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The Official Newsletter of The Bedford Model Engineering Society

Coupling The

Volume 15 Issue 3 May/June 2012

New Clubhouse

Sign & Makers

Clubhouse up

and running

Stuart Shotbolt

Stuart Shotbolt

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OFFICERS and COMMITTEE

of the Bedford Model Engineering Society

President: Jim Bassett Vice Presidents: John Saunders Michael Maskell

Chairman: Dick Billington Vice Chairman: Alan Gildersleve

29 Ampthill Road, Maulden, 20 Walton Road, Caldecotte

Bedford, MK45 2DA Milton Keynes, MK7 8AE

Tel: 01525 750914; Tel: 01908 646711

email: dick.billington@ntlworld.com email: alan-gildersleve@sky.com

Secretary and Membership Secretary: Alan Beard Treasurer: David Boyde

2 Brambles, Wilstead, 21 Arun Close, Bedford,

Bedford, MK45 3ED MK41 7AD

Tel: 01234-743062; Tel: 01234-406757

email: beardalan@ymail.com email: david.boyde@ntlworld.com

Committee: David Combes Vikki Dodd Nigel Morrell Shaun O’Hare Andrew Warren Terry White

Coupling Editor: Tony Bullock Boiler Testers: Richard Bennett

67 Coates Lane, 7 Winchester Gardens,

High Wycombe, HP13 5ET Luton, Beds, LU3 3UD

Tel: 01494 439098; Tel: 01582-260314

e-mail bullockt@aol.com Dick Billington, Les Aylott, Nigel Freestone

All appointments for boiler testing to be made only via

Richard Bennett.

Traction Engines and Road Steam: Steve Lee Webmaster Nik Smith

145 Wingfield, Orton Goldhay, email: nikk.smith@ymail.com

Peterborough, PE2 5UY

Tel: 07952-529460; Advertising Manager Vikki Dodd

email: stephen.lee503@ntlworld.com Tel: 01582 798547 (W), 0755 3335 3591)

RAILWAY SUB-COMMITTEE John Lawson (Chairman), Tony Bullock, Alan Gildersleve and Phil Wright

The Coupling is printed and distributed/posted by Alan Beard (01234-743062). Readers are reminded that any views expressed in The Coupling are

solely those of the individual contributors. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the editor or of the BMES committee. They should therefore not

be regarded as being part of Society policy.

© Bedford Model Engineering Society

Bedford Model Engineering Society is a company limited by guarantee and having no share capital; Company Reg. No. 4087828, Registered

Office: 2 Brambles, Wilstead, Bedford, MK45 3ED

EDITORIAL

Welcome to the latest issue of your Newsletter which I hoped would be celebrating springtime. However, the weather has not

co-operated with this hope as we well know from recent public running.

Having disposed of the poor news we have much to look forward to in the coming months. Our new Clubhouse is in full use and is already proving a great addition to the Society. Have you been to look it over yet? For those who have not been able to get up

to Haynes yet there are a couple of events coming up for you to enjoy. The Traction Engine Rally on June 23/24 is a good time

to get together in a good social atmosphere and enjoy some fun. Then, in September, there is our Invitation Rally when we meet

up with friends old and new. Details of both these events appear later in this issue and both will be centred on the Clubhouse. I

was unable to condense the Invitation Rally Booking Form into this newsletter (me not computer friendly) but I can send one if

requested to do so or contact Mat & Gilly Rainer.

Finally a request for photographs. I would like to include photographs of members’ work/work in progress in future issues. I

am sure there are some excellent models out there which could grace our pages. Please e-mail me a shot of your work to share

with others.

Best wishes. Tony Bullock

REAR COVER PHOTOGRAPHS

This one is for Shaun. Surely with a little effort we can make up a 20 yard length of track that he can mow to his heart’s content!

A normal running day at Stoomgroep West Zuider Park. Crowd management is not a strong point or a high priority. Tucked

away amongst the throng are four trains. Taken on a cold, damp April day. You should see it on a warm Summer day.

Full size crossing barriers come across a busy (ish) road to allow the passage of Tinkerbell and train. Perhaps we could have a

branch line across the A600?

Not rear cover but p14 shows the B1s ready for action at Winterfield on the last running day. Alan Beard

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CHAIRMAN’S CHAT

We have had an excellent, if rather damp, start to our 2012 season. Our new clubhouse is in operation and has created somewhat

of a stir with our customers. Many will not believe that it has been built since the finish of last year’s Santa Specials and that it

was operational for our first running day in March this year. We have now held our first evening Club meeting (last night) and it

was a good feeling to be in our own new premises at last. We are gradually modifying the building to meet our needs and it is

becoming our long awaited clubroom. We have had many complimentary comments from the public who have made a number

of suggestions as to how we could improve our operations with the new building. The external layout of the clubhouse, with its

shingle drip catchments and the new hard seating area, is underway but has been heavily affected by the weather. They will be

finished this year. At some point during the year, on an as yet undecided date, there will be a formal opening of the new

clubhouse; we will keep everyone informed.

In many ways this year, on our public running days, we have been very lucky with the weather. Whilst many other events over the country have had to be completely cancelled due to the very heavy rainstorms that resulted in flooded ground, we, over six

running days, have only had to cancel one half day, when it was just too wet. I think that all who have run or supported the

public running days are to be congratulated.

I visited the Beeches Light Railway owned by Adrian Shooter, near Lower Heywood. It is a 2ft gauge figure of eight layout with

steep climbs and tight curves. The system uses one of the Darjeeling Mountain Railway locos, with replica coaches and a “Hill

Station”. If you have never visited this railway, when the opportunity arises , GO!!. See article in this issue.

I also managed to visit the Model Engineering Exhibition at Harrogate. This exhibition, in my opinion. is the best of the 2012

exhibitions so far. There were many excellent and some superb models covering virtually all the model engineering categories. I

was very pleased to see what must be the definitive model of HMS Warspite, as in 1944, on display. The designer and builder,

Colin Vass, has given us talks on ship modelling, his last talk being on his model of Warspite. Many ready manufactured parts to

build your own models were on display and the standard of these is now very good indeed. What surprised me more than

anything was the number of “our” suppliers now supplying kits to build Gauge One locomotives. The standard and contents of some of the kits represented excellent value for money and if this is your scene, they must be presenting a serious challenge to

the traditional suppliers of Gauge one kits.

We are currently at committee discussing future projects, some for this year and others to follow for our site. One that always

gets put off is the repair of the trackway alongside of the railway. This is something that must be done fairly quickly when we

have managed to source the material to enable the Steam bus to return.

I hope to see you all over the new clubhouse sometime during the year. Dick Billington

COMMITTEE MEETING NEWS

Copies of the minutes are placed in the crew room and at Winterfield while a copy is normally available at each Monday

meeting.

March Meeting

J. Parmenter has agreed to become a keyholder.

Repairs to the toilets will be carried out in-house.

One non-member was admitted to the AGM. Awaiting clarification of whether renewal is proposed. The membership currently

stands at 167.

Currently £14200 available but large bills are due. The electrician’s bill will need to be paid promptly to avoid defaulting on the

agreement with Greensands. Expenditure is to be kept to a minimum so that some repayment of loans is possible in the current

financial year. The Big Plan has not yet been completed. Informal discussions are taking place on the role of the RSC in the future. DC

questioned the advisability of the work on the elevated track at an estimated cost of £3500. It is rarely used, the new steel

sections are not noticeably better than the wood that they replace. The piers also need modification. Matter referred to the

subcommittee.

Delays with installation of the electrics in the clubhouse have created problems in readying the building for the start of the

season. Contingency plans have been prepared for running the buffet if all the services are not available.

A formal opening day is planned for later in the year when it is hoped that a number of select models will be on show

ACE Security cannot restore full security until works in the clubhouse are complete.

Drivers are to be briefed on changes to the track layout. At Haynes End the policy of ensuring that all returning passengers leave

the platform before new ones enter must be enforced.

Dick is concerned that the various incident and maintenance record books are not being used. It was agreed that smoking will be permitted in the dirty workshop provided that the doors are fully opened.

Shaun has placed First Aid boxes at strategic points on site. An emergency bag will be kept in the signal box.

Dave C and Peter Palmer have looked for a suitable location for the multitool and concluded that it is possible if a rearrangement

of the workshop is allowed. There was no objection to this provided that the committee is informed before the work takes place.

No parking to be permitted on the grass in front of the clubhouse while Shaun attempts to repair damage. Some seeding has

already been carried out. The trackside road will be repaired after Easter by PP et al.

Winterfield needs to have mains services installed. Dave C suggested that this was of higher priority than the elevated track. He

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was asked to consult with Jim Bassett on the feasibility of the project.

April Meeting

Contact by Ben Nye of BBC Three Counties Radio requesting assistance with the Treasure Quest programme. Agreed to go

ahead with a member doing a short interview to tell about the location and all that is going on there. A small film company hopes to use our railway for “In love with Steam” a documentary being prepared for the BBC.

Contact by Peter Sparrow requesting a visit by his respite group. Agreed in principle but awaiting further details. Currently £8500 available. Electricity supplier Eon proposed a large increase in the monthly payment. When queried it was

found that an error had been made as the account was £352 in credit. Monthly payment revised downwards to £40.

The local rates will be zero for this year. The security system is up and running.

Essential maintenance of track and rolling stock is in hand. Problems with the track have been sorted.

A suggestion that the rules on guarding trains could be relaxed was discussed and it was decided that no changes should be made

on the grounds that safety could be impaired and in the event of an accident the society could be held to be negligent. It was

emphasised that the duties of guards should be clearly explained to them.

Shaun reported that all modes of communication were working well.

Tony submitted a full report on the state of catering for the new season.

For public running on 22nd April many of the catering team will be away and staff shortages are likely. Barbara Beard will undertake cleaning of the premises, usually on a Thursday afternoon before public running.

Peter Palmer has relocated the multitool into the workshop where some lights are not working.

Nick Bone has given up the post of Site Manager. Following discussion Gordon Mead has taken on the post. Gordon will cover

the site area outside of the railway boundaries and will maintain a running list of small tasks with larger tasks referred back to

committee. Completion of all tasks will be dependent upon priority and support. He will only tackle maintenance and building

tasks within the railway boundaries once they are identified and a support request made.

Nigel reported that the pond has been in use since refilling.

Mowers are working well. There are ample supplies of petrol, restocking of paraffin is in hand. Shaun asked that he is notified

whenever a propane cylinder is emptied.

The evening programme has been handed over to Dave C. Vikki will be operator for our Facebook page. Rolling stock storage. Dave C reported that he et al had reorganised the carriage shed and improved the situation. The matter

has been referred to the RSC. Andy will obtain some new signs for the main entrance. Vikki suggested that a combined approach with other site tenants was

needed. Nigel will speak to FAG and Second-hand Alley.

Nik Smith has purchased new software for the website and this should resolve the problems he has faced. Dave C will provide

Nik with a more accurate statement of the society’s history.

Alan G is concerned that some disrespectful and derogatory remarks are being made about fellow members. All members are

asked to discourage this practice whenever it is heard.

Please note that the floor sealing of the clubhouse was arranged by S C Johnson (formerly Johnson Wax) and not Johnson Paints.

WEBMASTER

A new section has been added to the website under the name members. This requires a login and the login is available from the

webmaster. If you send me an email with your member number and email address I will set up a login, as soon as it is ready for

use an email will be sent to the provided address with instructions for final set up.

E-MAIL TO THE EDITOR

Hey Tony thanks very much. The new clubhouse looks spot on and should promote the club well with its first time visitors. All

is good here at the other side of the world. Bought a house over looking the sea and move in, in October. Hope all is well with

you and say hi to all for me. Take care

Simon and family

New Zealand

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

As a founder member of the society I have never seen a new committee member spell out what he proposed to do as a committee

member. I think that David Combes’ proposals to get the Bedford Model Engineering Society back on the lines that the Society

was formed for, model engineering, are much needed. Because we have a railway and we have a high rent to find, the only way

to pay the rent is to run the railway for the public, but it has been nothing but railway and no modelling. Of our 145 full or senior

members, less than 20 turn up on a Monday night. Where are all the others? Surely those other 125 must be interested in model-

ling?

I am prepared to give up a couple of hours a month to keep the Monday nights alive. I am 84 years old so I can’t use a shovel or

a spade without getting back ache, but I can talk and perhaps show people what to do. I have built 21 locos and 2 traction en-

gines and 2 years making dolls houses so maybe I could help someone. I have taken 4 people under my wing and they have gone on to make locos and traction engines. I taught them to use a lathe and milling machine, brazing and so on, to be able to make a

model.

I, for one, am willing to help David achieve his goal. Are there any other members willing to do the same?

Les Shaw

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FOR SALE

A very full spec. Myford ML7 lathe.

For details please phone John Parmenter on

01234381449. Equipment located in Haynes.

£1250 prepared to haggle.

BRAIN FADE

I have done it again—loaned some tools to someone and due to a complete memory failure (both words and picture) have no

idea as to whom I loaned them.

So, will the member to whom I loaned my below 1/2inch 26tpi taps and dies please return them as I would like to use them and

let Alan Beard have his set back. Thanks.

Dick Billington

BEDS & HERTS POLICE DOG TEAM. Many of you will have noticed the signs displayed at our club site stating that care should be taken as the site is used for the

training of police dogs. The signs have been displayed for some time and whilst we knew that the dog team did use the site, es-

pecially as one member of the team lives in the locality, they were never actually seen. That all changed in early February when

the entire dog team, their handlers and their supervisor arrived for a pre-arranged training day with our members present to give

the dogs training around ordinary people.

The police supervisor asked our members to act normally and starting at around mid morning the dogs were put through their

paces to find various mysterious packages hidden around our site, both on and off the tracks. There was a quick lunch break and

then training resumed until early afternoon. The training ended with a brief session stop and arrest mode using one dog. It was

completely fascinating to see the dogs in action and also to see the super interaction between the dogs and their handlers.

At the end of the day we were able to talk to the police dog team and we had several fascinating conversations. The team with

one of their dogs can be seen in the picture.

The Beds and Herts Police Dog Team will continue to use our site for training and we look forward to seeing them in action again in the future.

The dog team can be contacted via Shaun O`Hare

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2012 INVITATION RALLY WEEKEND

Our Annual Invitation Rally is again scheduled to take place over the first weekend in September. The dates are Friday 7th

through to Sunday 9th September. The general format of the event will follow the established pattern and again we have extend

a cordial invitation to all our friends and fellow model enthusiasts to join us for a weekend of miniature railway enjoyment.

As usual Friday will be the welcome day and the railway tracks and the traction engine road will be open for use from midday.

Saturday is the Rally day proper while Sunday is a public running day where all our visitors, if they so wish, can run for the pub-

lic.

Again we have camping and caravan facilities on site and they are available (by arrangement) from Thursday 6th September to

Monday 10th September, though it may be possible to accommodate tents and caravans beyond these dates if so required.

Your help and support for the weekend is appreciated to make this a memorable event for our visitors. We have included infor-

mation on the meal arrangements and it would be appreciated if you could let us know if you can help with the event during the

weekend.

For a Booking Form contact:

Mat & Gilly Rainer,

15,Chaucer Road Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK3 5AH

Tel: 01908 366198 (ans.)

email: mkrainers@btinternet.com

SATURDAY EVENING MENU CHOICES FOR 2012

Lamb & Vegetable Pie Lemon Cheesecake

Chicken Italian Profiteroles

Chilli con Carne French Apple Tart

Bean and Vegetable medley

Also available to pre-order:

Friday Evening Fish & Chips

Saturday & Sunday Breakfast Egg & Bacon Bap

Saturday & Sunday Lunch Ploughman’s

Bookings being taken now—please book early to help with planning.

THE BEECHES LIGHT RAILWAY

Recently Margaret and I paid a visit to the Beeches Light railway owned by Mr Adrian Shooter. We had the one day of fine

weather to be found within the UK at the time and the dry sunny day made for an excellent visit to a railway. The visit was ar-

ranged by David Hillier and was open to all BMES members.

The railway, which is 2 ft gauge, is based upon Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and is operated by one of the locomotives from

that railway. The train pulls three replica coaches built by the Ffestiniog Railway around a figure of eight layout on a site with

heavy gradients that can be run in two directions. Both ways present differing views and the layout is planted with trees and

bushes to provide screening and to give some impression of the original railway. The layout has a replica of a hill station and the

entire system is very atmospheric, especially when smoke hangs in the trees.

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The entire railway can only be seen from the air. To see it on the ground is to see it from a number of vantage points. From

some the entire train can be seen whilst from others only small sections can be seen at a time. The best vantage point is from the

field when the train is running clockwise and it comes fighting for grip from the pine trees, barking hard with dark smoke going

to the heavens. It does require, on some sections, the men on the front beam to drop sand on the rails and I have already volun-

teered several of our members for this task. Unfortunately it is not allowed but if it was I know that I would be there.

I spite of wooden seats the coaches ride well and are comfortable. The train runs from the station and does about seven or eight

circuits. This is repeated a number of times in both running directions. In both directions there is a considerable gradient and the

loco works hard. When running anti clockwise the approach to the station is the steepest part of the circuit and requires careful

and delicate engine handling.

We were also able to walk around the engine and coach sheds and found some interesting examples of other narrow gauge equip-

ment in storage. Margaret was surprised to see a coach from the sandy River and Rangeley Lake Railroad in the USA in the shed.

This coach pleased me as I used a coach pattern from this Railway to make the coaches for my small 7 ¼ gauge American 2-4-2

Porter loco.

I also liked the small inspection car in the shed. It had chain drive but what road vehicle it was actually based upon I was unable

to find out. However I would like one------ I could drive our signalman mad with one of those.

I suggest that if we ever get another invitation you make an effort to visit, it is well worth while.

There was one downside to the day. My sat-nav refused to accept that the site of the railway actually existed. However I can

assure everyone that the railway is not a mirage and I would like to thank Adrian Shooter for sharing his delightful and surpris-

ingly beautiful railroad with us mere mortals. Dick Billington

CREW ROOM AND STATION CANOPY

Due to the club’s commitment to the new clubhouse funds for the station canopy and the replacement crew room are naturally

limited.

We are investigating ways we can progress over time ,primarily the crew room, as it would replace the last eyesore on the site,

namely the caravan. The station canopy is a larger commitment of funding.

As a club member can you help with our

WISH LIST

How many times have you spoken to someone and said that you were looking for an item only to be told that they have just

thrown one away, Annoying isn’t it?

In an effort to overcome this unwritten law we are publishing a club wish list in the hope that somewhere in the club members’

store of useful solutions we all keep you have the materials and are prepared to donate them to the club or perhaps know some-

one who can help us.

We require

Bricks – New or good condition, any quantity or facing.

Steel box section – 100mm square at least 2.5m long. Angle iron – 50mm x 50mm at least 1.1m long and up to 6m.

Timber suitable for roof joists

Large sheets of ¾” thick plywood or strand board

If you can donate any of the above please bring to the site or contact John Lawson on 01525 375197.

Thank you

Waiting for the train at Rinkingpong Road

David Hillier

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BMES SITE ACCESS

Following last year’s burglaries, we installed a security system covering a number of buildings. Unfortunately some members have been upset because of the access restriction which this security system introduced. Regrettably, the system installed has

refused to cope with more than ten access codes and some members are disappointed. This problem is under investigation and

ultimately will be sorted out. However in the meantime any member who does not have security access and who wishes to come

over the club and needs to access the secure areas please contact one of the key holders and check that either someone will be

there be on site who is a key holder, or someone is available to come over and open up and more importantly close up after you.

If you do not do this you may well have a wild goose chase.

The key holders are:

Alan Beard 01234 743062, David Boyde 01234 406 757. Please remember that that these members do have private lives and

may not always be able to accommodate your wishes.

IT IS THE LAW

Law of Probability

The probability of being watched is directly proportional to the stupidity of your act.

Law of Random Numbers If you dial a wrong number, you never get a busy signal and someone always answers.

Variation Law

If you change lines at a supermarket (or traffic lanes), the one you were in will always move faster than the one you are in now

(works every time).

Law of Close Encounters

The probability of meeting someone you know increases dramatically when you are with someone you don't want to be seen

with.

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I would also like to take this opportunity to remind members that if you do come over the site to do "something" our insurers

require that you have at least one active person with you in case of accident.

Members are also reminded that should they wish to run on the ground level tracks that unless the air systems are switched on,

the points are not locked and may creep under the passage of trains. Please therefore switch the air on before you run and please switch it off when finished running.

Dick Billington

REMINDER

1 You should not be alone on site. If you have an accident when alone on site you will not be covered by the Society’s in-

surance. You have been warned.

2 You should not use the top exit from the site. When planning permission was granted the planning officer was concerned

that the exit was not good from the road safety view point and we gave the assurance that the lower exit would be used.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

CLUB EVENTS 2012

June

Sunday 3rd. Public Running—Jubilee Holiday

Monday 4th. Public Running—Jubilee Holiday

Monday 11th. Club Barbeque

Sunday 17th. Diesel and Electric Rally

Saturday 23rd. Traction Engine Rally

Sunday 24th. Traction Engine Rally & Public Running

July

Sunday 8th. Small Loco Rally Monday 9th. Club Night & Evening Running

Sunday 15th. Public Running

Sunday 22nd. Members’ Fun Sunday

August

Wednesday 1st. Public Running—School Holiday

Sunday 5th. Members’ Fun Sunday

Wednesday 8th. Public Running—School Holiday

Monday 13th. Club Night & Evening Running

TRACTION ENGINE RALLY

As this year will be the 10th year that I have been the event organiser we have decided that I will definitely be standing down! I will however be on hand to help the next volunteer!! It is with this in mind that I would like to go out in a blaze of glory and have

the biggest rally/show that we have ever had but this can only happen with your help.

Friday I will be on site by mid-morning so if you are camping/caravanning then you are most welcome to join me!

Saturday. This is a club/visitors’ day. A day when friends/family can join us and drive. This is away from the public.

Sunday. This is the main rally day. The public will be allowed on site and the railways will be in operation.

Please support us to make 2012 the best one yet.

Stephen Lee. Phone: 07952 529460 e-mail: Stephen.lee503@ntlworld.com

VISITS TO OTHER EVENTS

STOOMGROEP TURNHOUT (Belgium)

International Steam Days

Saturday 26th to Monday 28th May (Whitsun)

www.stoomgroep.be

Contact Alan Beard for further details

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LEICESTER SOCIETY OF MODEL ENGINEERS

ABBEY PARK MINIATURE RAILWAY

OPEN DAYS - 2012 MAXITRAK MIDLAND RALLY – 20th MAY

SUMMER OPEN DAY (LOCOS) – 24TH JUNE

TRACTION & TRACK OPEN DAY – 9TH SEPT

You are cordially invited to our 2012 Open Days at Leicester. Bring your locos and stock for a run on the 5” and 7.25” ground

level or the 2.5”, 3.5” and 5” raised level tracks at Abbey Park.

We suggest you use the Slater Street entrance, off St. Margaret’s Way, LE1 3EJ, where we can open the park gates to enable you

to unload and park inside our compound.

Buffet lunch will be provided but please advise the undersigned in advance to assist with the catering arrangements.

Needless to say, current boiler and insurance documentation will be required for all visiting engines wishing to raise steam. Dur-

ing your visit, why not take the opportunity to explore this beautiful Victorian park, near to the City Centre with its shopping

centre for the ladies.

A warm welcome awaits and we look forward to seeing you!

John Lowe - tel. 01455 272047 e-mail greenbriar@tiscali.co.uk

BMES WEB SITE

An addition to our website is a link to a weather forecast for our local area; to access the chart, just go to our website and click on

the link. The site may be accessed from any one of three addresses. They are:

www.bedfordmes.co.uk

www.summerfieldsmr.co.uk

www.summerfieldmr.co.uk

The reasoning behind the apparent duplication of the latter two is that many people incorrectly omit the final ‘s’ in Summer-

fields.

Nik Smith advises that he has had little feedback from members concerning the website. Please, if you haven’t already done so,

visit the site and let him know what you think. This is our access to the much wider outside world and we need it to be as perfect

as it can be made.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS

The general committee of the Society normally meets on the third Monday of each month. Meetings will be held at our Club-

house and commence at 19.00. Any member is welcome to come along to these meetings as an observer. If you intend coming

to one of these meetings , may we ask that you first contact any committee member, as on rare occasions the location may be

changed.

MEETINGS

Regular meetings are held on the second Monday evening of each month throughout the year. In future these meetings will be

held in the new Clubhouse . Details of meetings’ content, times and venues will be given in preceding issues of The Coupling.

On Wednesdays a group assembles at around 10.00 at the track site, mainly to work on various projects. Any member is wel-

come to come along and give a hand or just to enjoy a chat plus a cup of tea or coffee.

Wainwright’s Emporium is open but currently running at a low activity level until the final sorting of the dirty workshop is com-

plete.

Sunday mornings, other than public running days, are another time for routine maintenance work. We meet at the track around

09.30 and there is always plenty to do.

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‘The COUPLING’ PUBLICATION DATES

The newsletter is published bi-monthly with issues in January, March, May, July, September and November. In each case

the publication day is the third Thursday of the month, which will normally be three days after the respective monthly

Committee Meeting. This is to allow for any ‘stop press’ information derived from these meetings to be included as a

flyer. Copy deadlines for contributions, Letters to the Editor, etc, will be set at eight days prior to publication, usually

following the meeting on the second Monday.

Next copy deadline is 11th July, please!

SOCIETY SALES

Sweat and polo shirts can be made up for individuals according to size and logo required. They can be embroidered with

the owner's name if so wished and the logo can be either the club badge with Summerfields Miniature Railway around the

outside, i.e. the one we are all familiar with, or just the Society badge as depicted on the front of this issue.

Our contact for these is Tony Bullock (Tel: 01494 439098). The polo shirts are ideal on a nice still summer's day, while

the sweatshirts are excellent to keep out the wind and make smart casual wear for other occasions.

Single and double-sided fleeces are available to order. Also available are showerproof jackets and these can be

overprinted with logo and name as required. If you wish to place an order for yourself or your partner, then please contact

Tony direct; he is often at club meetings when he will be happy to oblige. Cash with order please.

The fridge magnets in the form of a BR totem station sign and depicting Haynes End , Hammer Hill or Badgers Holt may

be obtained from the Station Buffet. The totems are finished in BMES Blue.

We have the useful little handbooks Still Steaming, Little Puffers and Tiny Trains, dealing respectively with standard

gauge, narrow gauge and miniature railways – the latter including our own Summerfields Miniature Railway. These

guides are priced at £7.99 each, or all three for £20; with proceeds going towards the new clubhouse.

NEW LINE

Polo Shirts are now available with a pocket which is most useful for those of us who wear glasses and want somewhere to

put them when not perched on the nose. The badge and name can be embroidered as now but on the right hand side with

the pocket on the left. Cost per shirt inclusive of embroidery is £13.50.

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