
It is a little time since we had any report as to how things have been going, but in fact everyone has been busy and the locomotives are continuing to be completed over the summer - we will probably have a procession of engines in the autumn when most will have them finished. Some have successfully finished more than one engine.
We have also covered several other topics recently including a discussion on gauges as well as an introduction to Templot by Fergus, one of our little band - Fergus drew out Burntisland when we were in the earliest stages of construction of the layout 15 years ago and has a fair bit of experience using it. I am hoping we will have a session with Lindsay Galloway who is also a keen user some time in the autumn.
James Batchelor has been busy designing a new uncoupler using super magnets which I think will deserve, at the very least, an article in the Snooze when he comes to the final version - those who came along to the last meeting were able to observe its latest incarnation. He also has ideas on making the MERG Servo 4 boards more reliable. Personally,I have had some distrust of them after a number of incidents on various layouts, but with increased knowledge I now understand, I think, just what has been leading to trouble at exhibitions. James has various remedies which he has been trying out and I also know John Stocks has also done some work on his lovely layout to overcome similar problems, but using different solutions. There will be much discussion about MERG kits, which are extremely useful, coming in the autumn and some of the members of the group are intent on joining.
The discussion on gauges is maybe pertinent as little is printed about their use, however, there has been discussion about the triangular gauge elsewhere on the forum, which is worth having a look at. The thread (for the Starters Group) is worth a read before we get together in the autumn to make baseboards and track.
I am going to introduce a new thread just covering the track making course as it may make it easier for others to find and be able to use, on the forum as well as our Starters Group.

I know how much the loco building threads have been used which made me think that a separate thread for the track making program might be a good idea. The thread will just add to what is available already on the forum, but will put a number of things together that can be found elsewhere if you took the time to look.