The meeting was attended by Alan G., Alan P., Alan O'R., Brian, Bob, David H., David M. and Paul.
Apologies were received from Henry.
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.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55195125205_2ef0b5f988_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2s6prKK)
Bob had constructed the T&DLR Castlegregory branch loco No 4 from a Model Engine Works print. It runs very smoothly on a Halling motor bogie which fits perfectly in the loco body.
A small modification is required as the lamps currently make it difficult to use the chosen couplers. These are HP, part of the original 1940s/50s American TT range; chosen as they have a likeness to chopper couplings.
See e.g. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHlqeSuro_U
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55193829877_3c06bbc540_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2s6hNGv)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55194973389_743acdb303_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2s6oECe)
Paul has completed the cattle dock and loading ramp for Clogher. It is entirely made from card apart from a few pieces of brass wire used for the gate catches and to strengthen the fence along the loading ramp.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55193829857_bec6fa7788_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2s6hNGa)
He has commenced construction of the Alphagraphix L&BER bogie brake fish van No 7. The framing had been glued as one piece to 180g card before being cut out. The edges were painted with Humbrol enamel 64 and then carefully stuck in place over the body sides and ends.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55195125190_94db214f8c_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2s6prKu)
Paul had also begun a Worsley Works scratch aid etch of the T&D bogie coach T16. Because of the way that the droplights and window bars had been designed it has been necessary to add strips of card (it could be plastic card ...) to the insides of the windows. [The windows of the coach were more inset anyway as a result of the design.] One of the coach partitions has been glued in place. Some more details are required before painting.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55194973379_7303b3feec_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2s6oEC4)
Paul also had an example of the B&L 4 ton ore wagon, originally designed by Jamie and reworked by David H (Model Engine Works). With waisted bearing cups it ran very smoothly. Suitable decals came from https://Phoxydesign.co.uk
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55193829817_2e7d1b4721_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2s6hNFt)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55194973334_a3a1d4350d_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2s6oEBh)
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 3rd June (tbc) when we will discuss progress/challenges/success with model under construction and any 00n3 news.
s.p.t. 6-4-26