July Running Night 2018

Hey hey, apologies for not getting many photos of the running night last night. I spent too long trying to research a fault I had with one of my locos. That and we had a record crowd show up which kept me busy (chatting) which was a fantastic result. As always, great to see lots of trains using the layout and plenty of inspiration from all. Anyway back to it, hope to see you all there at the next running night or the next meeting in August.

Alison Kelly's X class Models MSA500 hauls a short train through Swan View. 

Alison Kelly's RailWest A1511 sits in the yard at Swan View.

Rex Vellender's ADE Governor Railcar and trailer makes a brief stop at Swan View station on its way out of Perth. 

Rex Vellender's ADE Governor Railcar and trailer makes a brief stop at Swan View station on its way out of Perth. 

Stuart Mackay's two X class Models MSA class garratts hauling a short train of open wagons.

From left to right: Ross Green's scratch-built DS class tank, Doug Firth's RailWest S class, Stuart Mackay's X class Models MSA garratt.

July Meeting 2018

Hey hey, a record crowd was recorded at the meeting last night and also a new member along with some infrequent members in attendance. As per standard meetings; news and apologies were started by Graham Watson as well as the welcoming of new and old friends. John Maker gave his usual president's update which included an updated count (but not yet final) on the totals from the exhibition last month. Of course this lead to the obvious question of "what to do next year?" Should we stick to this year's setup? What should we change or do better? What layout shall we display? etc. John Maker made the comment of why not let the club itself build a new layout specifically for exhibitions. One that has a finite (possibly 3 displays?) touring life and is stored (rather than displayed as Swan View currently is) throughout the year or years it's not in use. Graham Watson gave the floor a chance to mull over the idea and will make it an item of discussion for the next meeting. If you have any thoughts or comments, bring them to the August meeting or comment below. 

As usual, the next part of the meeting was bring and show. Cassidy Newland (Westrail Models) announced that he had distributed the first of his F class Kits and as one had not yet been collected, he took the opportunity to display all the parts included in the kit which comes in a smart red box. John Hatch announced he is now experimenting with casting and has cast some seats for his scratch built Australind set. Stuart Mackay (X class Models) announced that he has delivered all but one MSA to his customers. With that done, he has kept 2 for himself (491 and 492) and brought them along to the meeting. Stuart has also been experimenting with shades of top coats and lacquers to give differing effects on the finished product as can be seen in the different shades of black in his MSAs. Stuart also brought his scratch-built O class as a comparison. Peter Edwards announced he has been fine-tuning his 3D drawings and printed kits of the early WAGR AI 4 wheel coaches. He has several kits for sale if anyone is interested. Graham Watson noted that a couple were used as white workman's vans so their use is fairly flexible. Kelvin Davis continues to model new wagons and kits at a rapid rate, nearly completing a whole AF carriage kit from WestOz Models between meetings. Kelvin also completed a D van kit from RailWest Models. Finally Adrian Gunzburg (special guest) brought along an advanced copy of the Westland Models 3D printed AYC Australind car. He noted that the paint was rushed over 2 days to have it ready for the meeting but the finished product showed promising signs.

Adrian then followed that up with an updated presentation on the workings and operations of his layout which is currently under construction. Based on Bunbury and the south-west main, plenty of photos were displayed and some beautiful craftsmanship from himself as well as others in the locomotives, rollingstock and line side structures. A presentation that was well enjoyed by all in attendance.

Stuart Mackay's X class Models MSA492 on display.

Stuart Mackay's X class Models MSA492 on display.

Stuart Mackay's X class Models MSA492 on display.

Stuart Mackay's X class Models MSA491 on display.

Stuart Mackay's X class Models MSA491 on display.

Stuart Mackay's X class Models MSA491 on display.

Stuart Mackay's scratch-built O class on display.

Stuart Mackay's scratch-built O class on display. 

Kelvin Davis' WestOz Models AF class carriage along with his RailWest D van on display. 

Peter Edwards prototype 3D printed AI coach on display.

Peter Edwards prototype 3D printed AI coach on display.

The advanced prototype of the Westland Models 3D printed AYC Australind coach on display. 

The advanced prototype of the Westland Models 3D printed AYC Australind coach on display.

The advanced prototype of the Westland Models 3D printed AYC Australind coach on display.

John Hatch's very smartly cast seats for his scratch-built Australind set on display. 

The contents of the Westrail Models F class kit on display.