Broad Gauge Exhibition, Newbury - 7 September 2002
EXHIBITION REPORT
Welcome to the Broad Gauge Society's 2002 exhibition. We only had three layouts this time, but they were in 3mm, 4mm and 7mm scales so there was something for everyone. There were also the usual trade and display stands and a demonstration by Laurie Griffin.
It was good to see a 3mm scale BG layout for the first time. Nick Saltzman is not the first to dabble in this scale, but he does seem to be the first to actually build a layout. I always thought it was a nice size and has the advantage that ¼ mm = 1", which makes measuring relatively easy.
There was another new layout in 4mm scale, this time from Kay Butler. Pressure of work means the layout was not as far advanced as Kay had hoped, but we trust you will find the construction techniques of interest. It is based on a locomotive shed, which promises to make an interesting scale model without being too big.
In 7mm scale we welcomed back Bob. Harper with "Teign House Sidings". There was a new locomotive running, a B&ER 4-4-0ST, and some new waggons from Peter Totman.
As usual, the Society’s trade stand was in attendance along with IKB Models, Kevin Robertson and Carl Legg of CPL Products plus a bring and buy stand not to mention displays of the Millennium Project and the Firefly Trust. Last, but not least, was Chris Saunders’ Watchet display. Chris is hoping to start building a model soon and was hoping any gaps in his information would be pointed out now rather than later!
We hope that this report of the show will serve to encourage you further if you are already modelling the Broad Gauge, or to make a start if you are just thinking about it. If you are not already a member of the Society, why not join?
Refreshments were available throughout the day, thanks to the efforts of members and their wives. We hope that you enjoy your virtual visit and that we will see you at future meetings.
Alan F. Garner Chairman
CHELTENHAM - Kay Butler
This layout has been inspired by the very early photographs of locomotives standing outside the shed at Cheltenham. It is not yet complete, but gave the chance to see some of the techniques used in constructing the layout, including the use of foam board for the baseboards – which results in a very light, yet strong board.
IKB MODELS
As well as the full range of Great Western convertible coaches we had on sale the 4mm scale "Rover" motorised tender. Also profile milled chassis for 7mm & 4mm scale for various locos. We can mill chassis to your requirements.
BAGBOROUGH WEST - Nick Saltzman
This is the fictitious terminus of a Bristol & Exeter Railway branch in Somerset. Lord Bodger, the local landowner and entrepreneur, put up the majority of the money needed to build the line. He has his own private saloon and takes his horse and carriage with him when he travels. He may be found around the station in his distinctive top hat.
The layout has been built to 21mm gauge using the same track and wheel standards as used for fine scale. All the stock is hand built with some modified standard gauge kits. The track is constructed using BGS 4mm scale bridge rail soldered to copper clad sleeper strip. The railway buildings are all models of BG prototypes, the station building is from Watchet and the goods shed from Henley-on-Thames. I hope that I have invoked the spirit and flavour of the Victorian era as epitomised by Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s Broad Gauge.
BGS 2002 Field Trip Video
Each year the Society organise a field trip to a place of Broad Gauge interest. In July 2002 we visited West Cornwall. Your webmaster was waving his video camera about, and produced a video of the event. He is still learning to use his video editing system, and despite the wobbly bits (the price you pay for videoing while attached to a dog!) it gave a flavour of the event for anyone who couldn't be there.
Robin Wallace-Sims
A non-member, Bob Connell, started the 5" gauge model of Firefly, but sadly he died before he could complete it. His son approached the Society to see if there was anyone who could finish it for him. Robin kindly volunteered and the result was presented here. Sadly it is powered by electricity and not steam! Robin also showed his model of Maidenhead Bridge signal box, built to a scale of ¾" = 1’ to match the above model and a 9-lever frame to operate Robin’s ground level mixed gauge layout.
Demonstration Stand
Laurie Griffin is well known as a professional model maker and also as the writer of the MRJ Project – a 7mm scale model of Wantage Tramway no. 5. He was available for advice on building etched-brass kits, scratch building or generally working in brass or nickel silver, soldering etc.
CPL Products
Scale rulers in most scales, GWR transfers in 7mm and 4mm scales as well as a 7mm scale convertible coach kit, buffers, couplings etc.
TEIGN HOUSE SIDINGS - Bob Harper
Teign House Sidings (pronounced "Teen") is a small BG terminus in 7mm scale, built to ScaleSeven standards. The Teign Valley Railway was authorised in 1863 as a broad gauge line from the Moretonhampstead & South Devon Railway to Chudleigh and Doddiscombleigh. In actual fact this scheme was abandoned and a further 8 Acts of Parliament were obtained before the line was finally opened in 1882. The line was standard gauge to Ashton, with a freight-only extension to a siding at Teign House (a pub), near Christow. Three more Acts were needed before it was finally finished through to Exeter in 1903. From 1882 to 1892 it was a completely isolated standard gauge line, meeting the broad gauge Moretonhampstead branch at Heathfield.
I have assumed that the original scheme was actually built, with the broad gauge line to Teign House being worked by the South Devon Railway. The layout is set in the last days of the broad gauge, circa 1887-1892, with the locomotives in their final forms and "convertible" wagons and coaches forming a fair proportion of the rolling stock, although some of the surviving genuine broad gauge stock can be seen. Trains are short, which is typical of the 19th. century all over the West Country, and usually hauled by 4-4-0 or 0-6-0 saddle tanks. The usual branch services are considerably augmented by mineral traffic from the basalt quarries near Christow.
Much help has been given by members of the Broad Gauge Society, and in particular Bob Deakin, whose excellent scenic work and buildings won a cup at the Manchester exhibition, and Brian Watson, who is able to scratch-build totally convincing 4-4-0 saddle tanks from little more than a few faded photos. Although imaginary, the use of genuine buildings and structures from the surrounding area together with the typical track, signals and rolling stock will hopefully give an idea of the broad gauge before the end in May 1892.
Kevin Robertson Books
A chance to stock up on railway books and videos, many at reduced prices.
Bring and Buy
This was a chance for you to turn out cupboards, and try to sell all the bits and pieces no longer needed.
Member's Models
This was the place to show off a latest creation for all to admire.
BGS Trade Stand
Sam Bee was hoping to retire as Trade Officer, but was presiding over a selection of Society products, including the latest additions to our range.
Firefly Trust
The Firefly trust is now well on the way to achieving its aim of a full-size replica of one of the first mass-produced locomotives in the world, Daniel Gooch's "Firefly". This class was the backbone of the G.W.R. locomotive department for the first few years after the opening from Bristol - Paddington. The replica is now taking shape at Didcot where the boiler is now complete. Hopefully it should be ready to steam before much longer. All sale proceeds go towards this end and donations are also gratefully received!
Millennium Project and Database
It may be over a hundred years since the end of the broad gauge, but there are still hundreds of artefacts scattered around the country. The BGS is keen to see all of these identified and documented to assist future historians and modellers, also to identify vulnerable ones in order that they may be conserved. This display gave some idea of the range of structures to be found, from culverts to complete stations. Perhaps you could help with a survey of part of the railway?
In addition we are trying to prepare a database of all known images of the Broad Gauge. This includes not only photographs, but also prints and plans. So far there are over 1700 images listed, but there is still a long way to go. If you have any images in your collection that have not been published, let us know about them.
WATCHET - Chris Saunders
For some time now, Chris has been researching Watchet in Broad Gauge days. He brought along a display of photographs and plans he has found. If you know of the whereabouts of more photographs or other relevant information, please let us know before Chris he starts building the 4mm scale model.
BGS Publications
Chris Saunders was also manning the publications stand. This was your chance to buy copies of all back numbers of the Broadsheet as well as our other publications. The Taunton album, published last year, had nearly sold out and if you have not already bought a copy, this could have been your last chance. We also had a few copies of the Broad Gauge Album published by Newton Abbott Museum.
BGS Publications
If you are not already a member, this was the place to come and join.