the official newsletter of the bedford model engineering ... · 2 officers and committee of the...
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The Official Newsletter of The Bedford Model Engineering Society
Coupling The
Volume 15 Issue 6 November/December 2012
In Loving Memory
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OFFICERS and COMMITTEE
of the Bedford Model Engineering Society
President: Jim Bassett Vice President John Saunders
Chairman: Dick Billington 29 Ampthill Road, Maulden, Bedford, MK45 2DA (Tel: 01525 750914); email: [email protected]
Vice Chairman: Alan Gildersleve 20 Walton Road, Caldecotte, Milton Keynes, MK7 8AE (Tel: 01908 646711); email: [email protected]
Secretary /Membership Secretary: Alan Beard 2 Brambles, Wilstead, Bedford, MK45 3ED (Tel: 01234-743062); email: [email protected]
Treasurer: David Boyde 21 Arun Close, Bedford, MK41 7AD (Tel: 01234-406757); email: [email protected]
Committee: Vikki Dodd Nigel Morrell Shaun O’Hare Andrew Warren Terry White
Coupling Editor: Tony Bullock 67 Coates Lane, High Wycombe, HP13 5ET (Tel: 01494 439098); e-mail [email protected]
Boiler Testers: Dick Billington Les Aylott Nigel Freestone
All appointments for boiler testing to be made only via Dick Billington.
Advertising Manager Vikki Dodd
Traction Engines and Road Steam: George Lee 145 Wingfield, Orton Goldhay, Peterborough, PE2 5UY (Tel: 07952-529460);
email: [email protected]
Webmaster Nik Smith (Tel: 07796 335307 –Leave message) [email protected]
RAILWAY SUB-COMMITTEE
John Lawson (Chairman), Tony Bullock, Tom Fuller, Alan Gildersleve, Mark Leeson, Gordon Mead and Phil Wright.
The Coupling is printed and distributed/posted by Alan Beard (01234-743062). Readers are reminded that any views expressed in The Coupling are solely those of the individual contributors. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the editor or of the BMES committee. They should
therefore not be regarded as being part of Society policy.
© Bedford Model Engineering Society
Bedford Model Engineering Society is a company limited by guarantee and having no share capital; Company Reg. No. 4087828, Registered Office: 2 Brambles,
Wilstead, Bedford, MK45 3ED
EDITORIAL
How time flies. It seems that I have only just finished the last issue and here we go again. Since last writing the weather has got
cooler, the clocks have gone back and the nights are drawing in. Thank goodness we have our club to visit to enjoy good com-
pany, interesting projects and lively discussions. Even if we only put the world to rights it beats television—that’s for sure.
We have much to look forward to over the coming months and particularly the Christmas Quiz and Santa Specials. Hopefully
many of you will turn up for the Quiz for a good night of fun and friendship. Why not make up a team and challenge the current
champions. Maybe our team will do better this year but I don’t think I will hold my breath. At least there will be the usual re-
freshments available and they are most enjoyable. It sets you up for a good start to the festive season.
I wish you and your families a Very Happy Christmas and all the best for 2013.
Tony Bullock
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Please note that subscriptions for 2013 become due on January 1st. I will be pleased to accept renewals from today’s date on-
ward.
The rates are unchanged from last year
Full member £32 Senior member £25 Family & Junior £7
Cheques will not be presented for payment until after January 1st.
Cheque payments should go to the Membership Secretary, Alan Beard and not to the Treasurer. An SAE to send your mem-
bership card will be appreciated.
Payment may also be made by direct transfer from your account to BMES using the BACS System. Account number 50157058,
sort code 20-05-74. If you use this method please tell me by emailing to [email protected] so that I know to send
you your membership card. This is the preferred method of payment.
Alan Beard
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CHAIRMAN’S CHAT
CHRISTMAS 2012
By the time you read this, which is my penultimate Chairman`s Chat in my role as chairman of our Society we will have
completed our 2012 programme with the exception of our fabled and amusing Quiz Nite. Overall it has been a very good year
for us, starting with the building of our new Clubhouse, which was partially funded by a grant from the Greensand Ridge
organisation, with a complementary amount raised by us from our efforts together with loans and gifts from members. We did
better that many other organisations with the bad weather earlier in the year, losing altogether only one and a half days from our
total of twenty one planned running days. I know, at the time of writing, the Santa Specials have not happened but one must look
on the bright side. We have ended the year in a sufficiently good financial position to have been able to partially repay the
members’ loans. We are also in the final throes of negotiating a fifteen year lease for our site.
One area of our operations has changed in that due to the effects of many outside influences from both Government (ours and the
EU), plus events that have taken place within the UK we have to sharpen up our activities and keep pace with changing
requirements. This has resulted in the secretary and myself attending a seminar on Risk Assessment plus the receipt of a number
of definition documents from The Southern Federation, with others to follow. Unfortunately in today`s world, once you interface
with the public at large, there are large lumps of legislation that have to be considered. In fact I am quite looking forward to
handing over this task to someone else when I retire as chairman at the next AGM.
We have had a number of members pass on to the great steam shed in the sky during the year. Amongst them were Richard
Bennet, our head boiler inspector and Michael Maskell one of our Vice Presidents. Richard’s passing has resulted in my having
to take over the reins of head boiler tester again with the results that I can no longer be referred to as part of “Bill and Ben, the
boiler men”. Michael Maskell`s death has been a loss to us as he has been a visible supporter to our society for many years, his
traction engine Lord of the Isles has been a regular visitor and the steam bus has made us many pounds towards our funds on
running days. Michael visited us very recently with his Ford model T racer and gave it a good blast up our track-way alongside
the railway at speeds approaching sixty mph. This was much to the apprehension of our steam bus driver who considers the
track-way as dodgy at speeds above ten mph. Michael`s death has been a terrific shock to the steam preservation world in total
as he was well known and respected for the work he carried out in full scale steam together with the support he gave.
The new Clubhouse has been very useful and as its layout has developed throughout the year and is still developing to meet our
needs and use it is becoming a focal point in our society. It has had some changes and I am certain that it will change again in
the future.
One area of operational change within the Society that will be taking place in the close season is where the running of our
railways has moved from the main Committee to the Railway Sub Committee. This will enable the load in running our railways
to be more equitably spread over a number of members.
I will end by wishing all members of our Society and their families a very good Christmas and in our politically correct world,
drink, but don’t drive.
Dick Billington
COMMITTEE MEETING NEWS
A copy of the minutes is placed at Winterfield and a second copy is normally available at each Monday meeting.
September Meeting
A 2mph speed limit sign has been positioned at Winterfield but an underground vacuum pipe was severed in the process. Items
to repair the pipes were not readily available on site.
Students and staff from BTG have successfully laid the first stage of the patio area and it was in use during the September Rally.
There is the possibility that other BTG students may be able to construct a removable fence to separate the parking area from the
pedestrian area. There is also the possibility of a BTG constructed bbq housing.
David B said £13500 is available and plans to repay 50% of loans are unaltered. The bill for a newspaper advert will not be paid
as it contained an error making it worthless. An advert and article in a local directory is under consideration. He stated that he
did not intend to stand for re-election as Treasurer and would also be withdrawing from all other commitments within the
Society.
David C suggested that as the only outstanding project was the station canopy and this had progressed beyond the committee
stage it was time to dissolve the RSC. In a short discussion there was general agreement with this view but a strong desire to
change the brief of the RSC rather than do away with it altogether.
Problems with the security system have not yet been resolved.
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An accident to Frank Hills while reversing his train was not a result of any infrastructure problem. Emergency service attended
and members were able to take him home. The society does not have a dedicated first aider with no one willing to take on the
role.
After completing the patio the students were given rides on the railway. Further wooden tables may be constructed by BTG
woodwork students.
Catering: Sales on public running days are satisfactory although dependent on numbers of people visiting the track. The poor
weather has not helped but sales per visitor seem better than previously although this is probably impossible to prove. One area
that has improved is the sale of toys where we are now able to display them better.
Alan B, David C and Colin Wright met with Robert Honan of Southill Estates. A number of minor errors have been found on
the site plan and a number of updates needed to aspects of the lease. He saw no difficulties and agreed to supply a draft copy of
the lease for discussion by the full committee before finalising.
Rewiring of Clubhouse: Alan B met with the electrician C Danbury to arrange improved switching of the lighting and to get
correction of a fault that appears to emanate from the fire alarm and causes an alarm to sound in the keypad cupboard. He
blamed the Security system.
September Rally 2013: Mat and Gilly have offered to organise the event. They make the suggestion that the date be brought
forward by one week to avoid a clash with the Great Cockrow weekend and will still be acceptable to the buffet staff who are an
essential ingredient.
Terry asked that the compressor be made switchable from outside the signal box. David B said it was possible but the switch in
the box controlled a number of other items in addition to the compressor and would make the alteration difficult.
The engine shed needs to be completely cleared of all possible rolling stock at the end of the season so that the bench can be re-
moved without risking damage. AB to compose a letter requesting removal of privately owned equipment where it is possible.
It is recognised that some owners are not able to transport/store their stock.
David C made the suggestion that the raised track could be removed altogether rather than renovating it at considerable cost. It is
little used by members. However it does produce a useful income on public running days.
David C showed a plan of a new location for the garden railway. All users of the track are happy with the intended location that
will enable the public to view it from the picnic area. Dick commented as H&S Officer he had reservations regarding the bridge
access for disabled persons.
David C stated his intention of not attending any more committee meetings.
Dick said that as he was currently the only boiler tester available on a regular basis any test would need to fit in around his avail-
ability which was regrettably uncertain.
George Lee has offered to arrange the 2013 Traction Engine Rally.
October Meeting
The Borough Planning Dept. has been notified of the completion of the Clubhouse.
A quotation in excess of £1000 has been received from Chris Danbury for the work to rewire the Clubhouse lighting. This was
considered to be excessive and further quotes will be sought. John Parmenter has suggested that additional lights plugged in to
the mains and located in strategic positions would be a relatively cheap and effective alternative.
The 2013 rally will be over the weekend 30th August to 1st September.
The letter informing members with stored locos of the need for removal has been held back pending decisions on the workbench.
Southill Estates have met with residents and Haynes Parish Council members to inform on proposals for a housing development
close to Summerfields.
50% of loans made for the purchase of the Clubhouse have been repaid. Income from catering is up by 7% but from Summer-
fields and Winterfield down by 11 and 37% respectively.
Dick stated that he understood that the RSC will take on the running of the Society railways. AG confirmed this position but
said that details had yet to be agreed. It would be necessary to co-opt members and obtain assistance as necessary. RB sug-
gested that the RSC request a non transferrable monthly sum (suggested £50) to allow essential maintenance to proceed without
delay.
The intended repositioning of some point actuating switches was welcomed but it will still be possible for a following train to
move the points too early. Alan B suggested that drivers be required to leave a substantial gap between trains as is done at other
societies.
It is intended that a recorded message is played to inform passengers when a train arrives at Hammer Hill. RB asked that the
RSC makes a presentation to members at the January meeting.
Mark Leeson and Tom Fuller have asked for a 12ft section of the bench in the engine shed to be retained. This would defeat the
purpose of removing the bench and it was decided that an alternative must be found.
Dick gave an account of recent accidents on the railways which were all due to human error rather than the railway infrastruc-
ture.
The problems with the alarm system have been resolved by Ace who found a wiring fault in the Clubhouse. Everything now
appears to be working correctly.
found a wiring fault in the Clubhouse. Everything now appears to be working correctly.
Bookings for Santa Specials are ahead of this time last year.
MKMES signal. It was decided that the collection and installation of a full size signal was not possible at this time and the offer
will be declined with thanks
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Alan B and Tony would like the option of reducing the size of The Coupling to 4 A4 sheets from 5 when short of copy. The
committee said that this was a decision that could be safely left to the editor.
Terry asked if details of coming events could be emailed to members just before their occurrence to encourage attendance.
Tony asked that the dates for Santa Specials in 2013 be made 7th and 8th December which would require moving the Quiz to 16th.
Emptying of the boat pool will be done after the last public running day.
The softened water in the steaming bays appears to contain an excess of chemical causing priming of boilers. During the rally it
was necessary to switch to untreated water.
Andy asked that more guards' whistles be available and that members should be encouraged to own their own.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Hello Tony,
It has occurred to me that the railway may well provide a lot of pleasure to the public but it shows a one sided view of the club’s
activities. However I am not alone in thinking that making and running the trains is not the ‘be all’ in model engineering. I have
available a 15 metre air hose spare which could be used to connect a proper and permanent ‘feed through point’ in the new build-
ing wall. I, or other volunteers, could then set up a stall in the corner on some running days enabling folk to see some stationary
engines running as well as some tooling and other examples from the modelling world. On cold and wet days it would give the
little ones something to look at. I suppose it is a mini exhibition that I am suggesting.
Peter Wilton
Notes from the Railway Sub Committee
Where am I? Many people ask that on our various tracks especially if they are trying to tell someone of a problem they have
encountered. Well it is now slightly easier to report as if you are on the raised track nearly all the supporting blocks have been
numbered with the remaining blocks soon to be numbered, so that if you are talking about a location just look at the nearest
block number.
On the ground level tracks all the points have now been identified with a number stamped on an aluminium plate fixed at the
blade operating end of the point. Plans of the point numbering will be available soon and will be displayed in suitable locations.
Where you are on the ground level track at this time can only be in relation to the points, named features or the mile posts; we are
open to suggestions on improving this.
The RSC have recently been given the additional job by the main committee of being responsible for:-
Track maintenance
Equipment maintenance
Signalling system maintenance
Railway operation
This is as well as continuing with the carrying out of The Big Plan.
Obviously this is a big job to take on from a standing start so we request your indulgence whilst systems, lists of jobs etc. are put
in place. To help set this up if you know or come across something that needs to be done please let us know, preferably in a
friendly manner.
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FORTHCOMING CLUB EVENTS
2012/2013
December January
Saturday 1st. Santa Specials—Pre-Booked only Monday 14th RSC Presentation
Sunday 2nd. Santa Specials—Pre-Booked only Monday 17th Committee Meeting
Monday 10th. Christmas Quiz
Monday 17th Committee Meeting
February March
Monday 11th To be arranged Monday 11th Annual General Meeting
Monday 18th Committee Meeting
Monday 18th Committee Meeting Sunday 31st Easter Public Running
April
Monday 1st Easter Public Running
Monday 8th To be arranged
Monday 15th Committee Meeting
Sunday 28th Public Running
A PLEA FROM THE LIBRARY
We need urgently, several indexes from ’Model Engineer’. We only want to take photocopies of them and return them undam-
aged. Without having a complete set the library is sadly deficient. There is a complete list of the missing volume indexes below.
Your help will make the librarian a very happy person.
VOLUME INDEX NUMBERS WANTED
87—102 Inclusive 102 105—112 Inclusive 189 197 199—207 Inclusive
FUTURE SERIES
I would like to do a series in The Coupling about our members. The following will explain:
Our Street
I moved here 18 years ago and was soon struck by the diversity of skills which included a violin maker, an historian, a sculptor, a
Ferrari collector and a rocking horse maker (me) along with 2 pubs—there were eleven one hundred years ago. There were also
representatives of such mundane professions as a goldsmith, a music teacher and an architect. Not so bad for a lane only 300
yards long.
One evening there was a knock at the door. It was Brian P. the sculptor along with his friend David Cossof the TV presenter—
remember “Journeys in the Holy Land” in the 60’s? David’s hobby was other people’s workshops. He just liked to see things
made. We’ve all got workshops—some big, some small—and we all like to make things don’t we?
I, like David Cossof, am fascinated by other people’s workshops. So, if I tap you on the shoulder in the near future and request a
peep, a photo or two and a short piece on what your current project is, what your last was and so on, you will say “yes” won’t
you?
Terry White
STATION CANOPY
An old chapel building which was no longer in use was being demolished in Barton recently. This was spotted by Martin Cus-
den who approached the owner. It was pointed out to Martin that it was most important that the steel work was removed as
quickly as possible so that building work could take place. To this end a very reasonable price was available. A quick visit by
some members was arranged and the steel was exactly what was required for the Haynes End station canopy support and would
need only minimal alteration. Approval was sort from our officers and a group of our members arranged to go to Barton and
obtain the steelwork. A successful outcome for us and we have the start of our canopy for when we need it.
Tony Bullock
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SANTA SPECIALS 2012
By the time you receive this issue the Santa Specials will either be about to take place or maybe they will have just taken place.
This year bookings have been very good and places were almost sold out by the beginning of November. Many people have
been to our event before but we have also received bookings from people who have told us that their friends recommended them
to come along. It is good to know that we have an excellent reputation of providing an enjoyable visit giving good value for
money and, quote, a lovely Father Christmas.
Bookings this year are for some 430 persons with rather more adults than children. At least the adults do not get a present from
Santa. Presents have been purchased and are individually wrapped ready for Santa to pass them on to eager children. It is good
to see the delight on the faces as the trains return from the Grotto. Trains are pre-booked and run every 15 minutes from 10am
until 3.30pm with a short break for lunch and all trains are now fully booked.
We hope that the weather will be kind to us and that BMES continues to offer a great service to our local community.
Santa’s Little Helper
STILL LIFE BY GORDON MEAD
Not the weather
we want!
Our gang at work
in Barton.
Gordon Mead
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Annual Quiz Nite
Monday 10th. December 2012 in the clubhouse at 7:30pm
Quizmaster—Richard Shepherd
Buffet refreshments served
during the interval
RAISE A LAUGH WITH THE INTERNET
The Bathtub Test
During a visit to my doctor, I asked him, "How do you determine whether or not an older person should be put in a care home?"
"Well," he said, "we fill up a bathtub, then we offer a teaspoon, a teacup and a bucket to the person and ask them to empty the
bathtub."
"Oh, I understand, "I said. "A normal person would use the bucket because it's bigger than the spoon or the teacup."
"No" he said. "A normal person would pull the plug. Do you prefer a bed near the window?"
I got a letter from Screw Fix Direct thanking me for my interest, but explaining they were not a dating agency.
Due to a water shortage in Ireland, Dublin swimming baths have announced they are closing lanes 7 and 8.
Blonde wife texts husband on a cold winter's morning: "Window’s frozen."
Husband texts back: "Pour some lukewarm water over it."
Wife texts back: "Computer really knackered now.”
If you get an email telling you that you can catch Swine Flu from tins of ham then delete it. It’s Spam.
Got stopped in the street outside Boots today by a woman with a clipboard asking "What products do I use for grooming?" She
was a bit taken aback when I replied, "Facebook".
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USEFUL TO KNOW—CLUB MATTERS
BMES WEB SITE
www.bedfordmes.co.uk
www.summerfieldsmr.co.uk
www.summerfieldmr.co.uk
Webmaster—Nik Smith—Contact details on inside front cover
CLUB MEETINGS
Held on the second Monday of the month—check in The Coupling
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Held on the third Monday of the month in the Clubhouse.
WORKING PARTIES
Wednesdays from 10am. Workshop and Library open.
Sundays from 9.30am—check if aiming to attend.
‘The COUPLING’ PUBLICATION DATES
Next copy deadline is 16th. January 2013, please!
SOCIETY SALES
The following items are available in the Clubhouse
Toys, Drivers’ Hats etc.
BMES Fridge Magnets—BR Totem design
Books—Still Steaming, Little Puffers and Tiny Trains
Club Clothing available to order—contact Tony Bullock 01494 439098
BMES at the 7¼” Society AGM Arranged by Nige Freestone
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