Chairmans Chatter  

July 2023

The hot weather does not encourage modelling but as we are aware there are some tasks that need to be completed before the New Milton show. Rich has sent a list, please do what you can to complete these asap. Our trip to Swanage was interesting, to say the least, South Western Railway was thwarted by signalling problems and made the journey home interesting.

The Pendon visit was enjoyed by those that got there. Lots of the green stuff followed by Didcot with even more!

As many of you are aware we shall be erecting Geoff’s new layout at the GOG open day in August. Help would be appreciated. This is being coordinated by Dave.

The search for a suitable new clubroom continues. Keep looking.  We have only SIX months remaining at Manor Farm.

00 Gauge Matters

We have enjoyed several fully sequenced running sessions over the past few weeks, allowing operators to refamiliarise themselves with operating the layout and highlighting several issues which need rectifying in preparation for the New Milton show in July.

A revised PICOR and Yard shunting sequence has been produced and is currently being tested during operating sessions.

Mike and Bruce have been working on enhancing the main A35 road surface and surrounding areas, producing excellent results.

Mike and Richard R are looking at gap and scenic improvements under the road bridge

Dave has installed a software update which gives us some missing routes, and hopefully some further reliability.

Nick has been tweaking the front public-facing screen coding to give us some additional information, and enhancements are also being looked into on the operator screens.

As ever, yard fettling continues, and a magnet has been installed closer to the engine shed to allow more space when depositing the Brake Van by the engine shed.Several jobs are still to be completed in preparation for New Milton, clubroom volunteers are required! Please look at the jobs list to see what you can help with.

EM Gauge Matters

Mawgan Porth will be packed down this quarter pending move to new premises

0 Gauge Matters

The heat has again slowed down enthusiasm for running but make the most of it as we plan to pack away Abbotstone at the start of September. It will be packed away as if we were taking it to a show and stored where Morgan Porth is at present. The Dexion will also be dismantled.

Other Business

As the end of the year creeps ever closer we are starting to plan the shutting down of the current club room AbRail has confirmed Redbridge Wharf at their show in March 2024. This will be a good exercise for us, new club room or not.

 Other Future Events:

• Holcombe Brook at Fareham Liesure Centre   - Saturday and Sunday   7^th & 8^th October. 
• Club Annual General Meeting  Club Room.  Wednesday 11^th October.   Agenda will be published early September.
• Redbridge Wharf at Tolworth Showtrain  - Saturday and Sunday 11^th and 12^th November followed by the Hornby Photoshoot on the Monday.