January 2021

Firstly, a happy New Year to you all. I hope you all had a good, but very different Christmas and that you were all able to stay well and see those that you wished to see. I was expecting to see Morella on the day but for 20 minutes only, but instead she was admitted to hospital with a low heart rate. They fitted a pacemaker on Christmas eve, so my bionic wife is even more so! Fortunately, she can never get too close to my DCC chips! Not sure when I can see her as on returning to nursing home she has to isolate for 14 days! The good news was that Morella arrived back at the nursing home at 5.00pm on Christmas day.

You are aware that the dinner in February is now cancelled. Not sure when we shall be able to start club again, but you will be informed when the committee thinks it is safe to do so and under what conditions.

My email about club heating and outside lighting only prompted one major response, (Nick and I had discussed previously). This involved technicalities over power generally. The whole idea was always subject to a qualified electricians check of the supply and what we have at present. The trip/fuse box has been in existence for many years and should not be used to put power on or off each time. We should have an extra master switch to do this allowing the trip switches to be left alone. As we shall not be meeting in the foreseeable cold climate, we can discuss this at a designated club night so ideas can be formulated. We do need to upgrade the club to be comfortable and welcoming to new members and visitors. You may be aware the Landlord has upgraded our supply box etc., so we should take this opportunity to upgrade our end as well.

Rich S has the ability to “blow” DCC chips for us now. Get the details direct from Rich and he can advise of his abilities with the technology.

Club.

The next Show and Tell (on-line) is planned for Wednesday 13^th January. Try and join us if you can. There is no need to contribute if you have nothing to talk about, but to listen to other members’ trials and tribulations during lockdown is good for the heart and brain. You will receive the invite from Dave and you just need to click “accept” and then click the link on the night between 7.30 and 7.40.

Other Matters.

This quarters WhatsApp discussions include:

•  A new photo of Redbridge which gave more detail for adding to the layout
• Discussion about roof flashing when a valley is formed.
•  Nick getting on with glazing and completing his L&Y coaches. 
• Rich getting into 7mm with track parts and stock.
• Number plate changing nearly goes wrong, but skills saved the day (Rich S).
• Rich renumbering another loco, then dropping it. I gather drink was not to blame this time!
• Painting of Modelu figures.
• Tony’s kit built Southern coaches including the difficulties of duckets on full width coaches.
• Dave completing some 3D printed coach and van parts.
•  The running in board for Shawton completed before the baseboards were built.
• A new track cleaning wagon put to the test and fortunately does clear the 3^rd rail.
• Rich discovering that loose buffers were causing a rattle in one of his locos!
•  Dave has designed and solved a problem with his TOU (turnout operating unit), 3D printed. The problem was the length of the operating wires to the blades needed to go through his thick foam.
• Nick getting on well with his L&Y loco kit (Aspinall saddle tank). Jeff Geary also building a similar kit, so the race was on.
• Progress on Shawton, now baseboards and track parts have arrived.
• Clive visited Marchwood Depot (work related). Some photos seen, then a discussion about Morton brake gear.
• Dave is carrying out a change to some of Redbridge’s hardware and software with good results. This is to fix issues caused by constant resets. Dave is finding out why the resets are required.
• A video of probably the longest train running through Redbridge.

Well done to all, keep modelling and please stay well.