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.

October, 2001

NEWSLETTER Issue No. 189

edited and condensed from the print version

St. George's Society Members setting up the display at the St Georges society in London.

News     Through the efforts of Joe Belecky, the Buffers layout was displayed at the St George's Society on August 26th. The model proved to be a great attraction with a variety of trains running between 10:00 and 15:00. The St George's Society officials were extremely pleased with the reception that the Buffers received and invited them back for next year. Thanks go to those of our membership for their efforts in transporting and preparing the layout for display. Ed Spencer brought his 3.5" gauge model of "Invicta" for display.  This model has been discussed at past meetings especailly with regards tot he type of tender. Ed raised the question of the tender when he visited the National railway Museaum in York this summer. It appears no records of the actual tender are in existence and Ed was informed that his guess was as good as anyones !!! Geoff Chandler brought in a Dapol Iron Mink wagon. A recent release in the form of a gunpowder van. According to the Dapol web site a number of versions will be made available. The GWR built many versions of  the Iron Mink up until 1912. Many eventually end3ed up as storage accomodation either on or off wheels. See picture below. With modifications to the Dapol kit, the use of  the Ratio Midland railway windows pack and much cutting and filing, Andrew Hopkins was able to model a Midland railway Type 2b standard sigal box. The type can be seen all over the ex-Midland lines on the British Railway sysem up until at least the 1970's. Andrew's model is finished in BR colours.

Members taking a break at the St Georges society in London.

The Road Ahead November 24 & 25 - Toronto -  Christmas train show. International Centre, Milton March 23, 24 -Toronto - Model train show, Congress Centre 650 Dixon Road. April 27 & 28 - Brampton -  Great British Train Show.

Web Site Updates

Some updates have been completed.  added for webring use. A new page has been added to the picture page.  This page is of Ed Spencer' s live steam model "Llewelyn". More pictures of members own models are needed. Bring any prints to the meeting and I can scan them for inclusion.

Picture Gallery.

B.

A.

Taken at Witney, Oxfordshire in 1955 on the Fairford branch, the pictures above show (A) an ex - GWR Iron Mink in use as a storage van. Elaborate modifications have been made including the addition of several windows, skylights, steps and a stove chimney. (B) shows a Collett 0-6-0 #2221 hauling ex GWR suburban coaches in the crimson livery of the day. The branch was well over 20 miles long. The journey from Oxford to Fairford being 25 miles.

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

Newsletter Archives

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Please let me know if there is a problem, and I will remove any offending links or images.   -Andrew .Please E-mail me  your comments.