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In the September issue of Railway Modeller, page 644, John describes the layout’s drastic revamp. It looks magnificent, well done John. Modelling Water The
Arguably modelling water is one of the most difficult areas of modelling to get right and to look realistic – help is at hand. Branchline The latest in the Shows You How Series of booklets distributed with Railway Modeller magazine’s The newsletter of the Australian Model Railway Association Inc. www.amrawa.com October issue is well worth consulting – but please do not ‘disappear’ our Library copy – if you really Western Australian Branch Inc. want to have a personal copy, either purchase a copy of the magazine or photocopy the booklet on our Library copier – as this will be for your personal use only, you should not fall foul of copyright rules. Issue 189 October 2008 Vol 31 No. 5 There’s a Prototype for Everything
This is the only place in the UK where a narrow–gauge railway crosses a main standard gauge line. Frans Fatidic As you might have guessed it is the Welsh Highland Railway, which crosses the Machynlleth – Pwllheli line just outside Porthmadog. The WHR has almost finished laying the track and the first It was pleasing to see so many members at the AGM. Everything went smoothly, I was glad to see Caernarfon to Porthmadog train will run the full length of the line in September, although public that between Ron and Alan they managed to sort out the financial situation of our Branch and a big passenger services won’t start until Easter next year. thanks must go to both of them.
It was also good to have nearly the same Management Committee back, other than Jim Gregg, and a big thank you to Jim from all of us for his support of our Branch and Committee. We welcome Rod Tonkin and hope he enjoys his time on the Management Committee.
After the AGM a General Meeting was held where members could ask various questions regarding the running of our Branch, which was very helpful to the incoming Management Committee.
[Note the main line Since then various members of the Management Committee have had a meeting with the Honorary driver’s sighting Life Members and views were exchanged and your Committee will take action on these suggestions, problems as his train for example first Monday of the month meetings, auctions and other ideas that were deleted over approaches this the last few years that we would like to see re–introduced, we will keep you informed. crossing for WHR trains approaching from left By the time you read this our Branch will have taken part in the Albany Expo with Fran’s River of picture. Ed,] layout being displayed.
The Wembley Scout Fair is on Saturday 25 October and if anyone is able to assist please let me know.
The Ted Thoday Clubman of the Year was awarded to two very special members, Alan Higgs and Rob Kay, congratulations to both for their tireless work for our Branch.
The Minutes of the Annual General Meeting/General Meeting will be enclosed with this I understand that the protocol for a WHR train to cross the main line will be quite mind–boggling – issue of The Branchline for those who receive their copy by mail and will be emailed to those not quite a notarised quadruplicate application three weeks before the train is due to cross but not members on our electronic mailing list. much less convoluted! Missing Videos and DVDs. I raised this matter during my Report to the AGM. Most of the Chris Gorring videos and DVDs listed in previous issues of The Branchline are still missing. Someone has one or more of these. Please return them so that other members may have the pleasure of viewing them. Printed by the Wyalkatchem Telecentre Phone 08 9681 1500 Fax 08 9681 1501 e-mail [email protected] Print Post Approved PP631312/008 2 23
Australian Model Railway Christmas Social Function. Please make a note in your Association Western Australian diaries for Saturday 6 December, starting around 1700 for Emails – Privacy and Security Branch [Inc.] members and their families to get together for a bit of PO Box 60 Seasonal good cheer, etc. Most, if not all of us, suffer the never ending problem of spam and scam emails. Similarly, most, if MAYLANDS 6931 not all of us, receive ‘humorous’ and ’interesting’ emails from other people. Many of these emails are Clubroom Photographs. During a recent meeting forwarded on from and to other people. Clubrooms between our Management Committee and our Honorary Life 24 Moojebing Street Members it was considered that the recording of our Privacy. Recently I received one of these forwarded ‘funnies’ that contained the details of seven BAYSWATER 6053 Branch’s history was of considerable importance. other people who had forwarded it on, only one of these people was known to me and that was the Phone 9377 3456 person who sent it to me. To commemorate our Branch’s 25th Anniversary, in 1989, President Associate Professor A H’Istorian [aká Alan Porter] One of the earlier forwarders had apparently used his work computer as he was identified with his researched and wrote a fairly detailed historical summary of name, position title, name of his employer, phone and fax numbers and at the end of the email was a Frans Ponjee – 9490 3636 our Branch. This was later supplemented with a brief warning to recipients of the email to disregard/delete it, etc. e-mail – [email protected] update to 1997. This brings up a couple of potential hazards. One is the issue of privacy, did the other people in the Vice President Alan has been asked to consider bringing this historical addresses know or give permission for their details to be broadcast to all and sundry? This may record up to date. constitute a breach of the privacy legislation. The second is the reaction of your employer should they John Maker – 0417 941 553 find you using your employer’s computer for frivolous purposes – there is the potential for disciplinary e-mail – [email protected] Ted Thoday has put this history into booklet format and, as action here. Secretary modern electronic technology now allows, is including photographs of our various Clubrooms, etc. Security. Most of these ‘funny/interesting’ emails doing the rounds contain, usually at the end, one Neill Phillips – 9243 4664 or more links to other web addresses offering things like funny faces, etc. Clicking on any of these [email protected] To supplement the photographs we are currently in links will automatically open that web site and in the process can transmit your details to who knows possession of we need the following – where or who, perhaps to the originator[s] of spam and scam emails. Treasurer
Ron Fryer – 9401 3514 Photographs of No. 1 Beaufort Street, Solutions. If you intend to forward one of these funny/interesting emails to e-mail – not available particularly the interior. someone else click on
that all available Committee members should attend and members reminded that they need to be as prudent as possible with our Branch’s funds. can attend Committee meetings as observers at any time. Members who have an email address can assist by having their copy of The Branchline delivered to Meeting No. 314 – September 2008. The major items of business dealt with at the meeting them electronically. This will save money by reducing the number of copies we need to print, the were – number of envelopes we need to use and the postage. Perhaps, not very much for each individual but, over a period, a reasonable saving can be made and the money saved put to better use in our Clubrooms. The Committee discussed the outcomes of the meeting with the Branch’s Life Members. The subject of cleaning routines for the Branch’s premises was discussed without firm Please give this serious consideration and let Ted Thoday [his email address is on page two] have resolution. The former allocation of cleaning duties has fallen into disrepute and a your email address to add to our electronic mailing list. new system needs to be devised to spread the load equitably. Alan Burrough presented a report recommending the selection of a DCC system from Frans Ponjee NCE as the Branch ‘standard’. His report is available on the noticeboard for the perusal Branch President of members. Frans Ponjee outlined a proposal for a Branch Honour Board that will be progressed in Management Committee the coming months. He also advised of progress with the 2009 Exhibition.
Management Committee Submissions. The Management Committee frequently receives items At the Annual General Meeting the following were elected – for consideration shortly after a Committee meeting has been held. This means that these items do not get considered until the next Committee meeting up to four weeks later. In an effort to resolve President Frans Ponjee this problem we publish the deadline date for submissions to be received by the Branch Secretary. Vice President John Maker Items can be posted to the address on page 2 of this issue or placed in the Secretary’s pigeon hole. Secretary Neill Phillips Treasurer Ron Fryer Submission deadlines for Committee meetings Committee Alan Burrough Steve Rayner 18 October 23 October Gary Pilmoor 13 November 20 November Niels Kroyer 11 December 18 December [date subject to confirmation] Rod Tonkin and the following responsibilities allocated - Railway Web Sites Librarian Chris Paterson On page 9 of the last issue a very brief mention was made about 60163 Tornado in steam. Library Assistants Mick Horn and Ashley Maker
Since then I have been provided with the web site addresses – Layout Coordinators
Branch Registrar John Maker Farish wagons – a GWR 5–plank open wagon, a 3–plank wagon with a Peco GWR furniture container Workshop and Tool Supervisor Rod Tonkin and a GWR Toad brake van. Bereavement Assistance Neill Phillips Exhibition Coordinator Frans Ponjee Steve makes much use of NGS kits and these were well represented by an ex–Midland Railway 12–ton Exhibition Assistant Coordinator Show Committee covered van in LMS grey livery, a GWR Mink C covered van, a SR type uneven size planks covered ModelRail Coordinator Alan Burrough van in GWR livery and a GWR Diagram V56 12 ton covered van. Model Competition Coordinator Graham Watson Stores Supervisor John Maker Steve’s second train was a set of three Dapol GWR Collett corridor coaches [a composite, an all third Assets Registrar Niels Kroyer and a composite brake] hauled by a Graham Farish 61xx Large Prairie 2–6–2T.
Frans Ponjee Contact persons for Special Interest Groups are: Branch President British Railways Gordon Bramwell 0432 871 197 Digital Command Control Richard Johnson 9455 6421 Exhibition Coordinators Report. Large Scale Jim Gregg 9298 9442 Great Western Railway Modellers Roger Solly 9444 7812 As you will have seen in the previous issue of The Branchline, expressions of interest letters for next LMS Modellers Alan Porter 9330 1848 year’s Exhibition were enclosed and, if possible, I would like to have them returned as soon as N Scale Neill Phillips 9403 0924 possible with suggestions that can be used for next year’s Exhibition. North American Railroads Peter Scarfe 9359 2281 S Scale Stuart Mackay 9310 3858 We still need to send the letter to non–members which will be done this month. A sub–committee is Southern Railway Modellers Group Terry Hammond 9458 9768 being formed to tackle all areas associated with the Exhibition and we will keep you informed. Membership Matters I would like to have a meeting in early November with all the clubs associated with Model Railways to discuss the Exhibition and ideas that they may have. Since the last issue of The Branchline we have had three new members join our club. Frans Ponjee Exhibition Coordinator Please welcome – Doug Eves Midland N The Ted Thoday Encouragement Award Anne Christensen Karratha N for Clubman of the Year Keith Christensen Karratha N Please make yourself known to the Duty Officer at your first few meetings. I encourage you to ask There were two nominations for the Award. It gave me considerable pleasure to be able to announce questions as there are many aspects to our Branch. Time at our Clubrooms is never wasted. them during the Annual General Meeting and to present Rob Kay with his Trophy. Unfortunately Alan Higgs was on leave and unable to attend the AGM, therefore his Trophy was presented in front The facility to renew your membership through our Branch has now ceased. All membership of those members present at a subsequent meeting. The Citations for the two recipients are – renewals need to be sent directly to the Federal Registrar, please do so as soon as possible as this will be last copy of The Branchline you will receive until you have renewed. Rob Kay John Maker Rob has an enviable reputation for his ability to think laterally. His high level of work skills have been Branch Registrar used on several occasions to deal with challenges that needed resolving on our Branch’s layouts, etc. From the Scribe’s Quill He led the team involved in the Shenton Park ParaQuad Recreation Centre Model Railway Layout Restoration Project during the latter part of 2007. This restoration was extensively reported in the Meeting No. 313 – August 2008. The major items of business dealt with at this meeting were – February 2008 issue of The Branchline. He was also deeply involved in planning the work schedule and was very much a hands–on leader. A letter regarding the quantum of post–Show payments to one exhibiting organisation Rob was similarly involved in the refurbishment of the Ossie Gully layout, a project that required that was discussed and a response advising the writer to talk to his Committee was sent. the layout be almost completely rebuilt. The 2009 Show Committee was being organised by the President, including the appointment of an advertising manager who works in advertising. He has been and continues to be involved in the work currently taking place to improve the There was a lot of discussion about making the Committee more accessible to Haltwhistle layout. members, with the first Monday of each month meeting being nominated as a meeting 20 5
Rover carries pre–1953 London registered plates [SXF255] and his long wheelbase Land Rover carries I’m sure you will agree that Rob Kay is deserving of the recognition that goes with this Award. pre–1953 Nairnshire [Scotland] registered plates [OAS821]. Both will be a little difficult to justify on his Derbyshire based Wheatstone Bridge layout! [People did travel and vehicles kept their original numbers when owners moved or sold them. Ed.] Alan Higgs
Then it was off to the Layout Rooms for members of the Group to Run and Tell about a GWR train Alan has been active over many years in most areas of our Branch affairs. that they had brought to the meeting. He has served very effectively on our Branch Management Committee using his expertise to the Barrie Peacock was the first cab off the rank running a typical GWR pick–up goods train on the benefit of our Branch’s affairs. Swan View layout. The train was hauled by a Bachmann Small Prairie No. 4527 and consisted of a Bachmann GWR fruit van, a Bachmann GWR Diagram V23 ventilated van, a Bachmann Salt Union salt Some members involved in our Model Railway Exhibitions/Shows will have assisted in the erection of wagon body that Barrie had mounted a Slaters wooden underframe kit, two Mikes Models [made by the barricading used around the stands. Alan was responsible for the design of the barricading system Cambrian] Annesley Colliery Co. Ltd. 7–plank open wagons, a Trix Maltby Main Colliery 7–plank open we use and regularly supervises its erection. wagon body mounted on a Slaters wooden underframe [all three of these open wagons had removable coal loads – but what were two wagons from a Nottingham colliery and one from a He has and continues to play a significant role in ensuring that the track on our Haltwhistle and The Doncaster colliery doing on a GWR train?], five 14–ton Class B tank wagons [badgeless Esso, Denver, Santa Fe and Valentine Railroad layouts is accurately laid. nondescript, large Esso badge, Berry Wiggins and Rothervale] – all having had their Mainline or Bachmann underframes greatly modified by Barrie’s well–known plastic surgery methods to improve He is always willing to provide advice and assistance to less experienced members. the brake gear and to include the bottom discharge piping] and a Bachmann GWR Toad brake van bringing up the rear. I’m sure you will agree that Alan Higgs is deserving of the recognition that goes with this Award.
There being no more OO trains, members adjourned to the large but unfinished WesterNRidge layout Ted Thoday to see some N scale trains running – the Frans River Line layout was out–of–action being prepared for transport to Albany for the Hobby Expo. ModelRail John Brenchley ran a model of the last train of the day from Tavistock to Plymouth. This Sunday, November 9, 2008 consisted of a Dapol 45xx Small Prairie 2–6–2T hauling a Dapol B set of two composite brake coaches close coupled [as they should be] with two Dapol United Dairies 6–wheel milk tank wagons coupled to At ModelRail we come together as one club and showcase our skills and our hobby both to fellow the rear of the train – these vehicles were returning empty from Lifton where there was an Ambrosia model railway enthusiasts and to the general public. Our theme for this year is “Movin’ On” and is factory producing dry milk formula for babies. planned to help modellers enhance their skills in a variety of activities.
John’s second train was a 16 wagon pick–up goods hauled by a Peco Collett 0–6–0. The wagons which Our politically correct master craftspersons will again demonstrate their magical talents with ongoing followed were a mixture from Dapol, Peco, old Graham Farish and Graham Farish–by–Bachmann. presentations throughout the day, where members and guests can sit, relax, observe and chat with the The Peco wagons were an A. Gresley 5–plank open wagon, a very long wheel–base SR 3–plank open experts. The Railway Modelling Competition will, as usual, be a highlight of the event with the finest wagon, two SR 5–plank open wagons and two GWR 5–plank open wagons [one with a load of bricks]. of hand–built motive power, rolling stock and structures reflecting their owners’ wizardry. The Dapol wagons were a GWR 20–ton steel mineral wagon and a Renwick 7–plank open wagon. The old Graham Farish wagons were a one–plank open [match] wagon and another carrying a container, All of our layouts will be in action, from Berkshires thundering around the garden layout to Big Boys two GWR 5–plank open wagons [one loaded with casks] and a GWR 7–plank open wagon and the hauling seemingly unending freight trains on the N scale railways. Our team of chefs will yet again Graham Farish–by–Bachmann wagons were a F.H. Silvey 5–plank open wagon, a J.R. Wood 7–plank entice you with their consummate culinary creations. open wagon and a GWR Toad brake van. If you are prepared to assist either as demonstrator, chef or public reception officer, please contact Not to be outdone, Steve Rayner ran a trip goods train based on a photograph in a soft cover Graham on [email protected] or meet Alan Burrough at our Clubrooms on any Saturday. version of GW150 published by David & Charles. This depicted a freight train being moved from one If you’re unable to assist, please spread the word and bring your family and friends to enjoy the yard to another at Reading and propelling a shunter’s float ahead of the locomotive. Steve had excitement of our hobby and the fellowship of the model railway fraternity. replicated this with the N scale shunter’s float which he had made by cutting a scale 3’ 0” from the middle of a Peco brake van underframe and by scratch–building the upper works. Participants are welcome to set up from 0900, the public will storm the building [hopefully] from 1000 until 1600 and the Railway Modelling Competition awards will be presented at 1600. His train consisted of a Graham Farish GWR 57xx 0–6–0 locomotive hauling 12 vehicles which, like those of John Brenchley, came from the stables of Dapol, Peco, old Graham Farish and Graham We look forward to your company at one of your Branch’s outstanding events. Farish–by–Bachmann but also included some made up from N Gauge Society kits. The Dapol wagons were a GWR bulk grain wagon, a GWR 20–ton steel mineral wagon and a GWR 7–plank Loco Coal Graham Watson wagon. There was only one Peco wagon [a GWR 5–plank open wagon] and only one Graham Farish– Alan Burrough by–Bachmann wagon [a 14–ton Shell Electrical Oils tank wagon]. There were three old Graham ModelRail Coordinators 6 19 Membership Renewals Doing Things – not too much happening in this section but two members kept the flag flying – Ron Richards – happily announced that he had only one more baseboard to go! If you have not renewed your membership this will be the last issue of The Branchline you will receive. Ron Fryer – about two years ago, he saw a photograph in a GWR wagons book of a S2 Fish Wagon Your renewal must now be made direct to AMRA’s Federal Registrar as our Branch cannot now circa 1900 – “I could make that”, said he, “from two 5–plank wagons and a section of an old GWR handle any more renewals. Brake Van”. So he started. Two years later it was still unfinished in a box. The Group decided to have the Fish Traffic night in August 2008 – panic!
From the Editorial Desk It’s not anywhere near finished. So some intensive work followed and he did more work in a week than he had done in the previous two years. Results, a very acceptable and presentable S2 fish wagon The Branchline – December issue deadline. Routine editorial material, articles, reports, that ran on the GWR metals firstly as broad gauge then, after conversion, up to 1926 on standard programme items, etc., to me no later than Saturday 22 November please. The following gauge. Surprisingly, when measured at the meeting it scaled out to exactly the right length, width, deadlines will apply – etc. he admits it was purely coincidental however!
For items transmitted via Australia Post the last postal delivery or if hand delivered to Thanks to Alan for the notes which are available to anyone who would like a copy. my home no later than 1600 on the Friday 21 November Our next meeting is a Bring, Run and Show Night on Wednesday 17 September. For items placed in the Editorial pigeon hole in the Management Committee office in the Clubrooms – 1500 Saturday 22 November The normal order of proceedings was reversed for the September meeting. Graham Watson reminded For items transmitted electronically via e-mail – 1800 Saturday 22 November e-mail members of the Group that the Australian Railway Historical Society would be holding its annual address is [email protected] – please use subject heading The Branchline. RAILFEST at the Rail Transport Museum on Sunday 12 October and that handbills were available on the Branch’s white–board. He also reminded members that the Branch’s annual Railway Modelling However, if your material is ready earlier please let me have it early; it helps spread the work load, Competition will be held on Saturday 8 November and that Entry Forms are now available. particularly if your article is handwritten or typed hard copy requiring retyping. Then it was time to see the New Acquisitions and Current Projects that members had brought along to Collation, etc., will be on Saturday 6 December. the meeting.
Please note the intended dates for The Branchline publication for 2009: Roger Solly combined the two by showing a 7mm/ft scale FourTrack Models etched brass and white–metal castings kit for an ex–LSWR Diagram 1502 Cattle Wagon. John White had given this kit Editorial deadline Assembly, etc. to Roger, who showed it in an almost fully assembled, but as yet unpainted, condition. Roger has made a very nice job of assembling the kit but he pointed out that there was a very slight discrepancy February Saturday 24 January Saturday 7 February between the length of one of the etched brass sides and the total length of the three white–metal April Saturday 28 March Saturday 11 April – includes castings of the external timbering on the door and on the body on each side of the door. Most of the pre–exhibition material members present were hard pressed to see this discrepancy, which was about 1mm, but Roger being June Saturday 30 May – for routine material the excellent modeller that he is, was determined to eliminate it by filling it with Milliput or a similar Saturday 6 June – for exhibition reports Saturday 20 June – will include filler. exhibition reports and AGM material August Saturday 1 August Saturday 15 August Alan Porter brought along two recent releases by Oxford Diecast – a short [88”] wheelbase Series 1 October Saturday 26 September Saturday 10 October – will include Land Rover with canvas hood in Civil Defence Corps [Northamptonshire Division] livery and a long Minutes of 2009 AGM [109”] wheelbase Series Land Rover with hood frame and in plain grey livery. Alan pointed out the December Saturday 21 November Saturday 5 December incredible detail that Oxford Diecast [and Classix Pocketbond] is incorporating into these model road vehicles, including clearly printed number plates [or Registration Marks, as they are know in UK]. He Ted Thoday pointed out that a pedantic super–detail nit–picker might challenge a vehicle with a number plate which had been first issued years before the time when the vehicle was marketed – in the same way as these folk sometimes challenge the number of rivets on a model locomotive’s buffer beam or cab Where we meet and when side!
All meetings are held in the Branch’s Clubrooms at 24 Moojebing Street, BAYSWATER [opposite This sort of trouble–maker can be dismissed by waving a copy of a small soft–back publication Car Paddington Street]. The Clubrooms are open as follows for programmed meetings:- Registration Guide – Number Plates Explained by Peter Robson and published by Newby Books. Or if he’s not convinced, waving under his nose a copy of the ‘bible’, also published by Newby Books – the Evening meetings – Monday to Friday from 2000 to 2230 soft–back book A History of Motor Vehicle Registration in the United Kingdom by L.H. Newell: that’ll Daytime meetings – Tuesday from 1000 to 1500 show him! Alan showed a copy of each of these books which revealed that his short wheelbase Land – Saturday from 1330 to 1700 18 7
Clubrooms in Moojebing St, Bayswater. New members and visitors are always welcome. Contact Members pay a small fee at each meeting to cover some of the general operating expenses of the Graham Watson on 9250 1084 for information regarding Railwest or GA models and/or Stuart Clubrooms and this entitles members to free hot drinks and a biscuit or two. Cool drinks are available Mackay on 9310 3858 for information about X–class models and general information about the S at a modest price. Scale Group.
Great Western Railway Special Interest Group Literary Lines
The topic for the August meeting was GWR Fish Traffic. The advent of the railways provided fast and Members will see the mention in Frans Fatidic regarding the none return of videos and DVDs, yes, reliable transport over long distances for perishable products such as fish. The seas around Britain some member, or members, have still not got the message. The missing videos and DVDs listed in were an abundant source of fish of various types and British ports became world leaders in the earlier issues belong to all of us, we would like to be able to view them, either for enjoyment or amount of fish landed. The East Coast accounted for over 70% of all fish eaten in the UK – very research. Bring them back, please. different from today! Despite learning about the missing videos, etc. some of our members continue to support our Branch The GWR enjoyed a somewhat greater amount of fish traffic than did the LMS or the SR but the LNER and donate magazines, books, videos, DVDs, etc. to our Library for the enjoyment of other members. carried the most by far. The major companies developed specialised wagons for the traffic and GWR was no exception. The Facilitation Notes and the addendum give extensive details on this most A big thank you to the following for their continuing support and donations – fascinating subject. Ron Chatterton Peter Higgins Chris Gorring Geoff Mercer Lynton Englund After our tea and bikkie break we resumed with – New Acquisitions – John Elfer George Turbett John Wise Paul Tranter David Hunter Dave Port Roger Stanton Arthur Giles Andrew Wells Jim Gregg Roger Solly –showed a picture of four Welsh fish wives [appropriate for the night]. One would Nik Pusenjak John Wise Les Kurylowicz Black Swan MRC certainly not wish to argue with them! Library – on Saturday afternoons the Library will be open for receiving and issuing books, Ron Richards – brought in an Oxford Diecast MG Touring car in racing green, a Skaledale Skale magazines and videos from 1400 to 1630 only. Autos [0xford Diecast] farm Tractor in Red/Grey and an EFE AEC Mk. III Milk Tanker [Express Dairy] very nice, will go well with the Express Dairy Milk float that he has ordered. He also showed a Made Chris Paterson in England Tea Towel – The Railway Enthusiast – a UK relative sent to him. Branch Librarian
Steve Rayner – showed an article from the April edition of Model Engineer magazine on the differences GWR King Edward VIII locomotive had in relation to the others of the Class. Around the Layouts
Ron Fryer – showed his latest acquisitions which were, a CORGI Trackside Series GWR Harrington Ebford Regis/Port Eb. You may have noticed that Port Eb has been reinstated in its proper location Horsebox, a BASE TOYS/Bachmann Scenecraft Rover 100 P4 [the local Squire’s car] a KEYSER plastic and construction work has been completed. Ebford Regis offers continuous running and Port Eb offers kit of a GWR low siphon 6–wheel van that he had bought from Tom Stokes, and then two books – yard to terminus running with plenty of shunting.
Brunel’s Britain by Derrick Beckett [David & Charles] ISBN –13: 978–0–7153–2360–1 We have quite a range of Branch owned rolling stock and invite fellow members to join us on Saturday afternoons from 1400 onwards for about 1½ hours to operate these two layouts. A Pictorial Record of British Railways Standard Steam Locomotives Vol.2, by Edward Talbot and published by him. ISBN 0–9542787–2–0. If you wish to bring your own locos and rolling stock this is fine, the limitations are – Alan Porter – After last month’s digital Calliper purchase he returned to Bunnings and bought the Standard loading gauge more expensive version – they were more accurate, confirming that you gets what you pays for. As we are now being inundated with model cars, he bought two books from the UK relating to car Back-to-back 29mm registrations as follows – Flanges less than 1.5mm deep.
Car Registration Guide by Peter Robson – Newby Books ISBN 978–1–872686–33–2 Dennis Ling A History of Motor Vehicle Registration in the UK [3rd edition] by L H Newall–Newby Layout Coordinator Books ISBN 978–1–872686–32–5. Haltwhistle. The Management of the above Railway Company are pleased to announce that the rail He also showed a rather splendid book called Britain’s Coast [Photographs from the Frith Collection connection to the village of Haltwhistle is now complete and has been given clearance by the civil engineer. published by the Francis Frith Collection] ISBN 978–1–84589–380–4. This was a really fascinating look at the way we were around the coast – many, many memories for us ex–Poms. There are still a few things to be done such as sensors to be placed where signals were moved and scenery that got damaged during the relaying of Cumwaite yard. 8 17
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Haltwhistle crew and other club members who those of the Belmont Racecourse Branch, American–built XA hopper wagons and West Perth Carriage worked very hard to overcome some frustrating times during the wiring of the new yard. sheds which were relatively rare and great to see again.
Tom Stokes Layout Coordinator DCC System Club Standard
Members may be aware that, prior to purchasing additional DCC systems, our Management One of Roye England’s Committee undertook an evaluation of layout requirements and currently available products. This photos of a K process involved developing specifications, seeking guidance from several DCC Learned Persons, class with a inviting member input and from this data, selecting the system best suited to become our Branch’s single coach standard. at Darlington c1935 I would like to express my gratitude to Tom Stokes, Neil Philips and Craig Hartmann in the formulation of specifications; to Learned Persons Bruce Norton, Richard Johnson, Gary Coombs, Peter Scarfe and Rod Tonkin for their guidance; and to all members who gave input.
The recommendation of NCE PH-PRO 5amp Starter Set and compatible NCE equipment to be our Branch standard has been accepted by the Committee. Our Branch is now in the process of purchasing a Starter Set and two additional hand controllers. The other photos were taken by a group of rail fans from the Victoria Branch of the ARHS who visited WA in 1954. Photos included MRWA number 12, 4–6–2 Pacific, a MRWA B class with its high-sided The assessment is on our Clubroom noticeboard for members’ information. tender, a Pm in black livery, an S class with the long cowling and an MSA Garrett locomotive, among many others. Alan Burrough Recommendation: NCE PH-PRO Starter Set
The magnificent S class 546, Egerton with full–length cowling, at Midland, 1954
Both of the S scale evenings were successful in bringing together the enthusiasts of the WA scene. Requires external 5 amp power supply [sold separately] includes - The members were reminded of the long history of the WAGR and MRWA and we are thankful to NCE's ProCab [with digital encoder speed control] Integrated Command Station & 5amp Power Station those who recorded the history for us all to enjoy and to model. 100+ page System Manual The S Scale Special Interest Group meets on the second Monday of every month at 2000 at the AMRA Connection Cables 16 9
Stuart Mackay showed his Z9 guard’s van which, he admitted, he forgot to bring to the Guard’s van muster last month. He also showed an example of a U class he made from seconds castings of his kit. Can You Help, Please? Stuart reports that fifteen members have taken delivery of their U class kits from the run of twenty and so he has done a run of a further seven for those who also expressed an interest. That may be it We are intending to construct Class 24 layouts as a series of demonstrations during next year’s as Stuart would like to start a new project or two in the coming months. Exhibition. It will save our Branch a considerable amount of money if we use pre–owned track and turnouts. Gary Gray also showed his completed U class which he has recently assembled from one of Stuart’s U class kits. Gary has painted it in the green and black livery. He reported that it went together Do you have any 16.5mm gauge set–track by PECO or Hornby that is surplus to your needs that you reasonably well and even gave Stuart some suggestions for additional assembly hints and would be prepared to donate for use in these demonstrations? If so please contact either of us or measurements. Stuart will email these to those who bought a kit, as soon as time will permit. bring your donation to any Branch meeting.
Brian Norris showed his very nice Gilbert Car which he has, since last month’s meeting, completely Rob Kay 08 9387 1108 modified from an American narrow gauge kit. Brian also showed the Bachmann Berkshire 2–8–4 HO Dave Edgell 08 9277 6832 locomotive which he bought on Ebay for $90 and is suitable for a WAGR V class. The Serial number on the box for the Bachmann loco is 50906 for those who want to get one. Around the SIGs Richard Gibson showed some structures he has put together from GG models, they included the loading ramp, gangers’ shed and the gentlemen’s toilet. British Railways Special Interest Group
Geoff Logue showed his U class loco and his X class loco with modified bogies as suggested by Neil The topic for the August meeting was the Chemical Tank Wagons Running on BR Metals. Blinco. Both locos are near to completion and ready for painting. Geoff like Richard Gibson is relatively new to the S Scale Group but they are really getting on with building models of locos, The development of the rail–tank wagon was largely led by the demands of the petroleum industry, wagons and coaches of the WAGR in S scale. particularly in the twentieth century, but the bulk movement of chemicals engendered a similar development of the rail–tank wagons dedicated to their transportation. Phil Knife showed his recently completed Guard’s van, a Z shunter on a Bachmann chassis, an X class locomotive and a Wildflower set. Liquids were, at first, carried by the railways in barrels, casks, jars, earthenware/glass carboys which were loaded into open wagons or covered vans. The facilitation notes follow the journey of carrying For an evening billed as a slide night this was a pretty impressive display of the work of modellers in liquids in bulk form from the start in 1865 to the present day. The notes show the various categories the Group. of chemicals, the improvements to the tank wagons and the various models available. Just an added note, jars, earthenware and glass carboys were still being carried for small amounts well into the Following the Bring and Show, we moved on to the main event of the evening which was a showing 1960s [100 years later]. I remember receiving jars and glass carboys at the laboratory where I of some digital slides of the photos of the well–known Roye England who was born in Perth in 1906 worked, so they would not be out of place on a station in the 1960s. and left Perth in 1925 to visit England. He returned to WA in 1934–1936 and while he was here preparing to take up a short–lived position in the Anglican Church took photos of scenes, locomotives Many thanks to Alan for bringing in a rather large collection of tank wagons to illustrate those that and trains in and around Perth. appear in the notes. Thanks also to Alan once again for the Facilitation Notes, they are available to any member who would like a copy. Roye was some–what of an eccentric character who apparently avoided what we would call paid work and spent most of his life doing what he enjoyed, building models of buildings and scenes of England After a break we resumed with – New Acquisitions – in the 1930’s. Most of these models as well as the modelling work of many other modellers, are now housed at the Pendon Museum near Oxford. An unlikely location for a museum, Pendon is well worth Ron Fryer – showed two Oxford Diecast vehicles, the Express Dairy Milk float, and the Triumph the visit to see some wonderful models of the landscape and scenes of an England which, as Graham Mayflower Sedan. He also showed and read out a letter that he had just received from the Great Watson said using a quote, an England that probably never was. [This is not correct, Roye’s models of Western Trust at Didcot, with regards to the small leather–bound book that he had been given by the rural England were models of actual buildings in the general area and are depicted in the ‘Vale’ modules. WA Rail Heritage Society. It would appear to be rather rare and the Trust want it when he dies!! Members are invited to read the book In Search of a Dream – The Life and Work of Roye England, Nothing like getting in first. In all probability they will more than likely get it. edited by Stephen Williams and published by Wild Swan Publications at ISBN 1 874103 62 3. This book contains photographs of the original buildings. Two of Roye’s homes, at 3 Ventnor and 7 Ron Richards – brought in a Bachmann Collectors Club model of a Class 37/4 Castell Caerphilli Richardson in West Perth, still exist, being used by medical specialists. The bank building, on the corner diesel locomotive in two–tone green [No.135 of 504 limited edition] very nice, exquisite paint job. He also showed his Oxford Diecast Express Dairy Milk float. of St. George’s Terrace and Barrack Street, Perth and where Roye was born, no longer exists. I have been unable to locate the house in Darlington where Roye’s mother lived – I would be interested in the address if anyone can identify it. Ed.] Trevor Batchelor – showed a collection of 28 various Railway Company badges and seven locomotive nameplates in miniature, all displayed in a very well made wooden, glass fronted cabinet. – very nice – very heavy. The 93 photos which we saw were in black and white and presumably taken by Roye on a Kodak box brownie camera or similar. The photos include many familiar ones to the enthusiast but there were Terry Emerson – showed a Graham Farish 2–6–4T Standard Tank locomotive [BR 80079] that he 10 15 had purchased on UK e–bay. He also showed some books that he had acquired at the Save the Graham drew members’ attention to the Micro–Mark catalogue and website. The catalogue is Children Fund Book Sale – currently full of interesting items for the serious railway modeller in any scale. They have DCC chips for $19.95 which until the recent slide in the Australian dollar was fantastic value. Micro–Mark is A Footplateman Remembers the Southern by Jim Rowe [$4] currently offering the Classic Mantua articulated timber–line locomotive for $US87 plus postage from America. This would form the basis of a chassis for the WAGR MSA Garrett locomotive for those with A Railway Life by Lloyd Holmes [$3] a mind to have one. A bound volume of the Railway Magazine 1956–1963 [not all copies] [$4] Ace Enginemen by Norman McKillop [$4] A number of members have indicated that they would like to buy a Railwest WAGR G class The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of the Worlds Steam Locomotives by B. Hollingsworth [$4] locomotive kit in S scale. Approximately sixty four of these kits were produced and if you want to sell yours, John Hatch, an AMRA member is interested. Alan Porter – showed his latest book acquisition called The Encyclopaedia of Sports Cars [Classic Era]. He also brought in his share of Oxford Diecast models, namely a SWB Land Rover in green Then it was on the meeting’s Topic. and a LWB Land Rover in grey. Ray Cooper kicked off the presentation by showing his completed Double G Models Goods Platform Nick Pusenjak – as a result of his threat at the last BR Meeting to order something, brought in the kit as well as several buildings including a gangers’ shed and a Railwest Out–of Shed. results, a Corgi Trackside Harringtons SR Horsebox in green, a Oxford Diecast Jaguar Mk. VII in Ivory and a Classix Morris J. Van [Royal Mail] in red. Gary Gray, who provides the kits for Double G Models, also showed his partly assembled WAGR U class steam locomotive. Gary also showed his P100 sanding–block. Terry Hammond – showed some books, also from the Save the Children Fund Book Sale – Ken Shenton showed his partly assembled X class loco kit. Ken has modified the bogies for smoother running. He also showed a D van with model aircraft tissue to resemble the canvas–clad A National Rail Museum Guide [50c] roof of yesteryear. Classic British Steam Locomotives by Peter Hern [$5] Great Train Disasters by K. Eastlake [$4] Murray Hartzer showed his unpainted WA cool storage bogie van which he built from two Railwest EB 4–wheel bogie vans, two X–class Models VF vans with internal bulk–heads, an ADU as part of his Jaguar, An Illustrated History by Patrick Mennem [$6] Railwest Models Wildflower kit and an early Railwest D van in polyester which was the kit casting medium prior to the use of the more flexible urethane. Steve Rayner – showed a Peco N Scale Phosphoric Acid tank wagon Allbright & Wilson. Most appropriate for the night. Lynton Englund showed a double–decker bus which he bought for $7 and is currently modifying to a single deck half–cab bus as used by the WAGR country road bus service in the 1950s. Geoff Mercer – brought in nothing, for a change! Neil Blinco showed his Railwest kit of a WAGR S class locomotive with considerable detailing and Doing Things – no one appeared to be doing any modelling – more’s the pity, so we all went home. modified cylinders. Neil also showed his JA tank wagon, his scratch–built V class locomotive which is close to completion and his X–Class Models kit of a WAGR X class with modified, weighted bogies. The September meeting was a bring, run and tell us about the train. But first – The bogies also had electrical pick–ups for improved reliability and smoother running through points. Neil also brought in two ARS he is working on, one with top–lights and one without. Each of the New Acquisitions – windows has had to be cut and filed to shape. At this point Ken Shenton commented on the benefits of making his own files from sandpaper on strips of brass for those difficult to file areas. Neil showed Ron Fryer – back from his overseas jaunt, brought in three books as follows:– the AV dining car which is also on his modelling bench, a TAD with gaps between the planking removed and a BA horse–box which is partly finished. Britain’s Coast from the Francis Frith Collection ISBN:978–1–84589–380–4 Along Lost Lines by Paul Atterbury [Antiques Roadshow fame] [David & Charles] John Hatch showed the XA hopper he is scratch–building using Stuart Mackay’s kit as a guide. ISBN:13–978–0–7153–2568–1 Fire & Steam by Christian Wolmar [Atlantic Books] ISBN:978–1–84254–630–6 John Bajkowski showed some photos of Yasstown and the Bellarine peninsular railway.
He also showed two vehicles from Oxford Diecast – a GWR Signal Van and a Railway Country Lorry Brian Norris showed how he has made a good start on kit–bashing a North American model of a Services Van linking villages, farms and towns with the Big Four railway companies. Both the narrow Gauge coach with similar platform ends clerestory roof and windows but serious changes need vehicles were Bedfords and they were guestimated to be 1:64 scale. Placed correctly on a OO layout, to be made. [See below]. one could just about get away with it. Thirty seven members and guests turned up for the September meeting which was billed as a slide Ron Richards – showed a new book acquisition called The History of the Great Western AEC Diesel evening. As usual we were treated to the usual bring and show where there are always a few Railcars by Colin Judge [OPC] ISBN:978–1–90419–11–0. This caused one member who collects the interesting surprises for the members of the group. railcars to be rather envious to put it mildly. 14 11
Friday 12 [3] N Scale Special Interest Group meeting – layout construction Steve Rayner – showed a Dapol N scale set comprising a Class 35 Hymek and six Unigate 6–wheel General Activities milk tankers, all weathered. A beautiful set, however I think Steve wished that he had got it before the dollar dropped against the pound! Saturday 13 [4] General Activities Alan Porter – Brought in a Bachmann OO model of a G2A or Super D 0–8–0 locomotive. A LNWR locomotive originally, this one in BR black with lion on cycle emblem, No. 49395. The back head is (Continued from page 11) beautifully detailed and painted. He also showed the obligatory Oxford Diecast cars – this time a Brake, all Second, Composite, two all Second, Composite, four unidentified coaches, Jaguar Mk VII in cream [used by the Lord of the Manor on Alan’s layout] and a MG TC open sports Composite Brake. car in British racing green. Train 3 – was again a Bachmann affair, consisting of a diesel locomotive and nine BR Mk. 1 coaches in maroon as follows. BR Class 40 diesel in green pulling all First, all Second, Terry Hammond – showed 4 DVDs – a Father’s Day present – as follows:– Composite, Buffet, Restaurant, three all Second, Full Brake. The special significance of this train was that its headboards were as follows – main headboard – The Norfolkman and the secondary headboard showed that it was the first British Rail [The Trainspotter Guide] – West Midlands 2000hp diesel hauling this train on the London–Norwich route. Well done Geoff, a nice “ – Brecon Mountain Railway interesting story all round. “ – Severn Valley Railway “ – Rail Around South Midland Alan Porter – showed his new Super D pulling fourteen Bachmann 16ton steel hopper, mineral wagons [four of which had the sloping sides] plus a Mainline Brake Van. Very nice and, as Alan Dave Jenkins – showed a Bachmann 9F 2–10–0 Standard in BR black and weathered. said, will look even better when he doubles the quantity of wagons. Incidentally, Dave tends to buy only those locomotive classes that he has fired in his railway working days. To go one step further he actually showed two or three locomotive models as numbered by the Dave Jenkins – The first train that Dave ran comprised all Bachmann models. A Thompson B1 4–6–0 pulling five Mk. I Suburban maroon coaches. The second train was again all Bachmann. An manufacturer that he had actually fired. Wonder if he knows someone in Bachmann? Ivatt 2–6–2T pulling two slam door suburban coaches in maroon, an All Second/Second Brake. Current Projects – Nick Pusenjak – Ran a genuine Tri–ang train comprising an 0–6–0 Jinty and six double–decked Steve Rayner – Informed us that he had finally installed his Infra–Red Detectors and his layout is car transporters [complete with thirty plus cars and vans] and a Brake Van. The old Jinty pulled the lot with ease and considering its age, looked very respectable. now back in action. Alan Porter – showed the trees that he is making [lots of them] for his viaduct scene, which he is Gordon Bramwell – Ran a train of mixed Bachmann/Hornby models consisting of a Bachmann taking down to the Albany Show. He also showed just how he was renovating the viaduct with Peak Class 44 diesel locomotive Pen–y–Ghent in blue pulling four Hornby Mk. II coaches in blue/ Slater’s embossed stone plasticard, etc. All of this he hopes to do at Albany – he can only hope! silver – two All Second/Second Brake. Ron Richards – is progressing with his baseboards, now he is adding the bulk scenery. We then moved to the new N Scale layout being built where – Ron Fryer – showed a wooden model of a 2–2–2? steam loco from the $2 Shop, that he has Steve Rayner – showed his new milk train in action. It comprised of a Class 35 Hymek pulling assembled for his grandson [age 15 months]. He has also made one for his eldest granddaughter [age eight Unigate 6–wheel tankers, two Express Dairy 6–wheel tankers, two Milk Marketing Board 3 years]. 6–wheel tankers and a BG coach by Graham Farish.
His second train was a Graham Farish HST Inter–City train with eight coaches [two First/five Now his wife has told him to make one for the youngest granddaughter [age 9 months]. At least it’s some form of modelling! Seconds/Buffet] sandwiched between the two powered units as in the real 12inch to the foot train. A great evening. See you all next month. After a break we adjourned to the layout rooms and ran some trains.
S Scale Special Interest Group. Geoff Mercer – was first off the rank, and he had three passenger trains from the BR[NE] period that told a story in the progression of the express passenger train over the years as follows:– The Group’s August meeting was attended by over thirty members. The event for the evening was billed as ‘the project that is currently on your modelling bench’. Train 1 – was an all Hornby Gresley affair consisting of a locomotive and eleven coaches in blood and custard as follows. Gresley B17 4–6–0 No. 61652 Darlington pulling a Composite Graham Watson once again called the meeting to order at 2030 and reminded members of some of Brake, all First, Composite Buffet, Composite, all Third, four Composites, Composite Brake. the more important forthcoming events. Graham spoke about our Branch’s Railway Modelling Train 2 – was a Bachmann Thompson affair, consisting of a locomotive and eleven coaches Competition and ModelRail in November, the Richard Johnson focus group weekend on September in maroon as follows. Thompson B1 4–6–0 No. 61251 Oliver Bury pulling a Composite 20/21, the ARHS Railfest open Day on Sunday October 12 and the Albany Model Railway Exhibition on the weekend of 5 October, the middle weekend of the school holidays. (Continued on page 14) 12 13 Programme Sunday 9 ModelRail Monday 10 [4] S Scale Special Interest Group meeting – Explanatory notes for programme events are in the ‘What’s On?’ article. Information regarding Tuesday 11 [5] Daylighters Group – daytime meeting contact persons, etc. for Special Interest Groups is given in the ‘Around the SIGs’ article. North American Railroads Special Interest Group meeting – Large Scale Special Interest Group meeting – Note. The numbers in brackets alongside the day name indicate the housekeeping duty to be completed before the meeting activity starts. Wednesday 12 DCC Special Interest Group meeting – venue to be notified Friday 14 [6] N Scale Special Interest Group meeting – layout construction October General Activities Saturday 15 [7] General Activities Monday 13 [9] S Scale Special Interest Group meeting – Tuesday 18 [8] Daylighters Group – daytime meeting Tuesday 14 [10&11] Daylighters Group – daytime meeting North American Railroads Special Interest Group meeting – Wednesday 19 [9] Great Western Railway Special Interest Group meeting – GWR Large Scale Special Interest Group meeting – Castle class 4–6–0s Friday 17 [12&1] N Scale Special Interest Group meeting – layout construction Friday 21 [10&11] N Scale Special Interest Group meeting – layout construction General Activities General Activities Saturday 18 [2] General Activities Saturday 22 [12&1] General Activities Tuesday 25 [2] Daylighters Group – daytime meeting Tuesday 21 [3] Daylighters Group – daytime meeting North American Railroads Special Interest Group meeting – Wednesday 22 [4] Great Western Railway Special Interest Group meeting – an Large Scale Special Interest Group meeting – appraisal of GWR Light and Dark Stone and Engine Green Wednesday 26 [3] British Railways Special Interest Group meeting – BR engineering Friday 24 [5] N Scale Special Interest Group meeting – layout construction trackside bits and pieces – signal wire, point rodding, etc. General Activities – S Scale Running Night Friday 28 [4] N Scale Special Interest Group meeting – layout construction Saturday 25 [6] General Activities General Activities – S Scale Running Night Saturday 29 [5] General Activities Tuesday 28 [7] Daylighters Group – daytime meeting North American Railroads Special Interest Group meeting – Large Scale Special Interest Group meeting – December Wednesday 29 [8] British Railways Special Interest Group meeting – BR Derby and Monday 1 [6] Loco Hauling and Unusual Rolling Stock evening Wickham diesel multiple units Tuesday 2 [7] Daylighters Group – daytime meeting Friday 31 [9] N Scale Special Interest Group meeting – layout construction Wednesday 3 [8] LMS Modellers Special Interest Group meeting – General Activities Friday 5 [9] N Scale Special Interest Group meeting – Train Running Session, with a chance to bring and show any new items and/or your modelling November projects. So come along bring your trains. Saturday 1 [10&11] Prepare Clubrooms for ModelRail General Activities General Activities Saturday 6 The Branchline assembly followed by Monday 3 [12&1] Scales and Gauges General Activities and Members Only Christmas Social Function Tuesday 4 [2] Daylighters Group – daytime meeting Monday 8 [10&11] S Scale Special Interest Group meeting – Friday 7 [3] N Scale Special Interest Group meeting – Train Running Session, with a chance to bring and show any new items and/or your modelling Tuesday 9 [12&1] Daylighters Group – daytime meeting projects. So come along bring your trains. North American Railroads Special Interest Group meeting – General Activities Large Scale Special Interest Group meeting – Saturday 8 Railway Modelling Competition [Library closed all afternoon] Wednesday 10 [2] Great Western Railway Special Interest Group meeting – End of General Activities Year Wind–up [quiz and good cheer] DCC Special Interest Group meeting – AMRA Clubrooms