| THE BUFFER |
| January,2004 |
| Issue No. 212 |
| NEW LAYOUT: Click here for new pictures of progress so far of the new layout. |
| Happy New Year to all Members of the Buffers and our online friends and a wish for health and prosperity in 2004 |
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| Click on the UK Model Shop Directory banner for one of the most comprehensive model listings available. It features more than just shop listings from throughout the world. There are many tips and hints as well as features on clubs such as ours. The one stop source for everything in Model Railways. |
| MEMBERSHIP MATTERS: Renewal of memberships are due effective January 2004. Our Treasurer, John Mason, will be available at the January meeting to receive your $20.00 cheque or cash, cheques being made payable to The Buffers. Those members unable to attend the January meeting are asked to mail a cheque to our Treasurer, whose address is on your membership list. A new membership card, which will be your receipt, will be issued either at the meeting or sent with the February edition of The Buffer. THE ROAD AHEAD: Our January meeting will be held at the usual Elliott Street location on the 17th; 13:00 to 16:30. As in the past, would you please bring along any new models or items for display and discussion that fall within members' trans-portation interests. IN THIS BLACK FIVE WITH A DIFFERENCE photo by W.H. Whitworth, is one of the last British Railways build of the Class. No. 44686 was introduced 1951 with Caperotti valve gear, roller bearings, double chimney and a variety of other modifications. |
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| DECEMBER MEETING ACTIVITIES: At our well-attended meeting, Buffers enjoyed seasonal fare and a variety of presentations by members. Thanks to Lorne Elliot for his display of a selection of recently acquired models ranging from a Hornby super-detailed Pullman car to a 0-6-0 diesel shunter in Network Southeast livery. Roy Hopkins provided a similar display of recent releases, featuring the contemporary traction of Virgin Trains. Andrew Hopkins reported on progress with our layout and anticipated that a portion would be on display at either the January or February meeting. Dennis Littler noted that he had an article published in a recent addition of Ships Monthly entitled ‘The Superior - St.Lawrence' tracing the shipping route from the Lakehead (Thunder Bay to the Atlantic). Dennis brought a copy of the periodical with him. John Mason presented a collection of traction engines and the Corgi model of a 1929 Scammel 100-ton truck-trailer with a Great Eastern Railway Class E4 2-4-0 locomotive as a load. Thanks to Carlos Simoes for bringing his operational 00-scale layout along. Ed Spencer described and displayed the boiler and firebox of his developing live steam Merchant Navy Class in ¾ inch to the foot scale - or 3½ inch gauge. Brian Tustin brought two recently acquired samples from his collection of antique British railways lamps, as well as some historic official railway publications. Dave Watson displayed his ingenuity and skill in adapting a collection of 00-scale models that he had converted, developed and modified, indicating what can be done in our hobby on a shoe-string. Dave also showed a picture taken in 1962 of A2 Pacific 60530 Sayajirao at Haymarket (Edinburgh) with him on the footplate. Geoff Chandler displayed the fairly recently released Bachmann GWR small Prairie. Comparison was made with the mid-seventies Lima small Prairie that was re-released a few years ago with no visible improvements. Last but not least, Allan Mearns presented a video produced by the 0-Gauge Guild featuring "Braemore", "Diggle and Westport" and a Highland railway. This was equal to the quality of Allan's presentation on a similar subject at our October meeting. Members voted on a number of suggestions for the naming of our new layout. The name chosen is Ardleigh Bitton. Details have been forwarded to The Platelayers Society with regard to requirements for the Great British Train Show (flyers for this show will be included in the February edition of The Buffer). William Bickley will arrange for a photograph of the layout to be made available to The Platelayers Society at the end of January. The monthly draw supervised by Ed Spencer realized $25.50 to the benefit of The Buffers. Subject to weather conditions, Yanis Smit will be attending our January meeting and will provide a prize for the draw. PLEASE NOTE: Roy Hopkins plans to present a video entitled ‘Stanier Pacifics: The Princess Royals and Coronations' at our January meeting. |