May 2022 Meeting

Marshlink Finescale Area Group (East Sussex / Kent Borders)
GregC
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Joined: Tue Mar 28, 2017 9:39 am

May 2022 Meeting

Postby GregC » Fri May 20, 2022 9:25 am

Marshlink Area Group Meeting 19th May 2022

7 members gathered at the St Mary’s church centre in Rye for our 5th meeting of the year.
Brian Smith, Ian Moon and Bob Cockcroft were unable to attend and sent apologies.

James Walters updated us on his research into Bexhill West with particular emphasis on the signalling arrangements which required 2 boxes on the real thing and a facility to lock certain signals and points at each box to prevent the other box from allowing conflicting movements. He has been receiving much advice from the signalling experts on the forum. He showed a track plan and an interlocking diagram and demonstrated some signalling indicators he has produced to replicate those in the signal box.

Prior to the meeting Steve Carter had mentioned that he was looking into different coupling systems for use on his own home layout This led to an interesting discussion on the merits and disadvantages of several commercial systems. Bob Cummings gave a demonstration of a system he had developed himself based loosely on the Spratt & Winkle model, replacing the hook with one of his own design made from guitar string. Greg Coady then demonstrated both the commercial Spratt & Winkle and Dingham sytems. He uses both systems on the Farnham MRC’s “Brixcombe” layout. S & W for freight stock and Dinghams for fixed coach rakes. Having seen the demonstration Steve expressed a preference for the Dinghams.

David Lowe then wowed us with an early LB&SCR wagon which he had printed on his 3D printer in 7mm scale. The iron work, brake gear, bolts, tarpaulin rail had all been produced separately and fitted to the wagon body piece by piece, resulting in an exquisite model which David planned to improve further.

Ben Mason brought along a CSP/Peter K kit of a Manning Wardle ‘K’ class which he is planning to build with working inside motion. It seems likely that the minute size of the frames will preclude the use of standard hornblocks and Ben will have to decide how and if to compensate the model. We look forward to updates on this project at future meetings.

As usual Steve provided tea, coffee and biscuits, for which we give our thanks.

Next meeting is 16th June.

Greg Coady 20/5/22

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