Nine attended the March meeting – Alan G., Alan O'R., David H., David M., Henry, Lee, Mark H., Peter and Paul.
Three apologies were received – Barry, Brian and Mark R.
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.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54395719242_c58f3f542f_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qSLhdj)
David M had completed two projects, a Model Engine Works Sharp Stewart CVR tram loco and a Worsley Works E van.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54396607521_2e62698f30_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qSQQgt)
The Sharp Stewart was a new print that had been completed by David Hurst on his best quality filament printer and runs on a regauged Kato 11-110. He intends to replace the name with gold transfers when a source can be found. The chassis of the E van etch was a tad long and needed a bit of additional work to give an appropriate fit for the van body.
Henry presented the 3rd part of his Isle of Man visit last summer. This included photos of various items of rolling stock, the railway museum at Port Erin and shots of the Groudle Glen railway.
The photo below, taken at the museum, shows Manx Norther Cleminson coach No 6 with one of the Beyer Peacock 2-4-0T's in front.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54396785859_9681f3d75d_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qSRKhg)
Lee showed us the progress he'd made with one of the Model Engine Works Hudswell style diesel locos. Again this was a print that came directly from David Hurst. His next task was to regauge the Kato chassis and install it in the loco.
Paul finished his report on the construction of the level crossing gates for Clogher station.
Due to the lack of quality sources it is difficult to fully confirm their accuracy but hopefully they give an appropriate impression and they may tease out more information at some point in the future.
The scene had now been set with hedges on the west side and fencing on the east side of the road. Lots of bushes and trees still to add!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54396785799_dd468a8cc0_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qSRKge)
On the news front an obituary for Mark Arscott had been printed in the Railway Modeller. He supplied may specialised items under the Markit's brand and this will probably create supply issues for parts in the future.
On a brighter note David Hurst had been working with Mark Clarke of Locos n Stuff to produce a replacement chassis for the Halling motor bogie.
It is available in a variety of wheelbases and will resale at £54 + P&P. It will need additional weight for good running and probably a period of running in.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54395719237_43155a176d_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qSLhde)Photo 5 - motor bogie (https://flic.kr/p/2qSLhde) by Sampson Ursus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/199155862@N04/), on Flickr
The next meeting will be on Wednesday 7th May (confirmed) at 8.00pm and joining details will be circulated nearer the time.
s.p.t. 15 -3 -25
(Posted on behalf of Paul Titmus by Julien Webb)