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After some initial discussion concerning the correct methodology of setting up the circuit we settled down to various modelling tasks Theme of the day on the circuit was “Big Steam”. David G ran his 8 F and Crab 2 6 0 with a rake of Stanier red & cream coaches , I ran my SECR E Class with […]

Finally after nearly two years of lock downs and Covid restrictions we were able to gather round one big table together to do some model ling , talk about some modelling we had done , talk about some modelling we were going to do and generally while away a few hours. Paul W and Barry

Our first meeting of 2022 encouraged members to bring along bogie diesel locos, so we saw Geoff’s No.10,000, David Ho’s Class 33, Roger’s Class 60 and 33, David G’s Class 24, kicked off by the fine sight of Paul W’s Class 47 and four red & cream coaches. Roger’s Class 47 succeeded in overheating the

Fifteen of us gathered for the annual quiz. Chairs were set out, the screen erected and the mini projector connected. David Ho with helpers prepared tea and coffee. Custard creams seemed the favourite biscuit in the absence of mince pies. Having led the team that won the quiz last time round, Roger H was the

With mask wearing was the norm, fourteen members had set The Circuit out when I arrived.  Sections of Sarre and Edington were receiving attention and several models were being assembled on the long table, including vans and road lorries.  Nearby, Tim had a tall brewery building taking shape. When members talked over our Open Afternoon,

Luckily, the Badlesmere Committee made it possible for us to ready the hall on Friday afternoon, so a party of us set out our two layouts and Circuit. Saturday dawned with wind, snow, hail and rain, not to mention a crop of accidents threatening to cut us. However, 17 of us managed to attend, as

Numbers built up during the morning when we had running on The Circuit, although some had other commitments after lunch. As well as crimson and cream stock running, there were several shades of green. Models were being assembled and sections of our layout Sarre were having scenic details added. John P had scenic items on

The Gravesend Railway Enthusiasts (GRES) club had invited us to their show in 2019 but, of course, it was cancelled as was the 2020 show.  Happily, this year it was on.  Roger set up the tables with cloths and the display stand on the Friday night. Although we only asked for 12 feet of space

A splendid, but chilly autumn day, so we tested the heater over the modelling tables. There were plenty of helpers when John B took charge of setting out our Circuit. I grabbed the inner line to exercise a US Alco diesel with boxcars, while Fred took to the outer with a single unit railcar, replete

Isle of Wight Railways was the theme of A talk given by Ross today.  Growing up in Portsmouth, he’d often visited the island by railway paddlesteamer.  Later he’d taken photos of the deminishing lines and steam locos there, meeting with helpful railway staff.  More recently still, he has returned on railtours, visiting the Haven Street

‘Sarre’ was being unpacked from its crates for operating, after its appearance at the Beckenham Show, where it performed well. John B, Chris M and David Ho. joined with Roger there and said it had gone pretty well, although visitors were down on previous years. Paul H was there with his diorama and GOG display,

Roger beat me to the hall and was setting out Sarre for a practice of the running sequence, before it appears at Beckenham. I got it positioned just in the front of the stage, so we could test projectors ready for illustrated talks to resume. That involved Ross unpacking electronics and me wobbling atop a

We had 40 entries for our competition, the most we can recollect, along with displays of other models, filling six tables. They were set out near the windows, so appeared in good light. Buildings and motor vehicles filled one section, while rolling stock and locos vied for space on another. Once we’d managed to find

Paul W and Fred had opened up and were setting out tables when I arrived. Once a half dozen members were present, ‘Edington’ was readied for running, especially P O locos and wagons – today’s theme. Kentish wagons; many from Somerset, and several from the Welsh Marches caught my eye. One train was tailed by

The two Johns were signing me to park on the grass quietly when I drove up, as they were being entertained by a dubious nag looking askance at the motor horsebox. We left off being spectators and threw the hall open. Soon joined by some of our stalwarts, the Circuit was positioned and tables set

A pleasant afternoon meeting, with Geoff R showing one of his dioramas, featuring several tired locos.  He also displayed a Class 10 BR shunter and a flat-bed lorry, renovated from a battered ‘Dinky’.  However, he  and Ross were soon sorting through loco parts from some kits; mainly a Terrier and a large GWR tender locomotive. 

August 4th 2021 – Wednesday Meeting – Rob M I threw open the windows and doors, then sat out in the sun, having arrived a tad early. Soon Fred rolled in, followed by a line of cars. Soon the assembled company were setting out the hall with our Circuit, a square of modelling tables and