Page 25 - November December 2007

A Retrospect of the Northumbria Sub Division Themed Meet – Saturday 1 Sept 2007
The trend of the ‘Themed Meet’ was continued by the Northumbria Sub Division on the subject of ‘Modelling the Transition Era 1940s–1950s’, our show being held at the Columbia Community Centre in Washington, Tyne and Wear. The northeast of England is recognised by many as the birthplace of railways, and our theme proved popular with the local modellers, who turned out to support us with almost 50 paying customers coming through the door to see what was on offer. Several visitors travelled many miles from Scotland and the nether regions of England to be with us, too.
We had what could euphemistically be described as five layouts, as only one of them, Mike Fishwick’s HO switching layout could be considered finished. Alan Pearson came along with an N Gauge module from his Castlefield project based on the Laurinsberg and Southern RR, Bob Gallatly brought his HO N&W Roanoke Roundhouse all the way from Sheffield, the 1940s PRR HO Westmorland Junction was dragged from its base in the clubrooms of the Newcastle & District MRS, and Fleetwood Shawe, one of the great pioneers of railway modelling in the UK, exhibited his radio-controlled O Gauge locos on a wye track he’d built specially for our event. Of course, finished layouts are really of little consequence at a meet like this, as the socialising and general modelling chat are the main reasons we do this sort of thing. The unfinished areas of Westmorland Junction were host to an RPM display and a Bring & Buy stall.
John H Wright
Backing these up were demonstrations from Bob Jones (CAD etched brass kit design), Mike Scott (freight car weathering), Mick Simpson (etched brass kit construction) and Alan Pearson (who provided a demonstration of 2 mm tree building next to his layout module). Clinics were given by Philip Dove (Freight Cars ... getting the balance right) and Jon Grant (who gave us an ongoing clinic fitting DCC soundchips into his Sweethome Chicago locos). The Sub Div ‘Railettes’, Eileen Wright and Bev Simpson, kept us amply supplied with tea, coffee and biscuits and Nigel Anderson, David Boorman and Terry Lawson were stewards on the day and helped greatly with setting up on the Friday. Our British Region President Chris Hobbs and his good lady also turned out to help us on both days, and other friends and visitors generally lent a hand when needed. The ‘Trade’ was represented by George Watson (C&G Models) and Wilf Parkington with his books. My thanks to all concerned, both members and non- members, for all their support and hard work.
Was it worthwhile? Very much so. There was a great deal of positive feedback and a general consensus that we must do it again, possibly in two years’ time. Maybe another Northern England or Scottish group could fill this slot in the calendar next year. Financially we did well, and a nice little profit was made due to a good turnout of visitors, modest overheads and last but not least the generosity of our exhibitors, stewards and helpers.
Those of you with internet access can view a pictorial retrospect at:
http://www.xclent.freeuk.com/northumbria/home.htm
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december 2007