NORTHERN ASSOCIATION RALLY:
The rally was hosted this year by the Burton on Trent Model Engineering Society on Sunday 16th July, at their water meadow site on playing fields between two branches of the river Trent. Rather awkward to get to but a super site once you are there! Fine weather brought a record attendance, no doubt helped by the more central location. The club has 780 ft of elevated track encircled by 100ft of ground level track, all surrounding the clubhouse and lawn and some carefully cultivated jungle and woodland. A very attractive track with good facilities.
The event took place during the July heat wave in temperatures upwards of 30 degC, and the constant stream of large cups of tea from the ladies was much appreciated. It really does keep you cool! Turnout was much improved in line with the trend of recent years and is good to see. As ever, the turnout of 7¼” gauge engines was very poor, but at least there were a couple this year, Tony Woods’ Romulus ‘George’ and Chris Parkins’ impressive Royal Scott, both of which ran well. They were joined on the ground level track by several of the 5” gauge engines, their drivers no doubt welcoming the opportunity to experience ground level operation. A simple three-aspect block signalling system was in operation on the raised track, but did not seem intrusive. Red meant stop and amber meant you could proceed with caution into the next block. Turnout in the smaller gauges was very much better, with a very nice variety of engines of all types and classes, from FAJ Colins’ diminutive ‘Alva’ and another freelance 0-4-0 about the same size to the massive Prussian P8, and German Class 44.
None of the Northern Association officers were able to attend unfortunately, so arrangements for the presentation of trophies were deferred to a later date. However the host club made an excellent job of running the event and their hospitality and support were much appreciated by all who attended.
1 A study in red. In the foreground, Tony Lancaster’s Midland Compound 4-4-0 gets some TLC ready for the track. Behind it Dave Kinsella’s 3½” Duchess of Buccleugh waits patiently while her owner attends to his other contribution to the day, his well known 5” gauge Horwich Crab. Behind that, Norman Matthews attends to his equally well known 2-10-0 DBB Class 44 in 3½” gauge. OK, it’s black, but the chassis is red, and that is half of what you see!
2. A close up of the Class 44.
3. A rather nice 7¼” gauge Royal Scott by Chris Parkins stands in the ground level steaming bay.
4. The Royal Scott shows its mettle on the track, coming off the bridge onto the riverside straight. The clubs carriage sheds, adapted from two containers, can be seen in the background.
5. This 5” gauge 4-6-0 Prussian P8 brought by A.M.Gully ran well and attracted a lot of interest
6. Nigel Thompson and Tony Wood take a trip behind Nigel’s well known Conway, named after his wife Betty.
7. Tony brought his trusty companion ‘George’, seen much about since he added it to his collection a couple of years ago.
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