French NG SIG 10th Meeting

[BobB]

A smaller meeting on 26 Jan 2023, with only three present, one apology, and another having problems with Zoom.

In general discussion, we noted the growth of RTR HOm models, from REE and other suppliers, with some interesting products expected in 2023.  We also compared notes about what shade of paint we use for "black" locomotives.

Paul showed pictures of his 4mm scale Côtes du Nord train, consisting of 3D-printed Blanc-Misseron loco, wagon-plat on a 3D-printed chassis, 3D-print tombereau, and the latest addition, a CdN couvert designed and printed by a non-modeller friend, as an experiment.  Paul also plans to build a CdN coach from card (one day!).

Charlie showed us some new locos for St-Etienne, which is attending some exhibitions this year.  There was a Decauville 0-4-0T from an old French whitemetal body on a Bachmann Percy chassis, and a Decauville outside-framed 0-4-2T with a 3D-print body, which he plans to fit to an N-drive chassis when it arrives.  Both models were compared to earlier attempts at the same prototypes.

Bob showed pictures of Charentais cottages installed on St-Trojan, and talked of researching the methods used for producing sea salt, and for cultivating mussels and oysters a hundred years ago, in order to create a small diorama on the scenic section of his layout.  We discussed some possibilities for additional locomotives suitable for the layout.

The next meeting will be planned during March 2023.