The lms commissioned a great many paintings from norman wilkinson for use in their advertising posters. This, from 1935, shows the launch of one of the lms’ steamers for use on their heysham / belfast route. During the war, the ‘york’ became hms duke of wellington, took part in the ill-fated dieppe raid and, later, in the normandy landings. After the war, she sailed on in various guises until she was ultimately broken up, perhaps inevitably in Greece, in 1975.
COMMENT
Well, in this month’s update [and remember, there won’t be many more if no-one comes forward to take the helm], a few interesting photographs from Paul Dally’s archive, news about forthcoming sales, an update from the recent club outing, some general club information and news of a planned general running day. But, first of all, I’m sorry to advise that Noel Blows recently announced his retirement from the club. We are hoping that this won’t be permanent and that we will continue to see him from time-to-time but Noel won’t be visiting every Thursday from now on.
For those who don’t know Noel – and there can’t be many of you! – his contribution to the development of the club cannot possibly be overstated. He was one of the two who made SRMG possible and for it to become what it is today [the other was the late Arthur Willams, who had the foresight to recognize the potential offered by our then-new premises within a smaller part of the top floor in FOYD]. Noel worked tirelessly as Chair for well over a decade and I know that all will wish him the best.
THE CLUB OUTING TO THE SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY
Another extremely successful club outing to the SVR Diesel Gala last month saw nearly 30 travelling and enjoying the last trip of the year. It was good, too, to see a fair number of our younger members attending the event.
We’ll put some photograph links on the club’s Facebook page in due course and hope to announce next year’s proposed outing in the near future.
Many thanks to John Allnutt for organising the coach once again.
CLUB SECURITY
All members please note that after a short period of inactivity, the CCTV cameras on the top floor are once again in operation and cover the lift foyer in both directions.
PLANNED GENERAL RUNNING DAY
After the success of the last event, another is planned for Sunday December the 8th between 10am and 4pm. All layouts currently erected should be in operation and all members are invited to bring in their stock for some exercise. We will not be providing refreshments but the club room will be open for tea and coffee. Bring some sandwiches! The possibility of a talk in the afternoon is being explored for those who are interested and more on that in due course.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
• The Cardiff Model Railway Show takes place at Sophia Gardens Cricket Ground [as before] on the 18th. and 19th. of October, Check out their website for more details.
• Toy and train sale at Bronwydd Village Hall [SA33 6BE] on the 2nd. November. The club has taken two tables to sell stock at this event, so come down and support us. Opens at 10am. There will be other traders there as well and, so, a possibility of acquiring some hard-to-find items as well as supporting the Gwili Railway. A small entrance fee will apply.
• We also intend having one further stock sale within the club before Christmas. The date will be advised in due course.
SKILLS WORKSHOP
Following the success of Richard Hill’s tree making workshop, a further event is being planned. This time, once the workshop has been cleared of some stored stock, we hope to hold a familiarisation event for members to become competent in the use of the club’s lathe. The value of this equipment is potentially enormous, allowing wheels to be turned and other items manufactured but, first, some induction for members will be required. Further details to follow.
On a wet day in September 1956, a BR western region cameraman photographed a track laying team using panel barrows to ease a section of long welded track into place. With thanks to Paul Dally
From the GWR engineer’s photographic department, a July 1946 photograph showing the use of a steam crane assisting in relaying with pre-assembled flat-bottomed track near maidenhead. With thanks again to Paul Dally.
THE 2025 SHOW
A quick update to advise that planning for this event has commenced already with a number of exhibits already booked and others in the pipe-line. Gwion Davies, after two well-received shows, has stood down as show manager and Paul Dally has taken over as event co-ordinator for 2025. We will remain at the LC and next month’s newsletter will include a list of exhibitors booked to date.
From our 2024 show, an aspect of Peasevern Yard. With thanks to Alan Morgan
Photos of the exhibition have been uploaded to our flickr account here.
That’s your lot this month!
Best wishes
Tony