An extraordinary scene from the heavy snow of January 1982.
It didn’t stop the HST though! Then-W43014 heading a Paddington to Swansea service travelling at about 60mph through heavy snow with the rails not visible, seen passing Llanharan.
An Ian Walters’ photograph and used with many thanks.
COMMENT
January is always a bit of a quiet month for the newsletter, all the more so this year because of the impact of the pandemic and I’m afraid this edition is more about what isn’t happening than what is. It’s been good to see considerable progress being made on club layouts Box and Pennard Halt [in particular however], with Downton and Cwmfelin Parkway following suit. Whilst I have not been able to attend recently [and won’t be until later in February], it’s been good to hear also that attendance has started to pick up again, too. It isn’t going to be a normal January and February though, and we look forward to the old days returning later in the year. Fingers crossed!
THE CHRISTMAS DIORAMA COMPETITION
This was a hugely successful event and the quality and number of models submitted for this event surpassed anything we’d seen before. The members’ turn-out in support was excellent too, no doubt in part encouraged by Mrs. Grigg’s splendid buffet [for which, many thanks].
Of the entries we managed to end up with a three way tie. The winning entries are as follows.
Mike Sarsfield’s excellent scrap yard took a deserved place on the podium.
Sadly, the photo could not capture the realistic brazier and the flash of the cutting torch. Brilliant effort, Mike!
Next, Richard Grigg’s Christmas-themed entry was well received and far more impressive than a small snap-shot allows for.
The iced-over pond was particularly effective and the passing sleigh added Christmas cheer! Well done, Richard.
Finally, Simon Durrer’s industrial scene scored highly as well.
Again a small photo cannot reveal the detail present but the river in particular was impressively modelled: water is notoriously difficult to get right and Simon nailed it here.
Gwion Davies has upload photographs of all of the entries here [even Ian Stevenson’s too-late-to-judge but nevertheless excellent effort – try not to lose your keys next time!] and many, many thanks to Simon Durrer for organising the event.
THE CLUB’S ANNUAL DINNER
This was due to take place on the 29th. January 2022 at Norton House. Unfortunately however, a decision has been taken to postpone it until later in the year, possibly April or May, as simply too many uncertainties crept into the equation to be sure that it could go ahead.
Norton House itself has not yet reopened following renovations and their position regarding the number they will allow to attend booked events is still unknown [and even whether they are going ahead with booked events for that matter]. The future regulations with regard to social events during Covid are unknown also and discussion with a number of members recently attending the club suggested that postponement would be the sensible option. This would also avoid the inevitable difficulties arising from having to exclude a number of members who have booked should the event be allowed to proceed as planned but with a smaller number attending.
This is hugely regrettable – we were all looking forward to this event - but unavoidable, really. Further information will follow in due course.
A SALE OF DIECAST MODELS
This was due to take place on the 15th. January at 10am. It, too, has had to be postponed although it is hoped that it can be reinstated sooner that the Annual Dinner. For the event to be successful, we need to have the greatest number attending as possible and, currently, that might just be a bridge too far. There are also considerable risks arising from having a large number mingling in very close proximity. But rest assured, it will happen and further information will follow.
JANUARY OPENING TIMES
Some good news at last! We have not had to close and the club remains open for business on Wednesdays and Thursdays at the normal times. Please do be aware of the need for sensible social distancing however and follow the regulations with regard to the wearing of masks. Should the situation change as a result of Welsh Government regulations or a FOYD decision to close the building, members will be e-mailed immediately.
A first member’s build for 2022! Last month saw one of these Dean Passenger Luggage Vans liveried in GWR chocolate as a milk-train or parcels brake. This month, another 50 year-old Keyser kit constructed [but altered] as a corridor passenger brake in the 1927-34 livery. These kits were pretty basic, even for their time, and added detail lifts them considerably.
Well, I said at the opening that there wasn’t much to report on! In the meantime, keep well and warm, all, and we will keep in touch should anything change before the February newsletter.
Best wishes