Category: Train Orders

                                           TRAIN ORDERS September 2018

Despite the request in last month’s Train Orders on the handling and storage of throttles on the North Western Mills layout, members are still wrapping up throttles in their cables and placing them in the Store Room. I therefore, repeat the message again. Please note that after operating the layout at weekends etc those members on duty are requested NOT to put the throttles away in the Store Room, thank you. Now that the ‘club room’ is locked at all times, except for Heritage Centre open days when we are present for operating the layout, plus Wednesdays when we have our working day, it has been agreed that throttles can be left in situ in the throttle pockets around the layout. Can I also remind everyone again that when using throttles not to stretch the cables as this is causing damage to the small plugs that are inserted into the UTP’s? Please unplug very carefully and move your throttle to the next UTP along the layout if required, as appropriate.

In respect of the request for those members to renew their NMRA subscription I have to report that a few of our members have declined to renew. I have passed their reasons to Peter Bowen, Membership Director of the British Region.

Your committee again is asking for a member to volunteer to take over the Weekend Rota for 2019 following Brian Burke’s decision to step down from the role. If anyone wishes to deal with this matter on behalf of members then please contact Terry and we can make arrangements with you regarding preparation for next year.

You will remember some while ago Stuart Wood loaned some of his trains to Calder Northern as he felt his illness might prevent him being able to be continue to enjoy his models. He had been given health warnings and so let us have the use of a BCR train and a couple of steam locos, along with giving us some other items for sale or disposal. Stuart decided around 6-8 months ago that he hoped to go back to Canada (he once had a model shop near Vancouver) where he still had family and took back his models. When the time came he unfortunately was too ill to return to Canada and has thus remained in the local area.

About two Saturdays ago Stuart contacted me to say he was going into a care home on the following Monday and he wanted to surrender what models he still had left. I decided to visit him and with Steve’s help to assess what if any of the items had any value and might be of use to our Group. We collected all of the items Stuart could lay his hands to and these are now at Crewe. It was decided with Stuart’s agreement that we would offer Calder Northern member’s first look at the items and ask for an appropriate offer for each. Stuart whilst realising some had little value some were of a better nature and should not be met with silly offers. He still had the two steam locos and we have decided the Group should purchase those for club use. There is also some N scale track which we could also use on the new N scale layout. We have not made a list of the collection yet but it does include tool items such as a compressor and airbrush, a circular saw, jig saw and 3 or 4 Gaugemaster transformers which are all 220-240v. There are also a few 110v items if anyone is interested?

The collection mainly contains a small number of HO freight cars, log cars, scenic materials and good number of boxes of Preiser figures and some paint, glues and such.

With Stuart going into the home he no doubt will have to pay towards his care and therefore I would hope that any offers for items are made with this fact in their minds and that we try and gain the best level of funds for him as possible.

Hopefully it will be possible to mark up the items with a price so members can see what is available.  Once members have had the opportunity to make any purchases, any items remaining will either be offered to Sophie at Anoraks Anonymous or disposed by other means.

 

The visit by Ellesmere (Shropshire) Model Railway Club last Wednesday was a resounding success thanks to Len & David. Thanks also to Roy and Tony for their help in making it a welcoming atmosphere. After a general introduction to the site their 15 members were split into three groups and escorted around the Heritage Centre to give them a feel of what was on offer. A number of them had some time on a throttle on our HO layout and enjoyed both looking at and discussing our activities. They have taken away some membership forms and at least one of their team intends to join us in the future.

Flying Scotsman locomotive:-

Please note the above locomotive will be arriving on site late on Saturday 15^th September (the Beer Festival weekend) and will be on site till the 22^nd. The Heritage Centre is opening the site every day whilst the loco is here and has asked for Calder Northern to provide operation on our layout during that week. Our club meet is on the 15^th so we need not arrange member cover for the Saturday. The Sunday is also covered as they kindly operate both days when we have our club meets. However, we will need to have at least one member on site for each of the weekdays Monday to Friday. The weekend of the 22^nd will also be manned as those who are rostered for that weekend will provide the layout operation. Please contact Terry or Mike Lenz to offer your services. The Heritage Centre will be manned by volunteers in the pay hut, cafe, shop etc and are hoping for a bumper attendance. Based on the last visit by the loco, albeit only over two nights, it was a great financial success.

 

Sorry but I will not be at our next club meeting, but I will be riding a train!

 

Terry Wynne,

Secretary

 

                                          TRAIN ORDERS October 2018

Back from my holiday in Canada having enjoyed train travel with VIA Rail from Oshawa (about 45 miles east of Toronto) to Montreal and then on ‘The Ocean’ train to Halifax, Nova Scotia. ‘The Ocean’ was formed of Renaissance stock (cancelled Nightstar stock intended for overnight services to Europe from provincial cities in the UK) plus two Budd stainless steel coaches, one of which was the dome/observation car – 19 cars in total on the train. This was a 22 hour journey covering some 900 miles and included sleeping berths and meals. Arrival was unusual in that we arrived 15 minutes early into Halifax. We can now say we have finished our coast to coast rail journey across the country, although it has taken some 28 years to complete!

We spent a short time with Dave & Pam Gunn who pass on best wishes to all of those who remember them. Obviously some time was spent in Dave’s 40’ sq. basement drooling over his superb models. His buildings are all scratchbuilt, including windows and a good many have full interiors and lighting. Oh, to have that sort of set up here in the UK.

 

Now to more normal train order items – I understand ‘Flying Scotsman’ made it but only for one full day at the Centre. Thanks to all those prepared to help out and eventually not needed.

Special notice – Tony Gath has arranged a special clinic to be held this coming Sunday 7^th at our October club monthly meeting. Mick Moignard will give a presentation to members concerning fitting LED’s, also about using sugar cube speakers. Mick’s talks will be at 11am and another around 1pm on Sunday. Please do make the effort to come along and hear lots of good tips.

Later this month (26/ 27/ 28^th) the British Region convention in at Derby so hopefully as many of you as possible will make the short journey over to Derby to enjoy the event.

Next month is of course the Warley Show at the NEC (26/27^th) and for those interested Rapido Trains (including Jason Shron this time) will be showing off their latest North American and British models in HO, OO and N scale.

I am afraid this time of year we also start to think about Christmas (only some 80 odd days to go!) and as usual we are asking for items to be donated for our Group Raffle. If as you think of gifts you can bring them along and ask Mike Lenz to store these in his cupboards ready for the event this will be most appreciated.

 

Sorry if this mailing is a little disjointed and that I have missed out some notices, but I will explain on Sunday what has been happening whilst we have been away in Canada.

See you Sunday everyone; do make it to hear Mick give his talk. Hopefully members from other groups may like to come along so if you can pass on details to them it would be great. Thank you.

 

Terry Wynne,

Secretary

 

 Greetings,

First let me apologise for not sending out a TO prior to our meeting Saturday just past. Things have been rather hectic and fraught at home this past 2 weeks and writing up TO was completely put on the back burner due to a few issues. One being a sickness bug which has laid us quite low.

Another issue I speak of, is a shipment of the iconic GM city transit ‘New Look’ bus (i.e. the Fishbowl bus) from Rapido Trains which was delivered (8.15am) on 11^th May by Parcelforce in 8 boxes taped together. Just before lunchtime I put the 8 boxes in my garage in readiness for repacking for UK customers. I opened all the boxes to remove items destined for CN group members. Unfortunately I left the key in the garage lock as I went back into the house. Like a lot of people the key is often left in the lock whilst gardening as we are in and out of the garage a number of times. In the afternoon I went to the supermarket and in early evening secured everything. Late Friday evening to A&E due to me feeling somewhat unwell saw us getting home after tests around 5.30am, so the rest of Saturday was spent sleeping to recover. Sunday I commenced the packaging and during this exercise it became frighteningly clear some were missing. I checked and rechecked everywhere but realised 2 boxes with 18 buses were missing. These buses are a mixture of Regular and Deluxe versions packed in individual maroon/cream boxes and fastened onto a plinth inside a plastic display case. The buses are in various liveries – BC Transit, Cincinnati, DC Transit, Boston MBTA, Ottawa, Los Angeles etc, and were packed in cardboard boxes of 6, showing the stencilled contents detail on the outside. We are a total loss as to who, how and why these buses were stolen as inside were other typical items one keeps a garage. One worrying aspect is that it is possible one or both of us might have been in the house at the time and yet not seen or heard anything as whoever did this must have walked down the drive. I have contacted the police and many groups, shops and individuals who are now looking out for the items. I am therefore asking any members who may be offered these buses or know of someone trying to sell Rapido buses (other than purchased through Rails of Sheffield) to let me know or better still Cheshire Police with the details. Many thanks if you can help. As to locking the garage now – hindsight is a wonderful thing!!!!

That out of the way – I received a telephone call a few days ago which was a surprise as it was from Stuart Wood. Thinking he was calling from Canada the time difference would have made the call around 3am there. Stuart explained that he was sorry he had not been in touch but he was still in Nantwich and could not manage the flight to Canada due to his worsening medical condition. He is awaiting a place in a local care home but has spoken with the manager asking if he can start a model railway group when arrives in the home. It seems to have been well received and could help other residents in keeping them active. Perhaps in the future we may be able to offer some limited help but will address that when the time comes.

Derek Frith was finally given a date to go for his operation – 9^th May and a couple of days later I rang the hospital to be told I could not be told anything as I was not family. I asked them to tell Derek we had called. I have rung the number again twice and was told as before to obtain information from family. The latest time they said he was not on their ward list but might be home. I called his home only to get the answerphone so have left a message and hoping family may deal with that. I am unaware of any family of Derek as he is a quiet person and does not mention family as far as I know but I do hope the nurses have passed on our message as we don’t want him to think he is not in our thoughts.

I have also spoken recently with Derek Milby who sends his regards to everyone. Derek says he does not go far from home these days but he will try and make a trip to Crewe during the summer. I told him someone could come to the station to collect/deliver him if he advises us in advance. He did look for us a few weeks back whilst on a steam tour from Ulverston to Shrewsbury behind “British India Line”.

I called Ian Hallworth too as he had not been seen for a while and had not come along on his roster day to operate a couple of weekends ago. One member thought they had spoken to him at a show in the Manchester area and he had said he wasn’t coming to Crewe again. Thankfully this is not the case and Ian says he will come to Crewe in the future but some issues have prevented him being with us recently.

Tony Hayselden you will be pleased to hear has been on holiday and so not at Crewe on Saturday. Tony was rather tired after his rail tour of Italy -10 rail journeys in 12 days but Joan tells me they have had a great time with Tony visiting Venice for the first time, something he has wanted to do as Joan had been before.

On Saturday 30^th June/Sunday 1^st July it is the Manchester Aviation and Transport Fair. Calder Northern Group and Crewe Heritage Centre have each booked a table. We are therefore looking for volunteers to help at the event on one of the days. Please will you let me know before May 31^st if you can assist and if you have anything in your collection of railway items that may be useful on our display table? Mike Lenz is bringing along a laptop to show the Crewe webcam of trains passing the site and Len & David Ford are bringing their G scale trains and track. We will have the display banners and a show of some models.

A draft of the Calder Northern Group Constitution is to be mailed to each Group member for them to read and hopefully confirm they are happy for it to be approved and implemented. It is also for those who wish to offer any alternative proposals to submit their comments for further consideration. In addition to the above there is one clause concerning options should the Group have to be wound up anytime in the future. The two alternatives have been listed and your committee asks that you consider both options and lodge your preference. It is vital to have a decision by members on this before any vote is taken to adopt the Constitution.

Please note at this stage we are not envisaging the winding up of Calder Northern Group but this is something we need to have documented should such a situation arise anytime in the future.

 

For those who receive Train Order emails please respond by email. Postal members please either telephone Terry Wynne or preferably reply by letter. Thank you.

 

Terry Wynne

Secretary

 

                                                       CALDER NORTHERN GROUP

                                            TRAIN ORDERS March 2018

Greetings,

Our February meeting was a resounding success. 29 members and guests plus 10 ladies who enjoyed their champagne, strawberries and chocolates! It was good to see so many people for this event and hopefully we can do the same next time.

I would like to thank all those who donated the wonderful prizes, spent their money buying tickets and helped make this an enjoyable day. I have received a couple of messages saying that it was good to see a Calder Northern event with an atmosphere similar to the meets held a while back at Broadheath. The raffle takings (tickets sold) amounted to £225 and Mike Lenz will give more detail on this at the AGM on 17^th March. A big thank you must go to John & Mary Hey for their organising of ticket sales and the actual raffle itself. What would we do without John’s calling out the tickets!

A thank you email from Wendy Coates has been received but unfortunately I have deleted that message in error – apologies everyone. Wendy was very touched by the thought to present her with a framed photo of a loco and freight cars which had belonged to her late husband Michael and appreciated it being taken in front of the building we have named in his memory.

 

Our AGM is on the 17^th at 11am and if you have any items for consideration on the agenda can you please let Terry know by Wednesday 14^th March. In addition any nominations for committee can be sent to Terry before the same date.

If you are unable to attend our AGM meeting can you please advise Terry so that he can add your name to those who will be absent on the day?

I already have Tom Griffiths and Dave Gunn on that list !

 

Please note that following the AGM on the 17^th there will be Railroad type Quiz organised by Len & David Ford. So get your thinking caps on see if you can win one of the prizes!

 

The meeting with the Trust regarding our annual rent was as previously advised completed but we needed to await formal agreement after the Trust meeting had taken place. That meeting did discuss our agreement and we understand the rent would be set at £700 for the next two years plus we would pay £50 for our Group membership. We have not received formal notification of this as yet!

Our Chairman Tony Gath has agreed to organise future clinics, presentations, “show & tell” sessions for members and if anyone wishes to volunteer to hold one of these then please do speak with Tony.

See you all on the 17^th hopefully when you can hear more about our group activities.

 

Terry Wynne

Secretary

 

 

                                                       CALDER NORTHERN GROUP

                                            TRAIN ORDERS January 2018

 

Greetings,

Here’s hoping you have had a great Christmas and so now it is time to wish you all a very Happy New Year. Let’s hope that 2018 is a good year for everyone.

I recently mailed out a full list of the meeting dates for 2018 and hopefully you will notice that our first meeting is scheduled for Sunday 14^th January. We would have normally started the New Year with a meeting on a Saturday but as the 13^th coincides with the NMRA Winter Event at Benson it was agreed we should move to the Sunday. It should also be noted that the February Valentine meeting on Sunday 18^th February will now also be the date of the delayed Christmas Raffle. It was felt that the January meet date may not result in a full member attendance and therefore, the February meeting was most appropriate for you to spend well on tickets for the great prizes we have been given. Meeting dates are also shown on the second page of this TO.

Brian Burke is now your contact for the operating rota at weekends and Bank Holidays during the Heritage Centre’s open days when the public are in attendance. Brian will publish the names and dates in the very near future and if you have any dates, when you wish to avoid being rostered, can you please contact Brian as soon as possible to advise him of the dates. Brian’s e-mail address is also shown in the Region Directory. Hopefully you will have kept a copy of the Group contact list showing e-mail and telephone numbers of those Calder Northern members who are on the rota, which was sent out last year however, if not then ask Brian for a copy, so that if you need to make a late change to your rostered date then you can arrange this with one of the other members on the list. It is up to you to make those arrangements and not to pressure Brian with a last minute request to find a replacement. Hopefully Andy Wicks and Bob Bevan will kindly offer to cover the weekends when our monthly meeting take place.

Chairman Tony Gath, committee member Alan Wyatt and I will be meeting the Trust in the early part of January to discuss the new rent agreement. We will keep members advised of the outcome which hopefully will enable us to sign a new agreement for the next three years.

It is pleasing to note that a new electrical cable and supply has been installed into the NJSB which will allow us to have multiple heaters on as well as using the wall sockets for other items at the same time. More details on this at our January meeting.

Thank you to those members who covered the operating weekends during December when the Centre was open to the public. Whilst numbers attending were low we did our bit which was helpful in showing the Trust our commitment to our agreement.

 

Wednesday Gang – next get together –

For those of you who come along on Wednesdays to help with any jobs that need doing on the layouts can you please note that our first get together will be on January 10^th. Mike Lenz will not be at the Centre during the coming week other than Wednesday the 3^rd hence our decision to meet the following week.

 

Saturday 13^th January –

A Heritage Centre event is being held on this date. It is a day devoted to British Trains but I am not fully aware of what exactly is involved. However, if any members wish to operate our layout on that day it would be much appreciated. Please bear in mind our own January meet date is the following day.

 

North Western Mills HO layout –

Work on the new connection from the platforms and wayfreight yard to the passing loop and industrial line has been laid but the power droppers need to be connected before ballast is laid.

Those operating the layout at weekends will now only need to locate themselves at the top end of the room and work one panel switch on each of the two track diagram panels to change the two turnouts to keep two trains running- More on this matter at our next meeting.

 

At the January meet we will need to affix the new curtaining around the layout so we would appreciate as many of you as possible to assist as the material is rather stretchy and thus we need many hands to hold up the material whilst pins are inserted.

 

N scale layout and Devil’s Creek

Nothing extra to report on these layouts at the moment but work will commence again in the New Year on both layouts. Offers of help will be much appreciated – See Steve or Alan.

Happy New Year

Terry Wynne

Secretary

Calder Northern Group

 

2018 Meet Dates

 

Sunday 14^th January

 

Sunday 18^th February (Valentine’s Meet)

Bring you lady along!

 

Saturday 17^th March (AGM)

 

Sunday 15^th April

 

Saturday 19^th May

 

Sunday 10^th June

 

Saturday 14^th July

 

Sunday 12^th August

 

Saturday 15^th September

 

Sunday 7^th October

 

Saturday 17^th November

 

Sunday 16^th December (Christmas Meet)

 

 

 

Virus-free. www.avast.com

 

Dear all,

At our September meeting the Group discussed the option of buying a Rapido Trains RDC for use on North Western Mills layout. A vote was taken and a unanimous show of hands agreed that we should buy the item. I am discussing with Jason what price he will agree to as he tells me the normal asking price would be £250 (based on the $325 sale price). I have asked if he will accept £200 and so am awaiting his response.
Once the sale is agreed and paid for I must insist everyone who is going to operate this model reads the instruction book before the move the RDC on the tracks. Yes, the booklet is humourous in parts but there are clear messages in there for the operator of the model. The model is fitted with two small N scale motors and so is not as powerful as one would expect with an HO model. The instructions clearly say that the model should not be used to haul a number of freight cars or to be coupled to other RDC’s especially the heavy Proto ones as this will or could seriously damage the Rapido model.

Rapido Trains 33” Wheelsets. I explained to members that Jason had agreed that he would pay the shipping and VAT when these items come into the UK. Costs are shown in the earlier Train Orders but I will need to send a list at the end of this month for all those wishing to purchase these Wheelsets. So far I have 5 people wishing to order either boxes of 50 axles or 100 axles. Please e-mail me if you wish to order.

John Massey has proposed that we ask Roy Harris and Dave Ford to give a short presentation/explanation on the camera fitted loco detailing the price of the camera, manufacturer/sales outlet, type of computer connections required etc etc. This would be an interesting topic for one of our meetings and I will schedule this fairly soon.
If anyone else has ideas for clinics/presentations/talks etc for the winter months when the Heritage Centre is closed to the public we can take advantage of this situation to hold events without disturbance. If you can let me know quickly please I can draw up a list of events and dates.

Another proposal at our meet was that we have a session, perhaps on a Wednesday when we can each take a role in ensuring all the freight cars on the layout meet our requirements. This will mean checking coupler height, making sure back to back measurements are OK, the weight of each car matches the guidelines and to check if anything needs repairing on the car. This is a good idea and one that we should look to undertake soon. It can only lead to better operation in the future.

Andy & Bob whilst operating last weekend found a couple of locos were not performing well enough nor were 2 of the NCE throttles. Well, it was agreed by a vote at the September meet we purchase 3 new NCE throttles and 3 new loose cables, so that should help to relive that problem. In respect of the locos we need to look at this matter soon and maybe we can ask if anyone would like to donate a loco to the Group or if they were willing to make a small donation so that we can purchase something suitable. Further discussion is needed on this.

I am pleased to advise that Les Herriot a feeling much better and he sends regards to all in the Group. Les should have been operating the last weekend of the season but Len & David Ford have volunteered to cover for Les and George. Thank you Len & Dave and to everyone else who has operated at weekends throughout the year.

Saturday 7th October is the Crewe Model Engineering Society Swap Meet & Train Show and whilst we have not asked for anyone to operate our layouts that Saturday (which is the day before our October meeting) we would be grateful if anyone feels they would like to volunteer on the day. The following Saturday, the 14th is the Railwayana Auction when our clubroom will remain closed.

Terry Wynne
Secretary

First I must tell you that one of the past members of Calder Northern has unfortunately died. Rex Martin known to our more senior members will remember Rex ceased to be a NMRA member around the time we moved from Broadheath. Rex died, aged 90, about 3 months ago but regrettably nobody advised us until Mike Lenz received a phone call from his widow about a week ago. His widow has asked Mike for assistance in how to dispose of his collection of N scale models and Mike and Terry will go over to Bowdon as soon as possible to see what the best options are and advise her of their thoughts. It may be there could be some items suitable for the new Group N scale layout under construction by Alan Wyatt. We will advise further on this matter once a visit has been made.

A Calder Northern member recently asked if I would contact Jason at Rapido Trains to ask if he would give our members a special price for a bulk supply of 33” metal Wheelsets in either 50 or 100 axle box sets. I therefore, asked the question and Jason says he would be happy to supply us but he could not offer any discount due to his production costs but did say however, he would pay shipping costs and any VAT raised by HMRC when the package arrived here in the UK. This deal would only be for those supplied to Calder Northern members for their own use.

Based on the rate of exchange (30/8/17 at 1.29 US$ to 1GBP) a box of 50 axles would cost a member £34.84 and £65.85 for 100 axles. For comparison the price offered by Model Junction at Slough is for Walthers Wheelsets at £10.99 for 12 axles and the Kadee price of £9.99 for 12 axles. Of course you would need to add postage to these prices as well, unless you travel to Slough to go and collect.

A suggestion from another member was that the Group should perhaps consider buying one of the new Rapido Trains RDC’s for operation on the layout when the public in attendance. Terry is holding a RDC which has the Rapido Trains logo on the side. The proceeds of the sale of this particular RDC model will go towards the #6133 restoration fund and future operation of the actual RDC in Canada owned by Rapido Trains. A vote will be put to members at the next meet for them to express their views on this proposal. The asking cost by Rapido Trains is roundly £200 but this may hopefully be negotiated down.

Terry will have some freight cars for sale at reasonable prices and these will be set out on Saturday for members to view.

We mentioned some time ago that the late Michael Coates collection of bound copies of Model Railroader (circa 1974 to 2004) are now occupying a large amount of shelf space in the store room off Mike’s Office. This space is now needed for our own use and by the Heritage Centre. Therefore, following the next meet when members can take away copies for their own use we will arrange for the remainder to be moved to the scrap skip for disposal. Some might find the binders (which have wires to secure the magazines) suitable for other copies of magazines at home and therefore are welcome to help themselves to these. If you are looking for articles or a particular year’s issues from the past or wish to take away a number of issues just to read, assuming they have not already been removed please speak with Terry at our next meeting.

I can report the loco fitted with the miniature camera is working but as yet we need to have some form of screen in the clubroom for the public to be able to enjoy the pictures from the front of the loco. Thanks to Len & Dave Ford and Roy Harris on this project.

Len Ford is busy updating the information on our web pages to include more history of the Group/Division and if anyone has any photos, stories or information can you please let Len have this as soon as possible. Our site can be updated to form a sort of archive and reference to all things Calder Northern.

Now to a problem that has arisen with Terry’s Athearn Genesis CN GP40-2L loco which has been sitting on the layout for some time. This has been available for members to run at meets or when operating the layout at weekends. After last weekend it was reported the loco was making funny noises and running erratically. The loco was taken home and after much checking of connections, cleaning of the trucks and drive system the loco was stripped down and trucks removed from the chassis. When checking that the trucks were running OK it was found that on all four wheel sets there were wheel flats and this was causing most of the problems. On speaking with a friend, he suggested a layout short might be the problem especially if the short was one that was hard to locate or if the loco has been parked across a switch and the switch thrown without the person realising the loco was astride the switch blades. This loco now needs a complete set of new wheels. Here it must be stressed to members that they should pay attention to where locos are parked up and ensure they are not fouling areas where they can cause possible short outs. Such situations could also result in vehicles getting very hot and even setting on fire. Please be aware at all times.

Important –

I learnt a few days ago that Les Herriot has been in hospital with a suspected slight heart attack. Les is home again but still not feeling too good so I am sure he would welcome contact with members to cheer him up. He suspects he won’t be down at Crewe for a while but hopefully he will manage to come along when he feels more able to make the journey. In the meantime we all hope you feel much better soon Les.

Terry Wynne

Secretary

                                                       TRAIN ORDERS July/Aug 2017

 First of all apologies to those who normally receive their train orders by post, I really messed up big time with those as I have just recently found your copies inside the addressed envelopes under a pile of other papers hidden one day when visitors arrived suddenly. Sorry for that and I am including what relevant information is still appropriate in your version being mailed.

Second – this is a request from the Region BoD to those who may not yet have paid their NMRA British Region membership for 2017. If you have forgotten to do this then the Membership Secretary will be pleased to hear from you along with receipt of your payment – £25 for Region services including Roundhouse magazine & £69 for Region services and both Roundhouse and the NMRA Magazine from the USA.

This past weekend the 30^th Anniversary of Crewe Heritage Centre was a reasonable success. It would have been a much different matter had Hornby turned up to display their new Class 87 and Duchess models as promised! It was especially disappointing since our Class 87 (87035 Robbie Burns) had been especially repainted during the past three weeks in readiness to match the new Hornby model livery – Loco 46233 Duchess of Sutherland was also on site on Sunday so Hornby threw away a major publicity opportunity to promote both of their models, potentially in front of the actual locomotives! Virgin Trains and Network Rail also failed to attend which was again was a disappointment. Members of the public had come along, in some cases especially, to see these displays. The HS2 displays enabled the public to learn more about the recent Government announcements on the route through and around the Crewe area. A number of modern image layouts were on show plus some heritage railway and charity tables. The miniature railway seemed to be doing a roaring business with lots of children enjoying the rides with their parents.

Now to Calder Northern matters – once I am home from my holiday later in August I will draw up a list of people who have offered to host a clinic or a short presentation. It is hoped to arrange these clinics over the winter group meetings when the Heritage Centre is closed to the public after the end of September. In addition to those who have offered to help with these events we are still open to further suggestions.

Mike Lenz tells me that Dave Jones of DJ Models has offered to come and give a presentation relating to the subject of a manufacturer bringing a model to the market. Dave’s business is of course producing British outline models but the process is very much the same no matter what the scale or nature of the model. Further information to follow on this subject.

Work on the Devil’s Creek return loop extension is progressing thanks to Steve Scott, Alan Wyatt, Roy Harris, Phil Vaughan and Bob Bevan (I hope I have listed everyone involved here?) with wiring and track being fixed into position. Next I think ballast and final checking of the wiring will be seen next and we hope all will be up and running later this year.

North Western Mills now has the connection to the traverser board wired and hopefully in the next week or so we will be able to run a loco onto the traverser itself. The first section has had ballast laid and the next job is to make final track adjustment up to the traverser itself before ballast can be laid to that section too. Once this is finished the next task will be the new link line between the track exiting the station and wayfreight yard and the transfer track on the front of the layout. This is so that we can operate two trains together with only a short section near the big window where they will use the same rails. An operator will just need to throw two switches to keep the two trains running simultaneously around the layout. They will not need to walk the length of the layout between the control panels to keep trains apart.

Alan Wyatt is also busy with the new N scale layout and he can update anyone interested in this project, perhaps you might like to offer some help to Alan with the construction etc.

Like many others Terry is a “squirrel” hoarding all sorts of things that might come in handy at some time! Therefore, with too much stuff lying about which could affect his starting a layout in his garage he has been having a clear out and has come across a box with all sorts of paperwork which he is going through. Most may have come from the late Jim Burghall’s collection of Canadian magazines etc but one item found, is most interesting – It is a package containing a number of plans for the many different types of structures for Canadian National Railway published by CN SIG Publications and in some cases using O-Sho-Me plans. These plans are in the main printed to 3.5mm to 1 foot but there is also the odd N scale plan. I am sure all of these could be deemed sufficiently generic to be used for structures for other railroads. A list of these plans is shown below and Terry is proposing these be available for Group members to borrow on the strict agreement they will be returned quickly for other members to have use of them as well. Perhaps a competition for the best model using these plans could be agreed in the future.

All CN Plans unless stated

• 300 Ton Coaling Plant
• Standard Ice House
• Standard Stockyard
• Standard Timber Trestles
• Standard 40’ Wide Freight Shed
• Standard 18 Lever Tower
• Standard Dwelling No. 4
• Third Class Station (N/S/E/W elevations & floor plans)
• Fourth Class Station (N/S/E/W elevations & main floor plans)
• G.T.R.S. Main Line Six Pile Trestle
• G.T.R.S. Bulletin Board, CNR Signs & Switch Tool Racks
• Portable Express Building
• Portable Section Bunkhouse
• Bunkhouse & Speeder Shed
• Snow Fence & Water Tank Pedestals
• Miscellaneous Railway Signs
• Standard Level Crossings (main line, secondary line & farm crossing)
• Standard Sections of Car Lumber
• Standard Doors
• Standard Windows & Sash
• Standard Full Size Details – Mouldings & Millwork
• Standard Clearance Diagram
• Standard Enclosed Tank (Wood Type – 60,000 galls)
• CN/O-Sho-Me Station drawings – Madoc, Ontario
• ————-ditto———————– –  Fenelon Falls, Ontario
• ————-ditto———————– –  Milton, Ontario
• Dahlgren Residence – Dauphin, Manitoba (N/S/E/W elevations & both floor / roof plans)
• Empire Hotel – Winnipeg (N/S/E/W elevations)
• Utility Building – Winnipeg (N/E elevations)
• Princess St. Block – Winnipeg (E elevation) – Benson/Bawlf/Harris Buildings
• Exchange Building – Winnipeg (E elevation / Section)
• Bate Building – Winnipeg (S/W elevation / Section)
• Telegram Building – Winnipeg (N/E elevation)
• Sylvester & Wilson Building – Winnipeg (N/W elevation)

Thanks to Len and David Ford we now have a miniature camera which is to be fitted inside the nose of one of the group’s locomotives. Roy Harris is helping with this task so thanks are due here too. In due course we hope to have a TV screen positioned in the clubroom so people can see the action and it will also open up the chance for the public to see the station and yard which is currently only visible from the layout ends.

I am pleased to report that the Heritage Centre has received a package from Crewe in Virginia following some recent communications. The Crewe Town Mayor has been kept advised of these matters and along with a suggestion that some kind of friendship/twinning arrangements should be considered by the Council. Calder Northern Group might like to consider what we could send the Crewe, Va, Railroad Museum for them to display as part of our Group involvement here in the Heritage Centre. Terry has the contact with their guy at the Museum. If you Google their Railroad Museum you can see what they have on display. You may remember Crewe Virginia was built by the N&W Railway Co with the help of engineers from Crewe in Cheshire and so named in 1888.

For Sale –

Terry has decided to sell his CN GMD-1 (large CN Noodle scheme #1101) which is currently on the layout. This is a Rapido Trains DCC sound fitted locomotive. The reason for the sale is that he wants to buy one of the new 6 axle CN stripe versions to match the new one he bought a couple of weeks ago (#1444) and the model for sale does not match that stripe colour scheme. Price is £180 (Current new price is $325 / £250) and for you there is no import VAT charges to pay!

He is also selling his Amtrak Train (again on the layout) which comprises 2 P40/P42 Athearn (Ready to Roll) locomotives (#31 with DCC and sound & #11 which is DCC only) plus 1 Materials Handling Car, 3 Coach Cars, 1 Coach/Baggage Car, 1 Diner, 2 Sleeper Cars, 2 Sightseer Lounge Cars. Terry wishes to sell this train at £220.

If there are no takers from our members then first an entry in ‘Beanery’ section of Roundhouse before listing on E-Bay.

To other matters – I have been approached by Peter Bowen, the new Roundhouse producer for an article and pictures about Calder Northern Group, our news and activities, plus if any member wishes to submit stories about their modelling or layouts he would be pleased to publish these in the magazine. Peter Bowen is hoping to include more regular information from each Division/Group about their activities and local events which can become regular features of the magazine especially if pictures are included.

A vote of thanks to all of you who have operated trains at the weekends so far this season. It is much appreciated and is recognised by some members of the Heritage Centre Trust. Thanks also to Bob Bevan and Andrew Wicks who have covered the full weekend when we have had our Group meet.

Terry Wynne

Secretary

Well this is me back again writing Train Orders. I wish to thank George Neyman for his sterling work in keeping us all informed during his term in office. Thanks also to Les Herriot and Tony Hayselden for their substantial efforts in managing the group and the group finances. I am sure I speak for all of you in saying a big thank you to all three members.

At our AGM held on March 18th the following committee positions were agreed – Tony Gath as Chairman, Mike Lenz as Treasurer and Terry Wynne as Secretary. Steve Scott still remains a committee member. Alan Wyatt and Brian Burke were elected to the committee as no further nominations were proposed.

The minutes of the AGM are appended herewith for your perusal –

The 2017 Annual General Meeting of the Calder Northern Group was held on Sunday 18 March 2017 with 20 members present. The meeting commenced at 13.00hrs in the North Junction Signal Box, Crewe Heritage Centre.

Apologies were received from – Alf Milliken, David Best, Elliot Lamb and Tony Gath.

The agenda for the meeting was distributed in advance of the meeting so that members could read at their leisure and have questions prepared if they so wished.
The minutes from the 2016 AGM had already been distributed to the membership by e-mail and copies were also available at the meeting. The Chairman called for additions or corrections, there being none, the minutes were unanimously approved by the membership in show of hands.

The Chairman gave his report for the year stressing the excellent work done by Terry Wynne in helping Mrs. Wendy Coates sorting and disposing of the absolutely amazing amount of railway models from her late husband Michael’s collection. The sale of Michael’s model collection proved to be very successful and a cheque was given to Mrs. Coates in November.

The Chairman also focused on the continued need for week-end operation in the clubroom and the rota system of operators was again going to be used for 2017. This rota had already been communicated to the membership by Terry Wynne through e-mail and any conflicts will be amended prior to issuing a final update. Subsequently it is up to the assigned member to agree with others if they are unable to operate on a particular date. Initially members were advised to contact Terry Wynne to explain any problems or conflicts on that rota mailed to members earlier. However, once the final rota is operative, then any changes thereafter, should be sorted out by the person not able to operate, with another member who is prepared to cover for them. If anyone does not have the contact details from last year then Terry can provide the information by e-mail.

The Secretary, George Neyman, gave his report advising that sadly two members passed away during the year, Michael Coates and Doug Sayles. A new potential member was advised by Mike Ingham, Registrar, the new member, Philip Taylor lives in Nantwich and we await a response from him following a welcome message sent by Terry Wynne.
The Secretary explained his wish that we should be focusing on the idea of members giving presentations or sharing of experiences in the hobby. However, this did not go well in 2016 or in early 2017. The principal idea was to offer a period of activity during regular monthly meetings where members could look forward to and where it might even increase attendance if there was a topic of special interest to be aired. Roy Harris was thanked for his excellent presentation on his experiences with an airbrush and it was noted that members brought in other makes and models to show but this was the only presentation for the year.

Terry Wynne proposed both reports be accepted and Mike Lenz seconded followed by a positive show of hands.

The Treasures report was presented by Tony Hayselden who outlined the respective income and expenditure for the financial year. Income for the year amounted to £1,550.20 which includes both monthly meet dues and the donation from the late Michael Coates sale of models. Expenditure was £1,533.07 made up of £650 rent; £653.60 on the N scale layout and £229.47 on the HO layout. The Treasurer also stated that assets currently stand at £10,066.28 and this aspect will be looked at again in the near future. The current state of funds in cash and at the bank is £1934.45 compared with those of last year which were £2,162.60. However, this is to cover our rent with the Heritage Centre and to meet any unexpected issues should they occur.
Our regular monthly meets still average around 17 members per month but holidays etc do create fluctuations in numbers attending. Tony closed by thanking those who come along on Wednesdays to help with work on the layouts. He mentioned Mike, Tony, Terry, Steve, Bob, Alan, Phil, Roy, Les and George and asked that others if they can, to come along and be involved.

The Secretary then explained that whilst no official nominations had been received by the due date he was given details that these named persons were happy to be considered for the following positions – Chairman, Tony Gath; Secretary, Terry Wynne; Treasurer, Mike Lenz; The Chairman explained that Tony Hayselden, Treasurer had offered his resignation and this had been accepted. The Chairman, Les Herriot also advised that he and George Neyman, Secretary, would also stand down from their respective roles. The new names were put to the vote and were elected on a unanimous show of hands. Due to the new Chairman being unable to attend this meeting Les Herriot agreed to take the chair for the remainder of the meeting. Here it was noted that the Calder Northern Group Committee, of which Steve Scott was still a current member, would be two members short. The Chairman asked for proposals for additional committee members and Terry Wynne nominated Alan Wyatt, with George Neyman nominating Brian Burke. Both these nominations were accepted through a show of hands.

Steve Scott was asked for an update on information regarding the Crewe Heritage Trust. Steve reported that the Trust is in sound financial condition and has good financial controls in place and are able to respond to opportunities for infrastructure improvements. The level of funding will be established at £70k to keep the Centre solvent and able to get through changes and uncertainties. The situation with the Royal Scot Trust is somewhat uncertain but they will probably be present on the Centre site for the immediate future. The Calder Northern Group agreement will be up for renegotiation after 1 April. There is local government support for heritage attractions to be ongoing and integrated into the attractions of the community. Mike Lenz reported on a meeting he attended at which this was a consideration.

General discussion then ensued, first regarding the matter of presentations as members came forward to suggest some topics and for others to volunteer. Len Ford proposed presenting a quiz, Roy Harris will explore another topic, probably about micro-electronic uses and Les Herriot will present a how-to on techniques for modeling rock formations using foam. The conclusion was that members would like more presentations or show and tell sessions and hope there is more interest in this aspect of our meets in the future.

An item under ‘Any Other Business’ was an appeal for buildings and scenery items to place on the new N-scale layout under construction by Alan Wyatt. This could be in the form of an actual building kit or even a donation to a fund a building kit or alternatively materials to be used on the layout.

Terry Wynne reported on the progress and plans for the April 1st Train Show & NMRA Spring Meet. A comprehensive review was given citing the display layouts, traders, catering and the shuttle bus. Len and David Ford’s G scale trains layout was confirmed and this is to be set up on the floor of the exhibition hall. Volunteer assignments were made and reviewed and instructions regarding car parking were presented. Admissions charges to be £7(adult), £5 for NMRA Members (upon presentation of NMRA membership card) , £3 (children 5-14), and under 5 is free. It was pointed out that all gate receipts would be handled by Calder Northern. There will be a Routemaster bus shuttle between the rail station and the Centre. Special thanks were recorded to Len Ford for the poster and brochure artwork and for updating the Group website. Roy Harris and Mike Lenz were also praised for their contribution to update UK Model Shops, RM Web and Crewe Heritage Centre websites.

Terry highlighted the fact that the Group had planned this train show and when it became clear that no other groups in the Region had offered to host the Spring Meet, Les Herriot made contact with the BoD suggesting we could include the event along with our train show..
Terry also emphasized the importance of the Heritage Centre new summer season starting on the same day as our train show. Here he explained our support of the Centre’s attractions which is a part of the responsibility in our agreement with the Trust. Members were reminded to advise Terry of any problems regarding the operating rota for our layout in the clubroom. Terry pointed out that our Group is fortunate in having such a great space in the North Junction Signal Box for a permanent layout and meeting place. Unlike many groups we do not have to put up and take down layouts at every meet session and this is the envy of many! He reminded members that we must honour our agreement to operate when the Centre is open and suggested members think back to the time when we were faced with being removed from Bardsley Hall in Altrincham in 2006. Then we found that alternative accommodation close to the M60 would have cost us at least £10,000 in the first year and roughly £6,000 each year afterwards. Les Herriot also advised of other clubs in Lancashire facing similar situations in finding new premises. Costs for commercial facilities would not be affordable by a Group such as ours if we were asked to leave the Heritage Centre.
Terry proposed a vote of very grateful thanks to Andrew Wicks and Bob Bevan who have volunteered as operators each weekend through the summer when it is our group meeting.

It is generally felt that our layouts presence is considered a good attraction for the Centre. Mike Lenz advised that there is always a possible reuse of the Signal Box by Network Rail and the Trust, however, of all the possible uses Calder Northern’s layout activity still appears to hold an edge over any alternate uses. Terry Wynne advised that the Group should be aware that after the Train Show the committee will be doing their best in renegotiating a new agreement with the Heritage Centre Trust and the outcome will be advised as soon as possible.

There being no further discussion the Chairman declared the meeting adjourned at 1400 hours.

Train Show & Spring Meet.

Saturday 1st April was the date of our Train Show and the NMRA Spring Meet. However, on the preceding Friday a valuable number of members came along to smooth the setting up by traders and layout owners. Members helped set up tables, helped with layouts and traders stock taken from car to the identified locations in the exhibition hall. From the plan of the hall, members marked up positions using masking tape after all helpers had brushed up and moved display boards to safer locations. Thanks to all those who came along – Steve, Alan, Alf, Roy, Dave, Mike, Les, George, David, Elliot, Brian, Len & Dave, Tony, Phil, John Gough and Tom Griffiths. All in all we had 18 layouts on show including our two HO layouts, the new N scale layout under construction, Mike Lenz’s HO scale layout and Len & Dave Ford’s G scale display. One layout owner contacted me on Thursday before the event to say he was coming to the show and could he bring his Z scale layout. A quick adjustment of other layouts allowed him to show his very impressive layout including sounds of F104 Starfighter flying over! There were also 7 traders including DCC items, artist, new & second hand sales and also tool supplies.
Geoff Ford and Paul Doggett presented demonstrations of weathering and one operator who had supplied the very effective safety barriers brought along a Thomas the Tank Engine layout. On this layout children were encouraged to select which of the ‘Sodor’ locos they wished to control and to negotiate two continuous circuits of the layout before being given a printed sheet of the loco they had controlled. This printed sheet was for them to take home to colour in as a souvenir of their visit. What a great way of introducing children to our hobby. Len & David also kept children interested in controlling a G scale loco around the track with the added bonus of a toffee at the end. Great stuff guys and thank you.
The Mayor of the Borough of Cheshire East was invited to tour our show and she and her Consort had a very enjoyable visit. The Routemaster bus operating between the railway station and the Centre was a great success bringing many who may not have made the journey before. The catering also proved very popular offering bacon, sausage sandwiches and burger or egg & chips.

I must add here that those who helped with the pay desk, car parks and tombola did a tremendous job and we should all be grateful as it was the efforts of these people and those operating layouts that helped to make our event such a success. Many people said that the exhibition hall with the large crane and Crewe Cab as a backdrop helped to give the event a real railway feel; saying also that other train shows in sports halls or village halls are clinical in comparison.

We are pleased to say that after covering the extensive list of expenses including those for the bus hire, catering, table hire, barriers and the Heritage Centre for use of the exhibition hall and miniature railway, that we are able to send £300 to the British Region. We have also been able to put an amount to club funds which had been our original aim when we decided to hold this Train Show. It means we are able to finance the proposed additions to the HO and N scale layouts as was the initial plan.

I have received many comments saying that people have enjoyed the Train Show very much and it was said that it was a great team effort. There are so many people who must be thanked in addition to the persons listed above. Heritage Centre volunteers, Susan Chambers, Brian Porter, Bill Andrew, Steve Blackburn, Glynn Henshall, Malcolm Barber have been so supportive, by helping entertain the Mayor, moving display boards, the bracket for the Dream Liner headboard, sorting out an electrical supply and operating the Centre’s model railways. If you see these persons when you are on site then do please pass on your thanks to them.

I am also including in this mailing the new rota for operating the layout when the Centre is open to the public. I have noted all your responses and hopefully the dates listed for each and every person is now OK. If you do have an issue with any date can you now agree with another member to cover for you and for you to reciprocate for them. If you do not have a copy of the Region Directory or a copy of the telephone/email addresses sent out last year then I can provide an email copy.

Terry Wynne
Secretary

Annual General Meeting

March is the month for the AGM, to be held on the 18^th. Reference the February Train Orders, it also is Valentine’s Day for all who can invite their ladies to come along and take part. Please give Terry Wynne a call to advise if your lady is coming so that adequate refreshment can be on hand. For the AGM election, we have a list of nominees for you to consider for the jobs of Chairman, Treasurer, and Secretary.  Tony Gath will be retiring this month and has agreed to serve as Chairman for the Group.  Mike Lenz has agreed to serve as Treasurer in that Mike’s responsibilities with the Heritage Centre are such to permit him combining some activities.  Terry Wynne has volunteered to serve as Secretary.  While not formally nominated during the meeting, given the approval of the Group, these are the members who will be in office for the next two years.  If there are no further nominations made to the Secretary, these names will be put forward for acclamation and no paper ballots will be used.

It will be noted that the three nominees are also serving as committee members and upon taking office, the committee will be short three members.  The chairman has asked Allen Wyatt to stand for  a Committee position and Allen has agreed.  George Neyman has agreed to support the Committee as well as has the outgoing Chairman, Les Herriot.  The unfortunate side of this plan is that the same names are shifted about to perhaps differing jobs but it denies new ideas and opportunities for new participation in management of the Group.  Please volunteer or nominate a member for one of the Committee positions. Otherwise the names above will be also elected by acclamation to replace those moving to the executive team.

The minutes of the 2016 AGM held 12 March 2016 are enclosed as a separate file for you to read prior to the meeting. The agenda for the AGM is prepared and will be distributed at the meeting.

Tidy up Day Reminder:  In the past several years, the Group has participated in a general clean up of the Heritage Centre to prepare for the opening day  for the open season.  To date there has not been an announcement for this activity but it would not be a big surprise if a call for volunteers on 25-26 March to assist in a general scrub up.

On the subject of Summer Operations

Many of you will already have received via e-mail, a message from Terry covering the Spring Meet on April 1, outlining the tasks to be discharged and speaking to the organization of the event.  I have added this information to Train Orders for the purpose of communicating with those members who receive TO’s by mail.  Terry also notes that the open season layout running information for North Western Mills is highly important and explains why the rota assignments are essential to the continued health of the Group.

Terry writes: This is a reminder to members of the forthcoming AGM and April 1^st Spring Meet and Train Show.

There is still much to do in the organization of the Meet and hopefully this briefing gives you the latest detail and also asks for as much help as you can offer to ease the heavy workload. The roster (for week-end operation) is also being sent out in the next 24 hours and hopefully members can agree the dates shown or advise me of the dates you can help operating the layout.  I have tried to keep the number of times we would like you to operate to the minimum and hope that you can assist for the coming open season for the Centre!

As you know the Crewe Heritage Centre is a charity and as such receives no funding from any sources. Therefore it has to ensure it can operate in a sound financial way, hence Calder Northern Group paying a fee for the use of the “clubroom” as well as other benefits on site.  It is after all to be run as a business in order to remain open.  We have had to accept an agreement which includes us being an attraction available for the public to see each week-end and Bank Holiday which in turn requires us to operate a layout in the clubroom.  If we were to withdraw from operating our layout I am sure the Heritage Centre Trust would soon seek to ask us to vacate the clubroom so they could use the room for other purposes.  If this was the case I see Calder Northern Group disbanded as the cost of finding and using an alternate facility would be beyond what we could fund.  Some 20 years ago my son rented a newly opened industrial unit in Crewe and after the first years rent of £3000, the agents asked for the normal rental charges of £21,000 for the next 3 years up front.  On top of that he had to fund all the utilities charges, public liability and other insurances, business rates, and security of the site. He was forced to close his business as he could not raise those kind of funds.  Calder Northern would be in the same position and would have to fold up. Therefore, I hope members can understand why we have tp provide the operators to tun our layout each week-end etc. s/ Terry.

AGM 18^th March:  Terry writes:  Please come along to the AGM as this meeting is the one where you can have your say on how your Group performs and where you can vote to elect members to the committee who you think will serve the Group in the best possible way.

Terry Wynne will be asking those members listed on a new 2017 roster for operating the HO scale North Western Mills layout on Saturdays, Sundays, and Bank Holidays when the Heritage Centre is open to the public between April 1^st and the end of September, to confirm they can assist on the days rostered. You should have received a “special notice” from Terry before the AGM with the names listed for each week-end and in it Terry asks that you mark your calendar at home with the dates on which you have been asked gto operate. If for any reason the dates identified for you are not convenient , then please speak with Terry at the AGM or contact him either in advance or just after the AGM by e-mail or telephone with alternative suggestions.  We need to have the roster fully confirmed for the season before the April 1^st week-end.  Andy Wicks and Bob Bevan have generously volunteered to cover all the week-ends of our Group meets during the summer.

Valentine’s Party: The March 18^th meet is also the revised Valentine’s get together for the ladies.  If your lady is going to be with us on the day then can you please advise Terry before the 17^th so we know how many to cater for with sparkling drink, strawberries and chocolates.  We hope to see as many ladies as possible.

April 1^st Parking:  On April 1^st car parking will be at a premium with hopefully many visitors coming along.  As at previous events, we have had the kind offer from TESCO for members to use their car park but they require all car registrations by Wednesday March 29^th for those who intend utilising their car park.  They need all numbers so they are able to advise their car parking contractor of the registrations to ensure penalty payments are not raised.  Please advise Terry as soon as possible as we are restricting car parking on our own site to visitors although any of our members who need “Blue-Badge Parking” will be allowed on site.

April 1^st Spring Meet Train Show:  All members will realise that to put on a Train Show it needs help from as many persons as possible to ensure it is a success.  It is after all, your Group and the only way we can raise funds for the benefit of the membership, is for all of us to participate. Therefore we will need members to be involved in various roles:

Car Parking Attendants:  This task will require someone to be at the entrance to the site to organise the parking of cars alongside the main driveway  (to be parked facing the miniature railway).  When this is full, then cars will park inside the main gates in those designated spaces.  Once all these spaces are full cars should be directed to TESCO of Dunelm Mill but with a proviso of telling drivers there is a 3 hour limit6 before a fine is imposed.  Oak St. car park, a short distance away, is also available but this is a pay and display.  We also need someone else to be the attendant to direct traders to the most appropriate entrance to the exhibition hall nearest their stand and once unloaded to direct them to park on the spare ground alongside the exhibition hall, facing the tracks.  Both of these attendants need to be in position around 8am.

Pay Hut Attendants: We aim to have members helping in this role to be in position for only 1 hour at a time, so they can have time to view the exhibits and also assist where required when traders or layout operators need a toilet or food break.  It is intended to draw up a rota for this position and we will distribute this at the AGM.  Please say if you do not feel you can handle the role of taking cash.  NMRA members will pay a £5 entrance fee on production of their membership card. Pay Hut attendants will need to be in position around 09:45 but no later.

Calder Northern & Devil’s Creek layout operators: We will need volunteers to operate these layouts and we intend to ask Tom Griffiths to be one of the operators so he does not have to keep moving around too much. (He is not bringing his broom and Mop & bucket with him this time).  Mike Lenz will be operating his “Glenbogle” layout.

Raffle prizes:  I know we ask each time for raffle prizes, but if you remember, we have held some very good raffles in the past with super prizes. Les Herriot has obtained prizes from manufacturers in the USA and Rapido Trains has sent a DCC sound loco and freight car to us as well.  We have to say though that we require good quality prizes of any kind to provide a great incentive for people to buy tickets. Please donate what you can , and we very much appreciate your help with this.

Club layouts update:  Devil’s Creek Tracklaying and the underlay on the reversing loop at the door end of the layout is currently being worked on. Thanks to Alan Wyatt, Phil Vaughan, Steve Scott, Roy Harris and Tony Hayselden. Alan is currently working on the electrics to join up with the existing wiring. Point motors and wiring on the new section will follow.  This will be a working layout on April 1^st.  Baltic Street Yard:  This is the new N scale layout which has been adapted from some of the late Michael Coates’ baseboards.  Alan Wyatt has drawn a track plan and is proceeding with construction of the layout but he obviously needs assistance with this large task. Alan will exhibit the layout as a “work in hand” layout on April 1^st. with hopefully a short section under power but mainly he will be track laying and wiring.  Any volunteers to help him on the day will be most welcome.  North Western Mills:  Work is continuing on the long wall new section with all cork and track now laid and wired for full working. One Rapido Trains electric uncoupler is working and it is hoped to wire up others in the next few Wednesdays.  It would be great if one or two members could come along before April 1^st to assist in placing figures on the layout so that it looks a bit more realistic.  The new transverse section will not be operational for April 1^st but hopefully the track connecting to the rest of the layout will be wired up so locos could run as far as the transverse itself.

CALDER NORTHERN GROUP

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting 2016

Held Saturday 12^th March 2016

The Annual General Meeting of the Calder Northern Group, North West Division, British Region, National Model Railroad Association was called to order by the Chairman, Les Herriot  at the North Signal Box, Crewe Heritage Center with 19 members present. Steve Park was a welcome visitor along with former member Bill Jackson.

Apologies received from  the following members Doug Sayles, Bill Hamilton-Turner, Roderick Welch, John Hey

The agenda was presented by the Chairman.  Three new members were welcomed  in 2015-2016.  Mr. James Barry, Mr David Best and Master Elliot Lamb. Elliot is a youth member and is accompanied by his uncle, Mr. Best.

The Chairman circulated the minutes of the 2015 AGM and requested these be approved by the Group as a true and correct record.  The 2015 minutes were approved by the Group assembled.  There were no matters arising from the reading of the minutes.

The Chairman presented his report for the year.  Key points were the Group’s participation at the Manchester Airport Show in July for the first time as a success and encouraged members to participate in forthcoming events which are often listed in Train Orders.  Participation in  the presentation/clinic program was also encouraged.  The summer running assignments were presented and it was a strong probaability that there will be schedule conflicts.  The Chair said that if such conflicts occur, it is the resposibility of the assigned member to arrange a swap or an agreed back-up.

Tony Hayselden presented the Treasurer’s report for the year April 2015 through March 2016. Total of cash and bank deposits is £2,163.20. Investment in the layout was £430.40. Tony also reported the total assets of the Group to be £9,207.21. The yearly rent of £650 to the Heritage Trust had been paid in January 2016.  Dues paid by meet attendees came to £902 for the year.  This was supported by an average attendance of 19 members and visitors at each meet.  The rent and catering costs are defrayed by our dues. Tony reported several excellent donations to the support of the Group totaling £525.61.  Two significant donations were the Transfer Table and Extension from Mike Lenz and the money shared from the sale of Phil Riley’s stock in support of Mrs. Riley. Tony’s remarks thanked the members of the “Wednesday Gang” and encouraged others to take part if possible.  He also noted the need for members to come forward to assist with the summer program of operations and advised that two cupboards had been constructed to safely store member’s models if needed during the summer running period. A question arose from Tony’s report regarding the Wednesday Gang catering costs being reported as 0.00, thinking it might be an error.  The question from Tony Gath was answered as Terry Wynne personally provided these arrangements.

Steve Scott reported that the “Friends of Crewe” organization had been disbanded and its funds taken into the Trust.  Other matters, negotiations are ongoing with LNWR (Pete Waterman) regarding space in the Exhibit Hall.  Some area has been released to the Trust and it is expected that in time the Hall will be cleared of all industrial activity.  This is helped by Mr. Hosking’s purchase of the Diesel Shop at Crewe. This is an opportunity for the Crewe Heritage gf Trust to fully develop the Exhibit Hall.

Steve Scott also reported on Crewe Heritage Trust matters and extensively on the Heritage Centre Safe Guarding Policy.  The Trust is in a sound financial position having recovered from bankruptcy in 2013 through good leadership, effective volunteers resulting in a £11,000 turnover with a £70,000 reserve.  Calder Northern’s contribution through the Wednesday Gang has been noted.  Steve emphasized the critical nature of having a clear understanding of the key elements of the Safe Guarding Policy and how these can effect the activities of the Group.  Young people are classified as children under the age of 16 or as a vulnerable adult up to 18.  A disability may increase the age limit.  In interactions with the public ensure that there is a responsible adult to care for the child and avoid any one to one contact  with the child.  The Policy document is posted in its entirety on the bulletin board in the railroad room.  Names to remember:  David Harrison is risk assessor and Steven Blackburn is Health and Safety Manager. Calder Northern is a Group member of the Heritage Centre and all members are subject to the Policy.  Any allegation is cause for banning from the Centre.

There were no nominations from the floor for the Committee positions.  With the agreement of the incumbents, Tony Gath, Mike Lenz, Steve Scott, and Terry Wynne, the Group re-elected them to the Committee for another two year term by acclamation.

The matter of Calder Northern sponsorship of the Spring Meet in 2017 is to be addressed in Committee.  The date to be set is recommended as 1 April by Steven Scott.

A comment about the locomotive bell now at the Bressingham Museum reported that the Region President, Mike Arnold is in discussion with museum officials. Steve Scott recommends this to be taken up as a Trust matter to properly consider protection and insurance issues.

Steve Scott opened a discussion on the future for North Western Mills as a public display layout and its continued importance as an incentive to the public to visit the Centre.  He recommended some changes which considered double track operation,  turnout controls, consolidation of controls aimed at increasing the visual activity when the layout is operating for the public and in support of the Centre.  While no decisions were made, there was general agreement from the member.

A contact on the Group’s website from Tinker’s Books was noted by Len Ford which requested approval for her presence as a vendor on our meet days at Crewe.  The matter was taken under advisement.

Richard Gowing recommended members attend the show at Macclesfield show as he felt it was very worthwhile

Terry Wynne announced that the next two Wednesdays will be devoted to a area clean-up to prepare for the summer opening.

There being no further business, the Chairman declared the meeting adjourned at 1424 hours.

Respectfully Submitted,

George Neyman,  Secretary