December saw a presentation to former Chairman Dave S, prior to his move to North Wales. Dave has been a driving force behind club activities for many years, and is one of the original members from St Michael’s Church Hall days. A surprise leaving event was held for Dave at CS2, and his leaving cake and the presentation by our current Chairman Ed are pictured above.

Also in December was the welcome return of the one day show at West Camel, held this year on Friday 30th December. The West Camel MRC committee asked us to bring along Gas Works. The show was very busy, and not only was the car park full, but eventually so was the approach road leading from the lane, and cars were parked in the lane itself.

Since its last outing, Gas Works has been converted to DCC using the Z21 system and cordless handheld controllers, such as mobile phones or tablets. This system has proved very successful with Evercreech New as it allows operators to converse with the viewers as they are controlling the trains around the layout. In the case of Gas Works, it means an operator can closely observe a shunting manoeuvre on the left hand board, and not be constrained by the controller being on the right hand board. Dave H is seen operating the layout using a tablet.

John has finally finished his ex-GER Class D16/3 and a fine looking model it is, this photo not really doing it justice.

Another completed project is Allan’s steel bodied LMS vestibule third, constructed from a Sidelines kit. Allan hasn’t added the corridor connector supports as the connectors need to be flexible when joined up in a rake. He plans on building quite a few more, all LMS of differing vintages. Next will be a panelled open brake third.

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