I was a few minutes late getting to open the hall, but it was open and people were getting the modules out to set up.  My excuse was simple – I sneaked up to Holmethorpe Industrial Estate to see a flock of Waxwings.  This gorgeous bird is an erratic winter visitor, and this little flock of 30 or so were demolishing berries off some bushes.  (Photo Patrick Venables.)

Meanwhile, back at the railway club, people kept pouring in.  We ended up with 13 members and 2 visitors and it was a busy afternoon on the tracks and a sociable one off them.

Sean’s all-singing, all-dancing DCC Azuma sounded horribly realistic as it trundled around the layout.  There’s something fascinating about fast expresses crawling along (that doesn’t apply to small shunters going very fast….)

Simon’s very long Southern Pacific Sunset Limited was running very well – and mostly staying coupled and on the track.

Neil’s lovely Revolution Trans-Pennine stock.  They seemed to be running well, too.

A variety of freight trains….

And Sean’s ballast train, headed by a very realistic sounding Class 37….

Finally, Lucas’ Northern DMU’s.

And the afternoon finished with the inevitable curry.  Not forgetting Brian’s video….