RMWeb Members Day at Taunton 2014 - full line-up announced

[Stubby47]

Thanks to CK & everyone for another brilliant day. Good to meet old friends and new, surely one of the real benefits of belonging to the forum.

 

S & T mostly behaved, but much fettling needs to be done before its public outing at the end of May.

[BlackRat]

Well worth the trip, great to see so many old friends, and to make a few new ones!

 

See you next year!

[DLT]

What they said!  

Another most enjoyable Members Day, my thanks to everyone involved.  Seems hard to believe its in its seventh year.

Really good to see Diddington at last, I've admired it on the forum for a long time.  Sorry they were having an attack of the operating gremlins, but its lovely to look at and has an amazing sense of place.

Great to meet up with everyone again, and thanks to Mudmagnet for letting me have a play on Acacia Avenue.

An added bonus on the way home; while waiting on Taunton station a Special pulled in an stopped at the opposite platform, double-headed by a Castle and a rebuilt West Country

All the best,

Dave.

[Ramblin Rich]

Sadly I couldn't make it this year due to family commitments - I was hopeful of a last minute getaway but it didn't come about Sad to have missed this - I hope there will be a few highlights photos to catch up with...?

[Steadfast]

Here's a few photos of the layout today, first up it's 08644, still partially WIP but getting there

Next up, a bit of a "family photo"... I call it Laira through the ages! Thanks to Jack for the 37 and 08 and Simon for the 50. And no your eyes don't deceive you, that is a pair of 50149s. A bit of a what if!

I can't think of an excuse for this one, so here's the same line up but with the addition of my 60 and Jack's 141

So in the charity auction I came away with a fine product of Swindon works, GWR No.2884. A bit of freight power through the eras (ok so the Western would be mixed traffic, but shhhh!)

And then now a trio of the Dapol Western from different angles.

The loco idling in the shed with the lights on looking ready to ready to roll out once a driver turns up.

Emerging from the shed

What more do I say...Western Legionaire on Laira!

Once again thanks to everyone who stopped for a chat today, it was great to catch up and nice to hear people's views about the layout

 

I've just remembered, I must also add thanks to those of you this morning who helped out with the "speed bump" in and out the fiddle yard, the support was appreciated!

 

jo

[Mr.S.corn78]

Hi all,

 

 Well I have arrived at my over night stop so i thought i would just say thank you to Tim for organising a cracking event again. Well worth the trip down from the north (800+ miles once i have got home) as ever and a good chance to catch up with friends. No late night in the pub this year!!

 

Spent a bit of money on a couple of new toys for my self and nice to see some good layouts and be able to get up close and chat to owners about bits on them.

 

 Well done to all involved (too many people to list) and can't wait to try the cakes next year.

Wonder what the saturday event is for next year?????   will be hard to beat this year 

 

cheers

Simon

[wiggoforgold]

Diddington got home safely, and van retuned to hire company. I'm shattered and am going to bed. Thanks to Tim for organising a wonderful event, and thanks to everyone who helped with the setting up and dismantling at the end which was greatly appreciated.

Apolologies for the electrical gremlins. What is particularly galling is that it was working perfectly during the week (CK and Re6/6 will vouch for me as they saw it), and also galling is that the traction power came back suddenly, leaving me unsure what the problem was in the first place. A full investigation will be undertaken. I spent the journey home thinking of ways to do better in the future.

 

PS: The pastry on the pasties was particularly nice.

[mozzer models]

What a good day home at 9.30 kids now in bes time for a beer

[devonseasider]

Tormouth Quay safely back home & ready to go up to the loft tomorrow - apart from being knackered, carrying a coffin look-alike into the roof came a poor second to a nice meal & more Speckled Hen than is good for me (yes, still quietly celebrating the unexpected 3 points yesterday afternoon!).

 

Nice to meet up again with a few people I knew & a few more that I didn't. Looking forward to the next time.

 

I'll add my thanks to those of everyone else to Tim & the catering team - I know how much work goes into these events - but also a special mention for the gang of Sherpas who carried my junk into the hall faster than I could get it out of the back of the car - you made an old man very happy!  (Am I allowed to say that?)

 

Thanks also to everyone who said nice things about the layout - I am genuinely surprised at the interest it seems to generate and that people consider it to be of a decent standard.  Perhaps I've got too much of the Uriah Heep "ever so 'umble" gene, but to me it's just a bit of fun that keeps me off the streets, away from the TV & out of the pubs (sometimes  .  .  .  . ).  It's good to know that it gives other people enjoyment as well but, and I know it's a bit of a cliche, trust me - if I can do it, then anybody can.

 

Next outing is Exeter on May 31st / June 1st, so hope to see some of you again.

I'm going to be "short-staffed" that weekend as my regular helper has family pressures, so if anyone out there would like to come & play trains for a morning, afternoon or whatever. please give me a shout!  If you've got some stock to run, so much the better (as long as it isn't blue!!!!!!)

[darren01]

I am so sad I could not make it again this year, will try harder next year not to miss it, glad everyone had a good day.

Always a very good day and one of the best shows going, sorry I missed you all.

Darren

[Julian]

My sincere thanks to Tim and all  the team (especially the catering crew) who did such a fine job in organising yet another superb Taunton SWAG bash. Great company from all you fellow RM Web-ers; ace pasties, cake and tea; inspiration a-plenty for future layouts too (oh dear, why did "Juniper Hill" have to be there ....?) . Thanks to Jack for sorting out an elusive wiring glitch on "Portwey" for me. Just a hugely enjoyable day all round. Thanks again to one and all. See some of you again perhaps at the Minehead show on August 2nd? 

 

Julian    

[Dunsignalling]

Thanks to Tim and all the others in front of and behind the scenes who made it all possible. It was nice to be able to put some faces to some of the familiar names on here. 

 

Great (part) day out as I didn't arrive until mid-day and had to leave about 1600 due to family commitments. I'll try to plan things better next year so I can offer some help! 

 

John

[Graham_Muz]

As ever a great weekend and of course repeated muchly thanks to CK, Andy and the catering team along with all those whom came along with a such a great selection of exhibits (interesting to note just how many were operated from the front, seems to be becoming a bit of a trend. There was certainly a very high standard of modelling on show which ever way you looked.

 

Thanks also to those whom came and had a chat about my humble little display of some things malachite amongst other oddities, it was a pleasure speaking to you all.

 

I wont mention the spaghetti junction of a foam based fiddle yard...oh dam I just did...I see a how not to do it article in a future issue of BRM coming on including a "here's one that supposedly worked earlier" stamp.

 

[Andy Y]

A few snaps from yesterday; I'm sure there'll be several others from others in due course.

 

Mudmagnet's Acacia Road

 

 

EWSjo's Embankment Road

 

 

Godfrey's excellent corner module

 

 

The Stationmaster's underground spring

 

 

Wiggoforgold's exquisite Diddington

 

 

[Trevellan]

Having attended in 2012 I knew this to be a worthwhile trip. I had to miss out last year because of work and my impending house move, but was able to make a triumphal(?) return this year, along with a promised module (at last).

 

I had a great time meeting up with fellow RMwebbers, old and new alike, and it was a privilege to be part of such a good event. Thanks to CK et al for the organisational apsects and to my fellow moduleteers for such an enjoyable day in good company. Mike (Sidecar Racer) did his best to resolve some wiring problems, but eventually had to give up (some "exotic" baccy might have helped!). Thanks Mike for the fiddle yard and controller  - we couldn't have done it without you. Also mustn't forget the Taunton MRG members for giving up as Saturday evening for us.

 

The mixture of friendly banter and exchanges of modelling tips and tricks makes this the best model railway event in my calendar and, in my book, RMweb is the best club I've ever beeen a member of.

 

Finally, the lessons learned from the weekend:

 

1. Mentioning "bargain" or "discount" around Chris Trerise elicits a bemused smile and he goes very pale

2. Mike (Stationmaster) as Modulemeister was an easyging boss, but we must work on the motivational aspects of the role

 

Some pictures to follow when I can download and edit them.

[Devonbelle]

Very enjoyable day - with a lovely bunch of people - with me making new friends and meeting some not seen for many years. Thanks to fellow RM Web 'ers who have shared contacts for suppliers of o gauge suitable goodies, little hints and tips.

 

Thanks to the Sherpas who enabled me to get Nouvion in and out the voiture - much appreciated - it served to help my back mend. Nouvion behaved and thanks for kind comments - I need crack on with some other works to get it ready for the Culm Valley show in September.

 

What a cracking event - people, layouts, sales stands and the phenenomal catering all helped make for a very memorable day which made the 0545 get-up well worthwhile.

 

Paul

[Graham_Muz]

Paul

 

Was great to meet you yesterday and make sure you didn't do any further damage to your back. I'm glad that you, Nouvion and the beret got home safely.

[Captain Kernow]

Well, here we are again, one day after another Taunton Members Day, which I must say I thoroughly enjoyed again.

 

I would particularly like to thank everyone who brought a layout, demo, display or trade stand, especially those who had to get up at silly o'clock to get to Taunton in time to set up, and who were faced with a correspondingly long journey home afterwards too. Although some of the layouts were small and highly portable, this wasn't the case with everyone, so a big thanks as well to those who were prepared to bring layouts that also required a fair old time to set up and dismantle, the effort is much appreciated.

 

And a big 'thank you' too to the indefatigable ladies of the Catering Team for keeping us fed and watered throughout the day, and for all the preparation time, shopping and cake baking that went into it beforehand.

 

Some of you also turned out at 07.30 on the Sunday morning to help set the hall up, once again lugging chairs and tables around and having curt instructions barked at you by the Captain - my thanks to all of you - you know who you are!

 

And thanks, of course, to everyone who just came as a visitor, including one or two individuals who travelled rather long distances to be with us - it was great to meet up with so many friends, old and new.

 

Andy Y and I are checking the funds raised by the auction and catering respectively, and we do seem to have raised a goodly amount for The Railway Children, so we'll announce the final figure in due course.

 

I shall post some of my own photos from the day (and also from the WSR event) up shortly, but I will conclude this post by confirming that the next Members Day will be on Sunday 26th April 2015, once again at Staplegrove Village Hall, Taunton.  Contrary to what may have been the odd misunderstanding, I am still planning to arrange this event myself, together with the invaluable help of the usual team, to whom I remain extremely grateful.

 

Thank you.

 

[Captain Kernow]

OK, here are some of my photos of the weekend (those of the WSR drivers experience event will be posted on that particular thread):

 

'Raveningham Hall' about to leave Bishops Lydeard on Saturday lunchtime:

 

From 5pm to 7pm on the Saturday, we were once again guests of the Taunton MRG at Bishops Lydeard, and our grateful thanks to these kind gents (and some of their wives, too), for coming in and opening up their clubroom for us, operating their layouts and making us cups of tea and coffee.

 

Some images of their new OO layout of Bishops Lydeard in WSR preservation days, currently under construction, with some rather fine buildings:

 

 

 

 

And a couple of the ever-popular 'Bath Green Park' (next outing is to RailEx at Aylesbury in May):

 

 

Mention has been made in the Driver Experience thread of a number of charter trains operating on the Saturday. In torrential rain, some of us braved the elements (well, mostly under the canopy of the station building!) to watch the return DRS special pass through just after 6pm:

 

 

Simon (St Simon) decided that it would be a good idea to brave the rain, just to get a photo of the masses cowering under the canopy:

 

 

Chris Trerise (Not Captain Kernow) also braved the rain to get a better photo of the passing train - I just hope it was worth it!

 

[Captain Kernow]

Here are some of my photos taken yesterday at Taunton.

 

Mike Stationmaster, shortly after arrival at the Hall, commences to bring about some order to the proceedings! 

 

Godfrey is clearly amused by something that Mr Stationmaster has uttered!

 

Caption competition entries are invited for this one, where Andy Y responds to Mr Stationmaster...

 

Meanwhile, back in the Main Hall, most of the exhibits are still to arrive. Stubby and Craig (Stubby Jr) are setting up Shepherds in the middle of the room, whilst Not Captain Kernow unpacks some goodies on the left:

 

The Baron von Harrap has already set his lathe demo up, giving him time to swan around and attempt to look baronly:

 

 

[marc smith]

Just wanted to add my own sincere thanks to CK and the whole team for yet another fab day
It was p'ing down on the M4 and pretty much all the way back to South Wales too
Although Cardiff was probably drier than Taunton - for a change

As others have said, it's great to meet friends old & new,
and a day such as this really does underline why we all like this forum

Time seemed to just fly by, and I didn't get a chat with everyone I'd hoped to speak to
.... but then, there's always next year

Glad I got to see "juniper hill" in the flesh, and Acacia Avenue is developing into a smashing layout

Special thanks to pals Brian T and Dave (Wenlock) for coming along too
It was a first members day for both - and I think they'll be back

Cheers everyone
Marc

[Captain Kernow]

Paul (Devonbelle) setting up his 7mm scale layout 'Nouvion'. Paul braved a bad back to bring the layout to Taunton, so many thanks to him for doing so!

 

Alex (Wiggoforgold) starts the time-consuming process of erecting the stunning East Anglian-themed 'Diddington', Thanks for all the logistical effort and trouble involved in showing us this fine layout, Alex:

 

The Stubmeister and Junior Stubmeister pause from setting up the part-finished 'Shepherds' - thanks also as ever to Stu and Craig for another early start and long haul up from the Duchy:

 

By this time, Michelle (Mrs Pugsley) had got the kettle on, and a small queue of grateful punters are caught in the act of negotiating for a brew:

 

Back to the modular layout, some views of the stunning container terminal modules built by Godfrey:

 

 

 

Equally superb and fascinating was Arthur's steel terminal module, making a very welcome return to Taunton this year, together with some of his exquisite industrial locos:

 

 

 

 

You can almost feel the cold from the snow scene on the Stationmaster's tunnel module, also making a welcome return to the Members Day:

 

Sharing the small hall with the modular layout was 'Embankment Road', a superb 2mm layout based on Laira, by Jo Alder (ewsjo). When looking at my photos, I had to keep reminding myself that this wasn't a 4mm scale layout!

 

 

 

 

[Captain Kernow]

Back in the Main Hall, we find that the retail therapy has commenced, as Matt (slow8dirty) finally convinces himself that that particular Standard Class 5 belongs on his layout ('it would be rude not to'...  ), as Dave Harding from The Model Shop, Exeter, does the honours:

 

Simon Castens of The Titfield Thunderbolt Railway Bookshop chews the cud with Chris Trerise:

 

Meanwhile, the Catering Ladies pose for the camera, as has now become 'tradition', so here are Jackie (Mrs 81C), Michelle, Nadine and Madeleine, waiting to serve teas, coffees, pasties and cakes:

 

We mentioned earlier that His Baronness had gone walkabout, here we track him down, admiring the riverside scene on Diddington:

 

Such was the nature of the day, that as per usual, I managed to miss taking photos of some of the layouts and exhibits, which is no reflection on anyone or anything, but sometimes I had my camera with me, sometimes I didn't..!

 

Anyway, here are a few layout views:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[bgman]

Back in the Main Hall, we find that the retail therapy has commenced, as Matt (slow8dirty) finally convinces himself that that particular Standard Class 5 belongs on his layout ('it would be rude not to'...  ), as Dave Harding from The Model Shop, Exeter, does the honours:

IMG_2788.JPG

 

Simon Castens of The Titfield Thunderbolt Railway Bookshop chews the cud with Chris Trerise:

IMG_2789.JPG

 

Meanwhile, the Catering Ladies pose for the camera, as has now become 'tradition', so here are Jackie (Mrs 81C), Michelle, Nadine and Madeleine, waiting to serve teas, coffees, pasties and cakes:

IMG_2787.JPG

 

We mentioned earlier that His Baronness had gone walkabout, here we track him down, admiring the riverside scene on Diddington:

IMG_2791.JPG

 

Such was the nature of the day, that as per usual, I managed to miss taking photos of some of the layouts and exhibits, which is no reflection on anyone or anything, but sometimes I had my camera with me, sometimes I didn't..!

 

Anyway, here are a few layout views:

IMG_2792.JPG

 

IMG_2806.JPG

 

IMG_2793.JPG

 

IMG_2794.JPG

 

IMG_2795.JPG

 

IMG_2796.JPG

 

IMG_2797.JPG

Thanks for the piccy's which serve as a reminder of a great afternoon.

"Sometimes I had my camera with me, sometimes I didn't " - Far too busy chasing the good members shouting PASTY ! PASTY ! Who wanted the veggie Pasty!!!!! Well, someone's gotta do it I suppose?

[Captain Kernow]

Of course, apart from the trains, it's really about the people and the wonderful social opportunities that days like this afford. Here are a few characters and scenes during the course of the day:

 

Just to prove that Real Welshmen do eat pasties, here's Marc Smith about to have his lunch:

 

The oven was having a slightly hard time keeping pace with demand at one point, so every so often I would make an announcement that another batch of pasties was ready, resulting in queues like this quickly forming!

 

I think that His Regalness von Harrap isn't used to seeing someone else's face on 'currency', as he displays his lunch 'voucher'..

 

An earnest-looking discussion next to 'Diddington':

 

Retail therapy continued unabated:

 

And eventually came The Auction. This year, Matt (slow8dirty) bravely stepped forward (when shoved in the back by The Captain    ) to do the honours:

 

Pretty much everyone was by now paying attention:

 

 

The auction continued:

 

 

Andy gives his verdict: