The Buffers

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Founded by  Les Torrens    (1923 - 2000)

Established in 1982, the Buffers is a group of  transport enthusiasts living in Southern Ontario, which meets for their enjoyment of British railway and other transport modelling.

June, 2001

NEWSLETTER Issue No. 187

edited and condensed from the print version

News      For our April meeting, members joined the Buffers West and enthusiasts from the BRMNA Illinois chapter, on an enjoyable  tour of model railway layouts in the Lambton county area. Starting at Reeces Corners at the home of Earl and Val Eggleton, a G Scale layout  was visited that was new to most of us. Next was a visit to the G Scale layout at the Oil Heritage site in Petrolia. During this visit, Tom Walter gave an extremely interesting talk and video presentaion describing the development and history of railways in the area. On then to the home of Tom and Laura Walters for a visit to Tetbury with videos, tea and snacks.      To Sarnia and Allan Mearns'  home where  we viewed  Allan's Scottish themed OO layout and videos. Allan certainly acquires suberb historic video material for us to view from time to time.      In Pt. Edward, we lunched at the home of John and Iris Riley and  were able to look at John's developing o-scale layout. Since our last visit, Godfrey Stevens has added more stock and locomotives to his extensive layout; a tour of which ended the day. The group then adjourned to the Bridge Tavern for supper.

Picture Gallery. In the early 1950's our photographer  stood on the bridge adjacent to Standish Junction, Gloucester the actual junction behind him. An ex MR 4F is heading southwards on the main Derby to Bristol line which during the summer months was extremely busy with through expresses from the north to Bournemouth. The GWR mogul is on the Cheltenam / Gloucester to Swindon line but is wating for a path to move over onto the Midland main line and south to Bristol.

The Road Ahead The Buffers will be joining the Platelayers in visiting the home of Brian Fayle on Sunday June 10th at 1400 hrs The  June meetng will be on Saturday June 16th and will be at the usual Elliot St. location.  1300 - 1630 hrs.This will be the last meeting of the season. The next newsletter will be for September and will provide details of the first meeting of the season, anticipated at this time to be on the 15th of the month..

A pure Great Western shot ( except for the WD) at Wantage Road Station in 1954. Today all the accessories of the steam railway age are gone, along with the track rationalization taking place. The location remains however, very busy with both passenger and freight traffic.

Newsletter Archives 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

Again at Wantage Rd. a castle Class no 5041 Tiverton Castle stops at the station with a local  train. Clearly a "runnig in " turn, with an ex-works look. It was not uncommon for this local service to be used for this purpose.

Much further from home is Castle Class No 5028 Llantilio Castle at Shrewesbury. The locomotive was wating to take an express from Shrewesbury to Newport and Bristol via the Severn Tunnel.

Newsletter Archives

Please visit this site if you are a GWR fan. It is a good resource. Produced by Mikkel Funder..

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