There were nine of us present last night and planning and construction of layouts was a common thread.
Exhibitions:PerthThanks to Dave Chapman, ScOONs have an invitation to Perth this year (25th and 26th June). The organizers are kindly placing us next to Dave's Glen Dull layout and the organizers are giving us one 6 foot table with more than ample space at either end for our two banners - 14 feet total. We are looking for ideas as to what we should put on the display. At present we could do a version of the display at the Aberdeen exhibition, though we should have a little extra space. This would be:
- 2 x display banners (2 m high x 800 mm wide)
- 22 inch TV/display with MP4 playing capability with USB stick slide show
- A4 acrylic 'menu holder' for displaying current 009 News
- a selection of 009 News to hand out
- Acrylic leaflet holder and Society leaflets (more leaflets needed)
- A3 (approx.) display board of Society kits
- Hat box pizza layout with Gaugemaster Combi controller
Dave invites you to bring along stock to run on his layout (being able to run on radius 1 curves advised). Also small 4-wheel locos are welcome to take a turn on the pizza layout.
There should be space for a couple of dioramas, photo planks, micro layouts, static model displays or similar. If you can offer something, please do.
Model Rail Scotland 2023Ron, who was unfortunately on call could not attend, sent in our invitation to next year's exhibition in Glasgow. This is very encouraging and hopefully indicates we are being noticed. We have plenty of time to think of ways to make an impact in a small space. We will be with other society stands. Unfortunately this section of the exhibition due to its technical nature can sometimes be quite static so plenty of movement and eye-catching features would be good to get visitors to pause and take a look.
Member Roundup Alan reported that the Summerlee Exhibition was well worth a visit and came across the laser cutting company PPD and wondered if anyone had dealt with them and what their work was like.
https://www.facebook.com/summerleemuseum/ (https://www.facebook.com/summerleemuseum/)
http://ppdltd.com/ (http://ppdltd.com/)
Ian gave an update and slide show on his 009 island brewery layout on a foamboard baseboard. He recommends the lightweight construction, especially if the builder has mobility concerns. There are several levels and is using the Woodland Scenics foam incline sets for some gradient. There are also two (or more?) bridges constructed from ice lolly sticks, coffee stirrers, matchsticks. Timber trestle rail bridges are not common in Scotland, but if I have it right, Ian found inspiration in Aultnaslanach bridge.
http://happypontist.blogspot.com/2012/07/scottish-bridges-30-aultnaslanach.html (http://happypontist.blogspot.com/2012/07/scottish-bridges-30-aultnaslanach.html)
He also spoke about the merits of hot wire cutters and silicone glue.
Tom is continuing on his baseboard construction and has found it necessary to make adjustments gradients. He is also looking for help with remotoring a Roco diesel loco.
Garry gave a report on aspects of the AGM and showed the new Handbook. He has been working on conversions of Czech TT tankers that have been in his stash for many years and also showed his work on Chivers' Innisfail coach and wagons.
John is doing background work on a new small layout to investigate modelling a 'run down look' that might form the basis for an extension to his main layout.
Dave spoke about his Glen Dull layout and extended an invitation to visit his area of the country and its attractions (Aviemore).
Phil showed plans for his planned 5 foot x 2 (or 3?) foot Austrian HOe layout.
I showed some photos taken at the Easter Garioch Heritage Centre exhibition of a (not narrow gauge) layout that been bequeathed to the Centre. What I found fascinating was how recognisable many local landmarks were in what was largely a fictional layout. There was also a photo of work just completed on some old 3D prints that have been languishing untouched for several years. I also showed the AnyRail track plan of a compact zig-zag layout that could be part of a Society display table. The inspiration is very loosely the Dalmunzie estate railway.
https://www.railscot.co.uk/companies/D/Dalmunzie_Railway/ (https://www.railscot.co.uk/companies/D/Dalmunzie_Railway/)
https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/past-times/2508847/one-of-the-strangest-little-railways-in-scotland-100-years-since-dalmunzie-line-opened-near-glenshee/ (https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/past-times/2508847/one-of-the-strangest-little-railways-in-scotland-100-years-since-dalmunzie-line-opened-near-glenshee/)
Hugh R joined us later in the meeting and had a question about fixing his faulty new Halling bogie chassis that was manufactured with one of the pickups bent outside the wheel. He also identified another switchback line in Scotland which though standard gauge very much ties in with my thoughts.
https://www.railscot.co.uk/locations/B/Ben_Cruachan_Quarry/ (https://www.railscot.co.uk/locations/B/Ben_Cruachan_Quarry/)
Graeme, as I will be in Perth from the Friday throughout the weekend I will try and put something together over the next eight weeks to take down.