Tag: Train Orders

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

First your committee wish you and your family a very belated Happy New Year.
This Train Orders should have been a priority in January but as with most good intentions these days it was delayed due to a number of unforeseen circumstances. It was not due this time to the Chairman being away on holiday as someone has suggested!

Our last 2007 meeting in December saw a reasonable turnout of members despite other attractions, namely model train shows around the South Lancashire area. However, a short meeting was convened and a number of issues brought to members attention –

It was agreed that the N scale layout located in the Heritage Centre (HC) Exhibition Hall (EH) will be taken down and stored, as unfortunately only a very small number of members are able to come along and actively use this layout.
ML advised us the Centre was reorganising the EH displays and the extra space occupied by the N scale layout could be best used for new displays. This layout can and will be available for use at Special Meets and other exhibitions held on site. It has since been agreed that Trevor Austin will build 2 new N scale module boards which can be erected and dismantled in the clubroom on meet days. It is also hoped to have a switching module, for those more interested in this aspect that can be linked to the 2 new modules.

Terry Wynne (TGW) explained that the HO layout located in the EH is to be upgraded. As this layout is part of the HC exhibits it was agreed the current curved ends should be replaced with scenic boards. The end nearest the corner of the room is to be used to re-create some features of the real track plan at Crewe, Virginia with turntable, half roundhouse and back shops. This will also allow us to have some display space for member’s locomotives not used on train running.
I am sure most of you know, but for those who do not, The Norfolk & Western Railroad Company built Crewe, Virginia as a Division point, however, they also built the town itself and it was named after Crewe here in the UK. So we have a very close similarity between the two towns and it was felt that a feature showing Crewe, Va. on the layout as well as a wall-mounted display of information received from their Railroad Museum would be an attraction for visitors to the HC. Jim Barry agreed to lead this project and would welcome assistance from other members. Please talk to Jim at the next meeting with any ideas you may have, or offers of help.

A proposal to host another Themed Meet was approved and this time the theme would be “Railroads of N.E. USA”. A request for volunteers did not result in a rush to offer help but we are sure there are some who would come forward in the next couple of months. The date of the event is to be the October meeting but it is still to be agreed if a Saturday or Sunday is best to attract visitors. As you know our Canadian Themed Meet was held on a Sunday and whilst 300 people came through the door we may attract more if it was held on a Saturday. A Steering Group is required to move this forward to discuss, invite layouts, traders, arrange displays, clinics, and other activities they see suitable to the theme of the day. Come-on guys participation in activities such as this count towards Achievement Programme credits. It cannot fall to the same few people to organise every event, others must play their part and share the workload.

Formal advice of the 2008 AGM was made and this will form part of the April Meeting at Crewe. The AGM will include a report from the Chairman, Treasurer and from Mike Lenz on The Heritage Centre activities and news. Items for inclusion on the AGM Agenda should be sent to the Secretary by 31st March. Further to this announcement was the advance notice to members that 3 committee positions would become vacant on 31st March. When the committee was formed in 2006 it was agreed that each year 3 committee positions would be put to the vote as this would give members the chance to influence decision making through a change to the committee structure.
Written nominations (with the nominated persons agreement) should be sent or handed to the Secretary (ML) before the 31st March. I have to advise that Mike Lenz, Secretary, has decided not to seek re-election due to his workload as HC Manager along with other commitments. Mike has done a splendid job as Secretary and his enthusiasm for this group will still be as strong as ever.
However, I do urge members to consider asking Mike to see if he is prepared to sit in on committee meetings as required, so maintaining the direct link to the Trustees and other HC activities through his position as Manager.
TGW, Chairman, is also due to stand down, however, Terry is willing to serve on the committee again, if elected. Geoff Meek is the third committee member who is due to stand down.
Mike Sheridan (Treasurer), Michael Coates (Publicity), Les Herriot, Trevor Austin and Gordon Nelhams will still serve for 2008.

Now to the new HO scale layout. Discussion by members resulted in unanimous agreement that the layout is to be fully DCC. As DCC had also been mooted for inclusion on the old HO scale layout in the EH, some members raised their concerns over the possibilities of that layout being wired solely for DCC. This was discussed in detail and it was agreed that on the old HO layout DC running would be maintained even if in the future it was decided to include a DCC option for use on nominated days.
Mike Bolton then gave a brief résumé on what he thought should be best practice in wiring the new layout. As many members are not fully conversant with the intricacies of DCC it was agreed that a steering group should be formed to make the important decisions on what and how the wiring would be dealt with. Mike Bolton (MB), Mike Sheridan (MS) and ML were accepted as our experts and they were charged with meeting and agreeing a plan and products needed to take this layout forward. Unfortunately ML had to pull out of this group and so both Mike’s met and submitted their proposals at the January Meet at Crewe. It is hoped both will project this part of the layout to fruition.

Subsequent to their proposals some conflict of opinion has arisen over how the Peco point motors are to be affixed. On one hand there is the thought that motors should be directly secured to the Peco points via the fold-over tabs and a rectangular hole cut into the baseboard to drop the point and motor into position with wiring in place. The other thought is that a rectangular hole should be cut into the Styrofoam under the baseboard before a Peco mounting plate is secured to the underside of the baseboard. The point motor would then be fastened to the mounting plate with the supplied fixings.
This is an ongoing concern and any experienced input is welcomed.

Finances for the purchase of DCC equipment is secured following the very successful Canadian Themed Meet and it just remains for the order to be placed.

Back-scene buildings for the layout were discussed. A proposal from one member suggested that if any member wishes to build one of the model buildings then they give a donation of £10 which can be used to finance the remaining buildings for location on the ‘street running’ part of the layout. This was heartily agreed by all.

It is hoped to start track laying as soon as the outstanding issues are resolved and as ML has stated before he will be at the HC now on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Members are welcome to come along on these days between 9am and 3pm. Wednesdays however we see as the most popular day for work to be done on the layout and it is also likely that members can work into the evening on that day if sufficient numbers can advise either ML or TGW a few days in advance of the day. Perhaps a roster can be agreed to organise things on a proper footing.

Terry Wynne, Chairman

This being our first Train Orders for 2007 we wish everyone a very belated Happy New Year.

There have now been two Calder Northern Division Group Meetings at “The Railway Age” at Crewe Railway Heritage Centre. The first meet on 27th January was an informal get-together, rather than a formal one, due to the need to push back the meet to the end of the month so as to fit in with Black Diamonds and the Regional Winter meets.
32 attendees made this first gathering a very enjoyable opportunity to view and tour the new premises. From the positive comments received on the day and since, we can safely say the premises are a great hit with everyone. In fact the consensus was that we have much more than a place to have our Group Meets and that with good member support everything can only get better and better. The newly purchased HO modules were in place in the new “clubroom” and everyone conclusively agreed that we now have a wonderful opportunity to make a success of creating an exhibition layout for which both Calder Northern and NMRA can be proud.
This new layout will be fully DCC only and will be planned around a single track mainline. Plans are for switching facilities on both sides of the rectangular shaped layout, an island station and yards on one side and the opposite side allowing for some ‘Street Running’ via a ‘short line’. This will give us the opportunity to prototypically operate the layout with a dispatcher and several operators.
It is hoped to have plans on show for everyone to see at the next meeting on 10th March.
Help with the track laying; scenery and buildings in the coming months will be appreciated. Offers of help to Terry Wynne or Mike Lenz at the next meet or if you prefer by e-mail.

February 11th was our second Group Meet. Whilst this one did not draw as many members as the initial meet in January, we can only assume this was due to the uncertain weather around that time and the previous meet being only two weeks before. However, despite the numbers, everyone was just as enthusiastic and more accolades were received for us taking the bold step with the move to Crewe.
So you guys who have not seen the new premises yet, do make the effort and come along and see for yourselves your new “clubroom” facilities.
Just to refresh you of our new facilities, here is a list of what you are now able to enjoy at each meet –

The North Junction Signal Box –
• The area known as the ‘Waiting Room’ is where tea/coffee & biscuits are served. Close by in this area is Big John’s Trains as well as Calder Northern’s sales table.
• The Signal Display Room is where Porter Wynn’s sales tables will be situated.
• The “Clubroom”, our meeting room is a 40’ x 20’ space, with our new HO layout in position along one side of the room ready for the start of construction. Mike Lenz’s ‘San Andreas’ Diesel depot is on display just inside the doorway. We have a TV with DVD/Video facility. Then of course we have the huge floor to ceiling picture window with appropriate seating in front where you can watch the trains run into and out of Crewe Station.
• There are also toilets in this building.
• Behind the ‘Waiting Room area is the Signal Box Relay Room and Upstairs is the actual signal box panel. The panel and levers can be observed and on certain days operated by the Heritage Centre staff, using computer driven sequences. We have access to this room for viewing the panel, plus there is also an outside terrace with seating to enjoy viewing trains. What a bonus in the sunny days ahead!

The Exhibition Hall –
This building is the main display area for the Heritage Centre. However, due to lack of input over a number of years it is a shadow of its former self. The Trustees of the site have thus allowed part of the building to be used by Pete Waterman Railways & L.& N.W.R. Co to refurbish railway equipment and therefore the original displays have deteriorated or disintegrated. Little display material is to be seen currently. The Trustees are now working very hard to correct this situation and Calder Northern has been invited to join in the management team working to promote the Centre. Hopes for the future include getting interested parties such as NRM at York and local groups to help create a suitable and meaningful display appropriate to Crewe and its railway history.

The Calder Northern HO layout moved from Bardsley Hall is located in this Hall and it is the intention to update this layout by re-wiring the switching area, adding more buildings and adding scenic baseboards to the curved ends to allow the addition of a turntable and half-roundhouse at one end, plus extra switching at the other. In due course this layout will be wired to provide for either DC or DCC operation. The Railway Age opens to the public at Easter and as the HO layout is now on permanent display, it would be helpful if those who can come along will do so and operate the layout during public viewing hours – weekdays and/or weekends. A good opportunity to ‘run-in’ those new locos you have bought
Currently the Calder Northern N gauge layout is also located in the Hall. This is only a temporary arrangement to help the Trustees to fill up some of the empty space, which would normally contain exhibits. Once again help to run trains on public open days would be welcome. Do come along please!
Your committee are to make contact with the N & W Museum at Crewe, Virginia as the US town and the one here in Cheshire owe their very existence to the railway. We are hoping the US Museum may provide us with some pictures and suitable words for us to mount a display showing the comparison between the two locations.
The Hall benefits from the installation of the old Crewe Council Chamber seating in one corner, which makes an ideal area for clinics and talks. We hope to use this facility in the future.
Exhibits –
In the Hall currently is an L&NWR TPO being hand painted and finished inside and out, ready for a Post Office display with old road vehicles; a class 9F loco is also undergoing rebuild.

On the rest of the Site –
Apart from the North Junction Signal Box there are two more signal boxes – Crewe ‘A’ Box and Exeter West Box, both are open on occasions for viewing (with a guide).
The most visual external exhibit is the APT standing alongside the main line.
Other current items on site include a class 87 electric loco; GWR Castle class ‘Thornbury Castle’; BR class 7P #70000 ‘Britannia’; LNER A4 ‘Union of South Africa’; LNER ‘Great Marquis’; Swiss built Gas-Turbine loco #18000 for the GWR; plus a couple of other frames and boilers. Who knows what will arrive on site during this year! The Trustees are hoping planning permission will be given for a 2 road Running Shed for servicing visiting steam locos. A veritable plethora of railway interest!

British Region Spring Meet April 1st 2007 –

At the February 11th meet the committee called members together to discuss arrangements for the British Region Spring Meeting to be held at “The Railway Age” at Crewe Heritage Centre on 1st April.

This time the Spring Meet will also be open to the public in the hope we may attract new members to our Group. For your information ‘The Railway Age’ has recently suffered from a number of attempts of theft from the Centre, therefore, we must ask that all members be especially vigilant to ensure the Heritage Centre is kept secure and that any adverse behaviour of any sort is notified to committee members immediately. We are therefore asking all members to keep a watchful eye on and prevent people wandering into unauthorised areas away from the normal walking routes between the Exhibition Hall and the North Junction Signal Box. Where possible ‘hazard tape’ will be in place to indicate restricted zones. Please remember Calder Northern Division is a guest on this site and we do not want to jeopardise our future use of these excellent facilities.

For the day of the Spring Meet only, the signing in desk will be situated in the Exhibition Hall entrance. Everyone will be directed to this entrance on arrival, where after payment (£3 for members & £4 for non-members and public) they will be given a coloured sticker to display on their clothing so it will be easy to spot those people who have not paid. Two colours of sticker will be used, one colour for members and a second colour for all others. This use of stickers will allow anyone to go off site (say to Tesco) for food and be able to return without further charge.

Car Parking on the day will be as follows. Traders in the North Junction Box will park at the front of that site facing the railway. Those in the Exhibition Hall will park close to the Class 87 Electric Loco. Members and others should park as directed by the Steward on duty. We will use “The Railway Age” car park (just inside the main gate) spaces first, before requesting drivers to use the parking area outside the main gates. Everyone should be directed to park nose-in toward the railway lines and as close together as possible with minimum gaps between cars. Should this area become full, the Car Park Steward will direct cars to other spaces on the site.
It is also pointed out that the Tesco car park does allow a strict stay of 3 hours before any penalty (£70) or wheel clamping takes place.

On 1st April the following traders are currently confirming they will be displaying their wares. Big John’s Trains; Porter Wynn; MG Sharp; and LSWR Models (Penguin).
The first two traders will be located inside the North Junction Box area (Waiting Room and Signal Display Room) and the other two traders in the Exhibition Hall.
Each trader will have an area of 3 tables; max length 18’ x 2’. Traders will be able to set up from 8am.

We are hoping Calvin Everitt can bring along some of the NMRA Library. If it is possible then this will be located in the North Junction Signal Box.

So far the following layouts to be on show include our own group HO and N gauge layouts; Mike Lenz’s ‘San Andreas’ Diesel Facility; Andy Gautrey’s “Yakima Valley” HO layout; Geoff Meek’s
G scale layout, Chris Marrable’s ‘Ontario Street’ Canadian HO layout and Don Westerman’s N gauge layout. Hopefully one other additional layout may be available but as of this moment we are awaiting verbal confirmation. All layouts other than those of Mike Lenz and Geoff Meek will be in the Exhibition Hall, these two being located in the North Junction Box clubroom. Setting up will be available from 8am.

Bring/Buy tables (£5 each) can be booked in advance and these will be located in the Exhibition Hall. However depending on the requirement for these, a number may have to be located in the ‘Clubroom’ in the Signal box.

As is the usual format there will be a “Raffle” during the day. Please buy more tickets than you need, to help us boost club funds! The committee welcomes donated prizes and these should be handed in when paying the entrance charge. The Prize Draw will take place at 3pm it the Council Chamber seating area in the Exhibition Hall where prizes will also be displayed before the draw.

It is the intention to include the “Popular Vote” contest at the Spring Meet. Do bring along a model you have ‘made’, ’kitbashed’, ‘modified’ and/or ‘painted’ etc and let your fellow modellers show their approval of your efforts. Voting slips will be given to all members at the entrance desk on signing in. The location of the ‘Popular Vote’ secure display area will be advised on the day.

Tea & Coffee (with a biscuit) will be available free from the counter in the Waiting Room in the North Junction Signal Box. A number of soft drinks (cartons/cans) will be available but these will be subject to a small charge.

We regret that we cannot serve any other food.

Please note – It should be strictly observed that food must not be taken into the ‘Clubroom’
In the interest of hygiene, all food must be consumed within the Waiting Room area or outside the building.

Please note- Toilet facilities will be available close to the Exhibition Hall and just off the Waiting Room in the North Junction Box.

Now guys this is the tricky bit:- Volunteers wanted?

We are asking for volunteers to help steward the site during the Spring Meet on April 1st.
Whilst we understand everyone wants to enjoy his or her day by looking at the layouts and be able to make purchases from the traders, there is however, still a need to manage and organise the event so everyone enjoys the day.
If you can help by offering your services for one or more hours during the day to steward one of the different locations, then your kind offer will be much appreciated. Maybe your wife might also like to assist in some way? We cannot put on an event like this without your help.

Detailed below are some of the tasks to be undertaken and the initial start times

• Main Gate and Car Park Steward (7.45am to assist with directions to traders and those with layouts – this location needs stewarding until approx 2pm)
• Steward to direct people to the Exhibition Hall entrance (i.e. to deter people from going straight to the North Junction Box without paying!) (9.45am till 1pm and then this steward’s tasks can be incorporated with the Main Gate steward tasks)
• Main entrance desk – at least 2 people required from 9.45am for most of the day. (To take money, check membership cards, give coloured stickers and voting papers only to members)
• It would also be useful to have at least one patrolling steward in both the Exhibition Hall and North Junction Box to help people find exhibits and other points of interest. The person in the Exhibition Hall can also monitor the Raffle prizes on display.
• Tea/Coffee Bar – at least 2 people required from 9.15am (with a relief during part of the day)
• Sale of Raffle Tickets – at least 2 people to sell tickets and fold sold stubs ready for the draw
• Raffle assistant to John Hey during the prize draw.

We are grateful that a number of people have already volunteered their services but we do need more members to come forward to help. We hope to have a brief meeting of stewards at 10th March meeting.

Can you please let Mike Lenz or Terry Wynne know if you are able to assist? Word of mouth or e-mail is fine!

Please note below the Calder Northern Division Group Meet dates –

We are reprinting these, as we understand a few people have been confused by the Roundhouse editor’s error in not deleting all reference to Bardsley Hall meetings in the last issue.

Terry Wynne, Chairman

Following the agreement of CN members that we proceed with the purchase of new HO layout modules the current situation is as follows.

Competitive quotations have been obtained from potential suppliers and it is the intention to place an order imminently with White Rose Modelworks at Bedale, Nth Yorkshire.
Many of you will know Harold Cabourn from his demonstrations of his products at Hampstwaite. The boards will be of moisture-proof Mdf with engineering dowels and snap-lock buckles for joining boards together.
We do not envisage there will be too much taking down and re-erecting of boards once we move to our new location at Crewe Heritage Centre as the layouts, unless of course we are taking it to an exhibition or show, will be permanently erected in the new facility. That is both the HO and N layouts.
The new layout will be wired for both DC and DCC operation. However, if members wish we could just have the new layout DCC only and be able to use the old (existing HO layout) in the Crewe Heritage Centre Exhibition Hall as our DC layout at any time whilst on the site.

Orders on White Rose Modelworks will be placed as soon as we have agreement on funding from the NMRA British Region Board of Directors. A detailed submission has been made and we are currently awaiting their deliberations.
A summary of anticipated costs are:-

Baseboards, adjustable legs, backboards & delivery £1006.20
Track & points £ 340.00
Scenery and buildings £ 250.00

Total £1596.20

We are able to meet £700 of the cost ourselves from our reserves and plus we note a £100 donation from one of our members. With the 30% funding allowance from the BoD of approx £480 we will still be some £300 short of the full cost.
There will of course be an additional expenditure in the future to buy DCC equipment but this is in discussion at the moment. Whilst the tracklaying and scenery of the layout will be undertaken over a period this £300 can be raised during that time.
Our Division funds are not particularly high and in an effort to improve funds of the Division the committee discussed options of how best that could be achieved. It came to our attention that the current meeting dues of £2 per member have been in existence for over 10 years. From this £2 per attendance the member has free tea and/or coffee (unrestricted amount) and biscuits, the benefits of the hire of the room and associated costs. Last year alone the tea, coffee 7 biscuits amounted to well over £100 !
So, after much deliberation we have decided to increase the meet dues from January 2007 to £3 per member and £4 for a non-member. However if increased membership attendance and more regular meets than the usual monthly ones become the norm then this amount will be reconsidered.
Another option discussed was to ask members for a one-off donation of (say) £10, which will, based on usual monthly meeting attendance, raise the shortfall in one go. However if all the members of the Division (those who attend or not) were to donate then, that figure reduces to £5 each. Not a large amount, when we do not blink an eye these days, at a freight car @£20 or a loco @ £60-70.
Donations will be gratefully received from all those wishing to do so and perhaps it might be a more acceptable option for you just to buy an extra £5 or £10 worth of raffle tickets at the Christmas meeting (our last) at Broadheath.

For those of you who were not at the last Broadheath meeting on 14 October a motion to move to Crewe and to raise the meet dues to £3 was put to the members present. A show hands produced a 100% approval for the proposals.

Information for those who have not been to the Crewe Railway Age.
This site is alongside a Tesco Store (food available in the cafeteria), with fish & chip shop, pubs serving food and Crewe Town Centre shops all within or less than 8 minutes walking time.
The Centre has many ex BR facilities including 3 working signal boxes. Crewe A Box, Exeter Middle Box, and Crewe North Junction Signal Box where beneath this Box our meeting/layout room is located. We have seating in front of a full size picture window looking out onto the track only 10 feet from the junction of the Chester and Liverpool main lines.
In the exhibition hall currently is an ex-LNWR Postal Van and the loco ‘Great Marquis’ undergoing restoration work. Other locomotives regularly attend the site for maintenance or when working steam specials, Waterman Railways also share the site.
The Trust responsible for running the Railway Age hopes that we all will become more involved with the site and be able to input ideas to improve and expand the exhibition hall displays. The exhibition hall also has the old Crewe & Nantwich Borough Council debating chamber semi-circular seating, which is ideal for seminar, clinic presentations. This area could be well used for showing videos or for modelling demonstrations.
As you have read the BR Region Spring Meet is to be held at Crewe on 1 April 2007 and consideration is being given to hold the BR Canadian Modellers Meet here during 2007.