Dorset Group Meeting March 2014.

The groups next meeting is the 1st March, seems that this month has sped  by.
Couldn't resist a new picture of Hennock , some more will be published shortly in a magazine that has approached me to write an article.So I took the chace to indulge myself and take some new shots for that purpose.
Hope to see some of you at the meeting on Saturday.

More of Northampton.

Sometimes I am unable to make this darn computer do what I want.
I wanted the pictures the other way round but the machine had other ideas.
Another offering from Northampton is this well made diorama for which I apologise as I have no idea who made it.
Suffice to say whoever it is should be very proud of a well made piece of modelling.
A static display that belied its simplicity.
Please let me know of its creator so I can update this post to provide the credit.

Northampton 22nd Feb 2014

 This is Petton, a 4ft long layout built by Mark Haynes but now in the ownership of Geoff Tew.
Using PECO 12mm track, it was Marks' first essay into 3mm modelling. Mark was there showing Hemyock Road of which there will be more at a later date.
Mainly kit built stock was running on the layout with a few pieces of modified Tri-ang stock.
Just shows what can be done in a small space and certainly got me thinking!

Northampton Group of the 3mm Society Model Railway Exhibition 2014

 Just a few photos of 3mm layoputs at the Northampton Groups Exhibition.
More to come plus some layout details.
A successful day with plenty of visitors and lots of interest in 3mm.
The cafe next door produced one of the best and largest bacon roll ever- would come back again if only for that.
Oh and very nice cake as well!

Oh Font of all knowledge!

 Sometimes you just can't resist it!
Next to the font in a church is the 3mm Society's information boards!
Not only that but Peter Stratford the 3mm Society's Publicity Guru, pictured below, almost  exudes a holy countenance!
More  on the excellent Northampton Groups Exhibition in the coming days- yes I remembered my camera and took some pictures.

Collett Sub Brake Third Dia D117.

 Picked thwese up from the Society Secondhand staal at West Byfleet,.
I have been a bit impatient in building these as I haven't remembered to cut out the Brake End windows before soldering it all together.
However, I will drill the corners and somehow cut them out.
Still I have another to do plus get hold of a centre carriage to make up the set.

Northampton Exhibition -Tomorrow.

Hennock is on it's travels again- the last booking for the forseeable future at least.
If you are in the area-St James Church, St JamesRoad, Northampton  NN5 5LE- between the hours of 10 and 4 then do pop in and see us.
There promises to be layouts in various scales and gauges plus Refreshments!
We will be setting off before dawn, a long drive and hopefully not too much inclement weather!

Look  forward to maybe seeing a few new faces- Old ones are welcome too!

Swanage Coaling Stage and Water Tower.

 Working from some original photos and plans from Terry Jenkins 4mm model, Colin has come up trumps with  this excellent model.
This is a new build because the original had been destroyed.
It will sit adjacent to the Engine Shed and Turntable.
Still the road bridge, Engine Shed and Turntable to do.

Standard 4 2-6-4T.

Kindly given to me by Paul , this will form part of the motive power for Swanage and also East Boldre.
Sitting in front of the body is the chassis from Worsley Works.
It needs a bit of fettling before it will fit, plus wheels etc- I know I was one step ahead!

Swanage Signal Box

 Colin has done a brilliant job of reconstructing the signal box.
Slightly damaged when lifting from the original board, the steps have been completely re-built.
Looking good.