cromptonnut Posted October 5, 2014 Share Posted October 5, 2014 Hi all It's all gone nice and quiet here recently which I hope means you are all soldiering on nicely with building lots of modules! I think it's about time we set ourselves a target for our first official "modular meet". Unless there are lots of other thoughts, I have access to a venue in Merstham, just north of Redhill (a few miles from the M23/M25 junction) that will charge us £10/hour as a special rate. This will include a large room, access to basic kitchen facilities and toilets. A good amount of on-site secure parking is available. If you would be travelling by train it's about a mile from the nearest station to the venue so you may need to factor in a taxi fare too - however I would hope that where possible we might be able to "car pool" when we know who is interested. At the moment I have no idea of dates but would get two or three dates, perhaps April/May 2015, and put to the venue in order to confirm a date. Including basic refreshments (bring your own lunch) I would hope that there would be enough interest to make it about £10-15 for the day (plus of course your travel expenses). More people means reduced per person costs; I don't envisage there being any profit from this. We can "piggyback" on the venue's public liability insurance but stock and modules would not be covered. This would increase costs significantly via a third party. The event would not be open to the general public but by invite only, initially to active RMWeb members only in the SECAG area or its vicinity. Attendants may bring a guest with them if required but preference would be for those who are interested in modular modelling, perhaps from their own clubs. The venue would not be advertised publicly.. What I envisage doing is, once we have provisionally set a date, gather in advance your fees (refundable if it doesn't happen) to make sure that the event is viable, I have attached a poll to this post to get some ideas of interest and then we can start looking at details. It doesn't matter if your module(s) aren't going to be completely finished by then; as long as they are electrically functional there's no reason they can't be part of a setup. Vote away... and feel free to ask questions or share your thoughts below. Expressing an interest at this stage is not a firm commitment on your part to attend! 'Nut Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold PaulRhB Posted October 5, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted October 5, 2014 Within range for me only thing that depends is whether it falls on a weekend off as I'd need to book leave so early notice helps. Do you have a control system in mind or are you looking for one too? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cromptonnut Posted October 5, 2014 Author Share Posted October 5, 2014 Understand ... once we get an idea of who is provisionally interested we can then be a bit more specific on dates and settle on something that works for the majority of people. I have a Lenz setup and can provide a couple of controllers but again we'll look at a majority vote once we know who can make what day. I am hoping that between now and then I can manage to get my wireless bit working with the laptop/JMRI/Lenz interface which will enable more people to "connect". Early days, and I've never organised a meet before ... so it's interesting all round Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold BlueLightning Posted October 5, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted October 5, 2014 I would like to attend but that would require me to get Hailsham past the early planning stage that it sits. I have really got stuck with that and now seem to not be able to even make a start on the plan however I'm sure April / May 2015 should be OK to get that sorted. Even if I don't get the module sorted I could always come along and bring stock / DCC control and my technical expertise to try and get the Wireless control working. Gary Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cromptonnut Posted October 5, 2014 Author Share Posted October 5, 2014 Hi Gary, that in itself would be worth coming along As I said, this isn't a public exhibition so it doesn't matter what state our boards are in - particularly as it's a "proof of concept" in many ways - as long as there is enough track to get from the left side to the right side wired up and functional (you don't even need all the points and sidings wired, and if it means we have to simulate "single line working" on a double track board then that just adds to the operational challenges! In the meantime, you could consider working on a separate 4ft (or longer...) simple board, single or double track, which would work in conjunction with your Hailsham project, but if built to modular standards then it can of course be used as a standalone section within a larger module. I have a few boards "on the go" but will prioritise my next bit based on the replies here and what people think they can bring - if we already have 3 stations then there's not much point in me working on another at this stage. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold BlueLightning Posted October 5, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted October 5, 2014 I hadn't even thought about working on something different. With the time I have been stuck away from Hailsham I have been working on my roundy-roundy and getting lots of new stock. I have a few ideas for scenic sections and had considered building a shed set around the same era as Hailsham so I have a few ideas to work with. Regardless of what I do in the meantime it would be good to come along even if just to meet a few other members. Gary Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cromptonnut Posted October 5, 2014 Author Share Posted October 5, 2014 My one big concern is that we'll end up with six station modules and nothing to put between them Although I do have a station module planned myself, it's a relatively simple affair and it's lower down the priority than several other things I'm working on at the moment. If you remember my post #4 in your "Hailsham" thread where I showed how it might be possible for you to split the master plan into several distinct sections, perhaps you could look at producing one of the sections that isn't the station itself just to get used to working to the "standards"? Or, for that matter, a couple of 'plain track' sections to extend left or right of the existing master plan, that can be used if required or not, depending on the space you have available at home. Twin track, grass, fence, a bridge and some sheep... it'll probably take longer for the glue to dry than anything else! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold BlueLightning Posted October 5, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted October 5, 2014 The fact of not wanting to many stations was one of the reasons I had thought about making an engine shed was that I thought it would be something a bit different to break up a long run of stations and I seem to be getting quite addicted to this layout building thing rather than just buying lots of trains (on top of the roundy-roundy and modules I have a 009 layout planned and have acquired my first ever 0 gauge loco) so I image that overtime my railway cupboard which is currently being cleaned will become full of as many scenic sections as I can fit in there. Gary Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cromptonnut Posted October 5, 2014 Author Share Posted October 5, 2014 You sound like me - lots of N and OO stock, a small bit of O stock and an O layout under construction but OO-9 still won't leave my mind. Although we aren't (currently) using the same venue don't forget this group that also meet at Merstham: http://surrey.7mmnga.org.uk/ But... I digress Hopefully in the next few weeks we'll have sufficient interests to have set a date into the calendar to get some money in to book the hall, then we all have a target to aim towards getting something to a functional state. Unfortunately this time of the year glue takes a lot longer to dry therefore modelling slows down. Don't forget that you can stack boards much closer if you don't have too many big things on them, or have them arranged so that buildings are inside the frame of the board above when stored. I'm making my trees removeable for that purpose, also I can then use them on multiple layouts where I'm only going to be using one layout at a time Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold BlueLightning Posted October 5, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted October 5, 2014 I am good at making layouts compact for storage. My roundy-roundy folds against a wall and when put way there is less that 1.5" between the top of the baseboard and the wall. other than the track and the platforms everything has to come off for it to go away. But we seem to be quite a bit off topic. I shall have a think about what I could build other than Hailsham be it the shed module or a scenic board or 2 and perhaps post a new thread about that sometime in the coming week. If I go scenic then knowing the local model shop then the longest thing about it will be getting the code 75 track. The owner signed up to RMWeb earlier today so hopefully he can jump in here and tell me he has some in stock lol. Gary Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cromptonnut Posted October 6, 2014 Author Share Posted October 6, 2014 There's nothing like a deadline to focus the mind Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
GRC Posted October 6, 2014 Share Posted October 6, 2014 Providing the dates work I should be fine to bring Shillingstone, should be 16 feet by then double track with station in the middle. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sebastianhs Posted October 7, 2014 Share Posted October 7, 2014 But we seem to be quite a bit off topic. I shall have a think about what I could build other than Hailsham be it the shed module or a scenic board or 2 and perhaps post a new thread about that sometime in the coming week. If I go scenic then knowing the local model shop then the longest thing about it will be getting the code 75 track. The owner signed up to RMWeb earlier today so hopefully he can jump in here and tell me he has some in stock lol. Morning Gary, Code 75 track is in stock, quite a bit of it too. See you soon! Sebastian Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cromptonnut Posted October 8, 2014 Author Share Posted October 8, 2014 Encouraging results so far - I'll leave this another week or so before going to the next stage. If everyone attending brings just two 4ft boards then that's 56ft of track already (and I've got more than two boards already...) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold BlueLightning Posted October 8, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted October 8, 2014 I drew up a 16ft track plan for my shed module yesterday which I am so far happy with. I will continue to think about it this evening before uploading it for scrutiny. With the available time I think I could get that and at least 1 scenic board ready in time. Gary Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cromptonnut Posted October 8, 2014 Author Share Posted October 8, 2014 Remember that - unless specified otherwise by the meet organiser - (and I'm not specifying it...) there is no need for all boards to be complete as long as they are at least electrically functional (or sufficiently functional...) to be a productive part of the whole. Even if we were providing something to display at a proper exhibition, I still think there's something to be said for "under construction" modules as long as the owner is happy to talk to people about it Just to clarify whilst you're still in the planning stage, will this have single or double track through it so things can be joined either side, or is the shed a standalone unit that needs a junction board with a single or twin through track on it, and a line (or two) leading into the shed? If that doesn't make sense I'll try and draw what I mean Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve-e Posted October 8, 2014 Share Posted October 8, 2014 I would be interested in this while a bit North of the area I could make a weekend of it. Hopefully once a date is set I can get my Holidays in at work and I'll crack on with Bankside as I'd like to prove the concept. Cheers Steve Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cromptonnut Posted October 8, 2014 Author Share Posted October 8, 2014 Hi Steve, have a look at the Google Maps link here: http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/85692-secag-members-locations-on-google-map/ If you "untick" the Members List then your next list (the blue ones) you'll see there are plenty of railway attractions in the area - if you're travelling that far there is plenty else to choose from depending on your tastes (if steam then there's the Bluebell, if diesel then the Spa Valley Railway is a good option). I can't help with hospitality I'm afraid but there are plenty of hotels, B&B's etc around due to the closeness to Gatwick and would be happy to advise if required. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold BlueLightning Posted October 8, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted October 8, 2014 Remember that - unless specified otherwise by the meet organiser - (and I'm not specifying it...) there is no need for all boards to be complete as long as they are at least electrically functional (or sufficiently functional...) to be a productive part of the whole. Even if we were providing something to display at a proper exhibition, I still think there's something to be said for "under construction" modules as long as the owner is happy to talk to people about it Just to clarify whilst you're still in the planning stage, will this have single or double track through it so things can be joined either side, or is the shed a standalone unit that needs a junction board with a single or twin through track on it, and a line (or two) leading into the shed? If that doesn't make sense I'll try and draw what I mean The plan at the moment has a twin track but I was also going to build a short add-on for each side so it could be converted into a single line turning the second line into a large passing loop and I don't plan on having that complete scenic wise by next may however it should be most of the way there, funds permitting. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cromptonnut Posted October 8, 2014 Author Share Posted October 8, 2014 You can easily do a single to twin converter board with a long point in 2ft - remembering of course that in a modular meet there will be other single to twin converters of different types, so it may not be necessary to use both as part of the main board itself. 16ft is quite long for a shed - looking forward to seeing the design I just hope we have a big enough station module to go with it to justify its existence! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold BlueLightning Posted October 8, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted October 8, 2014 shed layout plan now posted here: http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/91196-the-unnamed-shed/ Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve-e Posted December 14, 2014 Share Posted December 14, 2014 Did anything come of this? Its just now is the time to start getting my Holidays in for the year? Cheers Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cromptonnut Posted December 14, 2014 Author Share Posted December 14, 2014 Did anything come of this? Its just now is the time to start getting my Holidays in for the year? Cheers Still waiting for the venue I have in mind to get back to me with date availablility - possibly not likely to get much before new year as it's an educational establishment. Sorry I can't be more help at present. However I am at least plodding on with some modules. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cromptonnut Posted January 6, 2015 Author Share Posted January 6, 2015 A poll regarding dates is now running. Please give your preferences in that discussion so that hopefully we can get a date sorted and get something together. Jump to http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/94263-secag-modular-meet Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Robin Posted February 14, 2015 Share Posted February 14, 2015 Hi Cromptonnut It's been a few weeks since the last post. Have there been any thoughts / decisions on the date yet? Robin Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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