Dortmund #1

Posted on April 29, 2026 by snitchthebudgie

And on to Dortmund.  I’ve got many, many, photos from Allan, so there will be a good number of posts.  It looks an excellent show, and enormous, spread over 6 (?) NEC sized halls.  I’m really sorry I couldn’t go, but we are invited back next year…..

We’ll start with the non-railway photos.  It is a hoppy show, with cars, boats and planes as well as trains.  These pictures remind one of the Stuttgart meet as it used to be….

And to start the trains off, some American desert scenery – HO scale.

And a large NCI junction….

Next time I’ll post some pictures of the NCI exhibit.

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ESNG meeting – 26 April

Posted on April 27, 2026 by snitchthebudgie

Seven members, later joined by Chris who had been riding buses nearby, came to run trains on a sunny spring afternoon.  Still no Cha(i)rman, as he had dented his wheels, but the Assistant Tea Boy was on duty – but then went home early leaving the Secretary with the washing up!

Richard was running some interesting models, including a few acquired in Dortmund….

Continue reading →

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Meanwhile….

Posted on April 25, 2026 by snitchthebudgie

Pictures from Dortmund will follow next week, after Sunday’s club report.  But in the meantime, this rather amused me….

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Severn Valley Railway – 2026

Posted on April 24, 2026 by snitchthebudgie

Sunday, and Allan and Ron visit the Severn Valley Railway.  Their train arrives at the platform….

And the rest of the pictures are a rather different view of the line taken from the back of the DMU.  (At least, I assume it’s the back as I can’t see them being let in to drive the thing.)

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Swiss Railways Society – 2026 AGM

Posted on April 22, 2026 by snitchthebudgie

I’ve a string of photos to post from Allan, plus some musings and workbench action from myself.  Life may have calmed down enough for me to write a little – Maxine’s new hip is doing very well, and she’s beginning to resemble an antique gazelle.  Son Michael is established in his new flat.  And church business is in hand (sometimes.)

So it’s off to the Swiss Railway Society AGM….

Next post, pictures of the Severn Valley Railway.  You may (or may not) be relieved that Allan’s Halt is still operational.

And a handful of pictures to lead into the next post….

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Across the channel #3

Posted on April 17, 2026 by snitchthebudgie

And the rest of the French trip.  Dortmund to follow soon…..

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Across the channel #2 (And ESNG meeting 15 April)

Posted on April 14, 2026 by snitchthebudgie

We were missing a few regulars on Wednesday, so just four members turned up.  We ended up with a chat meeting, and Derek went home for his test track to run a few trains.  Graham turned up just in time for chips, but it was too late to put the layout up.  We have had few failures to run trains over the past year, so no worries.  My only complaint was that the Cha(i)rman and Assistant Tea Boy were both absent again – Dortmund this time – and I had to make the tea.

But here are a few more French photos….

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ESNG meeting – 12 April

Posted on April 12, 2026 by snitchthebudgie

Eight members turned out for this afternoon’s club meeting.  This was despite both the Cha(i)rman and the Assistant Tea Boy being away, so the Secretary was forced to operate the kettle.

There seemed to be an initial preference for multiple (and push-pull) units…..

But a few real trains turned up later on.

And here’s Brian’s view of procedings….

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ESNG meeting – 1 April

Posted on April 6, 2026 by snitchthebudgie

Better report on the first meeting of the month, on that auspicious day, April 1st.  Just five members risked attending, and I was coming and going, on chauffeur duty for Mrs B.  So just the three photos…..

But Michael has been spending plenty of time working on the Bluebell Railway.  Here are a few photos from the Spring Steam Gala.

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ESNG meeting – 22 March

Posted on March 25, 2026 by snitchthebudgie

Better get Sunday’s meeting posted, having been distracted by furniture moving and and Ikea visit…..

Sunday afternoon there were just the seven members present, but a good selection of trains took the rails.  as shown below….

And thank you Brian….

I’ve got some more photos to post, from Allan and Michael.  Will try to get these posted…..

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