It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Tony Mason.
His obituary can be read HERE
March 2021
Vacancy - Club Publicity Officer
The club is looking for someone to be responsible for publicising our activities. The aim of increasing our publicity is to lead to an increase in membership and more visitors to our events. These combine to increase the vitality of our club by giving us more choices and resources.
The role details are as follows:
following.
If you wish to put yourself forward or discuss to this role please drop Mike Collins a line on
chairman@stalbansmes.com to arrange a chat.
8th Feb 2021
The End of the Tunnel
A report by Clive Reynolds
On the front of the October Newsletter was a photo of the remains of the tunnel lining. It was apparent that the club could not efficiently remove the scrap iron from the puffing park. It was realised that employing a “dodgy scrap man” could backfire resulting in an uninvited revisit; we needed a reputable dealer.
Irene and I spend time at Walton-on-the-Naze and on Saturday mornings we visit Terry’s Yard, a house clearance outlet; it’s an essential business in that part of the world. When the yard opens at 9am there is always a queue of twenty or so regulars. This is very much a social event and over the years we have noticed a mountain of a man with a 4-wheel drive pick-up. This pick-up advertised FMS Scrap Recovery. Irene has said in the past that she has seen FMS vehicles around St Albans. We googled FMS and sure enough it was a local firm based outside Radlett. At a recent visit to the yard the pick-up was there and I enquired with the driver, Chris, where he was based. It was the Radlett company and I explained the tunnel situation. It turns out that Chris has a 24” gauge track in his garden so I was confident that we had the right company. Chris gave me his card and I visited his business to arrange removal of the tunnel scrap. It is some operation dealing with all sorts of scrap with some twenty vehicles.
We agreed a no cost arrangement and a date, 8th October. The smallest FMS lorry with a grab turned up on time at 9.30. Jack, Neil and I were there for help if needed. By 10.00 the truck was loaded and ready to go.
It had rained the night before and the driver decided if he drove in and reversed out he could avoid the grass. While we were there it poured down and needless to say when within 15 yards from the gate the rear wheels started to spin and there it stayed. We tried improving traction with wood, netting, mats and straps but it was apparent that a more radical approach, a tow, was needed. So over coffee the driver decided he should phone home for help and Chris came to the rescue with his 4-wheel drive pick-up. The pick-up stayed the common side of the gates and with a few manoeuvres the lorry was able to free itself with a bit of slipping and sliding through the gates (just a small repair needed).
By 11.30 the scrap was on its way.
Do we have a new member? I will work on Chris. He has an electric loco for his garden railway which needs attention.
Clive Reynold 14th October 2020
March Club Night Report
The evening began with a welcome from Mike Grossmith who was acting as Chairman in the absence of Clive Reynolds and various matters were discussed regarding forthcoming club events. The members were reminded that the April club night is also the AGM and club auction and nominations are required for Chairman, Secretary and some committee members.
The minutes of the meeting were taken by Roy Verden and can be read HERE.
Jeff Carter was then invited to take the stage and talk about some ongoing construction projects.
Having previously built a "Trent Class" lifeboat Jeff was encouraged to build a "Shannon" class boat. Kits for this have been made by companies such as 'Speedline Models' and 'Models by Design' but the kits are now out of production as a result of the owners retiring, however Jeff had wisely purchased one previously and he decided to make a start on the construction.
The real boat is 13 metres long and is designed by the RLNI and constructed at their site in Poole. Powered by two Scania 650HP engines with water jet propulsion the boat can be launched in as little as 2.5 metres of water from a Catapillar Tractor unit. The water jets can drive the boat at very high speed but are also capable of stopping from 20 Knots within the boats length by deploying the reversing 'buckets'.
On Jeff's model the water propulsion units are made by KMB in Berlin and are driven by brushless motors. Four servos control the propulsion units via flexible 'bowden' cables.
The Shannon kit is all fibreglass construction and will no doubt be finished to Jeff's exacting standards.
Trumpeter is a very well known maker of plastic models that lend themselves readily to conversion from static display to a functioning radio controlled model. The USS Arizona is one such model that Jeff is constructing.
The Arizona is one of the two ships that the US Navy were unable to salvage and restore after the attack on Pearl Harbour and it remains there as a war memorial. The Trumpeter kit comprises no less than 1000 parts that can be further enhanced with etched brass accessories at some great additional cost, however Jeff has sensibly chosen to forego much of that and make a practical conversion to electric propulsion and radio control.
Four small brushed motors drive brass propellers through long shafts at quite a shallow angle which could result in water ingress but Jeff's model has lubricated shafts and internal bulkheads which will reduce the risks if this happens. Access to the internals of the model is facilitated by adapting the superstructure so it can be easily removed, electrical switches are hidden underneath the removable gun turrets.
One particular detail that Jeff has invested in is an amazingly detailed laser etched real wood deck, this is a complete 'self adhesive' part that is fixed over the plastic deck and is finished with a protective lacquer.
The model needs a lot of lead ballast as it is so light that there would be virtually no displacement without it.
Roy Verden gave a short talk about a boat that was an 'unloved & unwanted' model left over from a club sale. 'Plaudit' is a model of a Thames work boat constructed with a light but strong balsa hull and plastic superstructure. Acording to Roy there was a sister model by the name of 'Plashey' and the names of the two boats were derived from the Port of London Authority initials and a bit of poetic license!
The model was built from a plan in 'Model Boats' magazine and is a design by Dave Metcalf.
Plaudit has a single large propeller driven by a brushed motor at quite a low RPM which by all accounts is very efficient. There is a single ECU (electronic control unit) with a BEC (battery eliminator circuit) to power the receiver. Control is via a 27 Meg radio system.
Being mostly balsa the model needs quite a lot of lead balast to sit in the water with the correct amount of freeboard. Roy may run the boat a the forthcoming Easter Egg Regatta on April 12th at Verulam Park.
Do come along to the regatta, bring a boat, have some fun and you will be rewarded with a chocolate Easter Egg.
13th March 2020
St.Albans RLNI QUIZ NIGHT
In support of the centenary of the St.Albans branch of the RLNI the club put up two teams for the RLNI Quiz Night on Saturday 7th March. The teams comprised Terry & Rosie Wybrow, Den & Barbara Blazdell, Fran Beak & Jack Green on table 12 and our other team on table 5 comprised Mike Grossmith, Malcolm Beak, Rob & Linda Briancourt and a local couple, Lynne & Bill Batchelor.
The quiz was good fun and the questions very varied in subject, in some instances rather contentious, but as always the quizmasters decision was final.
During the break all the participants enjoyed a fish and chip supper.
Our St.AlbansMES teams did well with table 5 in 6th place and table 12 in 9th place.
Table 1 (the RLNI table!), with fellow club member Alan Holt and wife Eunice on the team, took first place with the highest score of the evening.
The branch have announced that a total of £730 was raised from the quiz tickets and raffle tickets, a very handsome sum that will go some way to support the service of the RLNI around our coastline.
About the St.Albans District Fundraising Branch:
Established in 1920, the Branch will be celebrating its centenary in 2020.
The Branch has directly funded three lifeboats:
- an early Liverpool class boat which served at New Quay Cardiganshire 1948-70
- a B class inshore rescue boat at Burnham on Crouch 1969-73
- a prototype (wooden hulled) Atlantic class 21 at West Mersea 1972-6
Substantial annual fund raising continues under the leadership of our Chairman Jean McCann, gold badge and bar, still very active aged 92. Regular activities include the sale of souvenirs at local events, a quiz night, talks about the RNLI to schools and groups, a Christmas sale of cards and calendars, outings and both street and store collections.
The picture shows 'the 'R.N.L.B StAlbans', one of the three lifeboats which the Branch has funded - it served at New Quay, Cardiganshire between 1948 & 1970 and saved 78 lives.
A model of this lifeboat is currently on display at the St.Albans Museum courtesy of Alan Holt.
Visit the RLNI St.Albans branch website HERE for more information on forthcoming fundraising events.
10th March 2020
February Club Night Report
To start the evening Clive introduced two new members, Ron and Justin, we hope that we gave them a good impression of the club.
Clive continued with a review of the Ally Pally show and thanked those who donated models and reminded members of various forthcoming club events, asking them to add their names to the lists if they wish to participate. The Puffing park and boating lake were then covered and Roger Lane covered some matters relating to the lake and MPBA activities. Rob Briancourt updated members on the Website and Mike Collins on the Newsletter, Mike also reminded all that the new club baseball cap was available to buy from Jack Green during the refreshment break.
The minutes of the meeting were taken by Mike Collins who was standing in for Roy Verden.
Mike's minutes can be read HERE.
Clive then handed over to Roger Stephen to give his talk.
Roger gave advice on buying a miniature locomotive, concentrating mainly on live steam. He gave a list of things a potential purchaser might want to consider before taking the plunge and then went into more detail on each one.
Topics covered were: What are your aspirations?; What size loco do you want?;
What facilities do you have at home to store and look after it?; What will it weigh?;
Where and how to buy a loco?; What will it cost? (How long is a piece of string!) and What else do you need to get to run it?
One or two members said they wished they had heard Roger’s talk before they bought their first loco!
During the refreshment break the members took the opportunity to discuss their own experiences with Roger and to examine the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway 2-6-2 loco No 759 ‘Yeo’ Tank Engine that Roger brought to show as an example of a commercially available ready built locomotive.
Mike’s talk was about the challenges involved in taking on a thirty year old part built Stirling Single locomotive in 5” gauge.
The current state of the model exhibits a number of issues each demanding a decision on whether to scrap and remake or whether to go with as is.The model is also covered in a fine layer of rust but fortunately not to the extent it can’t be cleaned up with some elbow grease. Mike took people through the various decisions that need to be made, seeking advice as he went.
The consensus from the audience was that the model is worth persevering with but the first step has to be to sort out the frames, which are out of alignment to the extent it was likely to make completing the locomotive satisfactorily very difficult. Mike was reluctant to give up and was having difficulty deciding whether the model could be rescued and so he is very grateful for the advice received.
15th February 2020
January Club Night Report
As the members arrived for the evening they paid over their membership fees for 2020 to Baz Butcher and collected their new membership cards. Clive welcomed all to the evening and the usual club business was conducted. The minutes of the meeting were taken by Mike Collins who was standing in for Roy Verden who is on his annual visit to family in Australia.
Mike's minutes can be read HERE.
Clive was to be seen sporting a very fetching baseball cap complete with embroidered club badge, this is a new item of club apparel introduced by Jack Green and is available to order for only £6. Please contact Jack to place your orders.
Click HERE for more information on the range of club garments.
Mike Grossmith declared the intention to go ahead with the regatta at the Verulamium Lake on 12th April and will be taking the club boats along. He asked that anyone needing to get their boat in full working order to bring it along to the 'Boat Clinic' at the March club night.
The boating lake has now a healthy level of water thanks to recent rainfall and some members took the opportunity to test the waters on Sunday 5th Jan.
Rob Briancourt has put a clip on YouTube showing highlights from last weekend’s club boating at the lake.
You can see the Rob's video on YouTube HERE
The evening was then handed over to Frank Banfield and his film show which started with a film about the lifeboat service and their crews in byegone days, followed by a 1935 film illustrating the construction of a SR Class carriage from raw steel and timber to fully finished and ready for service on the Southern Railway. The next film was made in 1979 and was about the 'Merry Go Round' trains that the C.E.G.B used for the continuous supply of coal required by the power stations at that time.
You can see the 'Merry Go Round' film on YouTube HERE
Barnes Wallis was the subject of the next film and it covered his career from his involvement with the R101 airship, Wellington bombers, his famous 'Bouncing Bomb' and his revolutionary 'swept wing' supersonic aircraft designs which the British government of the time abandoned and handed over to the Americans who went on to build the F-111 fighter using some, but not all, of his original designs.
Frank's final film 'Hurry Hurry' was an extract from W.C Fields famous 1941 film 'Never Give A Sucker An Even Break' and featured breathtaking action and stunts that nowadays would only be achieved using 'CGI' and 'Green Screen' film techniques. Evidence that the film stunt men were extremely brave (reckless?) in 1941!
You can see the 'Hurry Hurry' film on YouTube HERE
W.C Fields notoriously had his own view on water and fish but here are some of his famous lines that are clean enough to publish.
"You can fool some of the people some of the time -- and that's enough to make a decent living"
"Everybody's got to believe in something. I believe I'll have another beer"
"Ah, the patter of little feet around the house. There's nothing like having a midget for a butler"
10th January 2020
December Club Night Report
As it is December we did without the usual club business apart from our Chairman confirming to all that the club stand at the Alexandra Palace exhibition was organised. He also asked how many would support the building of a 45mm & 32mm gauge permanent garden railway type layout on post catering for 16mm narrow gauge and Gauge 1 trains at the puffing field.
The tables were out and it was nice to see some members models. Terry Summers had a beautiful steam boat called Opal and Trevor Jones brought in his enormous 5 inch gauge Duchess class ‘City of London’. Still under construction.
The evening started with Nick Hale explaining the steam set-up he had at the club exhibition. The commercial 2 cylinder engine now worth a considerable amount due to its rarity (how that word is misused!). This a simple Bowman engine and has a unique porting arrangement. As each piston approaches the top of its stroke it twists slightly and opens the inlet port and closes the exhaust port, and on reaching the bottom of its stroke the exhaust is opened and the inlet closed.
Nick then gave a detailed description of his three cylinder engine build, with photos taken during the process. There was discussion on the finer points of construction which Nick took on board. Nick was assisted by Rob on the camera although Nick protested he was a cameraman and could manage but you can only do so much on your own. The camera projected images of the models on to the large screen for all to see.
He then described the 'Bash Valve' steam engine although it does have a better name. Utilising many parts from an old sewing machine it does work but not with a lot of power output. At the exhibition it was driving a Trix electric motor as a dynamo but this will be replaced.
The Chairman thanked Nick and he received a nice round of applause. We then adjourned for tea and hot sausage rolls and quiche and Malcolm's cake. Members gathered around exhibits to chat.
The Chairman called meeting together again and your Secretary gave a short talk on the Norwegian fishing boats and the ferry he had modelled. The model was not built as per the original in balsa wood but in obechi / bass wood. The construction was illustrated using PowerPoint on the big screen. The model proved heavier than expected and would not float upright. A decision was taken to saw it in to two pieces and lengthen it. This had been quite a common practice full size after WW2 due to steel prices being so high for building new boats.
The model is now a third longer, has an extra two hatches and has 40% more displacement enabling more lead flashing to be carried which now keeps her upright and stable. The exercise I think has improved the looks of the model and sailing her is very pleasant with the batteries lasting several hours.
At this point Ian Ferguson told us that he was retiring from the Marlborough School at the end of the year but had taken up a new part time appointment at Oaklands College, which he was very pleased about as this is what he was hoping to do and he is now released from the rigours of marking exam papers and all that entails. His workshop evenings will continue but see Ian for details.
The next item was the raffle, this was handled in a quick way with a prize being displayed and a number drawn. Rob took photographs of winners to be used as evidence next year if any are returned in 2020! Generally the number of members attending was greater than previous social evenings and the raffle ticket sales were an all-time record all proceeds going into club funds. Thanks go to all members who brought in raffle items and also to the ladies who produced the hot food for us and the usual supporting team with tea and coffee and also the gallant band who put the chairs and tables out and return them.
Roy Verden 13 Dec 2019
A visit to the East Anglian Railway Museum – by Clive Reynolds
On 4th December 2019 five members visited the East Anglian Railway Museum at Wakes Colne near Colchester, Essex, to look round their facilities. It was an excellent day and in addition to showing us round the station buildings, signal box, goods shed and museum building Phil, our guide, showed us behind the scenes where the public are denied access including their museum store and archive building. His knowledge of all aspects of the railway was extensive and we all improved our knowledge. We were also able to chat with some volunteers working in the restoration shed on wooden carriage and loco boiler repairs.
The museum is unusual in that it is divided in two by an active passenger carrying line that runs between Marks Tey and Sudbury. Greater Anglia runs trains roughly hourly in each direction which stop at Chappel & Wakes Colne station even though the station is part of the museum! A couple of hundred metres to the south is the impressive Chappel Viaduct – with no less than 32 arches it is the second largest brick built structure in England after Battersea Power Station.
The visit came about because three years ago I visited the East Anglian Railway with my grandchildren on a Thomas the Tank Engine day and looked round their new museum. They had an excellent 5" gauge Claud Hamilton and a 3.5" gauge 4-6-4 tank loco which I’m not sure was a GER loco. However I thought they could do with another GER loco and hence I contacted their Secretary, Mike Stanbury, and sent him a photo of my refurbished B12. I had bought the loco in 2006 for sentimental reasons and had it refurbished by Lynx Model Works some years ago. They did an excellent paint job but unfortunately they discovered a slight seep on the boiler and although it pulls, they advised me it would not get a boiler certificate. The museum was only too pleased to take it on loan for display and although it took nearly 2 years to complete arrangements it is now there for people to see and hopefully enjoy. When I delivered it Mike and his colleagues showed me round and said they would welcome a group visit from our members. All they need now is a B1 and Britannia to boost the 20th century passenger loco stock.
Photos:
1. A view of part of the museum site from the station footbridge. The prominent building is the restored goods shed.
2. An 0-6-0 tank engine under restoration. The boiler was undergoing major repairs elsewhere in the shed.
3. A museum volunteer, Dave Anderson and Neil Byrne enjoying a chat in front of Thomas the Tank Engine.
4. Clive Reynolds inspects his B12 locomotive on display in the museum building.
Visit the EARM Website :
NOVEMBER CLUB NIGHT REPORT
The club night opened with the Chairman and Secretary's reports and then the EGM to discuss membership fees for 2020.
First of all the proposed increase last year was not implemented. This was because the gazette had been costing £2000 per annum and after the last gazette there would no longer be that outgoing. The website has been updated and trial Newsletters discussed to replace the gazette, which has since been a success.
This year an additional proposal was put forward to reduce the hall fee to £2 but combine it with the annual subscription on the basis it would relieve a member from monitoring the hall fee (we still get 2 pence pieces!) get rid of the banking of the money and be a regular income for club funds. Also it might influence members to come to the club evening who might decide they would rather keep the hall fee.
Arguments against were some members who did not visit each month might not re-join, members who came to club evenings paid extra for extra benefits and spread the cost fairly.
The membership did not really respond to the option of integrating the hall fee with annual subscriptions and voted to accept the suggested increase of £2 for full and concessionary members. Leaving the hall fee at £3.00.
Subscriptions will be collected at the January meeting where membership cards for 2020 will be issued.
Any members not present are welcome to comment please email Roy Verden.
2020 subscriptions will be: Full £35, Concessions £33, Juniors £5 and associate £1.
The 2020 Membership Renewal Form can be downloaded HERE.
Please do not send any subscriptions to the Secretary as he will be on holiday.
THE AWARDS PRESENTATIONS
Each year the Chairman's Shield is awarded to a club member who has supported the club, always present at our events and in particular John Mills has run the club shop for as long as any of us can remember.
A true club member who gives more than he takes.
Guy Ellerby is an Honorary member as he was Club Chairman for 19 years and did a lot for the society. Apart from the recognition of services to the club Honorary Members no longer have to pay a yearly subscription.
As Noel Godman said he was a very early member having officially joined in 1949. Noel also was prominent in the St. Johns ambulance brigade and used to look after us at events, although I don't remember he was ever called to act fortunately Always a smiling face and helpful in a quiet
unassuming way. Noel is now just one of two club members who are Honorary members.
He mentioned Ken Simmonds who was before my time but on the committee and it was he who donated the trophy for larger than 2 1/2. gauge locos. Very keenly contested over in past years as when I joined in 1981 there were around 50 locos owned and built by club members and all in steam, some early members refused to accept boiler testing and having a certificate! Ian Ferguson has finally made this GWR Freight loco 2-8-0 47XX and it was quite a sight seeing her in steam at the exhibition. The model keeps alive the trophy and is a worthy winner.
The Best in Show award had the rules stretched a bit but the committee agreed that Guy and Noel with their Thomas re-engineered to run on O gauge rails and operated with switches made a simple exhibit that entranced many young boys and girls and was played with virtually the
whole time of the exhibition. Both Guy 100+ and Noel 91+ were present both days and told me how much they enjoyed themselves as well.
Roy Verden Nov 2019.
Tony Mason wondered why no one seems to model Broad Gauge Railways.
His presentation included around 40 slides of locomotives and scenes from this fascinating era.
By contrast there was also film from the cab of a class 222 locomotive running from St Pancras to St Albans earlier this year, in just 17 minutes!
Watch the complete video on YouTube HERE
16.11.19
Ian Ferguson’s 47xx – Maiden Trip
Some of you will have enjoyed the sound of Ian’s newly self-built 5 inch gauge running on a rolling road at this year’s Club Exhibition. So damp weather was ignored and a steam-up at the Puffing Field on Friday 1st November was to be the locomotive’s first actual run.
Ian, a couple of friends, Roger and myself provided assistance with opening up and preparing the track.
As I suspected and as with most newly built model locomotives the start to the run was hesitant.
Initially the sluggish but mighty GWR 2-8-0 was a challenge: keeping steam pressure up and completing a complete circuit was tough and the job of maintaining a good hot fire with a 10 inch firebox needed working out, but even so, progress remained a bit sluggish.
However, after a problem with a stray linkage on one of the cylinder cocks and a dragging tender brake had been fixed the locomotive at last freed up and began to show its paces.
Ian kindly let me complete a couple of circuits and I can tell you this ‘beast’ is quite something to drive, with its powerful bark and wonderful acceleration.
Well done Ian and we look forward to enjoying the sight and sound of your new creation again at the Puffing Field.
Tony Mason 02.11.19
Society exhibition 2019
A Report By Roy Verden
The Society exhibition came together on the evening of Friday 27th with the models coming in on the Saturday morning. This year we had an Official opening by Councillor Geoff Harrison. 
This was to thank him for help given by him to ease our visit to Verulam Park in August.
Councillor Harrison cut the tape and we were officially open.
Visitors paid their entrance fee and received a coloured band to wear as a ticket and immediately saw the RNLI which is the main charity the club supports, we also have donation boxes near the rides for the Wish Tree charity, a local one nearby.
The exhibition again filled the school almost to overflowing and this year due to an adverse forecast we had to plan for wet weather. We brought into use the picnic tables which are under cover for Live Steam exhibits and the shop into the Gym.
One of the big display items was the Flight Simulator 
which was a self-contained free standing unit housed outside, nicely placed with covered access, very busy the whole time.
The train rides ever popular were re-arranged to have covered access from a school corridor. The team were kept busy both days with passengers, who may have got a little damp on Sunday.
Also in that corridor was a new innovation, a 5 inch gauge ground level railway with a 0-4-0 electric loco and driving truck. Visitors as young as 5 and 6 were given the chance to drive a train while sitting behind it. This was supervised by the guard who also had an emergency switch to stop the loco if necessary.
Always a queue there!
At the end of the track we had an organ diorama with music playing as wanted.
The double doors lead out to the picnic tables and on show was Ian’s 5 inch gauge GWR 2-8-0 Goods engine which had its’ first steam up on a rolling road, consuming vast quantities of coal and water, a sight to behold.
Tony was also demonstrating on a rolling road some of his collection of steam engines bringing in different ones on Sunday.
Nick had a working steam plant with a stationary engine driving various accessories and we have the promise of a talk about it early next year.
The now, well known, Toyshop steam exhibit belonging to Mike was running effectively as ever this always attracts the younger visitors with the tiny workshops and their machines of a past age.
Rounding the corner and returning into the school we have the large display of Road Vehicles presented by Tamiya Truckers occupying the whole of the dining room area.
Ant and his group were driving loud brightly flashing vehicles on a layout of roads and inclines and an impressive bridge. While to one side an operating crane and a motorised shovel was loading gravel into trucks. In another corner was a chance for visitors to run a truck around a short road course using radio control, quite challenging!
Going down an adjacent corridor the first room has a large Garden railway running several trains with a very elaborate countryside and stations, all hoots and puffing noises but electrically powered, and just at the right level for children to view.
Further along and on the left a smaller room but with excellent lighting has the Spithead Review with miniature models of the Royal Navy through time.You could also see how they were constructed on a demo table.
The last three large class rooms were full of Meccano Models and showed the many possibilities of building with Meccano.
Models ranged from a large floating crane through Fairground Rides to clocks, models from the sets and working models for the visitor to operate.
Pride of place was a model of the USS Missouri Battleship a full 9 feet long in appropriate grey and with many working parts. The model had come up from the South West Meccano Club and was built and exhibited by Steve Briancourt.
https://southwestmeccano.org.uk/
There was also another Frank Hornby product, a tinplate ‘O’ gauge railway for visitors to wind up the engines and run them around the track, courtesy of a NLSME member. Many young visitors had never seen wind-up toys before. The Chairman of the West London Meccano Society was at the end of the corridor with his large Digger Crane made from Meccano for small fingers.
Returning to view the Gymnasium we have the Luton Model Boat Club with an excellent display of model making at its best with many ships mainly working but also some static. The Plastic Magic area has models that have featured in the Model Boats magazine. Members were happy to answer questions and chat to visitors.
Nearby was the North London MES with a working 3D printer and the Hanwell club with their exhibits.
A nice end to end model railway on ‘OO’ was run by regulars Steve and his wife Petra and their daughter.
At the far end is the host society, the St. Albans model engineering society with their large stand.
A big feature was the big screen showing recent club activities at The Puffing Field and our stands at other shows. The video was produced by Rob Briancourt and is most impressive with its content and sharp definition. There was also a 70 year old clip of the opening of the track the club uses at Chipperfield.
The video can be viewed HERE
The tables carried a display of club models showing all the different interests members have from scale yachts and electric powered boats to locos, vintage toys through to steam engines running on compressed air to the steam boats that they power.
Godfrey had his shovel caterpillar tractor powered by high pressure hydraulic oil heaving an enormous rock up an incline and dropping it. The noise of which ensured nobody dozed off anywhere!
There were some novelty items to amuse as well.
These included a Thomas the Tank engine that was running up and down, controlled by Guy Ellerby our redoubtable ex-Chairman now having passed 100 years old, and his trusty assistant Noel, a mere stripling in his mid 90’s. To paraphrase ‘Strictly’ ‘Keep smiling’!
For the inner man or woman there is a very busy newly refurbished catering area where the ladies of the club toiled ceaselessly to provide food and drink to all.
The Main Hall had local clubs from Stevenage and Welwyn and the Moorhen club.
Stevenage had a nice display of radio control items and some of the old electric motors and I/C engines.
The society has a club shop and there were many ‘interesting’ items on sale!
Moorhen club had some larger model boats on a very nice display.
Close by was Richard from the Association of Model Barge Owners with some splendid examples of 1:24 scale Thames Barges.
Welwyn club had some large modern examples of cross channel ferries as well as tiny working models of various ship types.
On the stage were two displays, on the left a Warehouse layout with fork lift trucks loading and unloading crates onto lorries from the storage areas. Next to it was a gravel grading machine separating different size gravel from the loads supplied by heavy duty lorries.
Down below was the Handley Page society stand.
The Lifeboat Appreciation group had a splendid display of large working RNLI lifeboats with information and photos.
In the corner of the Main Hall, by the door was MidAir. A small group devoted to encouraging flying model aircraft. Visitors could sit down and with tuition construct a small glider and go out onto the grass outside and test fly it.
Outside was the portable pool that has Have-A-Go radio controlled model boats for young visitors to operate under tuition, very busy on the Saturday, there was some sailing on the Sunday when the weather permitted.
The Flying Field was in operation on the Saturday but intermittent rain and gusting winds curtailed flying on Sunday.
Some hot air balloons were flown at the school entrance but the gusty wind condition prevented them from being flown too high.
Scattered among the halls were opportunities to buy various modelling items including vintage plastic construction kits and toys.
Although this was the worst weather we have ever had for our Model Show it did not dampen the spirits of those present.
The many children visiting on both days were quietly absorbed by all that they saw and did.
We would like to thank all the clubs that participated and without whom the Show could not take place.
Their models were an inspiration to all and must have kindled a few fires with some. I had many conversations with club members and visitors alike who were very much taken by the scale of the Show and the wide range of models.
We would also like to thank these clubs for the assistance rendered in setting out the 70 odd tables and bringing them back afterwards.
Our visitor numbers were down on last year due to uncertain weather but we still entertained more than 1300 over the two days with many pre-school children coming in for free.
Roy Verden.
29-09-19
Watch the Highlights Video on our YouTube channel HERE
1st Dec 2019
ST Albans MES on Radio Verulam.
Listen to the interview or watch the video HERE
September Club Night Report
The September meeting was a little different from the usual club nights as members were invited to bring along any model boats that they would like to be checked out for 'seaworthiness' and to get them running again and discuss problems and solutions with the boats with fellow club members.
To facilitate this the usual theatre style seating arrangement was changed to a more open layout with tables as well as chairs.
Members were also asked to complete a survey to, amongst other things, understand the range of interests members have and their ideas for the club.
And not not forgetting the engineering side, Malcolm has presented the club with a nice new (quiet) compressor and members were given a chance to test and run their engines on compressed air.
Malcolm also gave a talk about some of the engines he has built and mostly designed himself, and his use of a video camera and the halls projector made viewing the detail and operation of his engines so much easier.
A full description of the design and construction of Malcolm's Three Cylinder Engine can be found HERE
Nick Hale brought along his live steam powered exhibit using an old Stuart 405 with four engines. The engines are a Stuart 10V, a Balham Basher which is Nicks own design, and also his design for a beautiful three cylinder single acting marine engine. He is using the Balham Basher to drive an old Trix electric motor as a dynamo. The fourth engine is a little Bowmans twin cylinder marine engine.
Ian Gurton brought along his electronic development prototype for the club Dynamometer Car project to demonstrate. The project is coming along well with the group having regular development meetings.
https://stalbansmes.com/dynamometer-car-project/
Brambleton Model Railway Open Day
Saturday 7th September 2019 – a report by Tony Mason
Saturday 7th saw another invasion of the mountainous terrain of Harpenden known as Brambleton.
Roger Stephen had recruited at least four committee members and other willing workers from our Club to have a final push selling our Exhibition to members of the public and their children.
Two tents were quickly erected and 'exhibits-that-move' placed on tables.
Fireboxes were filled with fuel and before long glowing coal could be seen. Soon the air was filled with steam puffing from chimneys.
And so it was for nearly four hours during which over 700 of our leaflets were pressed into the hands of Mum’s, Dad’s and eager children’s hands.
We had proved you don’t need a printed circuit to create joy with juniors and parents were assured that a visit to our annual Expo would guarantee to exhaust their children once again.
What more can we do for mankind?
Finally I should point out that the main event at Brambleton was their ‘0’ gauge layouts and garden scale narrow gauge layouts which stretched as far as you could see.
Great cakes, savouries and beverages were sold too. 391 adults, 351 children had visited and earned the show £2231.
Well done those Brambeltonians and may you continue to prosper.
Tony Mason, Sept 2019.
The Brambleton MRC website can be found here: http://www.brambleton.org.uk/index.html
August Bank Holiday at Verulamium Park
With clear blue skies and temperatures forecasted to be in the low thirties August Bank Holiday at Verulamium Park was guaranteed to be packed with families and children making the most of the ‘Splash’ water park and the Fun Fair and as in previous years the club had a fine display of model boats and steam engines and the portable track to give rides to the visiting adults and children.
Dry Boating Lake
As soon as Clive arrived with the truck all the members that volunteered to help out on the day immediately set about unloading and erecting the track, gazebos and exhibits.
By 11:00 am everything was set up and after a test run the track was declared ready while a queue of eager passengers were already awaiting a ride behind the club locomotive ‘Alice’.
The club electric loco was on standby but Alice performed her duties flawlessly throughout the day giving rides to at least 250 passengers young and old and raising some generous donations from the public to help fund the cost of the day.
Meanwhile the displays under the gazebos attracted a lot of interest and included Mike Grossman’s Toy Steam Workshop display, David Brown’s Stirling Engine, Tony Mason with Alan Holt’s steam tug ‘Resolve’, Malcolm Beak brought some of his small steam plant models and ‘Cyril’ a steam powered boat, one of Roy Verden’s many sailing boats and Rob Briancourt’s Thames River Police Launch were on show too.
Unlike previous years it was not possible to operate any model boats on the boating lake owing to the severely depleted water level, this is very sad because running the ‘Have-A Go’ boats and members own models for the enjoyment of the children has always been a very popular aspect of our presence on this public holiday, and so a great opportunity to engage with young and old who have an interest in model boating has been lost.
Nevertheless, taking the opportunity to promote the Summer Exhibition, a great number of flyers were handed out to prospective visitors many of whom had previously attended our show and intended to return this year.
By 4pm everyone, apart from ‘Alice’, had run out of steam and the last of the happy passengers had their ride, and so the track and displays were dismantled and loaded back onto the truck.
And so other successful event to promote the club and its activities ended.
A big ‘Thank You’ to everyone who turned out to help on the day.
August Club Night Report
Where can we sail our model boats?
Some Alternatives
The August club night was an opportunity to tell the members about the offer of an alternative sailing location which is urgently needed because of the present dire condition of the Verulam Park boating lake.
Roger Stephen gave a short talk with slides to show how bad the St Albans lake is and the prospect of it being some time before it could be usable again and then he spoke about an alternative location in Kings Langley which is used by the local angling society who are offering the club the use of one of their smaller lakes.
The great advantage of this location is that the lakes there are always completely full as they are part of the course of the River Gade and equally important, the lake is kept completely weed free.
A good show of hands seemed to imply that this met with some approval by those present but the matter will be put to the members at the September club night in more detail and with further discussion.
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"The Belles of Belfast"
The guest speaker for the evening was Dr. Rudi Newman who gave a talk entitled 'The Belles of Belfast" all about the White Star 'Olympic Class' liners and featured the ill-fated maiden voyage of the RMS Titanic.
Rudi has given talks to the club on previous occasions, the last being about the R101 and Hindenburg air ships, and his talks are always most interesting and informative and this talk was no exception.
RMS Titanic was a British passenger liner that sank in the North Atlantic Ocean in 1912 after the ship struck an iceberg during her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York City.
Of the estimated 2,224 passengers and crew aboard, more than 1,500 died, making it one of modern history's deadliest peacetime commercial marine disasters.
RMS Titanic was the largest ship afloat at the time she entered service and was the second of three Olympic-class ocean liners operated by the White Star Line.
She was built by the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast. Thomas Andrews, chief naval architect of the shipyard at the time, died in the disaster. (Courtesy: Wikipedia)
Summer BBQ at the Puffing Park
Sunday 11th August was the day of the annual BBQ and despite the changeable weather forecast the attendance was very good.
Happily the the weather stayed dry and warm and was ideal BBQ weather with everybody taking advantage of the BBQ grills to prepare their food.
Roger Stephen with his steam loco 'Princess Marina' and Clive Reynolds on the club'e electric loco 'Joyce' gave rides to club members and visitors young and old.
Other engines, both steam and electric were also run for everyone's enjoyment and the even neighbours from the adjoining properties came along and had train rides around the park.
July club night at the Puffing Park
The July club night was held at the Puffing Park at Chipperfield in celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the opening of the track in July 1949.
There was a very good turnout of club members from past and present, many attending with their partners and family members.
The club provided a very decent spread of sandwiches and snacks and a rather large and calorific chocolate cake, all served by the lovely lady wives of the committe and consumed by the members with much enthusiasm.
Thank you ladies ! 
Although not present at the event Guy Ellerby was honoured by the installation of the brass name plate presented to him in celebration of his centenary birthday and this now adorns one of the steaming bays in the very good company of previously celebrated members.
Roger Stephen brought along his Princess Marina to run on the track with some members as passengers and Mike Grossman was in charge of the clubs electric loco.
All agreed that it was a very pleasant occasion on a warm July evening.
The next event at the Puffing Park will be the Club BBQ on Sunday 11th August.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Please scroll down to see the CRICH report
A visit to The Postal Museum
Wednesday 26th June saw an outing to The Postal Museum at Mount Pleasant, London.
The group met at the welcome space to be greeted by Kevin Gray, the retired colleague of a club member now working as a guide at the museum. Kevin gave the group a brief history of the area including how it became to be known as 'Mount Pleasant'. 
The first part of our visit took us to the 'Mail Rail' part of the museum and the group boarded one of the two trains that take visitors on a 15 minute ride around a loop of track beneath the local area.
The train stops at various points along the route where some very impressive audiovisual displays show the history of the railway and describe its use throughout its service life. It's remarkable to consider that this system was the very first automatic and driverless railway system in the world at the time it was constructed and nothing else like it was built until 40 years after it's construction.
Returning to the Postal Museum the group were given a couple of 'Pop Up' talks by Kevin on the history of the postal service from its earliest years to the formation of the Royal Mail, and another talk about the brave men that formed a postal service during the war years to bring mail to the troops at the front lines and return with letters for loved ones at home.
The group then spent the remainder of the visit touring the various galleries and exhibits in the musem at their leisure.
Club Outing to the National Tramway Museum – Crich June 23rd - A Report by Tony Mason
The collapse in popularity of Trams started as early as the 1920’s and they finally disappeared from our streets , with one or two exceptions, in the 1950’s. The consequent availability of time expired Trams stimulated enthusiasts to save them and restore them, rather in the same way as the Narrow Gauge movement of the same time.
Crich, or ‘Kriche’, as the locals pronounce it, is a sleepy location in Derbyshire. Just south of the Peak District the tramway is on the site of a mining works’ and it’s incline, engineered by George Stephenson himself. Apart from working trams on the incline and the quarter of a mile of tramway with it’s four passing places there are many other attractions. These include a Learning Centre, a Workshop Viewing Gallery, Tram Depot and a Discovery Depot. The entire collection consists of some eighty trams in varying states of preservation with many of them in excellent working order. The standard of restoration is very high and we were fortunate to have a conducted tour round the Workshop conducted by a technical manager who could answer our many questions. The standard of restoration was superb doing great justice to these fascinating machines. Well done!
This is one of the latest projects being undertaken in the workshop. It is in fact the very last tram built by the LCC (London County Council) in 1933. The London Tram fleet, along with all the other transport facilities was passed over to London Transport in 1933.
Restoration is to the original LCC livery. The picture shows the tram in the Workshop and some of our members are climbing aboard to view the high quality of the restoration
Surely one of the most elegant restorations in the Crich collection. The car numbered 159 was built in 1902 and became a member of the LUT ‘W’ class. It ran until 1921 when it became the home to a couple in Ewhurst Green, remaining with them for 55 years! It was restored over a seven year period to the highest standards in its original London United Electric Tramways livery.
106 is a London County Council ‘B’ Class tramcar dating back to 1903. It is open-top , four-wheeled and built by Dick-Kerr. The trams were too small to handle London traffic and many were sold off to other operators while the remainder were used during peak hours. The last of the class ran in 1925. 106 was restored between 1971 and 1983 by the London County Council Tramways Trust and presented to the National Tramway Museum and is pictured here in the Tram Depot.
Portugal is famous for its Trams, in fact they can still be seen today in Oporto and Lisbon. 273 was restored to post-war Oporto ochre after acquisition in 1996. These trams are closely related to the American Streetcar and restoration was aided with monies from the Heritage Lottery Fun. Photographed during Club’s visit the children and dogs shows what a relaxed and all-embracing place the Crich Tramway is.
While members of the Club crowd onto the LCC tram they hardly noticed the lovely presentation and restoration of this, the second tram to arrive at Crich. This one was from Leeds and started its career there in 1926 and retired from in 1951. It was used on steep gradient routes being fitted with air braking for the steep hilly routes around Beeston.
Blackpool can hardly be avoided in a collection of trams. 167 dates back to 1928 when it was purchased from the English Electric Company in Preston. Note the luxury of a clerestory roof and the elegant pantograph. It came to Crich in 1962 and was restored by
Smithills, Bolton so it could participate in the Blackpool Tramway Centenary in 1985, since when it has represented its owners, the National Collection at other similar venues.
The trip was organised by Mike Grossmith and while the ratio of travel time to visit time was a little high it was well worth the journey and great value.
Thank you Mike.
https://www.tramway.co.uk/
June 2019 Club Night report
Club members turned out in numbers to join in celebration of Guy Ellerby's 100th birthday when he was presented with a birthday card
signed by the members and an engraved name plate 
that will adorn one of the steaming bays at the Puffing Park.
A deciciously fruity birthday cake was made by Malcolm Beak for this very special occasion and it was enjoyed by the members during the refreshment break.
The guest speaker for the evening was Richard Thomas from the Black Country Living Museum who gave a very entertaining and animated talk about 'President' a Fellows, Morton & Clayton steam powered narrowboat.
The 71 feet (22 m) long President was constructed in 1909 at FMC's company dock in Saltley, and cost £600. She was registered on 23 June that year. Her riveted, wrought iron hull is shaped in the 'Josher' style, named for FMC director Joshua Fellows.
President was bought by the Black Country Living Museum in January 1983. During the year both boats leave the museum and travel around the inland waterways attending various events and rallies promoting the Black Country Living Museum and the inland waterways in general.
More information on President and The Black Country Living Museum can be found here.
http://www.nb-president.org.uk/index.htm
https://www.bclm.co.uk/support/friends-of-president-steam-narrowboat/205.htm
Brambleton Model Railway Show Report
Brambleton Model Railway Show Saturday 11th May 2019 – A report by Roger Stephen and Tony Mason
We were invited by Alan Day to join the event in order to promote our exhibition. The venue was located just north of Harpenden and intriguingly adjacent to the site of the disused railway line from Harpenden to Hemel Hempstead. The models on show were a mixture of ‘O’ gauge and 16mm Garden scale. All the trains were remote controlled by ‘drivers’ who used both radio control and two rail electric supply. The system meant that the trains ran continually throughout an afternoon which lasted from 2pm to 5.30pm. The clientele were enchanted and very much fitted the profile of our own exhibition.
The Brambleton members seem to be a very friendly and helpful lot and they provided suitable transport to get our heavy stuff from the cars outside to where our gazebo went, and back again at the end of the day. Alan Day arranged this in a truck measuring approx 7’ 6” by 4’ 6”, sides about 1’ high which could take up to about 500kg. He said he is happy to use it to transport stuff if ever we need to, either with him towing it or by lending it to a member with a tow bar. I think it would be fine for events not needing the track, like Oaklands, but I would not recommend trying to load it with the portable track, station timbers, accessory boxes (wood packing, buffers, etc), passenger car, guard’s truck, and driving truck. Even without a gazebo that would be too much. Worth remembering his offer though. Members who attended and brought models were Roy Verden, Roger Stephen, Tony Mason, Jack Green, Chris Scivyer and Malcolm Beak.
As for the Brambleton open day itself, Alan Day says they had well over 1,000 people paying to get in (Adults £2:50, Children £1:50). I can believe that – the place was buzzing by 3pm. If one assumes the average family was mum, dad and two kids, that would be a ticket income of over £2,000 for a single afternoon. Their refreshment tent seemed to be doing good business too, charging £1:20 for a hot dog (with onions and ketchup/mustard) and fizzy drinks in cans at 80p. They probably turned over a total of around £3,000 on the day. I think it would be worth looking into how they publicise their open days. If you Google “Brambleton Open Day 2019” you get their website plus several social media sites, notably;
https://themummysphere.co.uk/listings/brambleton-model-railway-club-open-day/
Whatever they do, it seems to work.
Having the steam workshop on a table in front of the gazebo was fine but the three tables in the gazebo was not ideal - we wanted them under cover because of the forecast showers and ended up with rather restricted access to them. The wall panel at the back was OK but with hindsight, and the lack of showers as it turned out, we could have taken down the single side wall panel we had. We live and learn! Alan Day kindly returned the kit to the Puffing Field the next morning in his trailer.
Their next open day is on Saturday 7th September. That’s just three weeks before our own exhibition and obviously a great opportunity to hand out exhibition flyers. Alan Day is very keen for us to have a stand again and is desperate to have a bit of 5” gauge track there, even if it is only a short length (like 10 to 20 feet) for us to demonstrate a loco on. I did not promise that! Given that they attract a large number of families (which must be our target audience?) I think we should definitely have a stand there in September.
The Brambleton MRC website can be found here: http://www.brambleton.org.uk/index.html
May 2019 Club Night report
The May club night commenced with the usual club business from Clive and Roy and this was followed by a short talk by Mike Collins about the proposed Dynamometer project.
Members were invited to be involved in the project and a special meeting for those taking an interest has been arranged and will meet at Clive's house on Wednesday 15th May @ 10.30 am
Mike's talk was followed by the main speaker for the evening.
Chris Scivyer is a club member who also has a special interest in aviation and his talk was titled 'A Tour of Airfields and Museums In and Around Moscow'
- Four airports around Moscow
- The 2003 Moscow Airshow
- Star City (Russian Cosmonauts training)
- Several plants reworking old Russian aircraft and helicopters
- Three private airfields
- Three aircraft museums
During the refreshment break club members inspected a demonstration model of a 'RetroReflector' by David Brown.
It was made from a discarded mirror that David acquired and he had the pieces cut by a glazier.
It serves to illustrate the principles of the Lunar Laser Ranging Experiment
'Retroreflectors have been left on the Moon by the Apollo astronauts to reflect lasers from Earth so that scientists can measure the moon's distance with millimetre precision. We now know that the moon is receding at about 37 mm per year. If you look at the centre you will see an upside-down mirror image of yourself regardless of your position. The ones on the moon are glass prisms made very accurately and each panel contains many prisms. If you put your hand or anything in the centre you will see seven reflections, 3 single, 3 double and one triple' 
The first StAlbansMES Newsletter has been published, registered club members can view and download it HERE
April 2019 Club Night & AGM Report
The April club night commenced with Annual General Meeting with the minutes of the last meeting read by Roy Verden, the election of Committee members and the financial report by Mike Grossmith.
The chairman then gave his report for 2018/2019
Read the full Chairmans Report Here
With the business of the AGM concluded the members enjoyed 'tea and buscuits' while viewing and discussing the projects and models brought to the meeting by fellow members.
The red truck in the last 'photo will form the basis of a 'Dynamometer' project that some members will be working on during the forthcoming year.
12th April.
March 2019 Club Night Report
The March club meeting was also Auction Night and there was a good turnout of members and a good selection of auction lots!
From our Chairman:
Thanks to all those who provided an assortment of items for sale at our auction last night. Thanks also to all those who put their hands in their pockets thereby putting £229.80 into club funds.
It was, as usual, an entertaining evening thanks to our excellent auctioneer Peter Haycock. Thanks to Peter, Ian Gurton who kept the books and Malcolm Beak who undertook the role of porter.
Clive
Sadly the garden strimmer attracted no bids and remains unsold !
Don't worry readers, you'll get another chance to buy it from the club shop at the annual exhibition in September!
14th March 2019
February 2019 Club Night Report
The club was delighted to host a talk by Ant and Mike Pritchard from the Tamiya Truckin' group.
The duo described and demonstrated the Tamiya models that they construct and operate, many of which are customised with special lighting and sound units, the latter are able to authenticaly re-create all of the starting and running sounds of the real trucks and construction vehicles.
During the refreshment break the club members closely inspected the models that Ant and Mike brought to show and many interesting questions were asked and comprehensively answered by Ant and Mike and their father Ted who was present and is also a member of the Tamiya Truckers.
The Tamiya Truckers are regular exhibitors at our Annual Exhibition and occupy an entire hall with their layout. They also exhibit at all the major model exhibitions in the UK and are an extremely popular attraction for young model makers at all the shows.
A video of the talk can be viewed on our YouTube channel..... or play it in the window here.
January 2019 Club Night report
At the January club night the Chairman presented two awards.
The first was the Hugh Beardwell trophy which is awarded to the best display by a club member at our exhibition.
This year this was awarded to Bill Langton and Terry Wybrow for putting together our club stand. The stand was the best for some years and displayed the society’s heritage.
The second award was the Chairman’s shield. This is awarded to recognise a member’s exceptional dedication to the society.
This year it was awarded to our gazette editor Tony Mason. 
Tony has been involved with the editing of the gazette for 15 years. He assisted Roger Stephen during his term as editor and undertook a lead role advising and assisting Michelle Hysom during her term. Over the last few years Tony produced the gazette single handed and developed it into the excellent journal we have all enjoyed.
Ian Gurton brought along a couple of his Arduino Mini-Bots to show to members, these were to be seen scurrying around following guide lines and trying to avoid each other.
Ian will be exhibiting these at the Alexandra Palace show later in January.
The awards presentations were followed by a film Show presented by Frank Banfield and included some facinating vintage films depicting maritime and railway history, his show also included a selection of short cartoon films including one of our all time favourites.......Roadrunner & Wile E.Coyote....Beep Beep.
That's All Folks !
