A long, long time ago......

 Some lyrics from Bye, Bye Miss American Pie starts us off today but don't worry I won't sing!
I sold this fledgling layout to Russ some time ago- it was to be a 4mm East Boldre 2 but for me was too big and couldn't get it out of the loft.
A chance meeting with Russ encouraged him to bring it along to our meeting.
After assembling it all and cleaning the track, plugging in the controller and wiring his transformer correctly it all ran perfectly. I had forgotten how I had wired it but it must have been right.
At 18 ft long it is a big layout (for me anyway) so hopefully we will see it again and help Russ to complete.

You never know whats coming!

Our monthly meetings never cease to surprise me.
This month saw the arrival of Peter who has built a marvellous rendition of the narrow gauge lines associated with the clay workings in Purbeck. Please excuse me as I am useless at names. This is built to a gauge, I think, of 32mm. However, Peter wanted to do some touching up of the layout before Railway Modeller does a photoshoot later this month.
Also Peters son is into 009 and he broughyt along his layout as well and they are both shown here.
Although we are the 3mm Society Dorset Group, we appreciate other scales and indeed often steal  gain ideas from others who may have a good idea which can be adapted for use in any scale.
So, don't dismiss other scales as you well may be shooting yourself in the foot as they well may have an answer to your problems, no not those one's, and you may be able to benefit from them- I know I have- several times.

Smallbrook Studios IOW Brake Van.

 This has been seen before but since that the van has been painted.
It shows what a good model can be made from this kit.
I had reservations about Resin cast kits but since this and the 3mm Adams Radial from Branchlines I have changed my mind.
It means you have a good solid lump to start with and basically have to attach the bells and whistles-simples!

3mm Scale 08 0-6-0 Shunter.

Sorry again for the poor pictures- the model really deserves better.
Nigel has cut a Tri-ang TT 08 shunter in half, thinned it down and stuck it back together to create a really nice model.
Worsley Works supplied the chassis and Nigel has made his own outside cranks.
3mm doesn't have to be expensive.

Hand built track.

I did pronmise another of Colins skills- well here it is. He really kept this from us.
From SMP plans he has built a few of these, albeit in 4mm scale- hopefully practising for the trackwork for Swanage.
From copper clad sleepers and he has filed all the rail to fit- I wish I still had a steady hand!

A 3mm Bubblecar.

 Sorry for the grainey pictures- dont quite know what happened there.
Nigels 3mm Bubblecar is from a Worsley Works kit with a power bogie built specifically for this unit.
You may remember the Cullibo posts before All Fools Day?

A 3mm Micro Layout.

Robert brought this small layout to our meeting and it shows what can be produced in a small space whilst retaining an uncrammed (is that a word?) atmosphere.
Designed to be a Diesel era layout before the mass closure and removal of this type of scene.

An outbreak of Adams Radials.

 This is Colins 4mm version, unfortunately the motor for my 3mm effort is no good so advancement is stalled until a replacement can be obtained.
This , from a PDK kit I believe is coming on nicely and runs as good as it looks.
Later this week I hope to show some of Colins other skills!

Dorset Group May Meeting.

 We had a wealth of models at this months gathering more of which in the coming few days.
Nigel has been experimenting with the West Harptree couplings which we have discussed over some time.
He has attached a steel wire to the dropper of the coupling which is attracted to a magnet under the track.
This will enable coupling to take place wherever we choose- firstly I have a lot of stock to convert but I think it will be worth it in the end.