Category: Train Orders

Hi there,

This is again a very short Train Orders as I am endeavouring to get this out to everyone before I go on holiday next week. Sorry if you were expecting a lengthy newsletter this time!

Following on from the announcement that member Bill Burke has sadly passed away Mike Lenz and I have at the request of Bill’s wife been and had a look at Bill’s collection of models with a view to disposing of them. Bill did not collect just one particular railroad but there is a predominance of UP and SP items. We have in conjunction with his wife said that we will offer the items first to Calder Northern members at our next meet on 14th August and after that the items will go on sale on a B&B stall at the October Themed Meet on 1st & 2nd October. Bill’s wife has also agreed that Calder Northern take a 10% commission on all items sold for which we are very grateful.

At our July monthly meet Terry Wynne presented his clinic on installing a DCC decoder into a Blue-box Athearn locomotive and since then two members have successfully run their locos at the clubroom. Terry still has a few Digitrax DH123AT decoders for sale if anyone still requires one of these to experiment with – the cost of each decoder is £18
The clinic with the Airbrushing demonstration by CN member Paul Brickles from ABC Model Sport will take place on Sunday 14th August from approx 11am. Paul says he will be bringing along a small number of airbrushes for members to have a go. He will take time to oversee what each is doing and provide help and advice on the best approach. Hopefully all those who wish to have a go will be able to use the airbrush to gain some knowledge and experience of handling one – bring along a model and of course you may need your chequebook or credit card as you might want to buy an airbrush once you have used one!

The request in the last Train Orders asking if any members had any Walthers small houses building kits they have not made up yet, or maybe built but not needed, drew a complete silence. Will you guys have another look in those little corners of your cupboards or storage boxes and see what you have closeted away!

The presentation at our last meeting, on behalf of CN members, to Brenda Porter and Mike Wynn was much appreciated by them both and we have received thank you’s from each of them saying that they were very pleased and grateful for the plaques and kind words. Mike did say he wishes now he had come to Crewe on other occasions but rest assured he will be with us in October. Brenda intends to keep coming along with Les Herriot or Tony Hayselden whenever possible to our meetings.

Work on the wiring on the DCC layout is progressing well with tremendous efforts particularly by John Baggaley in sorting out the questions we had with the electronic control of the switches. Thanks also to Mike Bolton for a quick repair and advice. Three of the diagrammatic control panels are now working and the fourth is close to being complete. The next task is to finish wiring all the frog polarity connections where required as all switch motors are in place. We are looking for volunteers at our next meet or on a Wednesday to join the working group to paint the baseboard area between the tracks ready for the eventual task of applying ballast and scenic materials. Each of these kinds of tasks may only be small but it shows progress and gives members a boost to carry on and complete another stage of the development of the layout. Do come along and lend a hand.

For the Themed Meet in October we have secured 10 layouts (N, HO & American Flyer) plus our own 2 HO layouts; there will also be 3 traders, a bookseller, B&B tables, Chris leigh’s presentation (on Saturday only), Heritage Centre attractions and Crewe Railroaders Gridiron players! 2 HO layouts are even coming from Luxembourg courtesy of Patrick Bopp. There will be a hot food van available – see Roundhouse or the Region Yahoo Group for further details. Volunteers for stewarding would be appreciated for the car parking and pay desk – it will only be for an hour if we spread the role around amongst ourselves. Let me know if you are available.
On the Saturday evening we will like the two previous October events in 2007 and 2009 be organising a meal at the Crewe Arms Hotel. Last time 36 people sat down to the meal and a great evening of laughter and conviviality – we hope to better that number this time. Nobby Clarke has arranged a special deal at the hotel for those wanting to stay overnight – £45 for a twin bedded room including breakfast. So fix up and share with a friend for £22.50 each!

Finally any ideas for future clinics will be appreciated. Let me know what you think is needed and we will try to accommodate your wishes.

Terry Wynne Chairman

Hi there,

This is a very short on content Train Orders as I am trying to include just the main items without any detailed explanations. Hope you don’t mind?

First I must advise that Calder Northern member Bill Burke has sadly passed away. Bill who lived in Cadishead was an attendee at Broadheath but only got over to Crewe a couple of times in the past. We only learnt of his death recently when Les Herriot was following up information on those members who had not renewed their membership for this next year.

Two further presentations/clinics have been arranged. The first is on Sunday June 12th when Terry Wynne will show how to install a DCC decoder into a Blue-box Athearn locomotive. This is a simple task and Terry will have a few Digitrax DH123AT decoders for sale on the day. Ideally it would be great if members who have locos they want to convert will let Terry know to reserve a decoder. The cost of each decoder is £18 and although the decoder instructions say “no soldering – clip fit” Terry will be showing an extra little task by soldering one of the wires to the side of the truck framing. Bring along your loco and see how easy it is!
The second clinic is the follow up Airbrushing demonstration clinic with CN member Paul Brickles from ABC Model sport. This will take place on Sunday 14th August from 11am. Paul will be letting anyone with a freight car of his or her own to have a go at spraying it and if time permits adding weathering. Hopefully all those who wish to have a go will be able to use the airbrush to gain some knowledge and experience of handling one. Bring your chequebook or credit card as you might want to buy an airbrush once you have used one!

Do any members have any Walthers small houses building kits they have not made up yet or if they have been built but are not needed we are interested in buying them from you at a reasonable price. Better still you might like to donate them for use on the HO DCC layout.

We are looking for some help to run trains on our layouts at the Bank Holiday weekend. The Crewe Heritage Centre has a Model & Miniature event planned and ideally would like our layouts to be working on those 3 days. Do try and come along to help. Andrew Wicks and Bob Bevan have generously been at the Centre almost every weekend to keep our trains running. A big thank you guys for your kind help.
A list of other CHC events is available if you want a copy.

For those of you who still receive “snail mail” copies of Train Orders can you please advise if you still want to receive a copy? A number of you we do not see at Crewe meetings and it is difficult to know whether the information is of use or not. Please give me a ring on 01270 567050 (before 8pm as we have a small child sleeping at home) if you do not want your Train orders as with postal costs as high as they are we don’t want to send unnecessary copies. If you have e-mail or access to someone who has e-mail then let us know the e-mail address for future mailings. At the AGM in April the issue of postal copies was discussed and it was agreed there we may have to ask for mailings costs from those who still receive copies this way.

Finally we hope to make a small presentation at our next meeting, on behalf of CN members, to Brenda Porter and Mike Wynn in appreciation of their generous and continued support over many years at our meets and events.

Terry Wynne
Chairman

Dear Members,

First of all this is a further reminder that our next monthly meet on Sunday April 17th is the Calder Northern Division Annual General Meeting, the AGM will start promptly at 1.30pm.
This year the only committee position to be voted on is that of Secretary. As you are aware nominations for this position should have been sent to Les Herriot before 31st March 2011. Les currently holds this position and is willing to be nominated for a further term should members so wish.

In order to keep our costs down we will not be posting to you a copy of the minutes of last years AGM meeting. However, members wishing to read a copy can do so in advance of the AGM on 17th April in the “Clubroom” or they can request a copy by e-mail or phone to Les Herriot on 01204 305457 or leslieherriot@talktalk.net

For those of you who will be unable to attend the meeting I will also append below a draft of the agenda items in case you wish to contact the Secretary to request your comments be heard at the meeting on the issues where you have any concerns.
This year I intend only to make a short Chairman’s speech giving a minor overview of the year’s activities and thereafter deal with each element as part of the agenda as appropriate. That way it is hoped to speed up the meeting to allow members to do what they enjoy most by running trains and talking about them.
The Treasurer will be giving his explanation of the Divisions finances during the meeting.

Please do come along, as after all, it is your Division and it is the membership, which is ultimately responsible for the success or failures of our activities and even our existence. As we have emphasised many times in the past– we use it or we lose it!

Terry Wynne
Chairman

Calder Northern Division
Notice of Annual General Meeting to be held at 1.30pm
At Crewe Heritage Centre – Sunday 17th April 2011.

Agenda

1. Apologies

2. Minutes of last AGM (members should read these before the AGM)

3. Matters arising

4. Chairman’s report

5. Treasurer’s report

6. Secretary – Nominations for Committee

7. Voting

8. British Region Annual Convention Kegworth 2010 and Bournemouth 2011

9. CN organised “Western Roads” Themed Meet 1st & 2nd October

10. Calder Northern Meets & Clinics –
Past years clinics
Future clinics
Options for future (members wishes & ideas)

11. Grant application for DCC equipment

12. Donation received from Reading Group

13. Donation of models to Seaboard Southern Group following the fire

14. Calder Northern Layouts –
Devils Creek
North Western Mills
Old HO layout scenic boards
N scale layouts (both)

15. Any Other Business –
New members
E-mail addresses for Train orders

A very Happy, Healthy and Peaceful New Year to you and your family – I also hope you had a great Christmas and that all your presents came with wheels on!

First a reminder that the date advised in “Roundhouse” for our January meet has changed. In order to avoid a clash with the British Region Meet at Benson on 15th January, we have moved our January meeting to Saturday January 22nd. A full list of our 2011 meet dates is included in this Train Orders.

A second reminder is for you all to note that the Calder Northern Annual General Meeting is to be held on Sunday April 17th commencing at 1.30pm. This year the only position to be voted on is that of Secretary. Nominations for this position should be sent to Les Herriot before 31st March 2011 – details at the end of this mailing. As you are aware Les currently holds this position and is happy to be nominated for a further term should members so wish.

A third reminder – please note that our “Western Roads” Themed Meet will be a 2 day event held on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd October – 10am till 4pm each day. Like the previous themed meet we will be arranging an evening meal at a local hotel on the Saturday and hope as many of you as possible will come along; cost will be advised at a later date. Last time 36 people enjoyed dinner and most stayed overnight in the hotel. Local rates range from £29 per room per night in Travelodge / Premier Inn (early booking essential) to £49 at other hotels in the area. A number of traders and layouts are already booked and further details will appear in Roundhouse as we progress with the organisation of the event. ABC Modelsport of Crewe will be demonstrating airbrushing & weathering techniques on their stand. Chris Leigh (editor of Model Rail) will be giving a presentation on “The White Pass & Yukon RR” and maybe an update on ‘Kinsol Trestle’ for those of you who attended his presentation at the Canadian themed meet in 2007. The usual Heritage Centre attractions will be operating (Signal Boxes, Miniature railway and “be a driver for a fiver” on the Class 03 shunter) and hopefully a steam loco will be on site as well.
Don’t forget we will need assistance in the kitchen, with stewarding and car park attendants for the event.

Crewe Heritage Centre Trust has advised us that the rent we pay for use of the facilities in the North Junction Signal Box is to increase by £50 to £450 per annum with immediate effect. They also advise that due to planned significant expenditure on improving the NJSB (security and heating) we are also likely to see a further increase of £50 to £500 per annum for 2012. The rate of £400 has been maintained since we moved to Crewe from Broadheath in 2006 and your committee feel the increase/s is acceptable.

Following two successful clinics during the past year we are planning to continue with these for your enjoyment. Paul Brickles from ABC Model sport has promised to conduct another airbrushing clinic, this time with you having hands on experience on a model of your choice. Paul Doggett has also offered his services again and we are hoping to finalise a topic very soon. Terry Wynne has suggested that a ‘hands-on’ clinic on wiring an Athearn ‘Blue-Box Loco’ for DCC. Terry will show how easy it is to do and everyone attending can wire their own loco on the day. If there are sufficient numbers (we will ask for numbers later) we could perhaps approach one of the suppliers to see what discounts are offered. You then could buy decoders not just for the clinic but to take home for other locos you own for fitting at a later stage. A recent cost for the chip specific for Blue Box locos is around £17 (basic item). If you are interested then please tell your committee members as soon as you can.

We are looking for help with doing some rewiring and a small amount of track laying on the old DC scenic boards. The boards are now in position along the right hand wall of the clubroom and plans are in place to make a joining board so interchange of freight cars can be made when running sessions begin. An additional scenic board is planned which will have a rail ferry berth and float bridge. n.b. The DC scenic boards will continue to be solely DC powered. The connecting board however, will allow access from both the DC and DCC layouts for interchanging cars – a protected dead section ensuring no locos ‘get fried’.

Remember also the ‘Devils Creek’ layout is available to run your DC locomotives. Thanks to Steve Scott information for this layout is being prepared so members will be fully aware of all the little details for enjoyable operation of trains. If you want to run trains on this DC layout please remember it has #4 or #5 switches and so long wheelbase locos (i.e. 2-12-2’s) might find them rather tight!

Finally, for this notice, the Heritage Centre is holding a Model Railway show which is planned for Sat/Sun 19th/20th February when we need volunteers to operate all our layouts on both days. Please advise Mike Lenz, Terry Wynne or see one of the committee members at the January meet to say if you are able to operate on either or both of those days. Thank you.

2011 MEET DATES

Saturday January 22nd

Sunday February 13th

Saturday March 12th

Sunday April 17th – Annual General Meeting

Saturday May 14th

Sunday June 12th

Saturday July 16th

Sunday August 14th

Saturday September 10th

Saturday & Sunday October 1st & 2nd – Themed meet

Saturday November 12th

Sunday December 11th

Terry Wynne e-mail – T_WYNNE@sky.com
Mike Lenz e-mail – mlenz20284@aol.com

Your Committee – Les Herriot, Tony Hayselden, John Hey, Gordon Nelhams, Mike Lenz and Terry Wynne

Hello friends,
Our November meeting on Saturday 13th November saw Paul Doggett giving us a very enlightening clinic on “Building Resin Kits”. 14 members enjoying Paul’s clear and helpful details on how to tackle one of these interesting kits. The model will be made available for airbrushing and weathering at Paul Brickles (ABC Modelsport, Crewe) clinic in the New Year when we will have the opportunity to get some hands on experience of airbrushing.
It was also very good to see Keith Webb, our new Vice President, join us for our meeting to sit in on the clinic and talk with members. This is something we raised some time ago when we said that BoD members should be seen around the Divisions to speak with and gain insight into the thoughts of members at local level. I know we are fortunate to have Steve Scott join us at Crewe on a regular basis but this move by Keith is a positive one and hopefully others will journey to join us in the future.

Plans for the DC section modules are underway and hopefully in the next few weeks we can erect those boards for members to start making minor alterations to the track to allow a connection to the DCC layout.

Another reminder that we need some help on 27th/28th November when the Heritage Centre is hosting an event over the weekend and we have been asked if we will operate our layouts in the clubroom on those days. Will you please advise Mike Lenz or Terry Wynne when you can assist – just an hour or two on one of the days would be most helpful.

I have been asked to be a member of the Heritage Centre Management Committee and last Saturday we held our first meeting to set some guidelines. The prime aim is to make sure all the different groups on site – Miniature Railway Group; APT Group; Class 47 Group; Signal Box Group; Exeter West SB Group and ourselves, are aware of each others activities and to co-ordinate help for each event each group is hosting. It is also the aim to show a united front to both the Trustees and to Cheshire East Council that the activities of the Heritage Centre are thriving and should be supported. It should be noted that Pete Waterman has lost his funding for the apprentice scheme and has been reminded that the Trust are responsible for all the site and what goes on therein.
The Management Group confirmed at the meeting they will be helping Calder Northern when we hold our “Western Roads” Meet in October next year by stewarding the site with us, helping with the pay desk, operating the miniature railway, plus the planned cab rides and “be a driver for a fiver” on the Class 3 diesel shunter loco. In turn they hope we will assist each group at their events during the year by operating our model layouts for the benefit of the visiting public. This of course is a good opportunity for working on the layout, recruiting new members and promoting NMRA (BR).

A further reminder – our “Western Roads” Themed Meet in October 2011 will be a 2-day show. Like the last event we held in 2009 people are invited to have a meal together at the hotel on Saturday evening. Setting up can be Friday pm or on Saturday morning with an opening time of 1pm till 5pm on Saturday (unless we decide to start at 10am on Saturday) and 10am till 4pm on Sunday – more on this in future newsletters.
We already have a number of layouts pencilled in and confirmation from a number of traders. We also have confirmed that Chris Leigh (editor of Model Rail) will give an illustrated talk on the “White Pass & Yukon Railroad” and may also provide an update on the “Kinsol Trestle” which he was building (remember the Canadian Meet in 2007). The real trestle on Vancouver Island has almost been rebuilt and is likely to be opened early in the New Year. Chris may have pictures of that to show as well.

Brian Leighton has also been in hospital for triple by-pass heart surgery and unfortunately Brian has had to return to hospital due to some complications – He is home again now.
Les Herriot has just had a cataract removed and is taking things easy for a while.
We wish both a speedy recovery and hope to see them at Crewe in the near future.

Don’t forget guys – we need prizes for the December Meet Christmas raffle. Please help!

Terry Wynne

Hello friends,

This is just a short note to advise that the planned clinic by Paul Doggett at our next Calder Northern Division meeting on 15th August titled “Building Resin Kits” has had to be postponed to a later date. Paul advises that he is unfortunately unable to attend but will be agreeing with us an alternative date very soon.

Do try and come along to the next meeting, as we need to discuss how we deal with getting the DCC wired HO scale layout to Kegworth for the forthcoming Convention and who is available to operate whilst we are there. I am sure we all realise that the layout will still be in its raw state but it is a good opportunity for others to see what goes into building a layout of this size and the amount of tasks involved. Late hours running will be a feature of our layout each evening and hopefully it will perform well enough to satisfy that demand.

The new addition – the “Devils Creek” layout is now in place and working which will add to the facilities to enjoy at our group meetings. Steve Scott and Les Herriot will be there to give those who want to operate a run-through of the operational details.

For those of you who are not connected to the NMRA (BR) yahoo chat group I must inform you that the Seaboard Southern Group have sadly lost their club facilities in an arson attack along with many members private models. No further information is available so we do not know the full extent of the matter at this time. I have sent a message to the group wishing them well in reforming the group when they can.

Having been away for almost a month I have not been up with all the news but heard that Andrew Wicks had been in hospital. I understand Andrew is now at home and making progress. We wish him well and hope to see him at Crewe very soon.

Do make the effort to come along to Crewe next weekend if you can.

Terry Wynne
Chairman

Geoff Meek 1935-2010
Many of you will know or have heard that sadly Geoff Meek died of a massive stroke on 31st January aged 74 years. Geoff was a great friend to many Calder Northern members and held office over a long period in our Division. He was Chairman of CN for many years as well as being Vice President, President, then Meets Officer of NMRA British Region. I am sure many will remember Geoff for his friendly, helpful and encouraging manner, the generous way he organised and fostered this group and for his modelling skills in his beloved G scale – he will be sorely missed.

It has been recently proposed Calder Northern Division send a donation to “The Stroke Society” in memory of Geoff and at the February 14th Division meeting it was agreed we send a group donation of £50. Geoff’s son David told us that he would leave the charity to be of our own choice but it was considered that following Geoff suffering a number of strokes before he died that this charity was most appropriate. This proposal was later re-considered and further agreement reached asking that we place a box on the table at Crewe on the day of our AGM for members to make individual donations in addition to the group donation.

Annual General Meeting – 18th April 2010
Please note the date of the AGM and do please try to attend. If you have any items you wish to be raised at the AGM and placed on the Agenda then please advise Les Herriot by March 31st at the latest. AoB items can be dealt with on the day as long as they are advised before the meeting commences at 1.30pm.

Nominations are required for two committee member positions following the term of office expiring for the following people – Terry Wynne (current Chairman) and Mike Sheridan (Treasurer). We must report that Mike Sheridan is relinquishing his post as Treasurer at the AGM. Mike has carried out this role since before we moved to Crewe and we are most grateful for his efforts on our behalf as treasurer and for his role in the design of the electrics for the new DCC layout. A very big thank you Mike!
You will appreciate that with Mike Sheridan vacating the Treasurer’s position we needed to have someone in place to ease the hand-over of the Treasurer’s activities and as a result existing committee member Tony Hayselden volunteered to take on this role. A quick request for approval from the membership at the Christmas Meet helped to smooth this transition.

Will you please send your nominations for the 2 vacant positions via e-mail or telephone to Les Herriot (Secretary), before the17th April 2010.
Please note that (in the event of more than one candidate for each of the 2 vacant positions) voting will be by show of hands at the AGM – n.b. there will not be a postal vote so please do come along on the 18th.
It must also be noted that only when the positions have been filled, will the elected committee recommend to the members their proposals for Chairman and Secretary.

Terry Wynne has agreed that he is prepared to serve again on the committee if proposed and elected.

Welcome to New Members-
We welcome new members Brian Leighton and Colin Reed and hope they will enjoy our groups’ activities.

Clinics and demonstrations of modelling techniques & skills –
We are starting our session of clinics and it is likely that the first clinic/demonstration will be on the Sunday 18th April prior to the AGM. We intend this to be on Weathering of Freight Cars using both powders and chalks but also airbrushing. The presentation will be by Paul Brickles of ABC ModelSports of Nantwich Road, Crewe. Paul hopes to be able to provide the opportunity for members to try their hand at airbrushing with a view to holding subsequent sessions to gain some experience of using this medium. He will also bring along items for sale offering small discounts to members. It is intended the session will start at 11am and take approx 90 minutes.
It might be useful to bring along a model of your own on which you may wish to try doing some weathering.

Ardenrail and re-arranged Benson Winter Meet
Please note that Ardenrail has been cancelled and the new date for the previously cancelled Winter Meet is now 26th June at Benson. This will be called the “Not the Winter Meet” See RH for details.

February 14th Meet at Crewe
With this meet falling on Valentine’s Day the group were pleased to provide a glass of champagne and chocolates for “the ladies”. This was a big thank you for all the help they give and it was a day when they should be pampered!. It was a surprise for them and they decided to close the kitchen whilst they enjoyed the moment. A few flushed cheeks were seen afterwards!

Donations of Books and Models
We have recently been given some books and also about 20 HO locomotives and 20 freight /passenger cars. It is intended to hold a silent auction for these items on the day of the AGM.
The auction will be managed as follows – those wishing to participate will be given a raffle ticket number to which he/she will endorse on the appropriate list alongside the item in question along with the amount he is prepared to bid. During the day he can increase his/her bid should others have also placed their bids on that item. You will be advised of the closing time for bids on the day.
For your information the locomotives we have been given include Athearn, Bachmann Spectrum, Proto 2000, Model Power and IHC/Mehano with rolling stock from Athearn, Bachmann and Walthers. A near full list of items is included with this mailing – (on the reverse of the formal notice of the AGM)

A big thank you to Norman Davies and others (non-members) in the Crewe & Chester area for these items.

Please note that any items not sold on the day will be offered for sale through Roundhouse to other British Region members.

New HO layout (DCC powered)
Following our acceptance to take the new layout to the Kegworth 2010 Convention John Hey has asked us for a name by which the layout will be known. At our meeting on February 14th we decided (subject to approval at AGM) that it be called “North Western Mills”. This suggestion by Terry Wynne was discussed and agreed for the layout, which has the large grain facility as its main focus and the fact that the premises of Mornflake Limited in Crewe are named North Western Mills. When the layout is complete the grain facility will have the majority of the industry switching and whilst there is a station and yard on the opposite side of the layout there is no reason why this cannot take another name as yet to be decided. If members wish to raise this issue at AGM then please advise Les Herriot. For Convention publicity purposes this year the layout will have this name.

If any members have some spare time and would like to help with the wiring and other tasks on the new layout then please come along on meet days, on each Wednesday morning or speak with Terry Wynne if other days are more convenient. We need to keep this project going steadily to have the wiring done for the Convention in October. We are not so worried about other requirements at this stage as we can quite happily show the layout under construction.

Current events at Crewe Heritage Centre –
The Exhibition Hall is currently being prepared for a Railwayana Auction in March and therefore the HO DC layout and the N scale layout are unable to be used for the time being. Following the Auction the N scale layout will be erected and the HO scale will be set up but for time being without the scenic boards. The scenic boards will be kept in the North Junction “clubroom” until a decision is reached on whether the HO Devils Creek layout will be coming to Crewe (with the kind courtesy of Vanessa Howells & Mike Rimes of Red Dragon Division) for display and use by members. If we do not secure the Devils Creek layout then it is intended that the HO scenic (DC) boards will be mounted along the opposite wall to the DCC layout as a permanently located switching layout.
As the Heritage Centre opens to the public again at Easter the intention is to have both HO (DC) and N scale layouts in situ and operating after that time. We hope that with the large N scale layout back in use that our N scale members will be able to come along at meet days and other events to assist in operating the layout.

It seems more and more of Calder Northern members are purchasing DCC locomotives with the aim of running them on the new layout despite them finding it too expensive or time consuming to convert their other locos at home. We see this change of interest lessening the need for the DC layout to play as important a role in future club activities, more on this in the months to come.

Calder Northern Division – Web Page
We are looking for someone to take charge of our web page. To create it and keep it up to date, posting news and other information as advised by members. Please speak to Terry Wynne if you are able to help
or know of someone who may be interested to help.

Terry Wynne (Chairman) & Les Herriot (Secretary)

Eastern Roads Themed Meet – Our Themed Meet on October 4th was a resounding success. We managed to make a clear profit of £900 and have arranged donations to Crewe Heritage Centre and to the Heritage Centre Volunteer Group for use of the facilities and for the generous help in manning the pay-desk, the miniature railway and the Class 03 cab rides. This profit means we are now able to complete the purchase of all the DCC equipment needed for the new layout.
The Meet saw 400 people through the gate and with 15 layouts and 7 traders’ stands everyone enjoyed themselves. On the previous evening 36 people enjoyed a meal at Crewe Arms Hotel and started the weekend event with much laughter. We were fortunate to have good weather and this meant visitors from near and far were able to see and enjoy all the attractions of the Centre and still stroll leisurely through the layout and trader exhibits. All traders had a good day and some asked when the next event would take place, as they want to come along! We were pleased that the Mayor of the Borough of Cheshire East kindly agreed to come along and declare the Crewe Virginia display open. The Mayor and Consort said they thoroughly enjoyed their visit and offered help in the future to promote the Centre and CN’s activities.

The New HO Layout – Work on the new layout is progressing very slowly and for the Themed Meet temporary wiring allowed limited DCC operation, which was welcomed by visitors. Our November meeting saw the layout being used by a few CN members to run DCC locos. We hope this will be an ongoing activity as the work on the wiring progresses. We would like the layout to be worked on a bit more so that it will be available to test all the pointwork and tracks to ensure there are no problem areas.
We have been invited to exhibit the layout, even though it will not be anywhere near finished, at the Kegworth 2010 Region Convention. Therefore, additional help would be appreciated with wiring and it has been suggested that perhaps we devote a whole meeting in the New Year so everyone can help with this on the day. We will also seek helpers at Kegworth when the time comes.

The Old HO & N scale layouts & changes inside and outside the Exhibition Hall – There have been some major changes taking place in the Hall and this is mainly due to an initiative by LNWR Co. (Pete Waterman Heritage Railways) to enlarge their working area to enable them to undertake work in conjunction with Government sponsored apprentice schemes. This means the TPO vehicle is to be transferred to another location in the UK; a wall extended across the Hall to section off that area in front of where the TPO was located; a new roller shutter door installed to allow rolling stock to be moved inside the new work area and outside, the Class 87 Electric loco will be moved to a new display position.
With regard to the HO layout this will remain in its present position, however, apart from a request for us to operate this on 24th January at Cheshire Modellers Train Show (volunteers please as they supported our recent Themed Meet) it will not be usable due to work being undertaken in the Hall for the next 3 months. There is also going be a “Railwayana Sale” in the Hall during March. Once all this is complete the layout will then be available as before.
The old N scale layout, which has been in storage, is to be erected again near the HO scale layout once the activity in the Hall is complete. Mike Lenz has agreed that the CHC Volunteers can use both layouts and that on the HO layout they can construct British outline scenic boards interchangeable with our American ones.

Member name badges – It has been suggested on a number of occasions that we all have and wear name badges at our meetings. Whilst some may think it unnecessary, it is felt that the wearing of badges ought to be encouraged so new members, who are at a distinct disadvantage when they first come along to meetings, can more easily familiarise themselves with the names of the people they meet. Badges will also be helpful when the Centre is open to the public so CN members can easily be identified both at the entrance and at the refreshment counter in the North Junction Signal Box. Badges will be available at no charge at the December meeting.

December Meet – Please note we intend to hold a Christmas Raffle at the December Meet (13th December). If you can donate a prize for the raffle it will be much appreciated. Do come along for a Mince Pie and an enjoyable meeting.

Meeting Dates for 2010 – Dates are posted at the end of this Train Orders. Please note the date of the January Meet especially as the date shown in the current issue of Roundhouse is incorrect.

A series of clinics at 2010 meetings – A suggestion was made earlier that we try and organise a series of clinics to take place during some of our monthly meetings. A number of ideas were put forward but we are seeking addition proposals from members as to what topics they think will be most useful to them. Once a schedule of clinics is agreed we will announce these in Roundhouse and in Train Orders so members from other groups are also able to attend.

Annual General Meeting – Nomination of Officers – There will be a position becoming vacant at the AGM in April. The present Treasurer, Mike Sheridan is stepping down due to a change in his employment and therefore we will be seeking someone to fill the post of Treasurer. If you are interested then we would like to try and get someone up and running immediately to ease the handover when Mike ends his role at the end of March. Please see Terry Wynne, Mike Lenz or Mike Sheridan for details as soon as possible.

Cheshire Modellers Group – This Group are holding a Model Train Show at Crewe Heritage Centre on Sunday 24th January 2010 and would appreciate it if our HO and N scale layouts were operating – we would appreciate as many as possible to come along on the day and help run our layouts. Please bring your stock to help out. Will those intending to come please give your name to Terry Wynne or Mike Lenz.

Crewe, Virginia – The new Crewe Virginia display boards are now in place in the Signal Display Room in North Junction Signal Box. Do take a few moments to read the information thereon.

Train Orders by E- mail – We are still seeking to send as many Train Orders out by e-mail as possible, if you are agreeable. This will make it less costly to Calder Northern Division and it will also reduce the amount of inserting into envelopes for those who currently send postal copies to members. If you are able to receive your copy by e-mail and wish for your copy of Train Orders to be sent in this way then please advise Terry Wynne at his address “T_WYNNE@sky.com” or in person. (please ignore the “ “ when typing address)

Calder Northern Meet dates for 2010 – please make a diary note.

Please note that the date shown in the December 2009 Roundhouse for January 2010 is incorrect. The date is definitely Saturday 16th January and NOT the 9th January (which is the date of the Region Winter Meet at Benson)

SATURDAY JANUARY 16th

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 14th

SATURDAY MARCH 13th

SUNDAY APRIL 18th (AGM)
Please do make a special effort to come along to this meeting

SATURDAY MAY 15th

SUNDAY JUNE 13th

SATURDAY JULY 17th

SUNDAY AUGUST 15th

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 11th

SUNDAY OCTOBER 3rd

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 13th

SUNDAY DECEMBER 12th

Les Herriot, Secretary
Terry Wynne, Chairman
November 2009

This is a very short Train Orders as we need to advise members of the forthcoming AGM on April 19th. The Agenda is on the back of this page.

Please note –
Gordon Nelhams, Michael Coates and Trevor Austin have completed their 2-year stint on the committee and it is for these three positions we will need to elect new committee members. Michael and Trevor have indicated they do not wish to stand again; grateful thanks to both of them for their support and input. Gordon is happy for his name to put forward for nomination again.

We ask that you send your nominations for any or all of the three positions on the committee to Les Herriot before the 31st March.

In the case of a vote being necessary this will be by show of hands by the members present at the AGM. The committee agreed this policy at its formation, as it is only right and proper that those who attend these meetings are the rightful people to determine the direction of Calder Northern Division.
May we remind you that only the elected members of the committee can from within their own number make the appointment of Chairman, Secretary & Treasurer?
Please advise the Secretary, Les Herriot of any Agenda items you wish to be included. If you have any issues you wish to raise during the meeting, then these will be dealt with under Any Other Business.

News – Those of you who made it to Crewe for the last two meetings will be aware that Heritage Centre volunteers are decorating the ‘clubroom’. It is expected that the room will be finished before the AGM April meeting.

We are still looking for volunteers to come along on Wednesdays to work on the ‘new’ HO layout. A number of members have made the effort and progress on tracklaying is currently the main task. Once the boards are back in our room then some wiring will need to be done so bring along your soldering iron.

Any offers of help toward the October “Eastern Roads” meet will be appreciated and if you know of anyone with a suitable layout who would like to come and exhibit their layout please get in contact with Tim & Jack Brown.

We hope to offer the Pensy RR items, given by a local Crewe person, to the highest bidders at the AGM. These books, model kits and whitemetal locos can be viewed in advance – contact Terry Wynne

Les Herriot – e-mail – leslie@lherriot76.wanadoo.co.uk Tel: 01204 305457
Tim Brown – e-mail – TBrown2798@aol.com Tel: 0161 707 5948
Terry Wynne – e-mail – T_WYNNE@sky.com Tel: 01270 5670

Eastern Roads Themed Meet – As you all are aware the Themed Meet was cancelled due to confusion over the date, owners of layouts pulling out and unfortunate lack of appropriate publicity. Jack, Tim and Denise Brown had done an amazing amount of work on this and they are all to be congratulated for their efforts. The work already undertaken by these guys can be used for the rearranged Meet, which we plan to hold on the first Sunday, 4th October 2009.
Tim, Jack and others have spoken with owners of some layouts and have initial confirmation or intention to attend. This will need to be followed fairly quickly and therefore we need to get together a small team of people who will each take on an individual aspect of the organisation.

As Terry Wynne will be away on holiday (yes again!) it is proposed that a meeting to sort this out be held during the January meet at Crewe.

The New HO Layout – Work on the new layout is progressing but only very slowly. Terry Wynne, Trevor Austin, Pete Hayward, Tony Hayselden, Les Herriot and Paul Whittaker have assisted so far on the temporary tracklaying. Most of these same people have also started lifting the temporary track and putting down the track base permanently. Once this is done and it is a long slow process the boards can be wired.
It is hoped that more people will want to assist as after all it is for everyone’s benefit and enjoyment. Why not come along on meet days if you cannot make it on a Wednesday and get involved and do a little work yourself. Terry, Trevor or Tony will explain what needs to be completed that day and help you get started. It is enjoyable – in fact at the September Meet some members decided to help (as they said, “instead of standing around talking”) and had a thoroughly satisfying session.
We would like the layout to be worked on a bit more so that it will be available to run trains as soon as possible. It would make meet days that much more enjoyable to have both HO layouts available for running our trains.

New N scale layout – Trevor Austin has been very busy working on the small N scale layout positioned in the “clubroom”. This layout has the ability to have other modules attached and if you have a module, which you could bring along on some occasions to Meets, then talk to Trevor for details. Doug Sales has brought along a module and successfully coupled his module to the layout.

John Hey retirement – The December meeting will be the last official meet that John & Mary will attend as “Big John’s Trains”. It is their intention to still come along to meets but John will only bring a few items to sell (bring & buy style) as he also wants to start running his stock on the layouts. We think it right and proper for as many of you as possible to come along to say a big thank you to both of them for their unstinting support and loyalty to Calder Northern over many, many years.
Please do come along!

December Meet – As has been the practice in previous years we intend to hold a Christmas Raffle at the December Meet. If you can donate a prize for the raffle it will be much appreciated.
So come along for Minced Pies and an enjoyable meeting.

Convention 2010 – we were asked before the Region Convention at Kegworth if Calder Northern were interested in putting on a Convention in 20010. I told the people concerned that CN needed to consider the issue and until we have had a meeting we would not commit to anything. Perhaps if members would like to become involved in such a task then it needs to be discussed either at the December or January Meets. There is another issue which would need to be considered and that is 2010 is the 75th anniversary of NMRA and it is likely the BoD would expect anyone putting on this meet to raise the bar in respect of events to make it a bumper convention. Please think about this and let your committee know your thoughts and ideas.

Meeting Dates for 2009 – Dates are posted at the end of this Train Orders.

Cheshire Modellers Group – This Group are holding a Model Train Show at Crewe Heritage Centre on Sunday 25th January 2009 and would appreciate it if our HO and N scale layouts were operating. Therefore any one who can come along on the day and help run our layouts. Please bring your stock and help out. Please give your name to Mike Lenz.

Crewe, Virginia – We are still intending to alter one end of the old HO layout to show some representation of the Crewe Va, loco facility (Turntable and Back shops) along with display material above that corner of the layout. We need someone to help with the woodwork to make new solid ends for the layout and for tracklaying once it is completed. Volunteers please, no pressure but we hope we can have some initial work underway in the New Year.

Morning Foods Limited – trademark “Mornflake” – This Crewe Company has been milling grain in South Cheshire since 1675 and is currently managed by the 14th generation of the Lea family. Quite a record you will agree?
We approached this company with two requests recently. The first for them to put a display about the company in the Heritage Centre, the other to see if we could use their logo and brand on our new HO layout. They have kindly agreed to both requests and we are going to be able to have their logo on the grain unloading facility and also the milling and cereal manufacturing company buildings which will be positioned along the backscene. We will obviously have a plaque detailing their kind approval on the side of the layout in due course.

Train Orders by E- mail – We would like to send as many Train Orders out by e-mail if you are agreeable. This will make it less costly to Calder Northern Division and it will also reduce the amount of inserting into envelopes for Don Westerman who sends these copies to all members.
If you are in agreement with this proposal and wish for your copy of Train Orders to be sent to you in future by E-mail then please advise Don at his address don@westerman1.plus.com

Terry Wynne, Chairman