An extremely unusual sight for Cardiff saw this withdrawn Southern Region 2-BIL EMU awaiting scrapping at Cardiff Docks in October 1970. The number on the lead car suggests a 1939 build [for the Reading Extension] and the inverted black triangle indicated that there was no brake car at the end of the unit.
A John Wiltshire photo [copyright Andrew Wiltshire] and used with permission and many thanks.
COMMENT
First, members will want to extend their best wishes for a speedy recovery to David Williams [the Club’s Auditor] following recent surgery. David has been under the cosh somewhat of late and we look forward to seeing this Kingston stalwart back in harness in the near future.
Thanks, too, to those who pointed out a mistake in a photo description in the February newsletter. The Bristol Lodekka travelling alongside the Mumbles Tram was, of course, a United Welsh vehicle and not a South Wales Transport bus as described, and it would have travelled on up Mayals Hill and into west Gower rather than into Mumbles as suggested. Your editor has been duly sanctioned by The Chair for this egregious error.
There’s quite a bit of news in this month’s edition, but can I close the Comments section with a plea to all members to consider sharing details of any stock which they have built. Photos, and if possible a brief build account, would add greatly to the interest of our website and the ‘Projects’ section exists just for this. The website is surprisingly widely read and I often receive e-mails asking for information about kit-builds. Your photos and write-ups would improve the site greatly. Contact me by e-mail or at the Club if you can contribute.
A FORTHCOMING LOCAL SHOW
A reminder that the West Wales Model Railway Show and Modelling Exhibition will be held at the Bronwydd Arms Village Hall [SA33 6BE] on Saturday the 15th. April 2023 [10.00 am to 4.00pm].
This multi-gauge exhibition is hosted by our friends at the West Wales O Gauge Group and includes layouts, traders and modelling displays. Importantly for us however, ‘Box’ will be making its first post-completion public appearance, so do make every effort to attend and support our members who will be running the layout on the day.
THE 2023 MODELLING COMPETITION
A reminder, too, that this, one of the highlights of the Club year, will be judged on the 27th. April. Entry forms for the competition remain available either from the Club Room or Simon Durrer. There’s still time if you haven’t started building! Each year, the modelling competition gets bigger and better, so don’t hold back and make sure that your submissions are on track. Remember, there are cash prizes…
THE POWER TOOL ROOM
Now in an advanced state and soon ready for use, the Tool Room promises to be a valuable addition to the Club’s facilities. Steve Rodwell has placed a note on the notice board asking for members who want training / induction in the use of the tools to identify themselves and their needs. Please respond in order to help Steve proceed with this task.
MEMBERS’ SURVEY
Gwion Davies will shortly be surveying the membership to find out what you all want from the club, what facilities you think may be missing and any general wishes or interests that you may have and would like considered. The survey will be quite wide-ranging and the results will help the Committee greatly in considering our future direction [rather than just having to second-guess or tread water]. Please do take some time to consider the questionnaire when it arrives as individual views are important even though they may often not be heard.
FUTURE EVENTS
No firm details yet, but a ‘heads-up’ to all that we are now looking at both an evening event for members – perhaps another popular curry night – and an outing during the Summer months. The outing, which will probably be to a preserved railway, will include fully subsidised coach travel [you just pay for your admission tickets and refreshments] and will take place on a weekend to enable those in employment to attend. More information in due course. There could be an opportunity to comment yourself on items such as these in the survey mentioned above.
An advertisement from the August 1935 Great Western Railway’s Special Centenary Supplement to the Railway Gazette.
The Dapol OO gauge version of the same, reviewed in our website some years back. This model has since been released by Dapol in O gauge also, and has already made an appearance at the Club.
FIRE PROCEDURES
Given the numbers now attending the club across three floors on Thursday nights in particular, we have been trying to co-ordinate a fire drill with FOYD for some time to test the procedures. These attempts did not succeed however and, consequently, members should take this as notice that we will be holding our own fire drill at some time in the future. These events are never popular but they are necessary and your co-operation would be appreciated. In the meantime, please acquaint yourselves with our procedures which may be found printed out at various places around the club.
THE 2023 DAPOL WAGON COMMISSION
A short update to advise that this year’s attractive commission is selling well, so well in fact that there are now no OO gauge versions left. For those still interested in purchasing O and N gauge versions, please contact Noel Blows directly at the Club or follow the ordering details which may be found in the Products section of our website.
One of my favourite photo finds to date. A magnificent Jeff Stewart colourisation of a Black Five with a York to Swansea Victoria express at Swansea Bay Station.
Used with permission and thanks.
AND FINALLY, STOCK SALES
Right, lots of news here!
First, we are planning to hold a general stock sale on the 20th April. A variety of stock in OO and N will be available and the event will commence at 7.30pm. The venue will be advised shortly, once a room has been booked.
Similarly, and in response to requests from a number of members, a sale of members’ own stock will take place at a date to be advised in later May. The club does not take commission from this sort of sale but does ask that common-sense rules apply: describe your stock honestly and charge fairly. The venue and date for this will be advised in the April newsletter.
Best wishes all.