| THE BUFFER |
| December, 2003 |
| Issue No. 211 |
| NEW LAYOUT: Click here for new pictures of progress so far of the new layout. |
| MEETING NOTES: Considerable discussion took place around the table at the November meeting with regard to the proper identification of our new ten-module layout. Clearly, a majority of members were not in favour of identifying each module with an identification plaque at an estimated total cost of $106.00. It was agreed that proper identification of the modules would take place at a later date by means of, for example, stenciling. Thanks to John Mason for his presentation of a video featuring the Great Dorset Steam Fair. This five-day event, which is the largest of its kind in Europe, takes place annually at Tarrant Hinton near Blandford Forum. The video depicted the Showman's Fairground, a number of traction engines pulling a variety of loads, as well as their successors in the form of heavy lorries. Other features at the Show included steam ploughing and vintage tractors. Roy Hopkins presented, what can now be referred to as historic slides of traction and rolling stock on British Railways in the mid- to-late seventies. Most of the material that Roy's slides depicted would now either have gone for scrap or have been designated for such and how uninteresting the blue-grey corporate livery was when it became a little grubby. ( not unlike the comments made about the late 1960's steam era.....Ed.) Ed Spencer proposed that we recommence the draw that was a feature of our meetings for many years. Ed indicated that he would be willing to provide such administration necessary for the draws and to start the ball rolling donated a prize. The draw realized $17.00 to the benefit of The Buffers. Yanis Smit has indicated that he is willing to donate two railway prints for our January meeting and Geoff Chandler will provide a prize for the December meeting. GREAT BRITISH TRAIN SHOW: A report in the November edition of The Slip-Coupling circulated by The Platelayers Society indicates that their executive has been talking to the British Railway Modelling magazine with a view them either sponsoring or sending a representative to the Show. Organizers of the 2004 Show are planning to have a special commemorative vehicle available, likely in the form of a van. Members will recall that a coal wagon ordered through Dapol was available for sale at the GBTS 2002 show. Andrew Hopkins advises that his committee is planning a grand unveiling of the new layout to the general membership at our April 17 meeting. This is one-week prior to the Great British Train Show. William Bickley will be taking a digital photograph of the layout when it has moved to a more advanced stage. This is one of the requirements of the organizers of the Show as well as the name of the layout. Your writer has provided to GBTS officials as much information as was available at the time. Important: it was agreed at our November meeting that members, if they so choose, would submit suggestions for a name for the new layout, either by electronic or regular mail to the Secretary or delivered, in writing, at our December meeting. Joe Belecky presented an example of the late Les Torrens' model building skills in the form of an EMU set in Network SouthEast livery. It was noted that Les sent his models to a friend in the UK for professional painting and later, on one of his regular visits, would bring the finished article back. Geoff Chandler displayed a photograph of a GWR Ale Wagon, together with two examples of the recently-released Dapol model. These wagons were used for carrying barrels of ale for Messrs. Guinness from Park Royal in London to various parts. Peter Finnigan circulated a brochure detailing the recently released Hornby 00 live-steam model of LNER 4-6-2 Mallard. It was noted that the cost was in the £400.00 range and that a transformer for enthusiasts in Canada and the US was available. According to the brochure this is the first in a planned range of Live Steam sets and the November edition of The Railway Magazine notes that the model was introduced on September 5 after three years of secret development. DECEMBER MEETING: Carlos Simoes will set up his 3.5' by 5' layout at our December 13 meeting (note the date). Members are invited to bring locomotives and stock for running. As in past December meetings, members are asked to bring a modest amount of seasonal fare to the meeting; tea and biscuits will be available as usual. The meeting will be held at the usual time and Elliott Street location. Please bring along any new models for display and discussion. ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR! Taken in 1973 by Geoff Chandler at Chrich, Derbyshire this photograph depicts a large traction engine, which is providing power to some of the rides and attractions. |
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| Seasons Greetings to all Members of the Buffers and our online friends and a wish for health and prosperity in 2004 |
| Lower left.....Creating an appropriate atmosphere for the season, Ex-LMS Black 5 45200, in what appears to be ex-works condition, in the snow at Crewe North Sheds. Many pictures in John Mason's collection of photographs by W.H.Whitworth fail to provide details of dates and location. However in this case we are lucky as it is recorded that the picture was taken January 15, 1955 at the location noted above. Lower right .....Also, likely taken about the same time, is the picture of British Railways Standard 4 MT 76008, again with snowy surroundings but, unfortunately, no detail to guide us noted on the back of the picture. The locomotive, which is undoubtedly at Crewe, appears to be new from the works, it having no shed plate and the 1955 period would be the time British Railways was taking the Class, which was built 1955/56, into stock. Ex-LMS 4MT 2-6-4 tank engine 42674 lurks in the background! |
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| KINGS IN ACTIVE PRESERVATION Lower left.....A fine picture taken by John Mason at Didcot Parkway in Spring 1996 features ex GWR/British Railways King 4-6-0 6024 King Edward 1. One of the second batch of Kings built in 1930, of a total of thirty, 6024, together with the rest of the class, was withdrawn in 1962. Visible modifications include a double chimney fitted in 1957 and automatic lubricators (on the running board to the left of the smoke box). Who was Richard Hilton? At the time of writing there is no answer. |
| Lower right.....Nearly thirty years earlier in 1973 Geoff Chandler's pictures show the 1927-built 6000 King George V at Hereford. As is commonly known, this locomotive was sent to the centenary of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in 1927 at which it was presented with the commemorative bell on its buffer beam. Partial dismantling wasrequired for both the outward and return journeys. Matters were supervised in the United States bynone other than William Stanier, the-then Mr.Stanier left the GWR for the LMS in 1931. King George V is now a static exhibit at the Museum of The Great Western Railway. |
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