Category: Train Orders

Welcome to 2017: Your Committee joins in wishing everyone an exciting and train filled 2017. May your modeling projects all produce great results and perhaps more of you will take the time and effort to “share the knowhow” with your colleagues in the hobby at our various meetings throughout the year. There are some good challenges ahead for all Calder Northerners as we look forward to the events of this new year. We will be electing a Chairman, Treasurer, and Secretary at our AGM in March. We do not have any firm nominees at this time and it is imperative that a new Treasurer is elected as Tony Hayselden will definitely not be available for re-election. Then there is the Spring Meet on 1 April 2017. Volunteers will be required for a number of tasks such as manning the gatehouse, assisting attendees to park their automobiles, assisting participants and vendors in setting up their layouts and displays. There are opportunities for everyone and everyone should take part in showing Calder Northern and Crewe Heritage Centre hospitality!

There is support needed for the Wednesday Gang to complete the two projects ongoing on the Northwestern Mills layout, namely the ferry slip extension and the transfer table. Last Train Orders it was suggested that if it is difficult to attend on a Wednesday due to distance away and transportation problems, it is possible to organize some effort and make progress on a regular meeting day. Speak to Terry Wynn about what you might do. The next regular Wednesday Gang meeting will be on 11 January from roughly 1000 to 1600.

We reported that Alan Wyatt has been making progress on the N scale project layout . Give Alan a call at 01785 248316 to volunteer in support and co-ordinate some tasks that may be possible to accomplish at a regular meeting. Alan has been doing much of the effort at home but he may be able to spin off some tasks to be tackled by volunteers.

Terry has advised that several members are having difficulty with some health issues and we wish them well as they recover. John Massey messaged Terry to the effect that he would not be able to attend the Christmas meet due to mobility difficulties, specifically problems with his legs. Stuart Wood had not been in evidence for several weeks and Terry learned that Stuart had been hospitalized with a second heart attack. We all join in wishing Stuart and John a full recovery from these episodes.

A check for the proceeds realized from the sale of the Michael Coates collection was presented to his widow Wendy in December. This extensive collection has now been fully allocated to new owners, a project in which many members took part under Terry Wynne’s leadership and was a significant “good deed”. Some of this extensive collection is now available at the Heritage Centre Shop. This lot may contain an item that you missed in the initial sale. Members are encouraged to take a look at the items on sale.

December Meeting Reminder  Members are reminded that items for the Christmas Festivities are very welcome if brought to the November Meet.  With the cornucopia of models that have been available through the Michael Coates collection, we should see a wonderful selection of gift items on the table at the Christmas event. Ladies are also invited to join with us for seasonal mince pies and refreshments so be certain  to inform your lady that she is invited.

 

Election Nominations   Members are advised to begin thinking about the forthcoming elections which will take place at the AGM in March.  This is an essential element in administration of our Group and the offices of Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer will require nominations prior to the AGM.  Our collective performance in the past has not been exemplary and a change for the greater involvement of our members is desired and essential.  Our Treasurer, Tony Hayseldon has indicated that he intends to step down and will not be available for re-election as in the past.  Therefore, a nomination for the office of Treasurer will definitely be required. Please remember that you should advise your nominees that you intend to put their names forward and they must be willing to serve at least two years in office. It does not matter which political party you support.  We are a unity Group that offers a completely democratic selection process.

 From the Useless News Item Department  Have you ever heard of a steam locomotive type known as the MacArthur?  During World War II some western US railroads were very anxious that there should be no references promoting an enemy nation, in this case, Japan.  This concern resulted in the renaming of the Mikado 2-8-2’s as MacArthur’s due largely to the popularity of the General of the same name among the US public at that time.  History says that the General did not really deserve this kind of accolade, but nevertheless, it came his way. The name however, did not catch on.

 Tasks Ahead   At our October Meet and in the October Train Orders, it was pointed out that there were quite a few tasks remaining to be completed prior to being fully ready for the Spring Meet on 1 April.  Members were invited to spend several hours during our regular meet days, or make an effort to be present for support activities with the Wednesday Gang, from 1000 to 1600 each Wednesday.  Here is how to do it.  Terry Wynne and the Wednesday Gang are working on the Ferry slip addition and the shop and transfer table complex   If lending a hand in either of these projects is your interest, speak to Terry about getting involved.  Alan Wyatt has two projects which can also use some assist.  He is undertaking benchwork for the turn-around loop for Devil’s Creek and has an N scale layout underway requiring benchwork assembly.  Please give Alan a helping hand at the November meeting as he plans to bring in some materials for assembly. Effort will be organized for the January and February Meets with the AGM taking place in March.  The end of March will no doubt be heavily involved in Spring Meet preparation. 

 Andrew Wicks Hospitalized   Andrew Wicks has been released to home to recover from a chest infection which was considered sufficiently serious to warrant a hospital stay.  He is under care with a supply of antibiotics and is not expected to be fully recovered for about six weeks.  A get well wish has been sent to Andy on behalf of the Group. 

 2017 Meet Dates  The 2017 Heritage Centre calendar has been worked out by Mike Lenz. The Calder Northern Meet dates are as follows:  January 14^th, Saturday; February 12^th, Sunday (Valentine’s Meet , Ladies invited); March 18^th, Saturday (AGM, elections); April 1^st, Saturday (NMRA Spring Meet/CN Train Show); May 13^th, Saturday; June 11^th,Sunday; July 15^th,Saturday; August13th, Sunday; September 16^th, Saturday; October 8^th, Sunday; November 11^th, Saturday; December 10^th, Sunday (Christmas Festivities/Raffle).  Be certain to annotate your calendar for the year.

 Headboard to be Displayed   In 1952, the NMRA held the First International Model Railroad Meet in the city of York.  A special train ( The “Dreamliner”) was operated between York and Doncaster pulled by a LNER A4 “Mallard”.  The headboard for this locomotive used for that event will be installed in the CN Clubroom. At that time, Terry Wynne will tell the story behind this train and what happened at this event.

 British Region Convention Report  Les Herriot writes: The Convention was held over the weekend of 28^th to 30^th October at the Best Western Hotel at Meriden, Solihull near Birmingham.  There were a lot of people already there when your scribe arrived at about 3 pm Friday.  Some of the people were from overseas including Cyprus, Holland and the USA.  The Calder Northern was well represented with a goodly number, especially the members who were there on the Saturday as day visitors and looked after the Michael Coates collection and special thanks to them for their efforts. There were many items left at the end of the day and Sophie of Anoraks Anonymous paid £1200 for what remained.

Saturday was spent in the layout room where on show was the Freemo layout and several N Scale layouts and one Z Scale layout. There was also a delightful switching layout called Burlington Junction in HO Scale with DCC and a great variety of locos.  Also in the layout room was a desk selling raffle tickets with a lot of raffle prizes on show. The raffle was held in  the layout room just before the AGM in the main dining hall.  There were a number of retirements from the BOD, Robin Swan was elected as President of the Region for just twelve months.  The changes to the BOD will be shown in the next issue of ROUNDHOUSE. It was agreed by the meeting to increase the subscription from £24 to £25 as from April 2017.  This was mainly due to the poor exchange rate with the dollar at the present time.

Terry Wynne had to depart during the AGM due to illness.  After the dinner on Saturday, Steve Park presented a number of certificates to members and also merit award certificates of which I received one for my 4mm Scale Furness Railway 4-6-4 Baltic tank engine. Following on from that, I read out a letter which had been received from Dave Gunn in Canada thanking Steve for all the help he had received in attaining MMR which was the first in the British Region.  Steve was then presented with a painting of a GM&O box car alongside a warehouse which had Steve Park painted on the front of the building.  His wife Noleen was presented with a large bouquet of flowers and thanked by Robin Swan for her support of Steve.  This presentation to Steve was a thank you for all the hard work he has done as AP Chairman British Region over the years and he is now standing down from that position.  The new AP Chairman will be Keith Webb who I am sure will continue the good work that Steve had begun. During the AGM it was announced that the Convention for next year will again be at Derby.  Kathy Millatt also gave a report on progress for the 2022 National Convention to be held in the Birmingham.

Sunday morning after breakfast it was a case of viewing the layouts once more and I am pleased to say that I came away from  the Convention with a new friend whose layout was the Burlington Junction.  After that, it was a case of checking out and making my way to Birmingham International Railway Station (courtesy of Mike Ingham who took me there) and so ended a very nice weekend.

The trip home by rail through Manchester was quite another story!

                                                    CALDER NORTHERN DIVISION

                         TRAIN ORDERS October 2016

 As the dark is arriving earlier in the day and the pleasant warmth of your work area beckons, take stock of your modelling skills and work up a presentation, demonstration or clinic to give at one of our forthcoming meetings. There certainly must be something that you can share. Roy Harris gave the last presentation on the subject of air brushing and this was widely appreciated.  It is easy and does not have to be a professional presentation.  It is sharing fun.

 Michael Coates Collection  The model collection that belonged to Michael Coates is still being dealt with and thankfully, you, the members have purchased many models.  Your generosity is much appreciated!  We will not advise the final sale total until a decision is taken to dispose of what models remain on hand after our April event next year.  Andy Wicks and Bob Bevan very kindly offered to take models to Hampsthwaite in early September and sold many models.  Thank you both, your help is much appreciated.  They have said they will do this again for the November meeting too.  Dave Theobold has offered to take items to the Region Convention at Meriden but will need some assistance on the B&B table during the Saturday.  VOLUNTEERS PLEASE TO ASSIST Dave!

There are still many freight cars by Athearn, Details West, Roundhouse etc plus passenger cars from Con-Cor, Rivarossi etc plus some Proto and Athearn blue box locos.  We are prepared to consider any offers for these so come along to the next meet and see what is on hand.

We might consider asking a trader to make an offer for the remaining items if after the November Hampsthwaite event there is only a small number of items left for sale. 

Many laurels are due Terry Wynne for the good work and support provided Mrs Coates in gathering, transporting and selling this amazing collection.  This effort deserves a very well done.

 

Heritage Centre  The Heritage Centre have decided that the Centre will remain open for three additional weekends as there are the following events coming up:

 October 1^st and 2^nd – Normal Heritage Centre weekend.

 October 8^th –The Crewe Model Engineering Society Swapmeet and Train Fair. Calder Northern have booked a table in the exhibition hall and will have tables in the North Junction Signal Box.

October 9^th– Calder Northern Meet.

 October 15^th– Railwayana Auction

 N Scale Layout   Work has begun on the N scale layout with Alan Wyatt leading the construction.  Track and baseboards have been purchased and Alan has worked on a design allowing both switching and through running.  Use will be made of the items we already have that were a part of the old layout but obviously we may need to make some small purchases in the future.  The old layout built by John Baggaley has been donated to the Heritage Centre and is now being rebuilt by the volunteers and displayed in the exhibition hall.

 

North Western Mills HO Scale Layout  Work has started on the new board positioned on the back wall alongside the barge slip baseboard. The track plan has been agreed and installation of Rapido Trains electronic uncouplers will be completed  as we progress with the track laying.  Tracklaying on the new baseboard for the traverser will be started once the switching board is completed.  It would be nice for members to come along on a Wednesday and help undertake the tasks involved with both boards.

 

Figure Painting/ Buildings   Stuart Wood is busy painting scale characters which will enhance the layout when they are positioned in various areas thus making the layout scenes hopefully come alive.  We also need to complete any buildings that still need to be positioned and existing buildings to have names and weathering.  We need to get these tasks done in readiness for the April NMRA Spring Meet.

 

“Strathcona”   Steve Scott’s layout is scheduled to be displayed at our Spring Meet and we are hoping for assistance from our members over the winter months to get this layout ready in time. See Terry or Steve to volunteer.

 

Devil’s Creek   This layout is also undergoing some changes in that Alan Wyatt has built a benchwork structure to allow us to install a run around loop at the entrance end of the clubroom.  This will eventually allow the layout to be operated by a single person with the controls being moved to a position in the front of the layout.  Again help with these tasks would be welcomed from our members.

 

12 V Transformer/Controller  If anyone has a 12v transformer/ controller that they wish to dispose of, then please advise Terry Wynne as this would be useful for powering the uncoupler units when installed on the switching side of North Western Mills.

 

With the risk of repeating a message, the note regarding the sale of the Michal Coates Collection is being repeated as the initial item in these Train Orders.  This is to make doubly certain that all of our members are aware of the intent to sell as much of the collection as possible at the normal monthly meet on Sunday 14 August. Terry and the Wednesday Gang have devoted significant time to organize the collection by type to make it easier to ‘shop.’

 Michael’s Collection is quite extensive and we are hoping members will come along and make a purchase or even several purchases.  Some may wish to make them in memory of Michael or just buy some of the models that they might have been looking for over time.

 All locomotives in Michael’s collection are DC powered.  Michael had not progressed to DCC.  A number of the models, both locos and cars, are still packaged in the original plastic and have never been opened.  The collection consists of:

 Diesel Locomotives from Mfr’s – Proto 2000 ;Walthers; Athearn( BlueBox & the odd Genesis); Kato; Atlas; Bachmann.

Steam locomotives from Mfr’s – AHM; Bachmann; Rivarossi; etc. (The Rivarossi items include a Cab Forward and a NYC Hudson – about eight locos in all)

Passenger cars from Mfr’s – Walthers; Rivarossi; Con-Cor; Bachmann; Branchline; etc.

Freight Cars from Mfr’s – Athearn; Walthers; Con-Cor; Proto; Atlas; Details West; Roundhouse; E & C Shops etc.

 HO scale trucks and containers – many different liveries and names.

 On30 locomotives and freight cars – 2 Porter locos; caboose; tank car; MoW car etc.

 Buildings – several modern building kits; 2 half roundhouse kits plus associated facility items such as a sanding tower etc.

 There are two boxes containing a miscellany of freight cars and other items which are not boxed and also including Model Power and other dated items.

 For those who have some British OO scale models,, there are a few items in the collection.  There are also a few books but there is more to collect from Michael’s widow.

 Whilst we are sure some models for sale are not of the standard currently available, these can never the less be used as static items on your layout.  A Rivarossi loco could be positioned in your loco shed with the pick-ups disconnected if you have DCC power.  A freight car could be updated with new wheels and perhaps a bit of weathering; maybe even used as a MoW car. (A possible project would be an entire work train.)  The same with passenger cars which in most cases having these re-wheeled is sufficient. Prices will be at a level where we are encouraging you to buy.  So come along and bring your wallet.  Cash is the preferred transaction option please. 

 Thanks are due to Len and David Ford along with Mike Lenz and Terry who staffed the Crewe Heritage Centre tables at the Manchester Aviation Society, Aviation & Transport Festival on Sat/Sun 16 and 17 July.  Our tables were in about the same location as last year, under the wing of Concorde and equipped with the new NMRA roller banner poster along with the two new roller banner boards covering the Crewe Heritage Centre. The both was popular and helped get the message out that the Crewe Heritage Centre is a good attraction in the neighbourhood.  The day did not start very brightly but a good crowd eventually kept us busy on Saturday.  A very popular feature with the youngsters was four boxes containing a miscellaneous collection of Michael Coates model autos and trucks for sale at good prices.  Business was brisk on Saturday.  Sunday was a sunny day and the crowds arrived in large numbers.  In fact the organizers had to close the gate, as all car parks were full. Sales on our booth was not good but we did speak with many families who took away 2 for 1 offer leaflets promising to visit the Heritage Centre before its season closure in September.  Without Terry, Len, and David, this event would not happen and a vote of thanks is due their way.

 Wednesday Gang is still an important activity of our Group.  It is a chore to make it to Crewe for each Wednesday if your home is some distance away and not everyone is in the best of health for travel, but go once a month if that may be feasible.  We always remind members of this part of our activity, perhaps too much but it is the only way to continue to maintain and improve the layout.  Planning is going ahead with Alan Wyatt for an easier to use N scale layout which could soon occupy some effort.  Progress on the new board at the barge slip will also be underway again soon.  There is a lot to do.  Contact Terry if you plan to attend.

 We have had some good presentations in the first half of this year.  These provide another reason to attend our monthly meetings and share and improve our own modeling skills.  Usually the preparation of material for a topic will expand the subject more for the presenter than those who attend the presentation or clinic. There are so many possibilities for topics that have a railroad modelling scheme.  Have you ever scratch built a building for your layout?  Did you learn something or develop a procedure that someone else might find helpful?  Share it  Have you used the modular building concept from DPM or Walthers?  Tell us about it. Surely we are not all armchair modellers. Do not think that what you have done is too insignificant to interest another modeller. It is surprising to note how mny common items can adapt to a scratch-building effort.

 Ever wonder about the engineer’s hat: In 1905, George “Stormy” Kromer, a fireman with the Chicago & Northwestern RR had the idea for design of a work hat which would be resistant to blowing off with the wind as the cap currently in use was prone to do.  His wife Ida created the design from heavy canvas and that started the cap which is seen widely as that worn by a railroad man.

CALDER NORTHERN DIVISION
TRAIN ORDERS July 2016

Our colleague Derek Milby has been in hospital again, this time with low blood pressure but Derek is now back home and sounds in good spirits. He says that by late summer he and Doug Sayles will hopefully manage a train journey down to Crewe. Promises have been made that someone will pick them up / drop them back at Crewe Station on the day. Derek sends his regards to everyone and has sent us a video he has made of his days over the past year at the line-side which we can show on the big screen in the signal display room on meet days.
Terry has also spoken with Doug Sayles; he is still under treatment but feeling reasonably upbeat. He too sends regards to all and hopes to be able to get down to Crewe when he can.

Michael Coates funeral took place on 20th May at Chester Crematorium and a number of Calder Northern members, including Syd Michael and Brenda Porter, attended to pay their respects on behalf of the group. Wendy Coates and family thank members for their condolences and cards; these being much appreciated. Michael had a keen interest in British steam and had hoped to see Flying Scotsman once its rebuild was complete. Sadly that did not come to pass but his family decided a photograph of the loco taken recently at Crewe H.C. was to be put into his coffin before it was sealed. A copy of the funeral service sheet is on the club notice board.
Syd Michael wishes everyone at Crewe his very best regards.

Terry Wynne has collected a portion of the late Michael Coates collection of models. Michael had a very large collection, including locos (DC only) numerous passenger and freight cars, plus small numbers of road trucks and containers. Once all the items have been brought to Crewe and sorted into manageable groups we will arrange a viewing session for members so they can make their purchases. This will possibly be at either the August or September meetings. Included in the collection are Balboa SP/UP brass coaches, factory painted with glazing, (one of each) and 1Soho brass SP full dome coach plus 2 boxed sets of Bachmann Spectrum On30 logging cars – offers for these will be consider in advance of the viewing session. Contact Terry with your offer. There are also some Proto locomotives, one still sealed in the plastic wrappings and obviously not opened at all. We are conscious that DC items do not command high prices and we will therefore set prices initially at a level that we hope will attract buyers but will listen to offers from members wanting particular items. We wish to dispose of the collection reasonably soon and it has been suggested that whilst some models may not be the latest version or DCC fitted they could be used to bolster a scene on your layout. There is for instance an early manufactured NYC Hudson which could sit inside your loco facility without the need to move under power; same with some diesels (just remove the motor) or freight cars that could sit in a RIP track or disused siding.
Once Calder Northern members have had first choices from the collection we will probably take a couple of B&B tables at the Crewe M.E.S train show at the Heritage Centre in October and hold the balance over till our NMRA Spring Meet on 1st April next year. Anything not sold by then we will ask Anoraks Anonymous to make an offer for the remainder. Wendy Coates says she does not want us to be taking stuff around the country and putting members under pressure, but if anyone is perhaps going to Hampsthwaite and feels like taking a box or two, then that would be most helpful an appreciated. If members have other ideas to help raise as much as we can for Michael’s widow then please advise Terry as soon as you can.

July 16th/17th sees us attending the Manchester Aviation Society, Aviation & Transport Festival at the airport. We have magazines and CN handbills to give out to the public to promote our group. The Heritage Centre is also partnering us on this weekend and will be promoting the Centre in a similar way.
As part of our publicity we have purchased a roller banner poster (artwork – kindly and expertly produced by Len Ford) as well 1/3rd A4 size handbills showing our group facilities, plus A5 leaflets advertising April next year. The Heritage Centre has also produced 2 roller banner posters (again designed by Len & David Ford) and will have leaflets to give out in the hope of recruiting volunteers. We were initially quoted £90+vat for the banner poster from a local source but opted for the supplier that Mike Hughes suggested who charged £54 Inc vat and delivery! We see now this firm have further reduced costs to £33 each so if anyone has ideas for another banner poster, then we need to move quickly. Your committee is spending your group funds wisely.
When Len placed the order for the banner poster little did he think the finished article would be delivered to his home the following day!

You will no doubt realise that 16th July is also our group meet day and member numbers attending on that day are likely to be much lower than normal. Andy Wicks and Bob Bevan will be on hand as usual but if anyone would prefer to join the guys on the stand at Manchester Aviation Viewing Park on one of the two days then please contact Terry by Wednesday 13th July. This event attracted around 15,000 people last year when we were located with our stand under the wings of Concorde.
For more information on this year’s event covering, location, parking. directions, etc. bring up the TAS website at www.tasmanchester.com/TAS-Festival.html.

Transport Fair at Manchester Museum of Transport – Our participation at this event on 20th/21st May had to be cancelled due largely to lack of planning and support as key members were not available to provide a quality display.

Presentations/Clinics: Those of you who attended the May presentation on air brushing by Roy Harris will agree that it was highly informative and well put together session. More of these are needed but it is rather hard to get everyone to get their “light out from under the bushel” and share some modelling expertise At this time, there isn’t anyone scheduled to present and although it does take some preparation, it is more than worth doing for often the presenter gains more than those attending. Come on, give it some thought and make the effort to share your experience.

NMRA Spring Meet at Crewe Heritage Centre: Looking ahead, Calder Northern is playing host for this meet and although some things are underway, there is and will be quite a lot of detail to pull together and organize to ensure this is a good meet. Be ready to volunteer some help when called upon. The date is 1 April 2017 which seems ages away, however, reduced to months, that gives us less than 9 months to be ready.

Wednesday Gang: Consider joining Terry and staff on a Wednesday morning (10:00 or thereabouts) to lend a hand with some the layout projects that are ongoing.
Alan Wyatt has commenced planning for a new N scale layout which will be more portable and easily erected/taken down, than the current one built about 6 years ago. In fact we decided to offer that previous layout to the Heritage Centre in the past couple of weeks and they are very grateful to receive the layout as they can use it in the exhibition hall instead of their old layout which is now looking rather sad.
Work had started on the new board near the barge slip and the back shops board but that has been temporarily halted whilst we deal with Michael Coates models. We will restart efforts on these very soon so please bear with us on the delay to this work. Track design is complete and we still need a couple of code 100 Electrofrog switches to replace a faulty pair on the layout. We have purchased some auto uncoupler units from Rapido Trains as a discount and these will be incorporated in the new board initially and subsequently we can use others along the back wall boards where feel they are needed.

George Neyman & Terry Wynne

New members: We extend a warm welcome to Basil Stevens of Merseyside who has joined the NMRA in our Division area. We hope that Basil will consider becoming a part of the Calder Northern Group. From Carlisle, we welcome Steven Brown as a new member. Les has introduced Steven to Brian Neville and we hope he will also become active in our Group.

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Special Thanks: The Auction was held 18-19 October which meant that the layouts had to be disassembled and moved to open the room for the auction. On the following Wednesday the layouts were moved back into place. We want to thank the Wednesday Gang along with any others who performed this necessary job on behalf of the Group.

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Events for 2016: Other events for 2016 that we should keep in mind while planning the year: There is every possibility that our Group will take part in the annual preparation for the summer at the Heritage Centre. Clean-up weekend has not yet been announced however this can be expected in mid-March as Easter is the 27th which would be the opening day of the Centre. Of greater concern for our Group is
planning for those days through the open season that the Trains must be running. Andrew Wicks has indicated that he is retiring from the task of summertime coordinator and being always available to open and operate the layout when there are no volunteers. This means that a firm schedule of operators must be established and published for the entire period that the Centre will be open. Please be prepared to volunteer for a running day or even several in order to make this an orderly exercise. Admittedly it may be hard to make the journey to Crewe but once there, it is great fun. Another event to keep in mind is the Aviation and Transport Fair held at the Aviation Viewing Park at Manchester Airport. We had two tables in the Concorde Hanger and which were shared with the Heritage Centre Volunteers. This event was considered an effective way to show what the Heritage Centre and its occupants are all about. There is every probability that we will again support this show.

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Presentations: I think that everyone who heard Brian Neville recount his experience and planning scheme for operations on his home layout found it quite remarkable and enjoyed hearing about the effort he invested in defining very realistic operation. One of the unique features is that the scheme allowed the operations to be paused until a later time to complete an operating session. For our November Meet, Terry Wynne will present a brief on the Achievement Program (AP) along with a report on the British Region Convention from October. In December, the theme is the Christmas raffle will be the exciting feature event. In January, Mike Lenz will talk about his experiences in building the several layouts that he has constructed and from what we know of Mike’s efforts, there would be some excellent modeling tips along the way. February will feature Tony Gath covering the Portland Convention and some train watching on the former Southern Pacific lines in Northern California

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Bill Walker’s Model Collection: You will recall that the Devil’s Creek Layout benefited from some locomotives and passenger cars appropriate to its theme which were selected from the collection by Steve Scott through the generosity of Mrs. Walker and the Barry and Penarth MRC/ Red Dragon Group. Your Committee decided to make a donation to the Club of £100 to show our grateful appreciation for this kind gesture. Terry has since learned that the £100 will be applied to some carpet replacement work in their clubroom.

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Tom Griffiths Visit: Tom will be in the UK this December and is planning to vist for the Meet on 13 December. Terry Wynne has a little surprise for Tom when he visits. This will be his first visit since earning his MMR.

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RAPIDO Visit: Jason Shron and Bill Schneider are traveling to the UK to attend the Warley Train Show on the 28th and 29th of November where RAPIDO will have a stand. Hopefully they will call at Calder Northern during their time in the UK. At this time their exact schedule is not known.

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Phil Riley Passing: Those who attended the October Meet will remember that Les announced the sudden passing of Phil Riley and gave the funeral arrangements. You will also remember that Phil had made available his collection of freight cars for sale to members and donated 50% of the funds raised to the Calder Northern. From this sale £400 has been raised through Phil’s generosity. Condolences have been sent to his widow, Carol, and a cheque is to be prepared to forward the other half of the money raised to her.

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Backshop Module Ordered : An order has been placed to the White Rose Model Workshop for the backshop module addition to Northwestern Mills. The actual delivery date of the module to the layout has yet to be determined.

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Christmas Raffle Prizes: Have a look through your collection of railroad items and choose a spare item or two for the Christmas raffle. Railroad items are encouraged and can be brought to the November Meet or arrive as early as possible on December 13th for the December Meet.

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Northwestern Mills Improvements: The troublesome turnout located at the window end of the layout has been replaced and now needs only ballasting to be completed. You have also probably had a problem running your train through the double slip turnout at the terminal throat leading to the program track and the inner storage tracks. A suggestion has been made to replace the double slip with a right hand turnout and isolate the program track as an abandoned section. The program track will be addressed at a later time.

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Season’s Greetings: Like the local Department Store, we are early but we may not issue a Train Order in December. Your secretary may be busy writing Christmas Cards instead. Therefore, to all, have a wonderful and blessed Christmas and may Santa bring you that wonderfully detailed freight car you have always wanted. In the New Year, resolve to have some modeling fun and make a presentation

Thanks: Fall has arrived and with the days drawing in to early darkness, it is time to get to your modeling work bench, dust off a project that might have been set aside for the summer, and get back to some modeling activity. To start off with, I wish to thank Terry for issuing the TO’s during the summer months while I was in computer darkness. This condition continued for far longer than forecast due to delays from the various finishing contractors involved in a new build. We are now in snugly, the computer is out of its box, Virgin has installed a cable and a sense of normality prevails. We also have developed a strong distrust for contractors. Thanks again Terry for stepping in.[space]
Congratulations: Heartiest warm congratulations to Sue and Terry Wynne who are celebrating 50 years of married life this first weekend in October. Terry has promised that he will be present on the 4th with some celebratory cake to share, so don’t miss the opportunity to share in the big event. We collectively wish Sue and Terry many more years together.[space]
Welcome: Welcome to our two new members. David Best of Bolton and his nephew Elliot Lamb of Darwin have joined with us. Of significance, Elliot is a junior member and represents the youth movement in our midst. He models in HO and is several years into the start of his modeling experience. At this time his uncle, David is mentoring and has assisted his progress. Please introduce yourselves and make them feel welcome. If you were in attendance at the September meet, Les Herriot introduced them to the group.[space]
Attendance: The number of members attending our September meet was not spectacular. Your support and attendance at the regularly scheduled meets is, of course, encouraged and supports our activities.[space]
October Meet: If you have looked in on our member’s section of our web site, you will have perhaps noted the special presentation scheduled for our meet on October 4th. Brian Neville has been working on a layout planning scheme for several years and has agreed to present his experience in developing a layout plan to the group as a special event. I encourage and hope that as many members as can be available will show appreciation for the effort that Brian has expended in preparing his results in presentable form. It is not a layout planning SIG per se, but is a “share the know-how” event. Please support it while you enjoy a piece of cake. As added inducement, perhaps we can persuade Tony Gath to give an informal report of the US Convention in Portland[space]
Future Events: Can I also encourage other members to stop holding their light under a basket and come forward with some “Share the Know-How” presentations or clinics. There is a great deal of talent in our group and a lot of experience. Let your secretary know and maybe we could plan several meets in advance and get our topics advertised in ROUNDHOUSE. We may attract some modelers in other Divisions.[space]
Wednesday Gang: This is a reminder that the Wednesday Gang will be meeting regularly now that summertime vacations are over and all Committee members are back
home. There are a number of projects in mind to be accomplished on the layout, among them replacing points on the switching layout and continuing scenic effort on the main layout. Speak to Terry about specifics and your intent to help out on any given Wednesday.[space]
Donate a Scene: You may recall from previous Train Orders that Terry has invited anyone who would like to develop a cameo scene in keeping with the steam to diesel transition era on the layout would be very welcome. If you have some excess figures, vehicles etc. from the 1950 to 1990 period that the layout is designed to represent, speak to Terry or a Committee member about your idea and work out an appropriate location and scheme for your items. Some ideas might be to propose enhancement to the farm scene, children playing in a yard in the village , or perhaps some workmen making road repairs etc.. Then schedule a day with the Wednesday Gang to complete the work.[space]
Regional Meet: Your Chairman has been communicating with the British Region to initiate a Calder Northern sponsored British Region Meet for the Spring of 2017. At this point, a proposal has been made to the Region President, Mike Arnold who acknowledged and directed the approach to The Meets Officer, Gavin Fry. Nothing has been finalized at this time as to date and the acceptability of the Heritage Centre as a venue for the event. The time period being discussed is late March through early April in 2017.[space]
Trent Valley Show Scheduled: For your diary planning, The Trent Valley North American Modelers Train Show is scheduled for 11 June in 2016. This is reported to be a very good event and is well worth attending. Enter the date in your diary.[space]