Philip.

Alan has now completed his model of the Ballymena Cushendall and Red Bay 0-4-2 saddle tank. He gave a short video clip of the locomotive running on his Ballyshannon layout.  He still is not totally happy with the running of the model as it pitches forward when running. It was suggested that springing fitted to the rear wheels may eliminate this. The locomotive will feature in a future article on the Cavan and Leitrim Railway to be published in the 009 News.

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Oldham/NW Groups meeting 12th February, 2025. cont/d.

Darryl had given his clockwork Hornby 0 gauge set, now 70 years old, a successful try out. We saw various items of stock – all still in fine condition - as well as photos of a young Darryl with the trainset back in his childhood.

Charlie had been busy with several loco projects since the October meeting of the group.
The following is a snapshot of just four of the projects:

• A Langley WD Hunslet with Minitrix chassis adapted to become a Mallet for use on St-Etienne-en-Caux.

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• He'd also converted and adapted a Lilliput 0-6-2T to create a very passable SACM Mallet, also primarily intended for St Etienne.

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Oldham/NW Groups meeting 12th February, 2025. cont/d.

• From Fourdees there were examples of 'Whiting' and 'Groby' locomotives.

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Whiting


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Groby

Oldham/NW Groups meeting 12th February, 2025. cont/d.

David H. In the last meeting Hugh had been able to report on a new loco from Model Engine Works that used the chassis of the N gauge 'Emily' (Thomas & Friends) for versions of a tender and tank engine. David showed us updated photos of the various models including the tender loco in completed condition.

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Oldham/NW Groups meeting 12th February, 2025. cont/d.


Hugh showed us photos from the Doncaster MRE. Two 009 layouts were present - David and Robert Waller's Dduallt and Andy Cundick's Llanfair Caereinion, 1937. The Society was represented by the South Yorkshire Group stand with small layout and test track.

Paul M. was working on a couple of buildings. That shown in the photo is a Fair Price Models laser cut kit, and has been covered with Scalescenes brick paper.

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He'd also been working on rolling stock including a van made from an Airfix Interfrigo van, with the doors from a Dapol gunpowder wagon. It runs on PECO L&B bogies.

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Oldham/NW Groups meeting 12th February, 2025. cont/d.


Stuart was contacted by Pete Mills to rescue some PMW Darjeeling coaches and to get a couple of NDM-6 diesels painted and working.

Plus he also finished off a 3D printed body for a Darjeeling Sharp Stewart 'B' class loco. He had to make adjustments to get the Arnold 0-6-0 chassis (centre wheels removed) to fit.
The photo shows Stuart's "Guida" and Martin's Collin's "Myfanwy" at Statfold, in remembrance of Martin (a frequent contributor to the 009 News and a member of the Sussex Downs group) who passed away suddenly a few weeks ago.

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He also has a new CDU from Amazon for £7.99 delivered, which he will try and write up for Ben (the Society trade officer).

Tony had built a 3D printed Model Engine Works Peckett that he had received at the October meeting of the group.

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The livery is RAF blue and the loco runs sweetly on a Kato England chassis. Just couplings and a driver/fireman to add.

Oldham/NW Groups meeting 12th February, 2025. cont/d.


Paul T. had been working on the north light factory for Melton Market. It had been roofless for a number of years but he'd finally had an idea on how to complete the northlight face of the roof. Technically not correct but hopefully fairly passable. The slate side of the roof is removable to enable repairs and the addition of any machinery when time allows.

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He had, at long last, also completed the outstanding windows on the chapel, courtesy of window frames from York Modelmaking.

The gates for Clogher level crossing were now complete. These were mixed media incorporating brass and cardboard. They are probably not entirely correct, decent photographic evidence being had to come by.

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Similarly to Tony, Paul had completed a Peckett from Model Engine Works and this new addition to the 009 fleet will be running on Melton Market at Narrow Gauge North.


Date for your diary: Narrow Gauge North, 8th March at Pudsey Civic Hall. Doors open 10.30am.
Tony will be present with Grimbledon Down Light Railway (009); Charlie and Rob with El Tortuga (H0e) and Paul T. with Melton Market (009 - it is progressing ...!)


The next meeting will be held on Zoom. This will be on Wednesday 12th March, starting at 8.00pm (confirmed). Joining details will be circulated nearer the time.

The following meeting will be held in Grasscroft on April 9th, also starting at 8.00pm.

I am trying to organise a meeting on a Saturday at the Methodist Church in Greenfield but finding a suitable date that doesn't conflict with other events is proving problematic at the moment.

s.p.t. 19-2-25

Thanks Hugh & Paul - A splendid illustrated report and a great selection of imaginative modelling! Cracking Job Gents!

Mick

Thank you, Mick, but Paul Titmuss deserves the credit, as he compiles it; I just put his words onto the forum!

Thanks for the update Hugh, I have amended my congratulatory posting below!

Mick

Oldham/NW Groups meeting 12th March, 2025.

Twelve group members attended the meeting on Zoom on Wednesday 12th March – Alan, Andrew, Bob, Charlie, Darryl, Hugh, Ian, Peter, Rob, Stuart, Tony and Paul T.

There were apologies from David H. and Paul M.

Alan showed a Clogher Valley Railway tractor chassis he had made for the  Worsley Works brass cab body and storage compartment. Mike Chinnery used to supply a motor bogie to fit into the CVR 'Unit' to power the model. This is now no longer available. Alan used identical components to Mike that he'd purchased from Branch Lines to make an equivalent motor bogie to power his model.

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Oldham/NW Groups meeting 12th March, 2025 cont/d.

Bob talked through the challenges of using an inexpensive TomyTec tram chassis as a motor bogie, and showed modifications to his 1/100 scale Billard A80 railcar (which is tiny, so space inside is tight).  Power pickups had been added from split-axle wheelsets on the trailing bogie, via wire wipers to the vehicle underframe, and from there to the motor bogie top pivot plate.  The final challenge was to get power from this pivot plate to the motor itself, as the electrical connections are totally hidden within the chassis.  The solution was to add further wire wipers to transfer power to the power bogie wheel treads (which are already connected to the motor).  Running trials are still in progress...

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Bob had also joined a French NG modelling forum, and was enjoying engaging with other members in French (with help from Google Translate!).

Oldham/NW Groups meeting 12th March, 2025 cont/d.

Charlie had been busy with several projects, especially stocking Don Sibley's 'El Tortuga' H0e layout. There are now steam locos, railcars, coaches and wagons. A recent build is the smartly completed little Onda-Castellon Krauss (this railway ran in Southern Spain).

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Oldham/NW Groups meeting 12th March, 2025 cont/d.

Darryl was wondering "why" certain models had been produced and why others lacked a good standard.

He was definitely underwhelmed by some steampunk buildings which he thought had been produced to a low standard.

He'd also acquired an underground model railway set from London Transport Museum. This is battery powered. The track seemed of very cheap construction, the Underground train lacked details yet the station backscene was produced to a much higher standard. Why the compromise on high standards?

Hugh, seeing the Fourdees stand at Narrow Gauge North, was reminded that he had two of their locos languishing at home, so he got them out to continue with one and start work on the other.

The "Whiting" loco is now finished apart from a crew. It sits on a Kato 11-109 chassis. The rear coupling has been replaced with a "wide" Greenwich coupling, and the space in the boiler above the chassis has had plenty of lead strip added.

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The Whiting loco

The newer loco is a "Barog", which is a pleasingly chunky loco, to go on the Kato/Peco England chassis. The large headlamps at front and rear were too much of a temptation, and they have been fitted with nano LEDs. This is a slowly-slowly build and is still on the pending pile.

(Hugh is going to have to re-visit the list of Discworld witches for names for all the "new" locos that have been added to the roster.)

Oldham/NW Groups meeting 12th March, 2025 cont/d.

Ian updated us on the progress of his Scalescenes box file project. The first building is now complete and the second almost so, bar the roof and some detailing.

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Oldham/NW Groups meeting 12th March, 2025 cont/d.

Rob had been busy on several fronts including a Barog loco from Fourdees, weathering a brake van formerly modelled by Garry Whiting (both illustrated), improving the Egger OEG coaches, two gaining roof mounted water tanks for toilets and a new shed for 'Turtle Bay'.

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Barog

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Oldham/NW Groups meeting 12th March, 2025 cont/d.

Paul had completed the warehouse on 'Melton Market' and had begun constructing in brass a level crossing gate and yard gate for the layout.

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His attention was now turning to furthering the construction of Clogher station building.

Oldham/NW Groups meeting 12th March, 2025 cont/d.


The H0e 'El Tortuga' (Charlie and Rob) and 00n3 'Clogher' (Paul T) are booked for exhibition at the North West Narrow Gauge MRE & 009 Society AGM to be held in Rainhill on Saturday 12th April, doors opening at 10.30am. (Entrance fee £10, cash only!)


The next meeting will be held in Grasscroft on Wednesday 9th April, starting at 8.00pm.

The following meeting will be held in Grasscroft on Wednesday 21st May. There will be a meeting at Greenfield Methodist Church on Saturday 28th June starting at 1.30pm 'ish through to 4.30pm.

s.p.t. 17-3-25

Oldham Group meeting 9th April, 2025.

Seven group members attended the meeting on Wednesday 9th April – Alan, Bob, David E, Hugh, John, Peter, and Paul.
There were apologies from Charlie, David H. Philip and Tony.

It was pleasing to meet in person following the winter Zoom meetings.

Bob brought along the TTn3 Accumulator railcar, A80D and a coach from St-Trojan. He had been busy connecting the rear bogies of the railcars to the motor bogie to improve running – a fiddly job on something so small. We had seen presentations on this re engineering at the Zoom meetings. Both railcars ran much better. The coach ran behind the railcars but the 9" radius curves of the test track caused it to derail – a coupling issue – on this occasion.

Hugh also brought along two locos we had seen at the Zoom meetings – his 'Whiting' tram loco and 'Barog' loco, both from Fourdees. They made a number of circuits of the test track. Both were fitted with reliable chassis from Kato so running was to the standard expected. Additionally he brought one of the Fourdees Clogher Valley Railway style tram coaches, another very smart build. {I also brought the 4-2-2 loco based on the Bachmann (US) "Emily" with a very nice body designed and printed by David Hurst. It pulled the bogie coach with no problems, much to my relief.}

Paul ran his 009 M.E.W. style Peckett that he'd completed recently with a rake of GVT mineral wagons. On the 00n3 section of the test track were his recently returned chassis's for a Branchlines Isle of Man Railway Peacock and the Backwoods CVR Sharp Stewart tram loco. Most modelling had been focused on progressing the Clogher Station building which had curtailed all other projects for the time being.

There was also much talk on model developments and projects and the up coming Society AGM at Rainhill at the weekend.

The next meeting will be held in Grasscroft on Wednesday 21st May, starting at 8.00pm. PLEASE NOTE the third Wednesday of the month this time.

This will be followed by a meeting at Greenfield Methodist Church on Saturday 28th June starting at 1.30pm 'ish through to 4.30pm.

s.p.t. 23-4-25
(Apologies for any errors and omissions! I am working from memory with no notes ...)

Oldham Group meeting 21st May, 2025.

Ten group members attended the meeting in May – Alan, Bob, Charlie, David, Hugh, John, Peter, Rob, Tony and Paul.

There were apologies from Andrew, Philip and Ron.

Alan brought along a West Clare Railway Drewry Railcar he his constructing from Worsley Works brass etches and which runs on an own built chassis. The chassis still needs some additional work carrying out on it to improve the slow running of the Railcar.

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Oldham Group meeting 21st May, 2025. cont/d.

Bob showed the "Virtual Signalman" he has developed for the (full size) Lynton & Barnstaple, to allow a demonstrator to operate a restored Single Line Tablet Instrument for visitors.  The Virtual Signalman responds to bell codes in the same way a real signalman at the next station would.

Charlie had several items of stock to show us. Firstly two England's, one repainted in light blue to represent Welsh Pony as running on the WHR in the 1930's and the other adapted with frame strengtheners added to Prince in the 1960's.

Other locos also got to run around the track including a Narrow Planet 0-4-0T running on a Minitrains F&C chassis with Fourdees GWR branded Glyn Valley coaches (illustrated below).

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We also saw the new Bachmann curly roof FR van, a very smart model.

Oldham Group meeting 21st May, 2025. cont/d.

David showed us a 3D printed water tower that he's painted and weathered. He is pondering on how to make the water hose to complete the model.

Hugh ran the single wheel 4-2-2 with directors coach made from an adapted Chivers Innisfail coach. Details included small chairs and a table for the directors saloon.

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John had re motored his Chivers Cackler. Running was excellent in one direction but sadly not in reverse. On inspection by the team it was noticed that the motor moved a little in its mount causing the flywheel to rub against the chassis block. Just some careful modification needed now.

He'd also brought along a Windle Atkinson Walker tractor formerly owned by Garry and the Minitrains Henschel tram loco.

Rob also had a number of items to show us including a Windle 4-8-2T tank based on the Swilly 4-8-4T, also ex Garry; an adaptation of a steam rail motor combining a Krass loco body and Ashover coach as well as a two coach railcar (which didn't get to run as the curves on the layout were too tight).

Tony ran a couple of Model Engine Works Peckett's, a tram version on a Kato 11-100 chassis and the other on a Kato/PECO England chassis. He persuaded Paul to bring down his model of the latter and they trundled around the test track – illustrated (Tony's loco is RAF blue, Paul's black green).

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An item has been submitted to the News on these and David H.'s loco for publication at some point in the future.

Oldham Group meeting 21st May, 2025. cont/d.

Paul had three etched brass coaches on the 12mm gauge line of the test track. Two needed primer and the third was awaiting painting. Their number was added to by a fourth coach, under construction, the CVR First class coach. Alan had kindly brought along his rollers to help with shaping the brass roofs. The photo shows the coach with clerestory roof completed and installed.

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The station building for Clogher was also displayed on the section of the layout, progress had been made since the Society AGM. There is still much to complete.


The next meeting will be held at Greenfield Methodist Church, OL3 7JJ, on Saturday 28th June starting at 1.30pm 'ish through to 4.30pm.

The following meeting will be in Grasscroft, Wednesday 9th July.

s.p.t. 2-6-25

Oldham Group meeting 28th June, 2025.

Eleven group members attended the meeting in June – Alan G., Bob, David E., David H., Mark, Ron, Tony and Paul. We were pleased that Alistair, Barry and Ian were able to make it to their first meeting of the group.
There were apologies from Alan C., Andrew, Charlie, Hugh Paul M., Peter and Philip.

Alan G brought along eight County Donegal Railway steam locomotives that he has made over several years to show the progression in locomotive development from a tiny CDR Class 1 2-4-0T to a gigantic class 5A 2-6-4T. Discussions centred on the methods of construction whether totally kit built, modified commercial kit, or totally scratch built. [Ed: each loco had a short printed description to help as well]
He also brought along his West Clare Railway Drewry railcar to run on the test track. This still needs further work on the chassis to improve the running particularly in reverse.

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Class 3 4-4-4T Hercules

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Class 4 4-6-4T Erne

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Oldham Group meeting 28th June, 2025 cont/d.

Bob had been busy working on his 3mm scale PPF Fives Lille 0-6-0T (0-3-0) for use on his St-Trojan layout.

The body is built from nickel and brass with the dome turned from brass. [N.B. Dome and chimney are just resting in position.]

The loco has been modelled with its two styles of cab protection.

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David E had been inspired by the recent articles on point work in the News by John Wilkes and decided to give one example a go. This is the early stage, some isolators (or gaps) need to be organised, the points tested and selected sleepers removed before use.

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Oldham Group meeting 28th June, 2025 cont/d.

David H brought several new projects over including a whimsical take on Wallace and Gromit and Penguin from 'The Wrong Trousers'.

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Another projects he's brought along included a revised County Donegal coach bogie (12mm gauge) and a mock up for the Walker Railcars (also for 4 mm scale, 12 mm gauge) used on the County Donegal, Isle or Man and West Clare railways.

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[Ed: This could prove to be a very popular model. It had been printed in different colour plastics similar to the livery on the County Donegal and Isle of Man Railways]

Oldham Group meeting 28th June, 2025 cont/d.

Ron showed his small layout built onto a coffee tale top (it doesn't have a name) which is due to be replaced by a larger layout in the very near future. It was a small circular layout with a loop at the rear so that different stock could be easily run.

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Tony's Matthew & Son layout is being revitalised for the Romiley Methodist Club exhibition on 14 September.

The layout has been stored for some years and consequently requires a little TLC - especially to the wiring where there is a dead spot at one end of the passing loop. Tony was busy with soldering iron and voltmeter!

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Paul T had set up Wood Brook (00n3) in its entirety [three boards, each 254mm x 755mm].

There were a couple of trains on the tracks for running, one a CVR Sharp Stewart with a couple of CVR coaches, the other a Hudswell inspired loco with 3 R&ER 1st Class coaches (yes, there was actually only one ...).

Alan G's Drewry railcar also had running rights (see photo on page 2. Also in this photo, on the left, are the CWR steam tram locos which are presently on free-wheeling chassis's).


The next meeting will be held in Grasscroft on Wednesday 9th July starting at 8.00pm.

There will be a Zoom meeting in August, the date will be finalised at the next meeting.

Hopefully another get together in the church hall can be organised for the autumn.

s.p.t. 29-6-25

Oldham Group meeting 9th July, 2025.

Three group members attended the meeting – David E., Peter & Paul – it was very reminiscent of the early days of the group.

There were apologies from Alan G., Andrew, Bob, David H., Hugh, and Tony.

The test track was out – there was only a minimum of Paul's stock to run; the Chivers 'Skylark' and a Mike's Models Corris coach, Stenning brake van and scratch built Corris coal wagon.
Clogher station was also on display – it had made some progress since the last meeting.

There was plenty of chat and discussion on matters 009 (and 00n3) including the future of kits and availability – this also covered 3D printed items, some of which are proving to have a short life in the market place. Also (and probably obviously) building construction techniques.

A photo of Clogher station building:

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Oldham Group meeting 9th July, 2025 cont/d.

There will be a Zoom meeting on August 13th (confirmed) starting at 8.00pm. Joining details will be circulated nearer the time.
Hopefully another get together in the church hall can be organised for the early autumn.

s.p.t. 14-7-25


Postscript:
I have been to visit Stuart's widow Jacqueline with a view to helping her to moving on some of Stuart's stock and accessories.

Some items may be of interest to group members – 009 stock, ratio & Will's stuff, scenics, etc. Some of his H0e stock may also be of interest – Liliput, Roco and Bemo. Most will probably end up going to the Society for the sales stand.

I will get a guide price for the locos from Society sales and notify all in this group.

Stuart's layout 'Martini' (featured in the 009 News a few years ago) is available to a good home – photos below. It is still in excellent condition and as Stuart served an apprenticeship of carpenter the workmanship is top notch. A donation to Kershaw's Hospice will probably be welcomed. Let me know if you may be interested.

Paul
{Paul is not on the forum, but if you send me a message I shall forward it to him - Hugh}

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Oldham & NW Groups meeting 13th August, 2025.

Alan, Bob, Charlie, Hugh, Ian, Peter & Paul attended the meeting, held on Zoom.

Tony and Stuart had given their apologies.

Alan described how he made the chassis for his next project, the Ballymena and Larne Beyer Peacock 0-6-0 tank locomotive Number 6. He also showed a list of all the components he used and explained how many of these were no longer available due to the closure of the manufacturers. He is currently trying to source alternative suppliers particularly a replacement for Markits driving wheels.

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Bob showed pictures of the construction of a Fives-Lille locomotive (dating from 1875) of a type that ran on the line north from Porto to Povoa in Portugal.  He had removed various DCC-ready parts from the latest type of Grafar Class 08 chassis, and added outside cylinders.  The body was built from nickel-silver and brass, and two alternative cabs can be fitted, to give variety.  The model is 1:100 scale, meaning that 9mm gauge is spot-on for the line's original 3ft gauge (it was later converted to metre-gauge, and carried steam services into the 1970s).

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Oldham & NW Groups meeting 13th August, 2025 cont/d.

Charlie showed us some pictures of his most recent project, a Penrhyn Double Fairlie This is based on a proposal by James Spooner to turn the Penrhyn Quarry Tramway into a fully-fledged public railway in the 1870s, and his proposals included both double and single Fairlies. The loco model is an adapted Bachmann 'Merddin Emrys', with the cab modified to have a higher and wider profile, the Penrhyn not having quite the tight clearances that the FR did. The coach with it is a Peco L&B all-3rd, cut down by one compartment.

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Oldham & NW Groups meeting 13th August, 2025 cont/d.

Hugh used the PECO 15' N gauge wagon chassis with former TT tank wagons to create 4 new tankers – 2 for each user - for trains on Angst-Lesspork. New end supports were required with stays. The transfers were specially made for the tankers. At some point ladders may be fitted to complete the models.

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Oldham & NW Groups meeting 13th August, 2025 cont/d.

Ian is continuing with the construction of his Scalescenes Canal Wharf box file diorama. This had made good progress since we had last seen the model.

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Oldham & NW Groups meeting 13th August, 2025 cont/d.

Paul updated the group on various projects that had taken place since the previous Zoom meeting (Feb '25). These included the drawn-out construction of the Model Scene 1926 Thornycroft lorry; cab crew for the CVR No 4; altering a level crossing gate at Clogher and progressing the build of Clogher station (which is now nearing completion).

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There won't be a meeting in September, the next meeting will be in
Greenfield Methodist Church hall on Saturday 4th October (1.30pm – 4.00pm 'ish).

I hope to have various kits (Ratio, Wills and maybe others) and scenic materials from our former member Stuart's estate. This will be sold on a 'donation' basis, the monies collected will be presented to Dr Kershaws Hospice which is based in Oldham.

Following this there will be a meeting in Grasscroft on 12th November (starting at 8.00pm).
It is likely that the December meeting will be held on Zoom.

s.p.t. 20-8-25

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FR replica curly roof van No 1, 15th May, 2025 at Tan-y-Bwlch Station.

Oldham Group meeting 4th October, 2025.

Alan G., Andrew, David E., David H., Ian, Nye, Tony, Peter, Philip, Rob M. and Paul attended the meeting held at Greenfield Methodist Church. We were pleased to welcome Frank to his first meeting.
There were apologies from Alan C., Alistair, Bob, Hugh, and Mark.

Andrew brought along one of Garry Whiting's loco's which had been slightly modified to run with stock including two renovated carriages from the OO9 sales table and a completed OO9 society kit of the Aussi open.

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My thanks to Andrew for sending the photo; I missed the opportunity at the meeting ... and the back drop is much better.

Oldham Group meeting 4th October, 2025 cont/d.

David E came with a small flat pack resin kit, originally from the USA, for a centre cab diesel loco. This had been bought from the sales stand at the recent 009 Society Rainhill MRE. He intends to adapt it for a bogie motor unit he already has in stock.

David H brought along MEW Island (6,5mm gauge) where a 3D printed diesel loco and wagon ran happily around the track for the meeting. Along with this were N and 009 gauge loco's based on the 2-6-4T 'Jeeps' run by the NCC which hauled the spoil trains in Northern Ireland in the late '60's/early 70's. There were also examples of the spoil wagons in both scales.

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David had the latest print of the West Clare Walker railcars for Alan G.; a forthcoming project for Alan.

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The West Clare Railway railcar body – they were based on those running on the County Donegal Railway, hence the similarity.

Oldham Group meeting 4th October, 2025 cont/d.


David had also regauged an inexpensive Chinese produced chassis to 12mm gauge. It was quite responsive to the controller (i.e. not slow to start running). The next task is to add outside cranks and coupling rods.

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This should make a useful chassis for those running 12mm gauge stock.




Ian showed his under-development DCC 'test track' with the locos and points operated from his phone. His next step is to link the signals with the routes chosen for the locos.

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The steam loco whizzing around the track (it wasn't going that fast) and caught on camera is a 'Skylark' 3D print from Fourdees.

Oldham Group meeting 4th October, 2025 cont/d.

Nye brought his 0-9 layout Townshend Gardens to the meeting and ran a couple of locos with their stock. This is an interesting micro layout that is in a drawer type box and easy to carry around and exhibit.

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Tony brought Matthew & Son with stock. You may recognise the loco from the article 'Peter Piper Picked a Peck of Picked Peckett's' from the item in the September 009 News – it is the tram version of the MEW Peckett which runs on a Kato Chassis. The oil tankers were adapted by Tony from old Triang TT tankers.

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Oldham Group meeting 4th October, 2025 cont/d.

Philip brought along a BEMO metre gauge "Crocodile" which he had repaired for someone he knew. This was given a thorough test on the Clogher board, including the negotiation of PECO points to test that all worked well. He also ran on the test track a Vale of Rheidol Railway tank loco – Philip had acquired and upgraded this and it had been the focus of discussion in a previous Zoom meeting.

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Paul had brought the central board of Clogher down. The completed station building was in place along with the almost completed Clogher 1st class coach, a brass kit from Branchlines.
This board also doubled as an 00n3 test track.

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There were two tables of kits and scenics, along with another table of railway books and magazines that had belonged to Stuart, a good friend and member of the group.

The 'donation sale' raised £295 for Dr Kershaw's Hospice; they gave much appreciated assistance to Stuart and family during the latter days of his illness, and his widow Jacqueline is a very committed volunteer at the hospice.

A big thank you to everyone who gave so generously.


The next meeting will be held in Grasscroft on Wednesday 12th November, starting at 8.00pm.

Zoom meetings have been requested for Wednesdays 10th December, 14th January and 11th February.

s.p.t. 16-10-25

Thoroughly enjoyed my first visit to the Oldham group meeting at the Greenfield Methodist Church.It was nice to meet up with very knowledgeable,like minded people who enjoy OO9.

Oldham group meeting 12th November, 2025.

The meeting was attended by Alan, Bob, Charlie, Frank, Peter, Tony and Paul.

Apologies were received from Andrew, David E., David H., Hugh and Philip.

Alan brought along his latest completed locomotive, a model of the Ballymena and Larne Railway Beyer Peacock 0-6-0 tank engine No 6.

He also brought along many of the components he has acquired to start work on a future project, a Black Hawthorn 0-6-2T LLSR locomotive. He explained how he thought the gearbox drive could be on the centre axle, so the half cab's back plate did not obstruct the flywheel fitted to the motor.

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Photo courtesy Alan



Bob had almost completed his model of the PPF Fives Lille 0-6-0T (Fr 0-3-0T) in 3mm scale for use on his St-Trojan layout. We were all very impressed with the detail found on the loco (see group notes for June '25 for photos of the loco during construction). It runs on an adapted Farish 08 chassis, and very smoothly so. Just some coal and crew to add now.

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Oldham group meeting 12th November, 2025 cont/d.

Charlie brought along locos and stock from his latest project 'Bangor; Penrhyn Railway'. Two Bachman Fairlies had been modified to represent the larger loading gauge the railway would have had should it have been extended and become a public carrier (there were no overbridges).

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There were also Victorian style coaches from Teamimmersion.com and a shortened PECO L&B coach, all finished in an attractive livery of Vallejo black-purple and Tamika white.

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Oldham group meeting 12th November, 2025 cont/d.



There was also a Westcliffe Works 0-4-0T running on a Percy chassis, another loco destined for the Bangor, Penrhyn layout.

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Tony showed us an Atkinson Walker style loco from Narrow Minded Railworks that runs on a Kato chassis.
This had been painted and was in the process of being lined out with acrylic lining pens. The work was not yet completed and some touching will be completed when time (and a steady hand) allow. This prompted some conversation on loco lining and what group members were and were not able to do (Paul: I don't even try ...).

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Paul had focused on conpleting some started coach kits and Co Donegal Coach 30 (Worsley Works) was nearly complete and waiting for the seats to be installed (CDR railcar seats from Ducket Models).

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My thanks to Peter who was given the commission on the evening of providing photographs of the models we discussed (it helped as he was sat by straight track!).

The last remnants of Stuart's model railway 'extras' were distributed and subsequently at least one additional donation to Dr Kershaw's Hospice has been made (not a requirement, but gratefully acknowledged) bringing the total to £345.00.

Oldham group meeting 12th November, 2025 cont/d.

The next 3 meetings – all on Zoom with confirmed dates are on:
    1. Wednesday, 10th December;
    2. Wednesday, 14th January;
    3. Wednesday, 11th February.
all commencing at 8.00pm.

Those who normally receive the Zoom link for the meetings can sit back; if you would like to join these meetings and do not receive the link please email Paul to be added to the list.

s.p.t. 18-11-25.

Oldham group meeting 10th December, 2025.

The meeting was attended by Alan, Andrew, Bob, Charlie, David E., David H., Frank, Hugh, Ian, Peter, Philip, Rob, Stuart, Tony and Paul.

Apologies were received from Darryl.

Alan outlined his modelling priorities for the New Year. He has written an article he hopes will be published in the 009 News on the West Clare Railway. For illustrations in this article, he will need to build a West Clare Railway railcar and F type diesel locomotive. He will also need a model of the last steam locomotive made for the Irish narrow gauge by Hunslet, the West Clare Railway 4-6-0 tank locomotive Malbay. He also intends to construct next year a 2-4-0 tank locomotive which ran on the Glenariff Railway and the 0-6-2 tank locomotive Londonderry which ran on the Lough Swilly railway.  He has already started making the West Clare Railway D class diesel from Worsley Works etches.

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Oldham group meeting 10th December, 2025 cont/d.

Bob talked of his plans to take St-Trojan to an exhibition in France in 2026. He hopes to be invited to a show in the Vendée in June, and combine the trip with a holiday.

An article should be published in Continental Modeller around the same time.

A few new photos have been taken of the layout, to show the more recently-built stock, like the Accumulator railcar:


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He is working to prepare the layout for the long car journey - fixing the two baseboards securely together, and adding LED lighting. He has also made 14 extra trees for the layout, and is fitting new back scenes. This will be reported on at a future meeting.

Oldham group meeting 10th December, 2025 cont/d.

Charlie had completed two locos from Fourdees by adding lining. The 'Whiting' and a 'Starbeck'.

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the 'Whiting' loco

Additionally he had completed 'Gelert Bach' for the 'Bangor; Penrhyn Railway' project. It runs on a Minitrix 0-4-4-0 chassis.

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A recent purchase is the Bachmann 'Sir Handel', more of this anon once it has had some work to de-character the loco.

Oldham group meeting 10th December, 2025 cont/d.

Ian had almost finished building the Scalescenes canal wharf boxfile layout, with the roof added to the final building and work on the bridge over the track exit almost complete. There was some discussion around the best way to print the colour cover layers and which glue to use to apply them.

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Oldham group meeting 10th December, 2025 cont/d.

Rob has been working on an as yet unfinished kit of a fictional Armstrong Whitworth Diesel produced by Bernard Taylor, with a little bit of Shelagh of Eskdale and WAGR X class thrown in too.

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Oldham group meeting 10th December, 2025 cont/d.

Tony had purchased a couple of A1 Models resin print railcars which were intended for the Kato 4 wheel chassis but there was too much overhang and so he decided to convert them to run on bogie chassis. The trailing car is sitting on a shortened Lima Wreen N gauge container wagon with 23mm removed from the middle. The driven car is on a Tomytec TM04 chassis which (purely by chance) happened to be the exact length needed. They're painted Tony's in-house Humbrol 96 (RAF blue) livery and will have e.g. handrails fitted in due course.

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Oldham group meeting 10th December, 2025 cont/d.

Paul explained the reasons for building a new cattle dock and loading ramp for the Clogher Station model following the discovery of a new photograph which hinted at some significant alterations being necessary.

The model is being built with the use of card of various thicknesses.
Additionally progress had been made with 'The Unit' a rail tractor which ran on the Clogher Valley Railway which had been given a few additional details and was now at the point of being painted.

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With very best wishes for a Happy Christmas and 2026.


The next 2 meetings are on Zoom with confirmed dates:
    1. Wednesday, 14th January;
    2. Wednesday, 11th February.
both commencing at 8.00pm.

s.p.t. 24-12-25.

Oldham & NW groups meeting 14th January, 2026.

The meeting was attended by Alan, Bob, Charlie, David E., David H., Hugh, Ian, Rob, Tony and Paul.

Apologies were received from Frank, Peter, Philip and Stuart.

Alan has constructed a West Clare Railway diesel railcar and a F class Bo-Bo diesel locomotive.

The railcar was made from a David Hurst 3D print and was powered by a scratch-built motor bogie based on a Mike Chinnery design.

The F class Bo-Bo diesel locomotive was made from a Worsley Works etch running on a chassis Alan had previously used for a previous County Donegal liveried version of the locomotive.

Both models were airbrush sprayed with enamel paints using Humbrol dark green No 30 to represent the CIE West Clare Railway livery.

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Oldham & NW groups meeting 14th January, 2026 cont/d.

Bob outlined how he has added painted back scenes to St-Trojan.  This seems to have improved the look of the layout in photographs - he showed "before and after" photos.

Newly-installed LED lighting has also made it quicker to take photographs, so some of the new photos will be submitted to Continental Modeller to accompany the planned article on St-T.

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Oldham & NW groups meeting 14th January, 2026 cont/d.

Charlie had progressed work on Bangor (Penrhyn). He had also bought two 3D printed W&L coaches for use on Winter Overcoats.

David H. had used information from Jamie P. to produce a 3D print of the Ballymena & Larne 4 ton ore wagons. Additionally there was a reworking of the CdN flat wagon to carry 2 whiskey barrels (Irish). On another front David had built a curved 009 point for use on a future layout.

Hugh showed how he had upgraded the "clacks" (telegraph / semaphore) tower on his layout to computer control, so that people can now type sentences (on a retired smartphone screen) and have the message sent over the Clacks, using an Arduino microcomputer.

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Oldham & NW groups meeting 14th January, 2026 cont/d.

Rob had recently acquired a Backwoods K1 Garrett. It mostly ran well but there were a couple of small issues to sort out with one of the power bogies to achieve the reliability desired for exhibition.

Tonyhad completed a small 3D print of a halt along with telephone call box and lavatory. He'd almost completed the rail buses featured in the last notes along with some RNAD flat wagons that made use of the Society kits.

Paul had progress 3 projects though the schedule suggested at the previous meeting proved to be very aspirational.
The new cattle dock was fitted with railings and gates; the paint work on Unit was nearly finished as was that on a Backwoods CDR coach.

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There was some useful discussion about the use of lichen to construct trees.



The next 2 meetings are on Zoom:
    1. Wednesday, 11th February - confirmed.
    2. Wednesday 11th March -t.b.c.
both commencing at 8.00pm.

s.p.t. 19-1-26.

Oldham & NW groups meeting 11th February, 2026.

The meeting was attended by Alan, Andrew, Bob, David E., David H., Graeme, Hugh, Paul M., Peter, Stuart, Tony and Paul.

Apologies were received from Frank, Ian, Philip

Alan described how he made the chassis for the West Clare Railway 4-6-0T locomotive Malbay.  This was the last ever steam locomotive built for the Irish 3ft narrow gauge railways.  

He was able to use a etch from Worsley Works for a Londonderry and Lough Swilly Railway 4-8-4T locomotive as both engines had the same size wheels, wheel spacing, and Walschaert's valve gear. This greatly helped with the construction of the chassis for Malbay.

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Oldham & NW groups meeting 11th February, 2026 cont/d.

Bob: The demise of the original Shapeways shop has deprived many modellers of a source of many useful products.  Bob described a successful collaboration with David H., who kindly 3D-printed some additional French coaches from the designs Bob had previously bought via Shapeways.  The original designer has recently put his 3D models (just the STL files) on the makers' site cults3d.com , where they can be downloaded at very reasonable cost.

David H. was able to split the design down the longitudinal centreline, and print 'half carriages', but in PLA material rather than the nylon Shapeways used.  This split helped Bob, who needs to make the carriages wider to suit his needs.  David had also managed to print 'quarter carriages' and 'individual window' sections, to allow Bob to build some 5-window coaches, rather than 4-window.  Now, he has a lot of work to build another batch of carriages ...

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Oldham & NW groups meeting 11th February, 2026 cont/d.

David H. had completed the B&L iron ore wagons. He used decals from:
https://phoxydesign.co.uk/
They are custom waterslide decals with white underprint for any colour surface. There are a very good set of instruction on the website to help you get your artwork ready for printing.

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The magnetic couplings used came from:
https://www.porterhousemodels.co.uk/
They do 009 standard ridged sets of 5 for £7.20 and 009 close pivoting sets of 5 for £7.20 they work with NEM pockets.

He also showed us a Northern Rail type Pacer he'd built for his daughter (also for 009).

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Oldham & NW groups meeting 11th February, 2026 cont/d.

Hugh shared with the group his next project, a white metal kit for a stage coach with 4 horses for Angst-Lesspork. We look forward to hearing more of the build at some point.


Tony showed us a present of an Enwins 3D printed ruined cottage. He'd added tree a made from copper wire which is growing out of it, plus various added debris. Will be used on a forthcoming layout!

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He'd also photographed 3 different versions of the Kerr Stuart diesel. In addition he'd versions from Narrow Minded Railworks plus an unmade Meridian Models white metal kit (now Mosskito).
Versions shown are L-R: A1 Models brass kit on Bachmann Brick, Meridian Models loco (in green from Society Sales) and a Floyd Kramer 3D print.

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Oldham & NW groups meeting 11th February, 2026 cont/d.

Paul had completed a Backwoods coach kit; made a mess of trying to weather the goods yard surface and had completed the construction of the cattle dock which just required weathering.
There was some discussion about the use of weathering powders which may be used on the goods yard

As usual there was much useful discussion on modelling techniques, products and matters 009. Thank you to all who helped with the discussions.

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The next meeting is on Zoom: Wednesday 4th March (confirmed) commencing at 8.00pm (apologies for the change of date).

There is no meeting in April.

There will be a meeting on Saturday 9th May at Greenfield Methodist church (start at 1.30pm).

The next meeting in Grasscroft is on 10th June at 8.00pm.

s.p.t. 18-2-26.

Oldham & NW groups meeting 14th March, 2026.

The meeting was attended by Alan, Charlie, Frank, Hugh, Ian, Paul M., Peter, Stuart, Tony, Rob and Paul.

Apologies were received from Bob, David E., and David H..

Charlie had purchased a model of a Single Fairlie/Taliesin from Miniature Modellers Hub. He had the print adapted so that the cab was enlarged a little making it appropriate for Bangor (Penrhyn) where there would not have been the loading gauge restrictions of the FR. He'd also purchased a couple of 5 compartment coaches based on the 'mystery coach'.

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Oldham & NW groups meeting 14th March, 2026 cont/d.


Hugh showed his upgraded semaphore tower. Spurred on by the successful upgrade to the Clacks tower for Angst-Lesspork to computer control (reported previously) he has applied the same technology to this Popham semaphore tower, and changed the (slow moving) stepper motors for a pair of servos, which are smaller, lighter and move at a much more satisfying speed.

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Oldham & NW groups meeting 14th March, 2026 cont/d.


Ian has started work on the Fourdees Hudswell Clarke diesel. The supports for the print have been cleaned up, weight added under the bonnet and everything sprayed with primer. There was some discussion around painting the cab interior detail and Hugh kindly offered to get a friend at the Middleton Railway to take some pictures of Mary's cab for reference.

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The second photo shows the kit posed with a Barchmann Baguley to give an idea of its size.

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Oldham & NW groups meeting 14th March, 2026 cont/d.


Paul M. had been busy working on several structures for future layouts. He had now completed the Fair Price low relief stable building using Scalescenes brick paper and pantiles (see previous notes).

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Another successful project was the construction of a Water tower based on those found on French railway lines.

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The water tower is made from scrap. The bottom is a yoghurt pot with card for the stones and covered with filler. The tank is the top off a deodorant spray, covered with card. It is awaiting a ladder.

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Paul had also modified a Hornby waiting room; it had been cut down and modified to make a 3mm scale Station building.

Oldham & NW groups meeting 14th March, 2026 cont/d.


Stuart hadn't any modelling projects to tell us about but he had enjoyed a short break his wife had treated him to in a Mark 3 coach found near Cambridge.

The photos show an impressive modern equivalent of the traditional "camping coach" of old.

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Oldham & NW groups meeting 14th March, 2026 cont/d.


Tony – "Track lifting at work on Grimbledon Down. This is following a warped baseboard making the linking of the two baseboards of the layout as good as impossible. Thankfully 90% of the track has been recovered in a reusable condition including all the points.

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The track will be re-used on a new layout with details in due course but possibly based on a Cyril Freezer's Rabbit Warren plan."

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Oldham & NW groups meeting 14th March, 2026 cont/d.


Paul T. had been working on 3 projects. A Hunslet T&D 4T, a 0-4-2T, printed from redesigned CAD and printed on David H's filament printer (Model Engine Works); a T&D etched brass coach (16T) from Worsley Works and an Alphagraphix card kit for the L&BER bogie brake fish van No7.

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Just a reminder that Narrow Gauge North is taking place on Saturday (14th March). Doors open at 10.30am.


There is no meeting in April.
There will be a meeting on Saturday 9th May at Greenfield Methodist church (start at 1.30pm).
The following meeting will be in Grasscroft on 10th June, at 8.00pm.

s.p.t. 12-3-26.