Page 6 - May June 2009
P. 6

 UNCOUPLED
CARS
(all items by the Editor unless otherwise credited)
   Tony Martin . . .
. . . reports that with immediate effect his e­mail address at tesco.net is being discon­ tinued. Until an alternative address is set up, members can contact him by tele­ phone, should the need arise.
Contact details
Please note change of contact details, from Brian Woolven to Graham Charman, for Seaboard Southern, as in Division Diary.
Modeller’s achievements recognised
Long­time modeller and NMRA British Region member Jim Dickinson’s modelling skills have been recognised with a special Golden Spike Certificate. This certificate was presented in a surprise ceremony by NMRA British Region Achievement Pro­ gramme Chairman Steve Park, at the Black Diamonds meeting at Kegworth on Saturday 21 February 2001.
Jim has been modelling for over 50 years. He originally started with military models,
an interest that he still finds time to enjoy even today. He became interested in railway modelling in the early 1970s. On joining the Oxford club he was asked to build a small coal shed. Jim says, “When I presented this they said ‘fantastic model, just what we want, but don’t you think . . .’. As a result of this I built 15 in all and learnt how to build from the experience. The final one was on their main exhibition
layout for the next 9 years!”
Asked what he had to do to receive this award, Jim said, “Not sure, as I said, it came as a surprise, you’d better ask Steve as he’s better able to answer that ques­ tion.”
Steve Park said, “The Golden Spike Award is the entry­level certificate to the Achieve­ ment Program for any member. The con­ ditions are on the NMRA’s website (www. nmra.org). For a GS certificate the member must demonstrate a part of a model railway 8 square feet in area, with three items of trackage, six cars and five struc­ tures. Jim complied with that list of con­ ditions when he displayed his modules at the Kegworth convention last October/ November. Unfortunately I did not have his certificate prepared for presentation that day, so I took the opportunity to surprise Jim at our meeting.”
Jim said, “I started modelling because of an interest in mechanical things. Over the years I’ve built boats, tanks, aircraft, but mainly trains. Dad was a toolmaker, and I think having that background helped. I served my apprenticeship as a tool fitter but moved up to design and management before
I finished and I turned to modelling as a way of keeping my hand in.”
Jim is modest about his skills and abilities. In addition to military and railroad model­ ling he also designs model boats and is well known in this field. He has also supplied prints to companies, including P&O and for presentation to ex­naval captains.
I’m sure that all NMRA modellers will congratulate Jim on this acknowledgment of his personal achievements.
In the words of Steve Park, “All members would do themselves a favour if they familiarised themselves with the basic requirements. They would be pleasantly surprised to find that it is not a very onerous demand on anyone’s piece of modelling to gain acknowledgement of their modelling skills via the NMRA’s Achievement Program”.
DCC Conversions by John Spratley
John is offering a service for older brass steam locos, converting them to DCC, remotoring with can motors where necessary. Contact John on 01761 434246.
Sculptamold
John Spratley also mentions that the popular lightweight plaster material Sculptamold is available in “Antics” hobby store in Bristol at approx £6 per bag. Though rather pricey, it is reckoned to be ideal for layout scenery etc.
YARD LIMIT
Jim Dickinson receives his Golden Spike award from Steve Park
Photo: Mike Hughes
  6 ROunDHOuSe
  For Sale
BEANERY
• HO Bachmann set of 5 New Haven heavyweight green coaches (diner, obs, Pullman, 2 coaches) mint, £80 the set; Bachmann 0­6­0ST mint undec £45 ono; Bachmann GE 44 Tonner, yellow, unlettered, 2 motor version, test run only £20 ono.; N scale Lifelike PA1, new, undec grey, £35 ono. All + p&p. Contact John Spratley, 01761 434246
Wanted
• N Scale. A pair of number boards for a Kato UP AC4400 No 5714. Geoff Kybett, 01509 506239
Nice to meet you...!!!!!
John Bristow, our advertiser “Deluxe Materials”, is anxious to track down the nice couple that he met at the Basingstoke show who talked about their trip across Canada by rail. If they are reading this issue, please get in touch with John, through his advert address.
   4   5   6   7   8