Chairman's
Chatter is compiled quarterly, in February, May, August and November
by our Chairman John Shaw. John summarizes the latest developments in the club
covering general news, exhibition reports,
developments in the clubs layouts, and any other notices. To
view a Chairman's Chatter simply click the relevant link, or scroll
down for the latest edition.
The current year, and previous year, chairmans chatter's are available
by foillowing these links.
Previous years Chairmans Chatter are
available in the archive.
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Aug 2013
The weather was kind to us at the
Summer Party and thanks go again to David for his hospitality and to all who
prepared the super food. Thank you to all members who attended Sam’s memorial
service, He was a valued member who always volunteered to operate any layout
and would spare time with new members making them feel welcome. He will be
sorely missed.
OO Gauge Matters
The removal of all of the baseboard and scenic components of
Itchen Vale has provided a “clear” area that has, holydays absence
notwithstanding, allowed work on Redbridge to proceed apace.
Baseboards
Negotiations took place with the O Gauge Group to allow the
“far end” baseboards to be supported above the end of their continuous circuit. This has
resulted in the added bonus of providing a larger working space for the new O Gauge
MPD.
The Dexion support system has been modified and repositioned
reflecting the last baseboard plan. Steps were taken to ensure that the new
baseboards will be “level” and the whole structure has been securely screwed to
the floor and additional pieces added to ensure no lateral deflections. The
final result is very pleasing with a level and rigid structure.
All baseboards have now been completed and they “connect”
using the common dowel/pins for alignment and bolts/nuts to hold securely in
place.
At last it is possible to see how the Redbridge concept will
look!
Track Plan
Further, minor, changes were made to the fiddle yard track
layout and Templot print outs have been glued to the baseboard surfaces for all
of the point work. We are confident that the final plan will allow maximum
train operation flexibility whilst ensuring that spacing will enable stock to
be lifted from closely spaced track.
Construction
Wiring to the tracks, point motors and across board
connectors has been carried out with due diligence to ensure wiring integrity.
Having all of the scenic boards “in place” is allowing
progress to be made on completing the main line tracks in the scenic
section. This will shortly allow a
simple “circuit” to be completed to allow trains to run through the fiddle
yard. Fiddle Yard point construction is underway with the main scissors
crossover largely completed.
EM
gauge Matters
Testing of the layout after fitting the new legs
has revealed a few wiring problems and these are being corrected. Also, some
minor damage to the track has been repaired
O
gauge Matters
The gremlins found at New Milton have
(hopefully) been resolved.
Our next outing is for one day only at
Beckenham. The usual ‘suspects’ will travel in the van, setup and stay
overnight. It is hoped 2 full cars of operators will make the journey on the
Saturday to help operate, dismantle and assist at the club at the end of the
day. Frank will be in touch! Thanks to all who attended the Open Day at
Otterbourne. You have at least seen what I get up to at present.
Other
Business
The Annual General Meeting is only a
few weeks away. Please try to attend. One topic will be whether we shall hold a
Christmas Party this year. Give this some thought and if you are willing to
host the party, please let me know.
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