Lots going on again in CS2, and another new member!

South Junction was systematically taken down and packed away in stillages and boxes and then re-erected as a test for its rapidly approaching visit to Taunton Rail-Ex.   Just before 10pm a tank engine made its way cautiously round the layout.  Track joints require adjustment, one of the many point motors needs attention, and one of the controllers is playing up.   Thanks to the many members who turned up to help!

In preparation for the exhibition South Junction has gained a signal box for the Canal Junction that has been long planned but only recently executed and  in considerable style.  Here it is in the process of being planted in South Junction’s otherwise verdant landscaping.

The wood yard on South Junction has also recently gained facilities that CS2 sadly lacks.  Not an army, but staff loos based on those at Yandles.  Previously the workers would have walked to the other end of the layout where the garage is fully equipped!

Last week Hornby Magazine turned up for a photo shoot on The Summit.  However timing is everything and this week they missed an HST powered from both ends and with lights.  A sight so captivating for some that work nearly stopped on South Junction for a while.   Working well in both directions it was even hand signalled over the crossover in front of the signal box.  On the inner loop it turns out that there is not quite enough clearance for modern 70′ coaches resulting in the occasional derailment.
The N Gauge group have got stuck into base board construction so now have four boards ready for finishing..  On Holly Junction scenic work continues to progress, and space has been found for the layout to be extended to add further scenery and to grow the fiddle yard.

A delivery of plywood was received just before the timely arrival of the ice cream van.  Baseboard construction continued on Heyno Junction and significantly strips of plywood were cut ready to start the build for the new boards that will join Evercreech New to The Summit fiddle yard.