With a hopeful outlook and joyous celebration, I am pleased to bring you an update after what seems like years (literally).
We’re still running and alive, with plans to attend the NMRA British Region Convention in Cookham, taking the HO Scale 6×0 with branch, aside from helping running it of course. Our main focus has been maintenance over the last few meets, especially June where we saw record low attendance of 3 members, all HO, so it was a half day with adding fixings to new boards and in my case, removing a dead button.
This meet however saw a fair force of modellers running trains on both scales. I did not take a lot of pictures but you will forgive me if I use some from previous meets; there are a fair few.
With basic attendance from both, the N chaps built a dog bone and the HO used the 7×0. I served as effective dispatcher until lunch, where I was able to add my own roster consisting of a local freight, and perform some switching at Essex Ethanol. My overall stock management status has been put on hold for the foreseeable future until I can re-procure either a workbench or a workshop/train room.
However, I am pleased to report my Super Chief consist is still in good shape and behaving itself. During the Summer Open House in May, I left it running on the loop for several circuits, and no random derailments were experienced. Unfortunately my El Capitan, or at least, the baggage-dorm transition, has become a puzzler so may need more time. It’s possible I got the unmodified one out instead of the better runner.
The HO finds itself now slightly wider with the addition of the Wye, allowing trains to come and go as they please directly into staging, instead of having to take the loop around to reach staging. This is good not only on that front, but also if we’ve like to do some turning around. I’ve already had a try with it once before the electronics were set; lots of shorts was experienced.
It has since seen scenery and as far as I am aware, it does operate fine. If we manage to score a few more attendees, we might have time to put up Laxton to try it out properly before the convention outing.
I know the N Scalers are doing their best to resolve issues, especially David and Paul E; this meet saw Dennis taking care of a notorious ski jump, caused by slightly too thick styrene being used. I believe he managed to take care of it completely. There have definitely been moments where the scale saw a nice hustle and bustle instead of the hold ups of the past.
Otherwise, we are all preparing for the convention; be it directly with the HO and ensuring we can run trains reliably, or the N Scalers in the capacity of supporting the convention itself and the attractions. Paul E has registered his intention to be there with the bring and buy, which will be a huge help for those of us looking to sell, including Mid Essex’s Canadian collection.
With any luck, our battles with the heat will soon be over, and we can get through what remains of the holidays with enough of a contingent to support our readiness. I personally am looking forward to it; it would be grand to run the layout as well as my trains over a few days again, instead of only a few hours. The hall unfortunately has seen a regular booking on Sundays, which crosses out any hope of a future two day meet anytime soon.
In closing therefore, the outlook is positive for the Thamesiders and future running, and of course the return of these posts to keep those that can’t make it up to date on the goings on of the club. Hopefully they will tempt you, otherwise I hope they bring some proof we’re still chugging along.
Until next time!
Neal K
– Santa Fe all the way
Thamesiders MRG 