Page 6 - January Februray 2009

UNCOUPLED
CARS
(all items by the Editor unless otherwise credited)
John Spratley writes . . .
Like many, I enjoyed the convention and congratulate John and Mary Hey and Nobby Clarke for a great job. There were good layouts, clinics and traders. Bring & Buy was well organised (though a bit pricey at £6 for a 4 ft table!). It was nice to see more entries for the contests – well done Terry.
However I was very disappointed in the banquet standard – no choice, or options for special diets, pathetically small portions, poor service and attitude from the staff. At £28 I consider this a rip-off price for the pleasure of dining with my fellow BR members.
I was not a resident so cannot comment on the other meals but I gather Friday was pretty poor too.
I do not relish the prospect of another convention at Yew Lodge. I know Keg- worth is handy for members in the “frozen north” but we participate in Region activities by being prepared to travel to events put on by members. My vote for 2010 goes to Bournemouth, not because it is closer, but because at £65 per head per night it is cheaper than either Keg- worth or Sheffield.
Also, regarding Kegworth 2008, I gather there was no official funding for the ladies programme, and the Saturday events were organised by Mrs Wynne at her own expense! This is unacceptable. We should have proper non-rail provision for the many WAGS who attend.
Finally I’d like to make the point that all NMRA-BR organisers are volunteers, who provide all the meets and services, giving up time when they could be modelling.
So before criticising their efforts, please show some respect for their work – if you feel you could do better, volunteer – “Actions speak louder than Words.” In the meantime, support the efforts of those
who do the work, offer to help – you might enjoy things even more.
As Derek Frow once said in a President’s Car many years ago, “What you get out of BR membership is directly proportional to what you put in.”
Report from Gosport American Model Railroad Group
Allan Dobson
Round about seven years ago we started this group, not ever thinking that we would achieve anything like the things we have. I fail to see how we could have started any smaller, as we started with a group of just two!
It was not until we were offered the attentions of a third member who found us via the membership list of NMRA that we even thought that there would be further members out there so close to home. So at that time we wondered if there would be others. Thinking perhaps there might be, we asked a couple of model shops if they would put a card in the window for us, and from one of those we collected two more interested parties. About that time we put on our first meet in St Mary’s Parish Centre, Green Road, Alverstoke. Although it contained very little, we had a few people come in so we treated them in a friendly manner in the hope that they would perhaps come and see us again.
After two or three of these meets we seemed to get the hang of it and developed a combination formula of cheap entry, home-made refreshments, a raffle with several prizes, and friendly chat and a good atmosphere. This formula has stood us well, as we have built up a regular following that come time and time again; they are always asking, “When is the next one?”
From the humble beginnings of two lay- outs, we have steadily built up to usually five or six layouts, together with three dealers, who do not seem to be bothered just how much they sell as they enjoy themselves so much, and I believe treat it as a good day out. On our 29th outing, we had three brand new layouts on show for the first time. Also one of the other three had been modified, and a further one had been added to.
Where do we go from here? Well, we really do not know; we have two layouts under construction, new members turn- ing up on a regular basis, now number- ing about 18! This is a guesstimate as we do not have a membership list, we
do not have subscriptions, do not have a committee, do not have any rules, and seldom have any hassle.
As they say, “Model Railroading is Fun”, so why turn it into anything else? I suppose we will just carry on in our own way until we are big enough to take over the world!
We completed our 30th Mini Exhibition/ Running Meet in October and once again it all turned out fine and we picked up a few more visitors after a slightly lower attendance last time. This time we gave the club HO layout a rest and put the new N scale one in its place; it still needs scenery but ran OK.
The setting up and dismantling were done very quickly as usual and the new leg system is proving its worth in time and effort. The first loco was running very promptly indeed, which we feel isn’t too bad for a 4 × 1 metre layout. We are still adding to our members one at time, and are glad to say that spirits are high.
The format this time will be much the same, being hopefully SIX model railroads, the usual home-made cakes and a jolly good raffle – usually more than ten prizes, 16 last time, and hope to match that again if possible! We must also mention the excellent fish and chip lunches available from just across the road in the village. Please come and see us. Details in “What’s On”.
New member . . .
. . . Kenneth Williamson is able to supply a great range of photographs of current and earlier main and shortline subjects taken on his frequent railfanning trips to the US. Kenneth asks for a stamped addressed envelope. Please call him on 0131 336 4088 or email trainbuff@uwclub.net. Kenneth’s work is very interesting and the photo quality is excellent.
Roger Luffman writes
(re: my Dec. RH editorial comments) . . .
“Martin clearly underestimates his powers. I feel sure I am the man concerned as he kindly painted two locos for me, an expert job at a very reasonable price.
“I had previously considered joining NMRA, but as a pensioner the price I had seen had put me off. The £22 I paid seems very reasonable, and I have so far attended two very interesting events.
“I recall that Martin did indeed mention the useful library etc etc and also the friendships which I am beginning to make within the NMRA. It is also the first time in many years that I have been called a Gentleman, and in print too! Thanks again Martin.”
BEANERY
Wanted
HO Scale. A brass steam and sand dome combined in one unit as on the Virginian 2-8-4. The prototype seems to have been approx 12 feet in length.
Also Model Railroader Jan 1976; the plan for the Virginian 2-8-4 will do if no one wants to part with the magazine.
Also 6 axle N&W Brass tender, as used for the Pacific etc. Roger Luffman 01202 252103
 rOuNDHOuSe