CALDER NORTHERN GROUP
TRAIN ORDERS August 2019
Hi everyone,
Can you please note that our September Meet and the October Meet are each being put back 1 week? This means September Meet will be on Saturday 21st and the October Meet on Sunday 13th.
This is to avoid conflict with the “Wheels of War” weekend on 14/15th September and another event the following month.
Paul, can you liaise with members please to adjust the rota to cope with this late change of date? It may only mean swapping weekends around for this listed to operate.
Now to usual TO matters!
Sorry for the lack of Train Orders recently but domestic matters have taken up my time.
Work on the Digitrax system has continued since the last TO concerning the circuit breakers. Alan Wyatt has written up a set of instructions to be used at start-up of North Western Mills layout which you should all familiarise yourself with this document. A copy of these instructions has been circulated initially to those involved in the rota operation at weekends and a copy will be placed inside the ‘Yellow Key’ Coffin under the layout, where the throttles and batteries are kept.
Those operating over the past few weekends have reported that the layout worked without problem and they emphasised that the start-up procedure was followed directly.
Each Wednesday recently time has been taken to ensure the tracks were cleaned and wheels on locos dealt with. Thanks to all those involved in this labour-intensive activity. It is intended to deal with all rolling stock in the same way as you know we have a clubroom and layouts that are subject to a dusty environment due to type of building it is and the close proximity to the tracks outside. Improved operation has been noted by all as a result of this attention.
I regret I have been lax in informing everyone about those who have been ill or experiencing other complaints. For this I sincerely apologise. Firstly, I am sure we all send Dave Ford our best wishes for his forthcoming operation on October 2nd to deal with his gallstone problems; hence we have not seen Dave or Len at the clubroom recently, plus they have moved home which is further from Crewe than before. Dave Theobold has also been ill and whilst Dave came along to our group meet on 9th June, he is still making slow progress. His illness is still being investigated and we wish him well for a full recovery. Mike Turner has been ill and Mike had to go into hospital for a short stay but thankfully is now able to join us again at meetings. John Massey has also been ill and we hope to see John again as soon as he well enough.
We should also think of Stuart Wood who had moved to live in Beechmere assisted care home. As you probably saw on TV this building in Crewe suffered a major fire incident which resulted in a partial collapse of the building. We have not heard what has happened to Stuart but know that all the residents were evacuated safely but many have lost all their belongings. A very sad situation for them all and hopefully we will get a message from Stuart or maybe be find someone who can put us in touch for the latest news.
You will have no doubt seen mailings from Paul Mitchell recently asking for some additional help for the weekend operation of the layout whilst the Heritage Centre is open to the public. We are as a Group getting fewer in number and this unfortunately means those prepared to operate at weekends will hopefully come forward additionally to help Paul out to cover each day. This really means that each of us will need to operate a greater number of times during the year compared to last year. This issue has raised itself whilst Len & Dave are not available and also because we have a number of members who have some health issues and unable to get to Crewe as often as they would wish. You will also appreciate when Mike Lenz is shown on the rota he is actually working in his capacity as Heritage Centre Manager and therefore not able to operate the layout. He can on these days be seen working in the pay-hut or in the café.
You will also know that an issue has arisen where cars are no longer allowed to proceed beyond the level crossing gates at weekends. This means you have to park your car in the car park and walk to the NJSB. However, if you can arrive at the Centre before 09.45am then you can drive down to the NJSB to deposit models that you may wish to run but you will then have to drive your car back to the car park before 10am. We know this is rather inconvenient particularly in inclement weather so do ensure you have suitable clothing or umbrella in your car. This parking issue is being discussed by Tony Gath and the Trust in respect of those who are blue-badge holders and/or unable to walk longer distances. You will be advised of the outcome the discussions as soon as we are informed. In addition we understand but not formally notified that the Centre may be open through October this year. We will need this to be raised with the Trust.
Tony Gath and Alan Wyatt have been busy and we now have a work-table with spot light at the far end of the central walkway of the layout. This is for member use to deal with any small work instead of using the table in the window overlooking the tracks. Thanks very much guys.
Terry Wynne
Secretary.
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