NAME Annual Rally Stafford 17th September

 Stafford & District MES was formed in 1971 to bring together people interested in the whole spectrum of model engineering activities, including locomotives, traction engines, clockmaking, workshop equipment, and, for one member, Roman surgical instruments.  It is not recorded on whom he tests them!  They initially used a portable track and later acquired a permanent track site in a wooded and wet corner of the Staffordshire County Showground that they have been developing since.  The site contains a small loop of elevated track catering for the smaller gauges and a very attractive 750ft woodland circuit at ground level for 5" and 7¼" gauges, together with associated steaming bays, workshop, carriage shed and clubhouse.  The latest development was the fitment of multi-gauge points in the ground level sidings.  The rally was well attended and the weather excellent, despite some darkening of the sky  early in the afternoon.

1. FAJ Colin brought his remarkable 'Tich' variant and seems well pleased with its performance, as ever!

2. Dave Bishop's veteran Black Five attracted a lot of interest.  They tell us Dave is looking for a surgeon who can do arm extensions; perhaps the Stafford member who does Roman surgical instruments can help?

3. Now here's one you haven't seen before!  Sweet Peas come in many guises, but this has to be one of the best dressed in terms of bells whistles and miscellaneous accoutrements.  As well as the usual bits, it has a working turbo-generator which drives three large headlights, and a donkey pump, all made by builder Andrew Gully.  In the picture is Andrew's son Pete showing young James Ingram the ropes.  

4. Is it a Pansy?  No, it's a Simplex, believe it or not, cunningly disguised as the Great Western pannier tank engine 3402.  Built by the late Dennis Gadsby it is now in the ownership of John Matthews and was chosen by the judges as 'Best in Show'. 

5. Unfortunately none of the NAME officers was able to attend the rally and Jim Matthews presented the prizes.  Here we see him presenting the 5" Gauge trophy to John Mattthews (no relation we hope!) with Roger Greatrex, chairman of the host club, looking on.