The last dinner to be held at the Harestock Lodge Hotel has been held. 30 members and guests attended. The award of the trophies was made harder this year by the large number of members who deserve an award for their modelling skills and work done for the club layouts. Whilst we intend to review the method of awarding the trophies at the AGM, this year we have confined the awards to the usual two.
The Peter James Trophy was once again awarded to Tony for his continuing excellent conversion and building of Southern coaching stock.
The Winchester Trophy was awarded to Dave Renshaw for his continued work on Redbridge, both at home and at the club. Without his guidance Redbridge would not be progressing so well.
Well done to both of you.
OO Gauge Matters
Baseboards & Support
The final section of the Dexion baseboard support structure has been completed allowing "permanent", but easily dismountable, boards with clearance for the 0 gauge track. Further baseboard support has been added to provide more rigidity on one section.
Track laying & Ballasting
The tracks across the causeway scenic section have been laid and more progress has been made on the fiddle yard track and point work (around 40 points remain to be built). A "test train" has been run/pushed around an almost complete circuit
Wiring & Control System
Wiring of the fiddle yard continues and discussion continues to determine the specification of the control system.
Buildings
The down platform has been completed and is in situ.
EM gauge Matters
Unfortunately ill health has disrupted plans to proceed with scenic work on Mawgan Porth. However, the bracket signal has been built and we hope to install it soon
O gauge Matters
As we had no response to emails about Alexandra Palace, we have assumed that Abbotstone will not be appearing this year. We have offered it for next year and I hope to see Nick Freezer in May and find out what happened.
We have replaced the plugs and sockets relating to both goods yard controllers’ as they were proving unreliable.
The interlocking on the branch lever frame has been amended and now needs a period of ‘running in’. The main frame is receiving similar treatment.
Converting the branch to have the option of DCC is our next project. This needs a ‘box of tricks’ that has been designed and now needs building. The instrument boxes and under way.
Other Business
The Summer Party will once again be held at David Deere-Jones’ home later this year.
