September 2021 Update

We’re back! After 18 months COVGOG has been permitted by its host venue the Church of the Holy Cross, Wyken, Coventry, to resume operations. Covid restrictions still apply with face coverings being required and some limitations on the use of facilities. Following a committee meeting and an evening at the venue to ensure the test track was OK and that social distancing measures could be implemented we held our first running session on Tuesday 7 September. 15 members turned up for that first session, all eagerly clutching their models. Some of these had been built during lockdown, some had been purchased RTR and some were familiar old friends. The evening was warm, and the face coverings became uncomfortable for some. Nevertheless, everyone followed the rules.

Locos and rolling stock seen included two GWR moguls (one Mercian and the other Heljan) a recently outshopped David Andrews Maunsell U Class Mogul, a MOK “Flying Pig”, a Dapol Terrier, a David Andrews Rebuilt West Country and some Daersted Mk1s in maroon. Some of the new builds required a bit of tweaking to eliminate clearance issues (shorting) but nothing fell apart (this time).

The plan is for the club to continue to meet monthly working with the church to remove restrictions at appropriate times. Unfortunately, only club members are currently able to attend sessions. However, by the time you read this we hope that circumstances will permit full access.

To close. Your author recently reached for a favourite book of his. Gordon Gravett’s “7mm Modelling Part 1”. It was a shock to realise that the book was published 25 years ago! At the time, the techniques featured and the trade support available were cutting edge. There’s even a reference to a ready to run loco. Despite its age it remains a truly inspiring and informative book. Thank you, Gordon and Maggie.

Paul Williams