At our April meeting, Roy Hopkins provided a video presentaion on his visit to various parks in southern Africa, shot during his month long visit in February.
Roy's video presentaions in the past have mainly surrounded railway topics. However, the material that was shown was eye opening and excitiing, while looking at wild animals in their habitat. Roy indicated you were safe, provided you didn't leave the Land Rover ! In addition to elephants, hippos, lionesses ( no lions) and other animals there were some shots of the local railways. The "Blue Trains" and the "Banana Express" were shown. The Banana Express, was Garett worked at one time, but this visit he was not so lucky. Roy also had on display f the new Hornby re-built Merchant Navy Holland-Afrika Line. Roy also picked up the Hornby Streamlined Coronation at the Lakeshore flea market. Proving that the new releases are available here...eventually. Now where is my Bachmann Cl 25 ?!
The Didcot Railway Centre
Shown circa 1983 is ex GWR castle castle 4-6-0 No 5051 Earl of Bathurst and ex GWR 2-8-0 No 3822. ( photo Geoff Chandler)
The May meeitng will be on Saturday May 12th and will be hosted by the Buffers-West. participating in this event will be a group from the BRMNA Chicago, USA. Those desiring to participate in this adventure are asked to meet at Reeces Corners, Ontario which is the intersection of County roads 7 & 21 at 10:30am.
Futher details will be provided tor the gathering with the Platelayers on June 10th at Brian Fayles home.
The June meeting is set for the 16th at the usual Elliot St. location. This will be the last meeting of the season.
These two photos are provided in commemoration of the Golden Jubilee of railway preservation, which occurs in May 2001.
Taken in October 1995, Princess Royal No 46203 Princess Margaret Rose is shown leaving Nottingham Station. First introduced by the LMS in 1933. ( Photo by Jim Young)
Buffers who have been members of our group for a fair period of time will recall Les Thompson. Les who was a meber of the Buffers until the end of 1999, maintained a Hornby Dublo layout for many years, which included some skillfully built Superquick buildings. Last autumn, it became impossible for Les to live at home and since that time has been a resident of Parkwood Hospital. Geoff Chandler has visited Les at Parkwood to converse about his career in the Canadain Merchant Navy and matters related to railway modelling. Les sends his wishes to The Buffers.
members wishing to view back issues of the online newsletter can click on the link below for over 12 months of the online version, including the excellent reproduction of Geoff's fine pictures
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