ALL OF THE ORIGINAL ‘BIG FOUR’, INCUDING BRITISH RAILWAYS DURING ITS FIRST FEW DECADES, PLACED GREAT EMPHASIS OF THE USE OF ATTRACTIVE, EYE-CATCHING POSTERS TO ADVERTISE THEIR SERVICES AND ATTRACT TRADE, ESPECIALLY THE HOLIDAY TRADE. WELL KNOWN GRAPHIC ARTISTS WERE REGULARLY COMMISSIONED ALONGSIDE ROYAL ACADEMIICIANS AND OTHERS, AND THIS BEAUTIFUL IMAGE IS ONE OF THE MORE SPECTACULAR FROM THE PRE-’48 PERIOD.
PAINTED BY CHARLES PEERS IN 1939.

COMMENT

This month I’m writing out-of-county, on a break, to ensure that information about the forthcoming club outing is circulated in advance of the planned date. However, it also gives me an opportunity to advise that I plan to hang my lap top up and pass on the monthly newsletter to another author once one has been identified. This one is number 157 and the club has had a monthly newsletter for the best part of 15 years. It’s time for a change [for me] and definitely new blood and new ideas [for the newsletter]. If any club member reading this feels that they would like to take on this role, please contact me, or Martin Evans, or Gwion Davies, to express your interest. I would be happy to regularly contribute picture or

short articles to assist but my time as author is nearly up. If the newsletter is to continue, someone needs to step up to the plate!

THE CLUB OUTING TO THE SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY

A trip to the SVR’s ‘Autumn Diesel Bash’ will be the club’s last major event this year and takes place on Sunday the 6th October. More than 30 members have so far expressed an interest but there is still space for just one or two more. Bookings will close on close of play Thursday the 26th September.

As before, the coach will depart from the club but with no other pick-up stops en route. Those travelling should be at the club in time for a 7.45am. departure. We shall probably depart from Kidderminster to return to the club at around 6.00pm, although this will be confirmed later [it might be a little earlier].

There is no cost to members for the return coach journey, but guests should pay a nominal £10 for transport. All travelling will be responsible for purchasing their own tickets to attend the event.

A One-day Rover Ticket bought on-line attracts an up to 10% discount and costs:

• One adult [18+] £38

• One child [4-17] £25

• Small family [1ad 2ch] £68.50

• Large family [2ad 4ch] £102.50

On-line bookings attract a £2 surcharge but still remain marginally cheaper and save queuing at the ticket office on arrival to purchase the Day Rover.

The SVR has announced a huge diesel line-up for their Bash, including several Class 25s, a Class 58, a Castle HST set and many, many diesels from their home fleet. The SVR website for the event provides a full timetable and other details for the Sunday event.

OUR 2024 SHOW

You’ll all understand that some of us are taking a well-earned rest after our successful 2024 event and, before making any other comments, you’ll all want to extend thanks to those in the exhibition management team and Gwion Davies in particular as show manager. The effort which goes into managing these events is prodigious and requires a great deal of time from the team involved. This effort was repaid in spades however by the incredibly positive comments received from both traders and exhibitors as well as visitors. The quality and variety of layouts exhibited was also commended.

As usual, visitors chose their favourites and, this year, the incredible ‘Eastgate Harbour’ won the best in show, the wonderfully autumnal ‘Tellindaloch’ came second and atmospheric ‘Gresty Bridge Depot’ third. I particularly enjoyed the Cardiff Club’s ‘Broadwell’ as well, along with the splendidly eccentric ‘Benton Curlieu’ and Dave Robert’s ‘Graig Wen’ [wonderful tanks]. But, honestly, it seems invidious to choose any particular layout over the others as all were of a very high standard.

Our sales stand also did well, helping to boost the club’s funds and underwrite future events.

The club’s Facebook page has a good selection of photographs from the event and these will be added to in the very near future.

THE ANNUAL MODELLING COMPETITION

2025’s event will be judged at a date to be announced in late March or early April. As usual, there will be cash prizes and details regarding categories will be advised in a future newsletter. There will not be a Christmas competition this year as it tends to turn the main event, which follows shortly after, into a less supported competition. So, think about your entries and start building!

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

• The Cardiff Model Railway Show takes place at Sophia Gardens Cricket Ground [as before] on the 18th. and 19th. of October, Check out their website for more details.