“A lump of coal for Christmas”, a weak threat to the average railway modeller. Perfect for breaking up and loading into your wagons! - Photo by Gwion Rhys Davies
COMMENT
First of all, from the last newsletter of the year, Season’s Greetings to you all. 2022 saw the club slowly coming back to life after the trauma of the pandemic and every Thursday is very much business as usual now, with, generally, at least 30 members attending and our layout builds continuing successfully. Wednesdays are also busy once again. All being well, 2023 will see the club go from strength to strength. Incidentally, our subscribing membership now stands at 74.
Unfortunately, to meet a self-imposed publication date [I do have other things to do!], it hasn’t been possible to include the planned article on OO models of Gresley’s A4s this month. It will follow in January’s newsletter. For the same reason, there are no photographs to accompany this newsletter. Normal service will be resumed though!
THE ANNUAL DAPOL PRIVATE OWNER COAL WAGON COMMISSION
For reasons completely beyond our control, it still has not been possible to provide an illustration of the 2023 Dapol wagon commission. Noel Blows has been in touch with the manufacturer but we remain in a slow queue and it is unlikely that the artwork will be received until January at the earliest. Until we see the artwork, and approve it, the commission cannot proceed. But, as soon as it has been seen, it will be posted in the newsletter to show you what is planned. This is simply a waiting game: the commission will take place, and it will be worth the patience.
THE CHRISTMAS DO
Next Thursday! And the 15th. December is going to be a busy night at the club as well. Apart from one of Mrs. Grigg’s excellent buffets, Simon Durrer’s modelling competition will be judged and there will be a final opportunity to purchase stock from this year’s last stock sale.
It would be helpful if those who are exhibiting models for judging in the competition could have them at the club no later than 6.15pm. This will allow sufficient time for display and viewing before the winner is announced.
The stock sale will be a little more varied this time and will include a good selection of N gauge coaches and diesels alongside OO stock. Two OO highlights include a very reasonably priced and near-mint Hornby ‘Lord of The Isles’ boxed set and a scarce Fleischmann Class 42 Warship, ‘Greyhound’ [this diesel is in preservation]. N gauge highlights include a Dapol chocolate and cream two-car Class 142 set, a Farish Class 66 ‘Evening Star’ and a large selection of blue-and-grey Mk 1 coaches. And lots more besides!
Cards will be accepted.
2023 MODELLING COMPETITION
Not to be confused with the above, 2023 will see a return to our annual multi-category modelling competition, with cash prizes. Full details will appear in the January newsletter but it is anticipated that judging will take place in early April 2023 and the categories will include kit built, scratch-built or very heavily modified r-t-r [ie. a complete change of model for eg., just adding lamps will not qualify!], dioramas and first time entrants. Start thinking about your builds now!
RAFFLE PRIZE THEFT
Just to update from the item in the last newsletter, I am really pleased to advise that the model was returned and so the matter is now closed.
LAYOUT UPDATES
Two quick items:
‘Kingston’ – Mal Shore has asked me to remind again that members are always welcome to spend time running their O or OO gauge models [or even On30 at a push!] on ‘Kingston’. It’s up and running and needs to be used. Just go down to the ground floor and introduce yourself to the ‘Kingston’ team if you are interested.
‘Box’ – it is anticipated that Box will have its first outing at the West Wales O Gauge Group’s show at Bronwydd Arms in 2023 – date to be advised. This will be milestone event for ‘Box’ and it will be good to be able to at last show it to a wider audience.
RECENT VISITS OF REGIONAL CLUBS TO SRMG
The 30th. November event was a huge success and feedback from many of the visitors was really positive. This opportunity to showcase the club will almost certainly become an annual event and many, many thanks to those club members who helped with the day, manned their layouts, covered the book sale in the library and assisted with the stock sale. Particular thanks to Noel Blows for organising the event.
THE 2022 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
This will take place on the 23rd. February at 7.30pm. This year’s event will be particularly important as, with the Chair standing down, an election will take place for this important post in particular. Further details will follow in the January newsletter.
FINALLY….
Ted Hylton has asked if any members have photographs of groups of club members that he could use to help identify who we all are indivdually, so that new members know who they are speaking to. Ted has a board ready to display photos but would appreciate any help that may be out there in completing this task.
See you all at the Christmas do!
That’s all for this month YEAR!.
Best wishes