MARCH 2024 Update

Writing this update in March with the sun putting in a reluctant appearance makes the long dark nights of winter seem some while ago. Throughout the winter COVGOG continued to deliver holding its meetings every Tuesday. As well as holding club nights and running sessions we also held a show and tell and hosted a guest speaker. The show and tell brought the usual eclectic mix of building projects and purchases. For example we were able to review progress made on a 0:16.5 Double Fairlie built from an EDM kit. That model is now painted and running superbly on our test track.

At the end of February we welcomed Martin Bloxham who for two hours told us of the history of the Great Central Railway during World War One. Usefully Martin provided some handouts with key facts. What was remarkable was Martin’s ability to fill the first hour with a clear and interesting narrative with apparently little reference to notes or other prompts. Thank you, Martin.

Early March saw our usual pilgrimage to Kettering. Having previously been threatened with the loss of the venue it was a real pleasure to be there again. A head count on the day reported 30 of our members being there. That’s a great turn out. One or two observations were made about some of the exciting RTR produce coming onto the market. However, it was also remarked that apparently reasonably priced kits on the bring and buy stall did not get snapped up as they would have done in the past.

The club’s AGM is scheduled for 19 March and looking forwards further we have the prospect of a visit en-masse to the East Lancashire Railway in May. A report on both these events will be included in the next update.

Paul Williams