Well now that the Wigan exhibition is out of the way, the group is going to continue with the work on Millport Victoria. Over the coming year we will be working on a new fiddleyard board, continuing the work on the shed area and also replacing some tired buildings, which have seen better days and it would be easier to build a like for like replacement rather than trying to rescue them.

The big news is the group has decided that as part of the re-wire, we are going to convert Millport to DCC operation. Millport was previously operated as per cab control DC method and we are hoping that DCC will allow the operating potential to be increased. We are also contemplating operating the points using Tortoise point motors, they were previously old H&M point motors.

Obviously, we will also need to look at converting the locos to DCC. The majority of Normans Locos have not run for over 10 years, so as we service each loco, they will be hopefully converted to DCC. With regards the rolling stock for the layout, every item will be examined and checked. Things like back to backs on the wheelsets, missing buffers replaced, missing screw/3 link couplings replaced. As we start to work our way through the rolling stock, we will post some pictures of the rolling stock on here and detail what work is required and also maybe detail whose kit it is etc.

As mentioned in previous postings, the work on Millport is limited to Tuesday evenings only, however the group may look at undertaking some weekend work to help speed things up. The rolling stock for example is not too bad, because the repair/service can be carried out at Members homes.

Thanks for reading

Simon

(On behalf of the Millport Team)