Tuesday 27 November 2007

DRAGging towards Christmas

No let up in activities down here in Devon as we rapidly approach Christmas - a large number of us made our way to the Taunton show in mid-October, as you'd expect, and our regular meetings every fortnight have continued to attract a dozen or so members.


Two weeks ago, because some members had not yet seen it, John Farmer brought along the boards for Swaveney, the 1970s layout of the late Nigel Hunt that DRAG have taken into care with a view to restoration and possible return to the exhibition circuit. The layout represents a small terminus on the M&GN, and was possibly the first P4 layout exhibited that had been built by individuals - Nigel and Andy Rush mainly - rather than a group. We believe its last show was York in 1977. The trackwork and wiring are in reasonable condition, but the scenery is a bit tired-looking and some of the buildings are suffering a bit from age.


However, we need to avoid being distracted by this project until we have finished the Mk2 test track. So far much has been designed and many components have been purchased, but we are yet to actually build any of it. Hopefully this will have started before Christmas when we visit one of our members in East Allington near Kingsbridge, who has a wood workshop facility, to kick-start construction.


Meanwhile, on the social side, we are looking forward to our annual dinner at a pub near Totnes in mid-January.

Thursday 22 November 2007

Fylde Area Group

The 15th of November saw another Fylde Area Group meeting well attended, 13 members discussing a variety of topics with a number of locos to run on the layout.

Our next meeting will be on Thursday 13th December (not the usual third Thursday) when we will have a presentation by Dr. John Sykes on 'GN Lines in the West Riding' followed by a hotpot supper.

Please contact Mike Norris (details on Blue Sheet) if you require additional information.

Sunday 18 November 2007

Crewe Area Group Has Lunch


As we meet on the second Sunday of the month, it should come as no surprise that today (3rd Sunday in Nov) we held our annual lunch at the Crewe Arms locate hard by the station and with a 66 ticking over outside the gents loo just to get us into the feel of the thing. Our ladies are invited to this event as a thank you for all that support and forbearances during the rest of the year, and as one occasion when a day out on the hobby provides refreshments a cut above cantean fare!

Talking of exhibitions some of the normal suspects are seen here behind the Kutsford East at the recent Manchester show.

Next Month. Xmas pies a Tony's, definitely 2nd Sunday this time Always a popular event and always with a railway to play with, if you ask nicely

Thursday 1 November 2007

Craven Group Layout at Bolton this weekend

If you can get to Bolton, Lancs, this weekend, Heath End will be there, slightly more advanced than at Scalefour North. The Exhibition details can be found at http://www.bdmrc.org.uk/ and the venue is St. James' Church of England School and Sports College, Lucas Road, Farnworth, Bolton, BL4 9RU