Page 16 - September October 2015

NMRA-BR @ 70 USA
scales and gauges. Membership of British Region is spread throughout the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, with over twenty groups meeting regularly in all corners of theRegion.Theactivitiesofthegroupsvarybutmanyinclude in their schedule the regular running of layouts in various scales and gauges, either in public halls or in members’ homes. Some put on clinics open to all members to share their know-how with others.
With a full calendar of events the British Region brings members and specialist traders together at various locations throughout the UK and Ireland to exchange information and show what can be achieved to represent the North American railroad scene at its best. Each year the Region stages Meets
and an Annual Convention where there is an exhibition of lay- outs and models along with clinics and demonstrations.
This year’s ‘Milepost 70’ Convention will be at the Derby Conference Centre over the weekend of 23rd – 25th October. The Guest of Honour will be the President of the parent organisation from the USA. Non-members are invited from 11am to 4pm on Saturday 24th October.
Developing skills
A key facet of the NMRA is its commitment to improving members’ skills. As a member of the NMRA you can hone your skills and learn new tricks on anything from layout design, locomotive construction, scenery, and track building
CM American Special
Those new to American modelling – and more experienced modellers – may find the CM
North American Special,
Your Guide to Modelling American Railroads, interesting and useful. ISBN 978-0900586019, ref.PM201, £6.99
plus postage & packing.
Left
Relatively small ‘switching’ layouts are understandably popular as a practical means of trying US-style modelling even if American-style space is not available. Diesel era urban settings are ideal. This HO scene is State Street by Mark Sweatman.
Photo: editor. Below
In contrast, Pine Bluffs and Ceda Falls is a larger (6m x 4m) HO exhibition layout in transportable sections by members of the Alton MRC. (See CM February 2015.)
It allows the opportunity to run longer trains, somewhat more typical of the US scene, with steam and early diesels. Weathering locos and stock is another typical element of American modelling practice. Photo: editor.
572 CONTINENTAL MODELLER