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Southern
Federation of Model Engineering Societies
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Representing Model Engineering interests in the United Kingdom While affiliation is drawn mainly from clubs/societies in the southern part of the UK, membership ranges nationwide from the Orkneys to Guernsey, from Northern Ireland to East Anglia |
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Notices
A New Competition Last August (2007) Guildford Model Engineering Society held a 'trial run' to see what the difficulties might be in holding an efficiency competition for 3 1/2" and 5" gauge locomotives of no more than 50 pounds dry weight. We found it great fun to see what a Rob Roy and a couple of Tich's could do over the somewhat challenging Stoke Park track, and all the models coped very well. As an example, a large boilered Tich achieved 8,400 feet (6 laps) in 20 minutes pulling a load of 277 pounds. We did not use a dynamometer, efficiency being calculated from the number of laps completed and the load hauled. A formula was derived using gradients, load and estimated rolling resistance, and verified against results from an OMLEC competition run over our track. The formula proved very accurate if all laps were completed without 'setting back'. Given the success
of this trial, we are going to hold a competition open to all comers
having a locomotive that meets the entry criteria, with a limit of 24
contestants. We are hoping that there will be sufficient interest to
run the competition over the weekend 24th and 25th May 2008, so if you
have a suitable model, why not have a go? All potential entrants should
contact Peter Langridge on 01252 654675, or by email For the purposes of this competition, dry weight is the total weight of the locomotive, and tender if it has one, without water or coal and an empty boiler. Any ballast added to the model will count towards dry weight. Why do we want to run such a competition? The thought is that there may be many people who for their own reasons only have small models - perhaps a small workshop, limited space for transport, wanting a model that is easily handled by one person, or maybe just prefer the smaller sizes. Certainly the writer has built a few smaller models and would have liked to enter IMLEC, but realises that it would be hopeless to try, and is convinced there must be many people who feel the same way. For more information
about GMES, its location and details of the track and other events,
visit www.gmes.org.uk.
Information sought a) By the Welsh Highland Railway Society I wish to make all model engineers aware that next year, 2008, the Welsh Highland Railway in North Wales will be celebrating 50 years since the last Garratt was produced (1958) and also the 50 previous years of Garratt production (1908-1958), by Beyer Peacock, of Gorton Manchester. I am the Chairman of the Support Society and as such am the organiser of a display where, we hope to have 50 Garratts on show. The 24" examples we own are the largest we can display and as we own the first (Tasmanian K1) and the last engines (South African 143) that Peacocks constructed these will star in the show. We are then looking for the best models we can find to show the loco type to its advantage. I have been able to get promises of Garratt models in 15", 10.25", 7.25" and am now looking to find any that are built to 5" , 3.5" or 2.5" gauge. I would like to make contact with your members and ask if they know of any engineer who owns one and if they would be interested in exhibiting their model along with many others in a celebration of this truly British Invention. Thank you for reading this request, I will help with further and greater details if you can please respond by e.mail or call me on 01766 890452. (after about 3/4pm is easier) Many Thanks, Dave Kent. Chairman WHRS.
b) Re Model Power Boats. A 'Significant Centenary'. In 1908, the Model Engineer announced that it would be holding its first ever 'model motor boat regatta' on 25th July at Wembley. The report that followed the event also mentioned that one competitor had asked if he "could run his boat in a circle, it being tethered by a light line to a central post, fixed in the water". 2008 then, will be the centenary of the first organised speedboat competition and the first recorded running of a hydroplane on a tether, and I am planning to commemorate these events with a series of articles throughout the year on my website www.onthewire.co.uk Before I am drowned out with cries of 'nothing to do with us', it must be remembered that most of the competitors were superb engineers in their own right, as everything had to be built and machined from scratch, including the motors, which is still the case for the British classes. Equally many were members of local model engineering clubs and societies, and often the hydroplanes would run, both free and tethered, as a section of the club, using their own, or other local facilities. Clubs and venues flourished from Bristol and Swindon in the South West out to Kings Lynn in the East, Victoria and the numerous clubs in London through the Midlands, such as Bournville and Stoke, Altrincham, Birkenhead and Maghull in the North West, Heaton and South Shields in the North East and right into Scotland. Through the good offices of SFMES and the member clubs and societies, I am trying to gather any photos, information, records, relics or reminiscences that might still exist with individuals or in club archives relating to tethered hydroplanes and competitions over the last 100 years. Any material would be very much appreciated, but information regarding any boats and engines that still survive, would be especially exciting. This venture is in no way commercial, as can be seen by visiting my website. My sole intention is to retrieve and record material before it is lost for all time and there exists the very real possibility that your members could help greatly with this quest. Committed model engineers never throw anything away, so there may well be a significant amount of material still lurking in lofts, sheds and on shelves. It may also be possible that any 'survivors' could be displayed, or even given an outing at some stage during next season. Thank you for any help that members might be able to offer. Any costs involved will be covered and any material will be fully acknowledged in the subsequent articles. Lyn Blowers (Mrs) I can be contacted via the website admin@onthewire.co.uk or by phone on 01502 712570 |
