Sunday, May 9, 2010

Epping Model Railway Club Southern Division

I had a great time on Friday evening being entertained by members of the Southern Division (ACT) of the Epping Model Railway Club.

The evening was exactly what a Model Train night should be. You can betcha I will go again when able to.

Tables arranged so that everyone was facing one and other across them and everyone had a tool box on the floor and tools spread about themselves on the table. In the midst of this organised chaos were a number of models and each attendee was working away at his new or latest model. Much of what was occuring was either scratch building or kit bashing. Some may not be touched until next week.

It put paid for me to the argument that new modellers have to be taught ALL the skills. They just need to be exposed to the techniques, materials and ideas. Most modellers learn by doing. There are a million books and magazine articles available to the novice, once they know what they are looking for.

I consider myself of a reasonable modelling capability, won a couple of trophies. I have spent time demonstrating various skills to other modellers. But here is the thing, I learnt a number of things on Friday, things which I will try in my own work shop.

Thanks to the Epping boys, I did enjoy myself immensely.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Where's Macca?

Unfortunately Macca has not been very well. An extended forced break from work and a stay in hospital has given Macca much time to think a few things through and reconfigure his own modelling plans.

A booth for air abrasion is almost completed and has been tested. I will post a photo once completed.

A spray booth is well under way as are plans to completely remodel the "Train Shed". Existing plans were too restrictive. New plans will see a multi layer railway with good long runs of both single track and dual track main. Staying with a NSW prototype is an easy choice as a respctable stud of models are already in the collection just waiting for track to run on.

I should add a big thank you to the Doctors, Staff and Nurses of the Emergency Department and Ward 3, Wagga Wagga Base Hospital, who gave me much needed care and attention to get me on the road to recovery from what was a serious and could have been a much more serious condition.

And a big thanks to the little Woman who came and sat with me time after time, even when I was almost incoherent and not quite up to visitors. Yes, we have both had a rather trying few months.

More soon.