A number of articles on the club’s website have shown what can be done with Ratio GWR coach kits or Triang GWR Clerestory coaches. These builds need not all be Pre-Grouping re-creations however, as the above photo shows. This early-‘50s Departmental 4-wheeler, attached to the Motive Power Dept. at Barry shed, can easily be constructed from a Ratio 4-wheel All Third. The photo shows the slight adaptations required and the grizzled appearance after half-a century of use.

COMMENT

First, many thanks to Noel Blows for providing the excellent October and November newsletters whilst I was hors de combat. I am back now and, hopefully, my normal service can be resumed! I was staggered, too, by just how much had taken place whilst I was away, much of which will be enlarged upon below. But I must add that it was also so good to see the build teams return to Box, Downton and Cwmfelin Parkway, and a huge start made on Pennard Halt: many thanks to all involved in these and other developments.

THE CHRISTMAS DIORAMA COMPETITION

This is quite literally just around the corner and entrants have only days to complete their entries. I’m told there will be 11 entries, an excellent turn out, and the winner will receive a £25 cheque.

The date of the competition is Thursday 16th December 2021 and the organiser has asked that all entries are to be displayed on the Test Tracks by 19.15 in order to start voting by 19.30. Hopefully the voting will be finished around 20.00. Voting forms will be circulated on the night.

After the judging, Christmas nibbles will be provided. Please all note that the Test Tracks will not be available for use on the night between 6.45pm and 8.15pm.

Many thanks to Simon Durrer for organising the event.

THE LIBRARY

I couldn’t resist posting a photo of the library now that the improvements have been completed. Bob Cotton has done a brilliant job for us and his careful sifting of donated books has ensured that we now have a superb reference collection, one which would have cost a fortune to acquire had it not been donated.

We still get requests to accept huge collections of magazines however. If any member is approached by a friend to see whether we would like them, please politely decline: they are difficult to store and are seldom if ever referred to.

THE CLUB’S ANNUAL DINNER

A reminder that this takes place on the 29th. January 2022 at Norton House, Norton, and is free to members currently subscribing with half-price attendance for up to one guest each. Eloise Davies, the Managing Director of Oxford Diecast, will be attending with us as our guest. Norton House is offering a discounted rate for overnight stays after the dinner. If any members are interested in taking up this offer, please see Noel Blows. I’m told that there will be a blind raffle during the evening and entertainment will be provided by the Ukulele Big Band. If you wish to attend but have yet to book, see the form on the club’s notice board.

THE 2022 DAPOL WAGON COMMISSION

Noel Blows reports that 133 orders have been received to date and once again the commission looks to be a roaring success. The stock is due during late January / early February and given the need to hold back some of the commission for sale at our 2022 show (COVID permitting), those still wishing to reserve a wagon or two are highly advised to do so without fail and so avoid disappointment.

A SALE OF DIECAST MODELS

This has become an almost annual event and the club will be holding its next sale on the 15th. January at 10am. As usual, a huge, eclectic mix of cars, aeroplanes, lorries and other items will be available at bargain prices. All profits go to the club so do attend, bag a bargain and support your club!

On the general topic of stock sales, we also have in store for a future event some model railway equipment. That sale will not take place until later in the New Year but it is possible that, from time-to-time on Thursday evenings, items may be put out for sale in the library. Just keep your eyes peeled!

VIADUCTS OF SOUTH WALES

This south Wales viaduct is reasonably well-known and the photos show the considerable effort that the Barry Railway Co. put in to crossing the Rhymney Valley to encourage coal exporting through Barry Docks. The Llanbradach viaduct was possibly 800 yards long (there is no single, agreed length!)

This magnificent viaduct’s use was short lived: built in 1905, it was out-of-use by the early ‘30s as a result of the Grouping creating too much duplication of lines. It was dismantled for scrap in 1937, an ignominious end for a fine engineering achievement. The lower photograph is quite well-known, the larger one is not however and I came across it recently in a railway history website. The source is unknown.

COVID MATTERS….

With recent developments an update was inevitable I’m afraid. SRMG will continue to be guided by Welsh Government guidelines which, FOYD advise, presently require the wearing of masks inside all buildings. We make exceptions for drinking tea/coffee/etc.and members may use the club room for that purpose as a means of getting a short break from mask wearing. Please do abide by these requirements and when using the club room do consider social distancing.

DECEMBER OPENING TIMES

We do not plan shutting the club during December. Whilst no-one will want to attend on the 25th (well, probably, anyway!), the club will be open on Wednesdays and Thursdays as normal. Do remember to book in and out when visiting, using the new book situated by the downstairs front door foyer.

EXPENDITURE

Finally, a plea to members when purchasing items for layout builds, etc. Please do get clearance for purchases ahead of making them. In all probability requests will be approved, particularly when cleared by layout leads, but advance knowledge of what it to be claimed helps with budgeting. This request is not aimed at preventing purchases, but simply knowing what is in the pipeline and considering what possible alternatives might be available. Thanks.