The award of the trophies will be made at the Dinner so I am not able to reveal the winners yet. Eddie, Peter and I have spent some time deciding a worthy winner for each trophy, which is hard when we are lucky enough to have many talented modellers within the club.
It was very pleasing to receive from ‘Railway Modeller’, the award for “Best Layout” at Alton as a lot of hard work by a lot of members resulted in a satisfactory running session and a fairly trouble free exhibition. A newspaper cutting is in the clubroom for those interested.
OO Gauge Matters
Redbridge Group on Yahoo
The WRM 00 Group has been set up on Yahoo. This is effectively the “library” for all things Redbridge and uploads already include: track plans; fiddle yard plans, photographs, signalling diagrams etc.
This format allows easy access for an approved person that joins the Group to view the data and upload further information.
Fiddle Yard Plan
After several drafts and evaluation of factors such as: traffic movements, space available, baseboard design, track, point locations, sizes for transport etc, a track plan has been finalised.
As reported in the last CC, after the baseboards are constructed, a “simple” circuit of track will be laid to allow a continuous run through Redbridge. This will greatly assist testing of the main boards and eventually allow Itchen Vale to be removed.
Track work
There has been further progress with track laying and associated point motors and wiring. Detailed plans have also been produced that provide a detailed record of all cables and locations of wire connections to track work and points.
Progress continues on ballasting, painting, and weathering of track in the yard.
Baseboard
Work has been progressed on the baseboards, particularly the major board that contains the causeway and A35 road flyover. This work has included a cardboard mock-up of the bridge.
A major “working party” will shortly be convened to construct the remaining scenic and associated daughter boards. These will largely follow the “design” that was developed for the initial boards.
Structures
Work has commenced on the construction of the platforms. Sidewalls and platform surface supports have been installed.
Work in Progress
In addition to the baseboard construction, very important decisions will shortly be made to finalise the sizes/locations of the major works buildings. This will allow the final yard track work and points to be completed, wired, wreathed, ballasted etc.
EM gauge Matters
Mick and Peter C have been discussing new supporting legs for the layout. These will be constructed very soon.Meanwhile, Peter B has built and installed the cattle dock
O gauge Matters
Our recent, award winning exhibition was one of the most enjoyable to be party to. It was not too far from home, the stock and layout performed well and the operators achieved some excellent running. Work now commences on the link to Canal Junction followed by the extra logic required to try DCC operation on the branch.
Other Business
Dare I mention the Summer Party? Hoping for some warmer weather soon and we shall need a venue for the party and of course a suitable date.
