COVGOG has had a good summer although we did miss the garden party which after last year’s wash-out we decided not to risk. An interesting development which came through a chance conversation has seen two societies coming together for their members’ mutual benefit. The headquarters of the LNWR Society is down the road from Coventry in Kenilworth. The Society currently has custodianship of a collection of locomotives and rolling stock but nowhere to run it. COVGOG has a fine test track which of course we were happy to make available to the LNWR Society. A brief conversation between officials of the two clubs saw an evening devoted to the running of these models being organised. It was interesting to note that having stood idle for a while some of the visiting locomotives were reluctant to get rolling. They soon warmed up however and we all had a very pleasant evening watching some very impressive (even glamorous) trains running round. In return the LNWR Society has kindly agreed to visit COVGOG again but this time to give a talk about the “Premier Line”. Everyone’s a winner.
Many of the club’s members attended Guildex. All reported having a good time with varying amounts of money being spent. The bring and buy seemed slightly busier than recent years with at least some prices being deemed reasonable. Kits (started and unstarted) appear to continue to be popular despite the rise in availability of RTR. It was nice to see some new offerings from traders as it arguably these that help maintain the interest in the hobby.
In mid-September some members visited the home of one of our county members down in Sanderstead near Croydon. Jim. Thank you for your hospitality.
Paul Williams
