Page 4 - May June 2007

President’s Car...
Chris Hobbs
On behalf of the BOD, I was able to distribute the updated policies on Grants, Financial Support for Groups and Insurance as intended at the end of March.
We now look forward to hearing from those who are looking for a grant to build and or improve their layouts. We hope also that the financial support available will enable more Groups to put on events, and the insurance policy and requirements are there to safeguard us all.
As well as the routine matters, a couple of issues have been receiving the attention of the BOD in the last two months. First, there will have been the first full discussions concerning the possible incorporation of the Region as a company limited by guarantee. These discussions will include a legal adviser, and I have also asked Len Firth to sit in. He has of course had so much to do with the British Region Constitution in the past as well as personal experience with a model flying club of which he is a member. The solicitor whom we have asked to advise also has con­ siderable previous experience in this area, as well as being a US modelling fan. It is very early days yet, but hopefully an interim report will be available at the Convention in October.
The second item is a follow­on from discussions concerning insurance mat­ ters. As well as being in discussion with our brokers concerning a blanket insur­ ance for all Meets, Region and Division/ Groups, we have also discussed insurance for members’ model railway collections. Many members rely on their home and contents insurance, but in many cases this may not be adequate or satisfactory. I would not like to raise expectations too high, but perhaps if we had enough interest, we might be able to arrange a more comprehensive insurance at a discount to an individual policy. I would appreciate feedback from members on this issue.
Having missed the Winter Meet in January, I was very pleased to attend the Spring Meet at the new Calder Northern venue in Crewe, and what a day it was. It was a lovely day and, after a period of rather inclement weather, this made for a good trip and a very pleasant walk around the heritage site. Even better was to stand on the outside viewing platform of the former North Junction Crewe signal box in the sun and watch trains pulling out from the station and then diverting right in front of the box to go either onto the WCML to Scotland or off to Chester and the North Wales line on the other side with just a bit farther over, the junction to Manchester.
Calder Northern’s ‘club rooms’ are the ‘bottom floor’ of the signal box and in the far end room (with their new layout) there is a huge picture window, again looking straight at the trains as they come towards
you and then diverging. Crewe North, by the way, is a big signal box – not the one­ man, a few levers and a stove type. This is a large concrete structure and when manned had a six­man shift, controlling all the electro­mechanical levers (I think that’s what they call them – no doubt someone will correct me if not) for the points and signals. I could go on but there is a full report on the meet in this Roundhouse, so I will not overlap. I will just say that I, and I am sure everybody else, had a great day. Organisation, layouts, traders and bring & buy were all excellent and, bearing in mind that the team led by Terry Wynne had only had three months to get the whole place into shape, was remarkable. Thank you and well done everybody involved. I have not seen final numbers but I believe well over 100 attended, together with some mem­ bers of the public, and I can only suggest that if you were not able to make it this time, do try and get to another – you will find the visit well worthwhile.
Actually, as it happens you will have all have a very good opportunity because on Sunday 7 October there is to be a Canadian Themed Meet there. Although headed ‘Canadian’, I understand that it includes roads connected to Canada – therefore BN (BNSF), UP, MC, D&H, SOO, NS, CSX and even AMTRAK will be welcome!! That’s quite a theme – anyway, put it in your diary now – more details to follow. Whilst on the subject of ‘special’ meets, whilst manning the NMRA stand with Nobby at the Nottingham Show (another enjoyable day and great to see and chat with so many members), John Wright who was doing his bit for American modelling on one of the demo stands, let me know that he will be doing a themed meet in Washington (no – Tyne & Wear, not DC) under the heading of ‘Modelling the Late Steam Transition Era’. This will be on 1 September – again, fuller details to follow, but suffice to say that I think the emphasis will really be on modelling. It is likely that there will be layouts, but also expect clinics and lots of demos. I am sure many of you are aware of John’s skills as a modeller and his passion for the hobby and his desire to see more of us improve our own skills. I know it’s a long way north for many of you, but it is the first opportunity for a long time for northern members to have an event – please make the most of it and support it as best you can. Remember there is some beautiful countryside and much to do in this area, so consider making a long weekend of it. My wife and I particularly like Northumber­ land (not far away) and have had a late holiday around Alnwick for the last two years running. Alnwick Castle and its gar­ dens and fountains are rightly described as being the ‘Jewel of the North’. There are plenty of very reasonable places to stay and eat.
Before that, in fact very shortly (16 June) we have the first NMRA­sponsored public model railway exhibition – Ardenrail in Solihull, W Midlands. This is our opportu­ nity to display to the public what American modelling is all about. We really want it to be a success. We have talked about such a show for many years – it’s now happening. Again membership support for this is so important. Please make it, if you can.
I understand that all is going well with the Convention, final arrangements are in hand and rooms are starting to disappear, so don’t leave it too late to book. Getting Pelle Soeborg (HO Daneville and Donner River, author of ‘Mountain to Desert’, regular MR contributor etc) over from Denmark, is quite a coup for the organisers and I am sure we will all look forward to his presence there and the clinic he is to give.
The Kegworth 2008 organising committee have had their first meeting, so planning for this event is now well under way. Swindon (Hilton) is still the only bid for 2009 and at the time of writing (early April) we are being pressed to commit, so it is likely that is where we will be. More news on both of these in the months to come.
Whilst at the Crewe meeting, I was pleased to meet up with Derek Milby. As many of you are aware, Derek has contributed greatly to the Region over many years. I first got to know him at the 1989 Conven­ tion which he organised at Lakeside (Win­ dermere). Since then he has organised many weekend events in Ulverston, which have always been very popular and a great success. Sadly, due to the increasing cost of facilities, Derek announced last year that the 2006 event would be the last. I would like to formally put on record the Region’s heartfelt thanks for all the considerable work that he put into these events over 15 plus years. Losing this event will be a great loss to the Region. Having also chatted to Steve Park recently, I am pleased to say that one other way we
 ROUNDHOUSE