We presented the annual trophies at the Dinner which was a success. The full list of winners is in the clubroom.
Room “Clean Up”
Some members have spent “extra time” at the club room cleaning up, disposing of “out of date stuff” and generally making the 4 mm room tidier and cleaner. This has also opened up space to work without being “on the baseboards”. Main room (7mm/EM) target for next session (May)
OO Gauge Matters
There has been considerable work since the last CC ..
The Redbridge Layout Topics thread has been updated with a great deal of information. particularly in respect of the control system.
RMWeb – http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/58444-wrm-redbridge-wharf/
Reminder: We have agreed to the include the layout in the upcoming exhibition in Brockenhurst on the 28/29th May. The layout will not be finished at that time as much work remains to be completed before the event date. However, but we do expect to have all of the trackwork, the control systems and some items of scenery completed.
Trackwork
The 3rd rail system has been devised using the correct rail code soldered to brass or steel pins. Jigs that were laser cut and used on a Members layout were very useful.
Most of the running lines and crossovers have been laid. Care was taken to ensure that Members locos – particularly diesels and electric sets- would not be damaged by the rail. Some weathering is required and the rails need to be chemically “blackened” or some other means (using a Sharpie permanent marker has been trialed).
Some weathering will be required.
Wiring & Control
This topic is/has been the major part of the whole project and a detailed description can be found on the RMWeb Topic above. A great deal of time has been spent in finalising the control system and much progress has been achieved. Currently there are around 200 routes defined in the control system!
A heavy duty "power bus" has been added to the boards for 12v/5v /0v to overcome problems due to voltage drop.
Scenery
On the baseboards, the spaces between tracks and buildings etc. have been given a coat of paint using two colours. This has made a big difference to the appearance. A grass area has also been made adjacent to the up platform. “Grass” has been/is being planted on the bridge abutments.
The Bridges
The bridges have been positioned and are very visible and an important feature of the location.
Infrastructure
Further progress has produced the following:
The platform buildings, the travelling Crane, the Creosote tanks and other major parts of the “Works”
EM gauge Matters
Mawgan Porth had a successful outing to the Southampton Model Railway Show in Eastleigh.
The layout was voted runner-up by the public in the Best Layout competition.
Steve Flint (Editor of "Railway Modeller") took many photos of Mawgan Porth, which will be "Layout of the Month" at some future dat
O gauge Matters
The layout is now back to how it used to be and we plan running sessions to allow members to familiarize themselves with the new arrangements.
Other Business
There will be more clubroom working parties in January and March, please turn up and help tidy and maintain the facilities .
The Club Dinner is arranged for Saturday 25th February at the Potters Heron Hotel.
