Just a quick touristy report from Ron today….
Highlight of the trip a visit to Jungfraujoch. Came up through cloud and can now see mountains rising ftom the clouds
One more day to go, with some trains….
Eight members gathered this afternoon for the AGM and running day. It was good to see the Treasurer back after having a heart pacemaker fitted. There were, of course, the essential jokes that he had now gone DCC, and that he’d be able to control the trans by waving his arm up and down.
We gathered at 2pm and set up the layout, pausing at 3 for an hour’s AGM before returning to the important task of running more trains. We ran a good variety of stock.
Allan and Brian had new locomotives from Switzerland and the Netherlands.
I had bought an old Minitrix diesel to haul my troop train. Aged but a nice model, and it weighs a ton!
And after a five year wait, my Gaugemaster Electro-diesel has finally arrived
Simon was running steam and diesel USA freight trains, incl
More Dutch trains from Brian….
Allan also ran this KESR permanent way train. Did you know that a Dogfish was a Shark?
Paul had this lovely Japanese Railways inspection saloon on show….
And of course, Paul also had Thomas’ Japanese relation on show!
Paul took these pictures of ‘Thomas-san’, and summed up the afternoon….
The East Surrey N Gauge Group AGM took place this afternoon. Many topics were discussed, a rise in Annual and meeting Subscriptions were agreed to ensure that the group can continue. Our main concern is the dwindling number of active members, but this seems to be the case with many other clubs.
And, as usual, Brian captured the action on film…
Another day, another spot of tourism….
Overcast with outbreaks of rain. Free day. Whilst majority of party headed to Murren and the Schilthorn, I went to Luzern for a round boat trip to Vitznau. Turned out I made the right choice as the party going to the Schilthorn could not see a lot!
We start at Meiringen.
On to Luzern….
A look at the town…
And then we take to the water….
An interesting day out – though not entirely sure that the weather has improved!
Started wet saw some snow (see below) and ended up sunny. Group trip up Schyniger Platte. On way up passed through cloud and saw snow on trees. When we got to the top it was trying to snow with lying snow. We were left to our own devices and allowed to come down on our our own. All but two of us went into the restaurant for coffee and apple strudel. The cloud was then lifting. I joined a few of the group in an early descent and I went through to Thun and caught last boat back to Interlaken
It was only a matter of time before the apple strudel got a mention…..
Schyniger Platte. Not sure what the locals are smoking! “See what i mean about snow….”
But it looks like the weather did improve…..
Please do not pick the flowers…..
Meanwhile, back down at Wilderswil….
Ron continues to enjoy great British weather…. in Switzerland!
Woke up to heavy rain and excused myself from group trip to Interlaken, using my free passes went through Lotschberg base tunnel to Brig then along Rhobe Valley to Lausanne and came back via Berne. On way back walked through Interlaken and saw a lot of the familiar shops had closed or changed hands and in one case gone upmarket. Despite seeing some sun got off train at Wilderswil in the rain.
Just a few photos today – and the weather does look foul!!!!
Brig. Not sure why the sky has gone green????
Berne….
Lake Geneva…..
And a few Day 4 photos of Wilderswil.
Lots of train pictures in the next post, so don’t go away.
Having laid the last siding on Michael’s layout, we headed off to a pleasant Wednesday evening ESNG meeting with seven members in attendance…
Just a few photographs, as my phone ran out of juice. Here’s Simon’s lovely Santa Fe steamer…
Paul’s new Japanese train is rather special. It’s Thomas, Jim, but not as we know him! This lovely Tomix model is of a Thomas train that runs on a Japanese private railway.
My, Annie & Clarabelle, you have grown up!!!!!
There’s a steep grade on the line, so an electric locomotive is tagged on the end to get Thomas up the hill. As far as Tomix is concerned, this loco is a dummy, but one of the coaches is powered along with Thomas-san himself. Different…..
Next meeting is on Sunday, with a running afternoon plus a long delayed ESNG AGM.
And here’s Paul’s latest purchase in action!
Trains at Spiez….
At Brig….
Trams at Berne…..
And Ron’s hotel – the well appointed Hotel Alpenblick Wilderswil…
Sorry to see Ron is still getting English weather….
Woke up to pouring rain, walked over and sat on platcorm for 40 mins. We then had a walking tour of Strasbourg after which I joined some of the tour group on a noddy train round the old town. This afternoon travelled to Wilderswil via Basle and Interlaken. Hotel is old fashioned and 10 minute walk up hill from Wilderswil station.
Not many railway themed shots today, but here’s Basle station.
Covid or no Covid, Ron has escaped the blighted shores of Blighty and headed for Switzerland – that I believe is one of the least vaccinated countries in Europe! I’ve had a long pause from blogging, not much inspiration I’m afraid, so Ron’s holiday snaps will get me back into harness.
Travelled up to St Pancras to join tour party. Took Eurostar after a long wait for French border control, who hardly looked at required documentation! Arriving in Gare du Nord made out way to Gare de l’Est for TBV to Strasbourg for our overnight stop. Before being allowed on pkatform had to show Covid vaccination certificate to health staff
Starting out at St Pancras….
On to Gare de Nord….
And to Gare de l’Est
And arriving in deepest Europe – Gare de Strasbourg by night from Ron’s hotel window….
The following morning, the weather looks as bad as England, and the station still looks a bit odd…..
The station interior is just a little less exotic!
Has anyone made a model of this yet?
A few more oddities that I’ve found whilst avoiding any real modelling….
A fantastic SDJR layout in ‘O’ gauge….
I’m amazed how long some prime derelict sites have kept going in Central London….
Would you let your club members run this – let alone children?
Airfix have just rereleased their 1/144 kit of the H.P.45 – just right for your 1930’s layout?
Too true!
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