During the Autumn, the test track has been brought back into use and seen a large variety of locomotives and stock running in both 2 mm and the three 4 mm gauges. We have been impressed by a number of the new locomotives produced by the major manufacturers, especially when comparing their performance to that of some relatively early kit built machines. What a difference!
Most recently we were able to see at first hand the generic four and six wheel coaches produced by Hattons and by Hornby and we were very impressed by the quality of the finish achieved by both firms. Clive R brought two Hattons four wheel SR olive green coaches and a P class 0-6-0T which performed very well and gave a very good impression of a 1930s branch train in southern England.
While work on Parkstone has slowed, progress has continued with Chitterne. The military siding now has new gate constructed by Chris H, who has motorised it in conjunction with Richard S. The latter has also made some modifications to the heat-sink of the control panel – no more warm fingers for operators!
We were very pleased to be able to exhibit Chitterne at the South Hants MRC exhibition which is always a very good show. The friendly atmosphere is one of enjoyment by visitors, including family groups with young children, and demonstrators alike. The quality of layouts is always very high and we felt flattered to be placed between Newton Heath Works, the fascinating 7 mm re-creation of ball clay extraction by Mike Baker and Martin Finney, and Rolvenden, Robin Gay’s seminal portrayal of the 1920s Colonel Stephens Kent and East Sussex Railway.
Since the show, Mike E has donated a Mike’s models (no connection) GWR yard crane which is prototypical and will replace the smaller N brass kit we have been using. Now we have to have discussions about couplings and traffic flows; but these will come next year. In the meantime we wish fellow modellers a peaceful and enjoyable Christmas and a Happy New Year.
This report – written by Joe Newman – appears in issue 235 of the EM Gauge Society newsletter.