An invitation to take Chitterne to a show in the spring, has prompted thoughts of possible improvements and extensions including a safer fiddle yard. We are considering a turntable to replace the current cassette system which would allow us to store and turn trains without any need to handle or possibly drop them! Richard S used his ancient maths ‘A’ level to produce equations for the optimum arrangement of multiple tracks on a turntable and drew some scale diagrams which suggest that the scheme is practical.
Work on our OO finescale layout Parkstone had picked up pace with much carving of foam to represent the cutting outside the station.
For years Chris B has bemoaned his inability to locate any LNWR bulbous oil axleboxes, pointing out that they were very common but only ever made in 4mm by ABS. He finally complained online whereupon Andy Vincent of Meon Valley Models drew, printed and posted some apparently overnight! At our next meeting Chris delightedly showed off the axleboxes and springs together with the first of many EM LNWR wagons which have been held up waiting for these vital components!
As always there has been an interesting collection of engines on our test track.
Mike E brought in a C-Class with an interesting background. Gauged for EM, but with P4 profile wheels, it apparently featured in Ian Rice’s Modelling with Plastic Structure Kits.
Richard P showed us two Hornby engines with connections to Salisbury which he had re-gauged to EM; an M7 no 30673 and King Arthur 30453. The latter had been out of action for some time due to a short circuit so he was pleased to be able to show it running again.
Richard S is making good but slow progress repairing our Pentroller controllers. After replacing a faulty chip and cleaning a potentiometer, both controllers are working reasonably well, but still need some more work.
Members continue to be impressed by the current standard of RTR models. Chris B brought in two recently received OO Rapido models which he had not even got around to unwrapping. There was a 1907 RCH 7 plank mineral and a GW Iron Mink, both of which attracted positive comments. With the aid of a back-to-back gauge and Lawrie’s patent wheel spreading tool he had them running on our EM test track before the tea break!
This report – written by Richard Simpson – appears in issue 242 of the EM Gauge Society newsletter.