Bob Masterman’s photographs can brighten up even the bleakest day and here he has captured. The South Wales Pullman on a Paddington run from Cardiff General on the 16th. June 1967. There will always be a debate about whether the later yellow ends enhanced or ruined the outline of this iconic set but it has to be agreed that, whatever your views, this is a magnificent shot.
COMMENT
Rather like The Windmill, we never close! That’ll probably be lost on those not of a certain age but whilst the club is not yet available for meetings, it most certainly soldiers on and developments are afoot. However, we are conscious that it is a big ask to expect that all will simply keep paying their subscriptions without demur, hence Noel Blows’ recent letter to all members. Many have already responded to his note but could I please ask that those of you who have yet to reply, use the SAE enclosed with the letter and return the form to advise us of your wishes. It’ll only take you two minutes. Many thanks.
A REQUEST FOR A LAYOUT BUILD
I was recently contacted via the website with a request for someone to construct a layout for a Swansea modeller. The ideal plan would involve a U-shaped build in a room approx.. 6 metres long and 3.5 metres wide. It will be a mixture of DCC / OO live steam [Hornby] and the client already has his controllers and rolling stock. A fairly substantial budget is available. If there is a member who would be interested in taking this project on, please contact me for further details. Note however that this build will require good carpentry, track-laying and electrical installation skills and, once contact is made, the club would take no part [and accept no liability] whatsoever in the arrangements.
THE 2021 WAGON COMMISSION
The 2020 special commission has sold extremely well in spite of there being no show this year: the commission has nearly sold out in fact and very few remain.
Next year’s commission was touched on in the last newsletter, I’m delighted to announce that the plans have already been submitted to Dapol and we anticipate a first draft of the artwork to be supplied by them fairly soon.
Once again, the commission will be available in our trademark three-gauge versions and it is, of course, a Swansea-based coal wagon in the livery of the Copper Pit Collieries.
No ready-to-run example of this colliery wagon has been available before although transfers for kits have been made. The club’s model will have a different running number from commercially-available decals.
Like so many of these historic wagons, photographs of the original are extremely scarce and the only one I was able to find on-line was in the builder’s record and, so, copyright. However, I have been sent a photograph of a near-completed O gauge kit in this livery and have reproduced it below for interest [with thanks to Dave Roberts via David Dacey]. I believe that the kit may have Slater’s origins.
In due course, further details of this commission and information about the colliery will appear in the ‘Products’ section of our website. For those who are curious however, the site of the colliery was close to the roundabout junction of Beaufort Road and the A4067 near Morriston and it had its own platform for colliers on the GWR’s Morriston branch. The wagon was one of a number built for the colliery by Pickering.
TICKETS PLEASE
Not every one was a ticket to ride! A pre-War platform ticket for Cardiff General for, perhaps, a young train-spotter?
BOOK WANTS
Alison John contacted me recently to advise that she and Philip had acquired a very large collection of railway-themed books which they are looking to move on to good homes. If any member has been searching for a particular volume, but without luck, Alison is happy for you to contact her directly with the title to see whether she may be able to assist. Her e-mail address: alison_john@hotmail.co.uk
AND FINALLY
I’ll keep producing the monthly newsletter but as it is becoming increasingly more-and-more sparse, articles for inclusion would be appreciated to ease the load. Similarly, any photographs you’d like to share of modelling you’ve recently undertaken would be welcome also. Simply e-mail me with your offerings.
Keep well all.