009 News Competition - What we can do better

[Hobby]

I'm sorry but I managed to miss this so didn't enter but it was interesting reading the suggestions and I thought that it may be helpful to discuss  and enlarge the "thoughts"? If the Directors don't feel this is a good idea please feel free to delete the thread!

Several people suggested an expansion on the "kit" side, whilst I have no interest in this as I doubt they'd do anything which suits me(!) but I do think it's worth looking at. One thing is that I can't remember anyone asking what they wanted produced, so how about asking for suggestions? Maybe doing a poll of all the suggestions to decide which to do first?

A RTR steam chassis would also be a good idea, but I'm not sure Neville would have the manufacturing capacity, is it worth the Society going to the N manufacturers for this using one of their current chassis? They do do "chassis only" in 00 so it may be possible. Perhaps start with Kato and Farish?

Regards the book on PDH's RM articles, I'd have thought the railway is already covered in his book, but the concept is a good one, could someone approach Peco and ask if they would allow articles in past magazine (RM and CM) to be added to the section of the Society's Website where the News is archived? And don't just stick to 009, but include HOe, OOn3 and HOm! It could be a massive job unless Peco have the files already done in suitable format, though!

Good point about the Handbook, are we going ahead or not, I was asked to provide something about my field of interest but have heard nothing since. Perhaps an update as to what is going on is in order?

I think Chris has mentioned before about track plans that he would like to provide them but can only do that if they are provided! I've always tried to include them, in fact CM (and I assume RM) insist on one, perhaps that's the only way! There is an easy alternative, a photo of the layout from above (can be done placing it on it's side if you can't get high enough!!)...



To the member that made the comment about lack of society presence in Scotland. I find this a little frustrating. We had a discussion about this a while ago on the forum and it was suggested to Scottish members (several of whom took part in the discussion) that one of them write a letter to the News asking interested members north of the border to get in touch with a view to forming a new group. I've yet to see any letter. This is one of those occasions where the old phrase "God helps those who help themselves" really stands. If you look at every other group they were all started with such a letter, that is what I did 25 years ago in the West Midlands. The Society doesn't do it, the MEMBERS do. So whoever you are can I suggest as you've taken the time to write in to enter the competition you do the same with a letter asking Scottish members to contact you and see how it goes?! BTW I'd suggest that Dundas Models of Fife may take exception to your comments about lack of trade support, I'd suggest you have the leading supplier of 009 in the UK up there!! ;)

[Stan Williams]

I would just like to make a comment on the piece about 009 layouts and stands travelling to exhibitions in Scotland or the lack of them ?

In the last 10 years to my knowledge, Scotland has been well served by 009 layouts from South of the Border.
The  Merseyside & South West Lancs Group went to  Modelrail Scotland in Glasgow on three occasions  2011/12/13.
A different layout on each occasion supported by the 009 publicity stand.

We also attended  the  Perth Exhibition  and we exhibited twice at the  St Andrews Exhibition from 2014  to  2016.
again supported by the 009 publicity stand.

The Lampoons Group (Leeds)  attended  Modelrail Scotland in  2019

John Thorne exhibited one of his 009 layouts at the  Perth Exhibition in  2019.

I think the above has shown that many members of the 009 society based South of the Border have tried their best, to attract more
people into 009 modelling and NG in general.

Stan.

[Graeme Dunbar]

There is distinct lack of 009 modellers in Scotland exhibiting their layouts I think (guilty m'lud!) The Edinburgh & Lothians used to exhibit Caerdwyn though.

Other "visitors" - the Jacobs have shown a couple of their layouts, Affyn-y-Llyin (wrong spelling I know) has appeared a few times (I think it was due to appear this year), the Grassings also exhibited (not strictly 009 I know). Brian Caton has shown his 009 live steam.

Edit: how could I forget! - the Stealth Bomber appeared at Perth.

[Julian Evison]

With my Chairman's hat on, I welcome this thread (but whether I still do in ten pages time is another matter!) We asked for ideas in connection with the Baldwin competition and you have seen the results. I expect we will debate them at the next committee meeting and this will be a useful source of additional material.

There are two general points I would like to make now:
1) I would ask that people don't shoot down individual ideas or thoughts (not that I see this happening yet.). It just stops others from raising their heads above the parapet to give more ideas.
2) Please remember that getting any idea from thought to completed action means having a person willing to do it – could that person be you?

On some of the points raised already, let me try and give a brief update:
1) Kits. The first task is getting the supply of existing ones back in stock. Charles Collier is working hard on this and we have an agreed order waiting for a production slot. Once that is going again it will be right to consider new ventures.
2) Chassis. At the moment we are concentrating on talking to manufacturers about making chassis available separately for sale. Commissioning our own is a quite a large financial risk.
3) Handbook. I gave a brief update in my AGM report. We had a new editor but unfortunately he has had to withdraw through ill health. Any volunteers to take on this role? Our preliminary costings look good; I think this is really important and would love a new, completely revised, edition.
4) Presence in Scotland. Yes please! We would have been at Perth with the Society stand this year, but for Covid-19. We also have a big gap in our area group network in Scotland. If someone is willing to lead it we would facilitate it by contacting members and asking if they are interested and also underwriting reasonable costs to get the group going in a private house or village hall as appropriate.

I hope this doesn't come across as defensive, because more ideas are very welcome.

Julian

[Hugh Norwood]

There is distinct lack of 009 modellers in Scotland exhibiting their layouts I think (guilty m'lud!) The Edinburgh & Lothians used to exhibit Caerdwyn though.

Other "visitors" - the Jacobs have shown a couple of their layouts, Affyn-y-Llyin (wrong spelling I know) has appeared a few times (I think it was due to appear this year), the Grassings also exhibited (not strictly 009 I know). Brian Caton has shown his 009 live steam.

Edit: how could I forget! - the Stealth Bomber appeared at Perth.

Don't forget the Leeds three were at Glasgow last year Waterhulme, Ghylldale and Angst-Lesspork!  :)

[Graeme Dunbar]

Don't forget the Leeds three were at Glasgow last year Waterhulme, Ghylldale and Angst-Lesspork!  :)

Thanks for reminding me! I remember now being most disappointed that I could not go which is why I was most determined to make it this year.  Clearly The Lady   ;) conspired against me.

[Graeme Dunbar]

4) Presence in Scotland. Yes please! We would have been at Perth with the Society stand this year, but for Covid-19. We also have a big gap in our area group network in Scotland. If someone is willing to lead it we would facilitate it by contacting members and asking if they are interested and also underwriting reasonable costs to get the group going in a private house or village hall as appropriate.

I hope this doesn't come across as defensive, because more ideas are very welcome.

Julian

Not at all. Thanks for the encouragement. I've been thinking along these lines for a while and hope I am more able to commit time to it now I'm retired. As it is a bit lengthy perhaps I PM you and possibly a News article.

[Hobby]

From my experience, Graeme, it just needs someone to get the ball rolling, we started of with half a dozen and now there's 50 or so between two groups! Good luck, and if you have any meets in Edinburgh and I'm up that way... ;)

[Julian Evison]

Not at all. Thanks for the encouragement. I've been thinking along these lines for a while and hope I am more able to commit time to it now I'm retired. As it is a bit lengthy perhaps I PM you and possibly a News article.

Graeme,

Thanks very much for this. Please PM me, or send an email to chairman (at ) 009society (dot) com, and we can discuss fuirther (without obligation!) We have an idea about how to get the ball rolling so maybe we can have success this time.

Julian

[Malcolm]

4) Presence in Scotland. Yes please! We would have been at Perth with the Society stand this year, but for Covid-19. We also have a big gap in our area group network in Scotland. If someone is willing to lead it we would facilitate it by contacting members and asking if they are interested and also underwriting reasonable costs to get the group going in a private house or village hall as appropriate.

I hope this doesn't come across as defensive, because more ideas are very welcome.

Julian

Julian

You raised the question of a Scottish Group with me at Narrow Gauge North back in March but I must admit it has been the last thing on my mind with this Covid 19 malarkey.    It is a pity that the Perth show was cancelled as you would hopefully have had a chance to meet other Scottish members and maybe twist an arm or two.  For my own part as someone who is shielding and will be staying shielded for some time I am currently unwilling to host a meeting and even if I could the maximum is six!

The Edinburgh & Lothians MRC's  Caeredwyn layout was demolished five years ago however the baseboards for a new 009 layout are in the clubrooms awaiting the lifting of the restrictions on meetings being held.  Regrettably over the years the E&LMRC have, I think, been the only Scottish club to normally have a 009 layout [and O-16.5 layout ] available for exhibitions and currently has two members H0 layouts available.

Re the suggestion about a book containing all the Craigshire articles by P D Hancock I have my doubts as to its saleability given that Narrow Gauge Adventure pretty well is a repeat of the RM articles.  What I have always thought would be a better proposal would be an album of all the best published and some previously unpublished photographs with extended captions and a potted history of the layout and PD   The colour photographs are in the E&LMRC Collection however until such time as the original black and white photographs are found this matter is on hold.   

if anyone wants an index for PD'S articles or copies of them them then please pm me.

Malcolm

[Julian Evison]

Malcolm,

Thanks for replying. Indeed I think everybody has had more important things to consider than setting up area groups over the last few months! As we look forward I hope we can find a willing volunteer to give it a go as (I hope) confidence grows in what is prudent to do.

Thanks also for the observations on the collection of Craigshire articles, which, as you say, has effectively been done. Also I feel the E&LMRC is best placed to lead on P D Hancock material (though the Society could support). I do wonder if the principle of the original idea can be extended to reproducing RM's historic articles on NG modelling might have an appeal. One for consideration.

Julian

[MickT]

Re the suggestion about a book containing all the Craigshire articles by P D Hancock I have my doubts as to its saleability given that Narrow Gauge Adventure pretty well is a repeat of the RM articles.  What I have always thought would be a better proposal would be an album of all the best published and some previously unpublished photographs with extended captions and a potted history of the layout and PD   The colour photographs are in the E&LMRC Collection however until such time as the original black and white photographs are found this matter is on hold.   

if anyone wants an index for PD'S articles or copies of them them then please pm me.

Malcolm

I fully agree with Malcolm on the matter of a new book about the C&MR and indeed about Philip Hancock. As to photos of the C&MR or more accurately the surviving bit of it: Dundreich:

Some newer members on here or to the hobby who are interested in the pioneering Craig & Mertonford Railway may not be aware that I posted online a reasonably comprehensive collection of photos of the layout and stock that was taken at the fondly remembered 009 Soc 40th anniversary weekend convention at Kegworth, Derbyshire, back in September 2013 and this collection is still available for viewing on my, currently moribund, but still alive blog, link under my signature or if it isn't there (can't remember if it appears on this 009 Soc forum or not!!), at: http://micksrovingreporter.blogspot.com/

Go to the panel on the right hand side of the opening page, scroll down to 2013 and then select the Kegworth entry, and then scroll down the introductory blurb and select the link to open up Part 4. When you get there, click on the first image and this will open the album, then simply navigate your way through using the right and left arrow keys. Abbreviated captions are below the album images (not the thumbnails) or if you click in the "i" button, a panel opens on the right to display the full captions, regrettably because Google images is useless regarding albums which were originally created in the much better Google product Picasaweb, when you are viewing a blog album created in the superceded program, which the Kegworth album was, you can't keep this panel open as you scroll through and have to click the "i" button if you want the captions on each image. This is one of the reasons why I got fed up with fighting the fight to try to keep my roving reports up to date a couple of years ago, and got so far behind that I lost the will to carry on with it.

Mick

[Crichworkshop2000]

GraemeD, Avyn-A-llyin has appeared in Scotland 6 times now since 2008 at Falkirk, then at Dumfries, Perth [twice] and Cupar [twice]. It has got an invite back to the latter 2 when the new board is completed. Due to the distance travelling there, I make a holiday of it subject to finding somewhere to store my trailer.

[Graeme Dunbar]

Many thanks. I look forward to seeing it again! I've seen it twice, both times at Perth I think, though maybe one was at Cupar.

[Alan Pollock]

Hi Guys

I'm a new member to the 009 gauge society and have read this thread with a great deal of interest especially in regards to setting up an area group as I live in Scotland well near Glasgow actually I had to think back a long way to remember if any club member had 009 and it is a clear no however they did have HOe witch is pretty close then i realised that my membership of the club was 2002 then I moved clubs the realised my last visit to that club was 2005 so I haven't been in a local club for over 15 years due to one thing or another but that's not the reason why I'm posting here I'm wishing to say that if theirs an area group within reasonable travel distance to me bearing in mind I'd be using public transport I'd love to be considered as a member once we are back to normal life once again

Thanks
Alan