East Kent O Gauge Group, Faversham
SPRING 2021 - Our ‘Open Air’ gathering was in full swing on June 2nd. Members were spaced around the ring of tables on the lawn, looking at models, chatting or inspecting sales items. A breeze and bright sun - “Perfick.”
Roger Harmer’s crew arrived early to set-out tables, others coming, by bus and car, nearer opening time; sixteen in all. John B. and others who’d contributed our Newsletters, now appeared in person. Quite a few ‘Bring & Buy’ items changed hands; some thinning their stock and others finding useful bits. Just being out and able to chat was a joy, so we heard of disused railways around Brecon, the worries of small preservation groups, lots of modelling and whose children were furloughed.
Problem solving being an EKOGG speciality, Bill R swiftly dealt with a wayward ‘B set’ on a sloping table – two large cobble stones at track ends doing the job.
Richard B., almost hidden by stacks of track, had his speciality wagons for heavy and ‘out of gauge’ loads on display; while John M., another scratch builder, brought several Edwardian trains. ‘Snailbeach Tramway’ hoppers, destined for Tenterden Museum were in pride of place by Ross S. Fred C had busily produced two rakes of carriages in the last months; GWR bogies and green SR 4 wheelers. ‘Lockdown models’, including a Bedford lorry, from David G. ranged from pre-Grouping locos to BR green diesels, with wagons and carriages to match.
It was good to be back amongst the banter of the relaxed group. A very welcome get-together.
If all goes well with national Covid restrictions easing full meetings will start in July. We’ll need to check layouts and Circuit to see what refurbishment is needed after months in store. Being booked for the 2022 Warley Show with ‘Edington Junction’ will concentrate minds.
Materials have arrived for ‘Lenham Junction’ station (ex-LC&DR) which will slot into the Circuit. The navvies await track plans being pasted onto the baseboards; David Grimwood and Paul Weeden directing. The civil engineers, led by Roger Harmer and Ross, have chosen materials, and will be working from detailed building plans and photos, focusing on the early BR years. We hope all members will be involved.
Meanwhile, back at home, members have been busy. As a change from making rolling stock, our Secretary completed his Burnham-on-Sea goods yard - dimensions slightly compressed. We were pleased to see David Hopkins’ ‘Southbrook’ station appear in GOG’s Virtual Show; now with interiors and lighting. The Treasurer continues production of well-weathered, late BR wagons. Barry King chose a Class 67, ‘Charlotte’ in Colas livery as his first brass kit. He is now sourcing suitable decals. Fred Coulter has added a cassette fiddle-yard to his slim layout. Dual-gauge pointwork has crept onto Tim’s DCC brewery layout as he builds n-g saddle tanks. Our WhatsApp group continues to exchange information and share problems.
You can see us and our models on our website at www.ekogg.org.uk. Hopefully, later in 2021 we’ll see them, and maybe you, at our Badlesmere HQ. Rob Moody
Last update: 25 Mar 2021