Due to poor weather conditions on the afternoon of February 17th, attendance at our meeting was probably about the lowest ever. However, those that were able to attend had an enjoyable time and we thank Grant Miles for his hospiltality.
Yanis Smit e-mailed our editior recently to draw attention to to an error in the February newsletter. The Britannia Class Locomotive in Eric Bottomley's painting is in fact, 70022 Toronado. Below is a picture of that locomotive taken by Geoff Chandler while train spotting in the summer of 1952.
Geoff Chandler and a friend visited Bournemouth sometime in 1957. Among other seaside activities, time out was taken at Bournemouth sheds where his circa 1953 Norton 500cc motor cycle is pictured along with West Country Class 34094 ' Mortehoe'.
Recent news from Bachmann is that the company will be introducing their 00 scale Class A1 this year. A competition was held before Christmas to guess the names to be used on the models, which are as follows:
- Aberdonian - in BR Green, late decals.
- North Eastern - BR Blue, early decals.
- Tornado - presumably in Brunswick green as per the new prototype.
Introduced in 1945, the total build of the A1 class was 49, plus the rebuilt Great Northern.
The Somerset and Dorset Joint raiway's locomotives were not incorporated into LMS stock until 1930. At the time of incorporation, 80 were transfered to the LMS which included two 0-4-0 Sentinels built for the railway in 1929. These were the last locomotives built for the S&DJR.
Photographed at Radstock ( a sub-shed of Bath) are the two Locomtives with their BR numbers, 47190 and 47191. These locomotives were used for colliery work in the then Somerset Coalfield and shared shed space with several 0-6-0 Jinties at the shed.
As was alluded to, our March meeting was brought forward to the 10th, to avoid conflict with the Toronto train show on the weekend of the 17th and 18th. The meeting will be at the usual Elliot St location in the 1300-1630 timeslot.
Allan Mearns reports that plans are in hand for a layout tour of the Sarnia/Petrolia area May 12th, not the 14th stated in the print newsletter. This will be the date of our May meeting. Allan also advises tha a group of six members of the Chicago area BRMNA also plan to attend.
An up to date mebership list was mailed out to all members. Please advise of any errors or omissions.
Thanks to David Foster of the British Connection for his donation to the club of two months worth of postage.
Richard Hobby of Broughdale Hobbies advises he has a Counter copy of the new Hornby Catalogue.
.Please E-mail me your comments.