Hello ScOONers!
August already! Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 3 August at our usual time of 8pm UK time (1900 GMT). The Zoom details are below - see you there!
Ian
Ian McAulay is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: 009 Society ScOONs online meeting
Time: Aug 3, 2022 20:00 London
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84866694682?pwd=anNRV2pqQ2x2ckRkOEdVbVEyd2tvZz09
Meeting ID: 848 6669 4682
Passcode: scoons3aug
If anyone is interested the freight traffic movement generation software I mentioned can be found at the link below. I've linked to the relevant blog post the author has provided the description and updates in; to download the software you will find a link in the comments. I think it fair to say you need a sufficiently complex layout to be worth using (for those not on the call the author of the software has a garden railway with circa 5 stations, plus copper mine, mill sidings, etc).
https://riksrailway.blogspot.com/2008/12/progress-report-16-freight-operation.html
We had a good a turnout last night of ten members despite it being holiday season (or perhaps, given the current travel chaos, because of it!)
A number of members join the Zoom call from their modelling den and last night we were treated to live model making during the meeting.
First on the list of business was the Renfrewshire Model Railway Show (the weekend of the 3rd and 4th of December). Previously it felt that running a stand was not on the cards, but last night Ron Martin suggested that as he is local to the area and has that weekend off he would investigate it and contact the Club. I will send out an updated 'round robin' email to all who registered an interest and we can take it from there.
First of our 'show and tells' was a live tree making demonstration by Brian Elder. He is trying out different techniques in different scales (sorry - I've forgotten the name of the modeller mentioned mentioned). He was working on large tree: dowel trunk, florist wire branches, Liquitex and other fibre paste, fine twiggy branches from 12 mm static grass glued with Modge Podge followed by foliage scatter material (if I noted the steps down correctly). He also used 'seafoam' (the plant Teloxys aristata - I wonder if it grows in Scotland?) He was also working on David Churchyard 3D printed models.
Hugh N showed us his feet - 3D printed feet for his 'sentient luggage' themed animated Discworld model to accompany his Angst Lesspork layout that he has upgraded with a quieter M20 geared motor and photos from the recent Portland College exhibition.
Ian has been trying out alternative couplings, comparing Dapol and Microtrains ones and found the Microtrains more reliably. Also he has been experimenting with different uncoupler magnets, both original ceramic ones and new small Neodymium disc ones. The originals are more reliable but the 'super magnets' are cheaper and compact. There was a discussion on ways to improve the performance of the super magnets.
Alan mentioned that construction of his lighthouse kit is currently on hold.
John has been busy with Nigel Brooks 3D print resin kits including a brake van, cattle wagons and Glyn Valley tram loco which comes with an amazing selection of detailing parts. His kits are available through eBay, though he encourages customers to order from him directly to benefit from cost savings.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/265579154072 (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/265579154072)
I'm sure he won't mind me including his business email address here if anyone wants to contact him:
Nigel@nigelbrooks.com
Tom is working on modern image bulk grain wagons that he has designed and 3D printed. He gave a short account of the 3D SIG and we hade two members at the meeting.
Ron is working on an 009 box file layout and also his standard gauge layout.
Hugh R showed photos of progress on his Inglenook++ layout and this led to a discussion on cork and other underlays and also techniques for modelling water for the stream that runs across the layout. Ron recommended good quality PVA (woodworking or builders rather 'school' stuff). Apparently it does not yellow with age so it is something I will try out. He also demonstrated some 'random train configuration' software - see Hugh's post in this section.
I had a recent trip out to Alford (Aberdeenshire) partly to visit KMS models to buy insulating rail joiners and while there took a look around the narrow gauge line. It is in a very sorry state, very overgrown and run down, though at KMS was told they had got some funding and working to get the railway open again. I failed to find the relevant photos and should have dug some out before the meeting so I'll try to find a few and add them here.
Our next meeting will be another Saturday afternoon one - 27th August at 3pm and Ron has agreed to take the lead.