We have an annual open weekend where we invite the public to look around and other enthusiasts to run their trains. There is normally refreshments for sale and stalls to raise funds for the club. We also invite specialist traders who have engines and rolling stock for sale.
Matt Acton "stood" as a trader for the first time.........
......... with an impressive little stand.
His painting and lining business has gone from strength to strength and you can see his work at Berry Hill Works or visit his facebook page.
I look forward to building my Brandbright Director's Saloon - Matt's made a cracking job of his!
Though The Management described the day as "disappointing" there were a good number of spectators when I was there.
Mike Riley wearing what I called his "Saturday Best" and what he called his "South American Drug Dealer's Hat".
......... and this is what Tony looks like WITHOUT a hat!
Norman looks singularly unimpressed!
Mike's train stays on the track by means of lots of concealed lead.......
One youthful enthuisiast "clicking".........
"Can I learn to do that?" "Not yet, darling....."
Thomas kept the youngsters amused when nothing else was running.
A nice pair of modified LGB wagons..........
........ and a rake of Indian Railways NG vans in a suitably "distressed" condition.
Mike's train set off............
........ but ran out of gas, prompting an impromptu pit stop on the running line.
A nice Forney.........
Alison acquired an excellent second hand meths-fired "Dylan"........
........ which ran well once the new owner had received a little tuition.
John Prescott was REALLY busy..........
......... and it was GREAT to see Steve Warrington from Back 2 Bay 6 back on his feet, if not quite 100% yet.
"I bought this Tardis for £1-50, just to wind you all up!"
This train, run by a visitor from Darlington, had an odd name for his line.........
........ except it wasn't what you thought it was!
A member from North Notts brought this delightful little home-built loco, with a lady driver...........
......... a meths burner..........
......... and a single Mamod cylinder.
"It's a Bertie, Jim, but not as we know it................."
"Do you know what it is yet??"
It's Hackworth valve gear, newly completed.
Sunday's running started with this delightful GWR "might have been" train........
.......... with EXQUISITE containers..................
.......... and a loco which deserves the comment "Good Golly!!"
The MDLR's passenger stock made an appearance.........
........... as did Ian Shield's C&M stock.
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It was nice to have an "original" Mamod running - Oh, those meths fumes!.
The MDLR's passenger stock got loaned out - the first time it's been hauled by a VoR loco!
Don't half show up uneven track, though!!
One of the Acton family's Corris trains...........
,,,,,,,. and one of their Tal-y-Lyn ones!
Derek (in the centre) wore a delightful "holiday" shirt for the occasion.
The MDLR's PW train made only its second appearance in public............
............ Diesel-hauled as the Mamod wouldn't raise steam.
Nick Kirby gave an object lesson in slow running with his ancient (well, over 20 years old) Roundhouse Fowler.
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To finsish the day, Kev Gregory treated us to his modified Edrig........
............ whose chuff pipe masks the sound of the burner!