BMEG

       Volume No.17 Winter Issue        2008-9

WEBSITE BMEG.co.uk

            The Web-Site is now up and running. At the beginning of November 2008 there had been 1336 hits. The site has allowed us to publish events within days, even hours. A considerable number of pleasant and useful contacts have been made. A number of visitors have put video of the rack railway and Koppel in action on Utube. This can easily be accessed by clicking on the address in the link section.

 Not everyone takes the internet and it remains a pleasure to have things in a hard copy. If you do not want the hard copy let me know by e-mail (adrian.morley2@btinternet.com) and I will put you on the appropriate list. (A copy will still be available to you on the Website.)

Heritage Cube Exhibition

The exhibition in the Archive Building on Saturday and Sunday (14-15th June) was a great success. Over 600 members of the public visited the exhibition, and approximately 100 went round the site. The weather was mainly good. Eddie Ions and his new “Wren” were in great demand. At the same time visitors to BMEG were able go down the rack railway with Mike Lax, Paul Ingham and Ian Spencer being the main drivers. Koppel behaved well as usual. Jimmy Mountjoy, Jim Duncan and Helen Barker (Heritage cube organiser)

BMEG after setting up the exhibition. (Left to right, Peter Willance, Ian Spencer, Peter Federoff, Ken Swan, Helen Barker, Bill Crackitt, visitor, Jim Duncan, Jim Mountjoy, John Lambard.)

 put in an immense amount of work. In addition thanks to the members who contributed either models or time.  I have already had e-mails commenting on the friendly explanations given by members. There are some 30 pictures of models on the Website, of which there following are a selection.

Ken Swan's Bridget . The original now retired

Mike Lax's Koppel.  The roller was also made by Mike.

                The Exhibition was so successful that we have been asked to put it on again next year but extended to one week.  With the completion of the turntable and associated fences and gates we should we should be able to allow more of the public to experience the magic of steam.

Adrian Morley's six wheel Bridget and Dolgoch chassis

Ron Soulsby's Wren

Jimmy Mountjoys collection of "Model Engineers".

The Doxford Group

            On July 12^th we had our annual visit by the Doxford Group. We now have two members who trained at Doxfords. The friends of the Doxford engine are an active group maintaining and restoring the Beamish Doxford engine. Some 60 people viewed the engine. Afterwards they arrived at our site with grandchildren to ride on the railway. The weather was fine and everyone had a grand time.

Otterburn Festival Exhibition

            .

Otterburn Mill is the host to a highly successful rally (July 19, 20) of Vintage Tractors, steam, cars, and vintage commercial vehicles in aid of the Northumberland Air Ambulance. Ten thousand pounds was raised this year. BMEG put on a demonstration of model engineering in the marquee with contributions by Jimmy Mountjoy, Ken Swan, Adrian Morley, Jim Duncan, Robin Hedley and John Lambard. A section of the new show stand was used, together with display boards from the Heritage section. The Charlton Collection of historic railway photographs was very popular and members were kept busy with discussion and demonstration.

New Members

            A number of model engineers have braved the rigors of our introductory period which consists largely of merciless exploitation. Malcolm Craig is an ex-Doxford man and sports car enthusiast. Steve Lowe is that rarity, some-one who is not retired, and a driver of mainline locomotives. Peter Whillance is under pressure to admit the superiority of 7¼ gauge but is holding out well. Their input has made a real difference.

Turntable

            The turntable has been the main focus of work in the last year, together with associated earthworks and track alterations.

The turntable in position, with locking levers,  note raised extension on far side.

The turntable being moved from the workshop, and enlargement showing the double ended locking mechanism.

The first locomotive on the turntable ( A Wren)

Trackworks

            The purpose of the turntable is to allow locos to run round to the front of the train instead of having to back out of a head shunt. This required considerable change in the track layout, including three point sets and a diamond crossing incorporating a 60 ft. radius curve.

Two spring points, with a lever controlled point in the foreground built by John Moore.

            The points are all welded and were modified by Bill Crackett from earlier models by John Moore.

            The diamond crossing allows rack engines to cross the main line to a head shunt.

The diamond crossing designed by Bill Crackett.

Compressor

            Our blast cabinets until now have had a poor air supply but with the arrival of a large petrol) driven compressor (thanks to Jack Brassett) our problem is solved. Peter Federoff repaired the bearings and the hole in the crankcase.

Compressor and wagon

 and Bill Crackett has fabricated a heavyweight braked compressor wagon which enables us to move the machine about the site. It makes a fine though heavy duty leaf blower.

We foresee its use when we come to repaint the rack viaduct.

The Water Tower

            Regular readers will have been anticipating the continued progress of this feature. The editor apologies for any suggestion that the project was behind schedule, and appreciates the complex problems involved.

Water Tower arch awaiting keystone (now in)

Coming Events

            Following the success of the Exhibition in the Heritage Cube exhibition we have been asked to repeat the event but extending throughout the following week. It is hoped that we shall be able to steam for the public.

We look forward to the Doxford Group visit, and to the Otterburn Festival in 2009, dates to come.

 Members Birthdays

            Two of our founder members have reached the grand age of 90. they are Matt. Copeman and John Moore. Both have given an enormous amount of time and effort to the group.

John Moore in the days when we made track outside.

John Moore and Matt. Copeman. in the kitchen .

                A happy Christmas and New Year to all our members and supporters.