Dear all,
At our September meeting the Group discussed the option of buying a Rapido Trains RDC for use on North Western Mills layout. A vote was taken and a unanimous show of hands agreed that we should buy the item. I am discussing with Jason what price he will agree to as he tells me the normal asking price would be £250 (based on the $325 sale price). I have asked if he will accept £200 and so am awaiting his response.
Once the sale is agreed and paid for I must insist everyone who is going to operate this model reads the instruction book before the move the RDC on the tracks. Yes, the booklet is humourous in parts but there are clear messages in there for the operator of the model. The model is fitted with two small N scale motors and so is not as powerful as one would expect with an HO model. The instructions clearly say that the model should not be used to haul a number of freight cars or to be coupled to other RDC’s especially the heavy Proto ones as this will or could seriously damage the Rapido model.
Rapido Trains 33” Wheelsets. I explained to members that Jason had agreed that he would pay the shipping and VAT when these items come into the UK. Costs are shown in the earlier Train Orders but I will need to send a list at the end of this month for all those wishing to purchase these Wheelsets. So far I have 5 people wishing to order either boxes of 50 axles or 100 axles. Please e-mail me if you wish to order.
John Massey has proposed that we ask Roy Harris and Dave Ford to give a short presentation/explanation on the camera fitted loco detailing the price of the camera, manufacturer/sales outlet, type of computer connections required etc etc. This would be an interesting topic for one of our meetings and I will schedule this fairly soon.
If anyone else has ideas for clinics/presentations/talks etc for the winter months when the Heritage Centre is closed to the public we can take advantage of this situation to hold events without disturbance. If you can let me know quickly please I can draw up a list of events and dates.
Another proposal at our meet was that we have a session, perhaps on a Wednesday when we can each take a role in ensuring all the freight cars on the layout meet our requirements. This will mean checking coupler height, making sure back to back measurements are OK, the weight of each car matches the guidelines and to check if anything needs repairing on the car. This is a good idea and one that we should look to undertake soon. It can only lead to better operation in the future.
Andy & Bob whilst operating last weekend found a couple of locos were not performing well enough nor were 2 of the NCE throttles. Well, it was agreed by a vote at the September meet we purchase 3 new NCE throttles and 3 new loose cables, so that should help to relive that problem. In respect of the locos we need to look at this matter soon and maybe we can ask if anyone would like to donate a loco to the Group or if they were willing to make a small donation so that we can purchase something suitable. Further discussion is needed on this.
I am pleased to advise that Les Herriot a feeling much better and he sends regards to all in the Group. Les should have been operating the last weekend of the season but Len & David Ford have volunteered to cover for Les and George. Thank you Len & Dave and to everyone else who has operated at weekends throughout the year.
Saturday 7th October is the Crewe Model Engineering Society Swap Meet & Train Show and whilst we have not asked for anyone to operate our layouts that Saturday (which is the day before our October meeting) we would be grateful if anyone feels they would like to volunteer on the day. The following Saturday, the 14th is the Railwayana Auction when our clubroom will remain closed.
Terry Wynne
Secretary
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