The first arrivals turned up at the village hall around 09:00, and the N Scale contingent was more represented this time, where the priorities were also switched in terms of essential maintenance. Some new end boards were measured and installed for the HO, allowing the yard to come together in pairs instead of stacking atop one another, reducing the risk of damage to track and easier transport to and from storage.

As noted previously, we were able to get the majority of both layouts in the storage solution so it was a case of transporting the modules from the solution to the hall. We tend to stack the legs and braces for EBL on a single trolly, and use the sack barrows and second trolly to transport the modules themselves.

The HO’s setup was complete around 11:30, with the first trains running shortly after despite the setup not being fully complete. It took a moment to catch up with proper operations, but once done it was mostly seamless.

The N Scale for this meet returned to the classic L shape setup with Taggart, and the bridge corners. EBL continued with the 7×2 setup, and with many thanks for Paul H’s efforts, we now have a control panel which supports EBL’s signals and points again.

The N Scale saw a big reefer train, an RAE express service and some interesting Santa Fe / BNSF freight services. The Essex Belt Lines, once up and operational, saw two express passenger consists, two medium freights and a Southern Pacific commuter.

As I’ve understood there were a very little issues with the N Scale, and a couple on the HO. Noteworthy of course was the dead spot on Ethanol again; it may take a proper maintenance session to get that right but larger wheel-based engines or multi-engine consists may have a better time over this area until then.

It was also noted one of the bridges is loose from its supports. This didn’t seem to affect operations but it was an item to monitor for us, especially when we are transporting the bridge modules across bumpy surfaces and slopes between the hall and storage.

We broke for lunch at around 01:30pm, making some basic plans for the NMRA Convention next month as well as potentially the next physical meet. There was also brainstorming for the Summer Open Day next year, so I will making moves on that shortly!

We started breaking down EBL at around 03:15pm, successfully finishing up just 10 minutes past 5. The N Scale was much quicker, but the gents kindly helped us with packing. Teamwork certainly makes the dream work…

My personal highlights for the day was getting to test my newly-converted GP9s, one of which worked flawlessly, and the other not so much. I also was able to try out my MTH F3B in a basic El Capitan consist (with admittedly more Express Baggage and RAE cars than passengers – Could this be prototypical? After a certain time, who knows?)

Glad to be reminded, you’ll see I was able to get some shots in of the N Scale; my usual bias for the HO is hopefully being suppressed now, especially since the layout overall is progressing so well. Admittedly, it’s hard to multitask when it comes to trains, and reaching over the scales takes effort as well as the other Thamesiders’ reminding me.

A wonderful time as always; we had one visitor and several inquisitive lookers. There was understandably less compared to last month’s because of my slip up with the parish magazine. I definitely sent it this time; it’s due out at the start of November.

Happy modelling everyone, and see you next meet!

Neal K