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	Posted 14th July 2010 NEW EDITOR OF EMGS NEWSLETTER As members will know, Doug Fairhurst retired from the Board last February and one of his duties was as editor of the Newsletter. We are pleased to announce that Roger Sawyer has taken over this responsibility and is currently preparing for the next mailing. This will include the newsletter and expoEM North programme. Doug has been forwarding and taking messages over the past couple of months as an interim procedure. With immediate effect, the mailbox editor@emgs.org will be taken over by Roger. Similarly, members should send items for publication directly to Roger. As this announcement can be viewed directly by the public, no telephone or private address is being published here. However, Roger will be announcing details in the next mailing. Until then, and as an interim measure, you can still contact Doug directly as many of you already have his telephone number, private address and private eMail address. Doug has prepared Manual Sheets for distribution which include the conversion of the Bachmann 75xxx loco (Principles shown are also applicable to all recent releases of outside cylinder Bachmann locos) and a sheet on Scenics. Posted 30th June 2010 EM Conversion pack for Bachmann ROD 2-8-0 tender loco is now in stock. Ł34 plus Ł1 postage Posted 26th June 2010 expoEM North 2010 The exhibition manager has released details of the show. From the main menu of this web site click on "expoEM Events 2010" Posted 24th June 2010 NEW WHEELSET CONVERSION PACK ON ITS WAY The first models of the Bachmann ROD 04 2-8-0 are now appearing and we have learnt that one has been converted to EM and is running on a very large well known layout. The EMGS has placed an order for the wheelsets and will be available shortly to members. Posted 29th May 2010 ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CHANGE OF TRADE OFFICER We welcome our new Trade Officer, Derek Lilley. The Board is pleased to announce that subsequent to Doug's retirement from looking after the trade for the last 38 years, Derek will be taking over the reigns at the start of our new financial year, effective: 1st September 2010 Clearly there have been a lot of preparations taking place to make this changeover as smooth as possible but there will have to be a short break whilst stocks are checked and physically moved into the new premises. Therefore the following arrangements have been made: Doug will continue to process orders in the normal way until: Wednesday 25th August at such time the books will be closed and arrangements for stock taking and stock transfer to take place. Orders received by Doug after that date will be 'held' and passed to Derek for processing. Derek will establish the new trade function as soon as practical and will be ready to receive and process your orders by: Friday 3rd September. The current price list has been reviewed and no price increases are expected immediately. However, some rationalisation of ranges may well be necessary and these will be announced in a forthcoming Newsletter. No PayPal transactions will be accepted between Saturday 21st August and Saturday 4th September 2010 to allow earlier balances to be cleared and end of year accounts settled. Posted 22nd April 2010 MEMBERS' APRIL MAILING (Newsletter No.183) The latest mailing was sent to all members from around the 14th April and was the first using a Mailing House rather than the earlier arrangement of "Envelope Stuffing" at Doug's house. We would like feedback as to whether a) you received all the content() and b) whether you haven't received your mailing yet. () A combined expoEM Programme / Newsletter and a single expoEM Members' Sales sheet. If you have any queries please direct them in the first instance to Steve Young who can be found at : publicity@emgs.org Posted 29th March 2010 PRESS RELEASE FROM EILEEN'S EMPORIUM "I am very pleased to tell you that Eileen's Emporium have taken over Bill Bedford models range of etched components and jigs. It will take a short while to get all the products onto the Eileen's website, so please keep checking. As part of the take over, Eileen's intends to make all items available from stock as well as improving descriptions and instructions. Clearly this will not happen immediately, but as you would expect, Eileen's website will be open about availability. All outstanding orders placed with Bill Bedford will be honoured by Bill Bedford. Bill Bedford will continue to supply, his present Locomotive, Loco Frames, MU motorising and Wagon kits as well as the made-to-order coach etches, but these will be under new branding. A new range of coach kits is also under development. He will make an announcement when his website detailing the new products is up and running. We have also added more airbrushes to the range including a bargain internal mix, dual action brush with compressor for under Ł100." Further details - sales@eileensemporium.com Come and see us at expoEM 2010 at Bracknell 15/16th May. Posted 21st March 2010 Crossing V Jigs (1:5 - 1:8) For some unexplained reason, demand for this item over the past few weeks has increased and stock has been exhausted. More had been ordered but it was expected that new stocks would arrive in time. Hopefully these will be ready in time for expoEM. Price, however, has increased to Ł30 with immediate effect. Posted 11th February 2010 PRESS RELEASE - COMET MODELS The Society has received a Press Release from Comet models as a result of untrue rumours circulating that it is to close down later this year. This is incorrect and their statement reads .. "There will be changes at Comet Models during the coming year due to the retirement of some of the partners, 25 years after the founding of the company. The continuity of the company is assured, however, as one of the existing partners will be carrying on with both the large range of existing products and adding new products in the future. The phone number and email address will not change, but watch the press later in the year for a new postal address." Regards Geoff Brewin (for Comet Models) Posted 10th February 2010 "Buckingham Great Central" The Executors of the estate are investigating possible ways in which Buckingham Great Central can be preserved in its entirety for the pleasure and inspiration of future generations of modellers. They are interested in hearing from any person, group, society or other organisation who may be interested in acquiring the railway with a view to public or private preservation, that could include purchasing the house containing the railway. Enquiries, addressed to the Executors of Peter B Denny, should be sent for forwarding via our editorial address. (editor@emgs.org) Posted 28th January 2010 THE RIVET METHOD OF TRACK CONSTRUCTION I understand there is a rumour circulating that the EMGS is to stop selling the brass and copper rivets for track construction in favour of plastic based tracks. I have no idea where this has originated from and is completely untrue. Such rumour 'factories', often perpetuated from so called closed user groups or similar, can only result in damaging the legitimate trade of businesses. I find this kind of activity completely unacceptable. I can confirm that I have excellent stocks of both the 2mm (copper) head and 2.5mm (brass) head rivets and they are, and remain, a standard EMGS offering. They appear on the latest revised price list issued to all members within the last few days. If members would like to know the stock position of any item they can eMail me at trade@emgs.org or any modeller can access our trade status on our web site by looking at our Price List. This list is reviewed weekly. Many thanks, Doug Fairhurst (Trade Officer) Posted 22nd January 2010 NEWSLETTER MAILING This is to advise that all members have been despatched their January mailing today which contains the Newsletter (No.182), the Members' Day and AGM details and various Manual Sheets together with a fully revised Trade Price List with prices effective 1st February Posted 21st January 2010 THE LONDON FESTIVAL OF RAILWAY MODELLING 27th and 28th March 2010 - Alexandra Palace, London. EMGS Members might like to know that the following layouts have been booked to appear: Ascott under Wychwood EM WR Oxfordshire 1982 Auchinraith EM BR Strathclyde 1988-1995 Cornwallis Yard EM GWR Plymouth 1930s Minories EM GWR Forest of Dean 1950s Wibdenshaw EM BR West Yorkshire 1970s Mostyn P4 BR(LM) North Wales 1977 Posted 4th January 2010 Missenden Abbey Railway Modellers' Weekends EMGS Members might like to know that in August there will be a whole week Summer School being arranged. Further details can be found on their web site: www.missendenrailwaymodellers.org.uk or there is a link with details on our Trader Pages Posted 17th December 2009 TRADE SUPPLIES Season's Greetings to all our members and thank you for the Good Wishes I have already received from many of you. I can confirm that I am still sending orders 'by return' and orders received before 2pm each day are turned around that day. Thus any perceived delays are with the Christmas postings. I will stop sending orders on Tuesday 22nd for the Christmas break and will resume on Tuesday 29th. I am experiencing difficulties with obtaining the 3-hole EM wagon wheels, a few of the mainframes and the valve gear rivets. This is due to sheer heavy demand and refreshing the stocks quickly enough. There are NO problems with the supplier. Hopefully supplies will, subject to the seasonal post, be with me before Christmas. However, I cannot promise that I will clear back orders by then. A brand new price list with some slight reformatting will be effective from 1st February 2010. This will be sent to all members in the January mailing. I'm afraid there are a range of price rises. Some items I've held for 3 years and of course in that time our margins have been reduced to virtually zero on those particular lines. To give members a chance of ordering goods at the current (i.e. old) prices I will publish the new list on 1st January to give you an idea of the increases. Hence, giving you an idea of savings you can make by ordering BEFORE the increases take effect. Also in the past our overseas members may have been disadvantaged as they would not have received their new lists until after the increases. Many thanks, Doug Fairhurst Posted 19th November 2009 Following the announcement last April that overseas members can pay their subscriptions by PayPal, we are pleased to announce that our OVERSEAS members can now also purchase goods from the Trade Officer by this method. PAYPAL PAYMENTS SUBSCRIPTIONS AND SUBSCRIPTION RENEWALS FROM OVERSEAS MEMBERS CAN BE PAID BY PAYPAL For details of costs and the process please email the EMGS Membership Secretary, Phil Tattershall. membership@emgs.org PURCHASE OF TRADE ITEMS FROM OVERSEAS MEMBERS Trade items can be purchased in the normal manner by sending your order by email to Doug Fairhurst, trade@emgs.org The Trade Officer will calculate cost of the order including the postage. He will also advise whether any item is out of stock and offer various options (e.g. alternative items or hold 'till available etc.). All PayPal TRADE orders are subject to a Ł2 administration fee irrespective of value of order. Posted 14th September 2009 NEXT expoEM EVENTS expoEM North was clearly a resounding success and photographs are currently being prepared for publication. We must congratulate Richard Butler for winning Best Layout for his layout "Westcliff". Some really superb scenery incorporated into this 'might have been' location based upon a Dorset seaside town. I'm sure it was not my imagination, but I REALLY could hear the waves! If any EMGS member has not seen this layout, then I do highly recommend looking out for it on the exhibition circuit. You will not be disappointed. It is only a few weeks until another expoEM comes along! expoEM South at Portsmouth will soon be with us. Preparations are being finalised and further details can be found in our Events section. Posted 15th August 2009 52F MODELS' AUGUST NEWSLETTER Peter Stanger of 52F Models announces a brand new Easi-Rider chassis for the Owen Lancaster Class 290 LNER/BR Class J77 0-6-0T kit. Full details can be found in our Trader section of the EMGS web site (refer to 52F Models). Posted 6th August 2009 NEW OWNER FOR EILEEN's EMPORIUM Derek Russan of Gloucester has acquired the business from Roger Sawyer. Full Press Release later. See our Traders Section for details. Posted 5th August 2009 NEWSLETTER No.180 and August mailing The envelopes are currently being prepared and collation is taking place to include version 2 of the Manual Sheet CD. All fully paid up members will receive this CD free of charge. Hopefully the mailing will be complete by Monday 10th August. Posted 28th July 2009 NEW OWNER SOUGHT FOR: the EM gauge layout “Banbury North Western”. It appeared in Model Railway Journal No. 28 in 1989. Inspired by Geoff Williams’ layout Aylesbury, the layout included a simple branch line through station named Farthinghoe. The five layout boards making up the scenic section including Farthinghoe, measuring approximately 18ft by 18in became separated from the rest of the layout and are now in Suffolk. The present owner has also purchased another historic layout which he is restoring and doesn’t have sufficient room to keep Farthinghoe. He is interested in seeing Farthinghoe restored, retaining its L&NWR personality and is keen to hear from modeller’s who would be interested in purchasing the layout. The layout has been briefly inspected by the Jol Wilkinson, co-owner of London Road and Promotions officer of the L&NWR Society, who considers that the layout is in generally good condition, requiring a general “overhaul” and some restoration of the scenery. It appears to be quite original and complete. The track work and buildings, etc. are all intact. “Fiddle yards” would be required at either end to make the layout “operational”. Interested? If so, please contact Jol Wilkinson, through promotions@lnwrs.org.uk Jol has agreed to act for the present owner and has further details of the layout. Posted 1st July 2009 TRADE PRESS RELEASE - BLACKSMITH MODELS Effective 1st October 2009 Blacksmith Models will be under the ownership of: Martin & Annette Breakspear 34 Woodland View Barnetby-Le-Wold North Lincolnshire DN38 6FE The trading name will stay the same and the web site will be transferred as at the end of September. A new eMail address is to be advised = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Posted 24th June 2009 TRADE PRESS RELEASE - ALAN GIBSON PRODUCTS Alan Gibson has shipped the first kits since the business changed hands. Two batches, one of 12 GWR 850 Saddle Tanks and one of 12 GWR 1076 ‘Buffalo’ Saddle Tanks. Both batches have been made to order based on a pre order system where the kits are produced when demand matches an economic production run. Two further kits are in production, with more planned. In a further development, prototype self-quartering wheels have been produced. The wheel selected is suitable for an LNER P2 and was linked into a chassis building feature in MRJ 191 for testing purposes. The theory and process has proved sound. It involves using the existing detail tool; therefore the range can be expanded without producing all new tooling. The system involves an axle with square ends and a taped hole, the ABS plastic centre has a matching square directly moulded in to it. The wheel is secured to the axle using a countersunk Torx screw. The existing range of wheels will still be available and branded as ‘standard’ with the self quartering version branded as ‘deluxe’. It is intended to initially release popular wheels starting with the standard GWR 4’7” wheel. Work is in progress and releases will be publicised as they are made, pricing has yet to be determined, but will be at a small premium. For the latest information, production figures, or to download a form to register an interest visit www.alangibsonworkshop.com = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Posted 3rd June 2009 expoEM MAY 2010 First, let me thank all those who attended and supported us at expoEM 2009 at Bracknell. We have now decided on the date and venue for the 2010 event. Where lies the future location of expoEM? - a question which has been asked of us over the past month or two. Simply put, we will be staying at Bracknell for the foreseeable future. Many hours have been spent on researching, visiting and negotiating with possible alternative venues after we were forced to vacate Bletchley. Whilst none was found to be perfect, Bracknell has the most going for it - it is clean and bright and generally more attractive than most similar venues. There were complaints of travelling difficulties from some quarters but although we have regularly asked for suggestions, nobody has come up with a viable alternative. We found a potential centre in Birmingham but that was beset with organising difficulties - not withstanding our membership is quite thin on the ground in the Midlands - and we rely quite strongly on the availability of local help, so that was not pursued. Any change brings uncertainty but we were encouraged by the fact that attendance at Bracknell last month was some 6% up on 2008 and many traders reported much improved trading results. One quoted 40%. Our own EMGS trade increased by 42%. It could be argued that results had been poor at the 2008 event, hence any comparison would be difficult to make. However, averaged out over the past 5 years the Society trade was still up by 36%. (Clearly in the current economic climate a good result all round). Decisions of this nature are difficult and cannot guarantee success. However, we believe that a further change of venue would not be in the best interests of either our trader members, ordinary members or the visiting public and so we will press ahead with our plans, coupled with an increased advertising campaign aimed not only at promoting our events, but also a greater awareness of the EM Gauge Society generally. We anticipate holding expoEM on the ‘same weekend’ dates over the next two years and have been pleased to note that due to the way in which the calendar falls, there will be a two week gap between our own exhibition and Railex, whose proximity we know has caused some comment. We do therefore hope to see you all again next year at Bracknell. Planning is already well under way and we are expecting to put on a first class show once more. expoEM 2010 - The Bracknell Leisure Centre Saturday 15^th and Sunday 16^th May This is an advanced information to ensure you can get this into your Exhibition diary. There were a few traders, some new to expoEM who could not attend 2009 and hopefully with this advanced information we will see them attending in the future = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Posted 21st May 2009 expoEM Bracknell MAY 2009 We would like to thank all those who attended this event be they members, visitors, the trade, demonstrators, the layout operators and the volunteers who continue to make this event a success. 2009 saw an increase in numbers attending as compared to last year, in both members and visitors despite the current downturn in the economic climate. The layout voted "Best in Show" was EM layout "Wibdenshaw (Midland)" by Kier Hardy. Further details will appear soon in our PhotoFile. We now look forward to the summer and we kick off again the expoEM Season in September with expoEM North in Slaithwaite, near Huddersfield. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Posted 21st April 2009 OVERSEAS MODELLERS SUBSCRIPTIONS AND SUBSCRIPTION RENEWALS FROM OVERSEAS MEMBERS CAN BE PAID BY PAYPAL With immediate effect subscriptions can be paid by Paypal. For details of costs and the process please email the EMGS Membership Secretary, Phil Tattershall. membership@emgs.org Facilities for payment for Trade items is currently being arranged and details will be published shortly. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Posted 7th April 2009 SUGGESTION FOR NEW EMGS MANUAL SHEET Over the past few months the Editor has been asked whether the Society could update its Manual Sheet covering Kadee Couplings Sheet 9.1.1.(5). The request is for an update to the types available and also their use on BR rolling stock. The editor can obtain updated information but has no experience on the use of such couplings and is hence making this appeal. Members who have carried out such conversions on EM/P4 stock are asked to contact the editor. editor@emgs.org = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Posted 29th March 2009 JIGS FOR MAKING ALEX JACKSON COUPLINGS With the recent publication of the book "Alex Jackson, the Man and the Coupling" by Dave Booth, members may be considering the use of these couplings in a future project. The EMGS has for many years stocked a complete set of jigs which makes their construction and assembly a much simpler task. Just Ł14 per set (UK postage just 60p) for the jigs and a supply of the steel wire. (pictures appear in the trade section of this web site under "Trader Members and EMGS Trade News" = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Posted 19th March 2009 Christopher John Matthewman 1947-2009 It is with great sadness that I have to report the passing away of Chris Matthewman on Saturday, January 17^th 2009 after a relatively short illness. Chris was born in York within sight and sound of the LNER main line, his early trainspotting days were spent at Dringhouses Yard. On leaving school he started work as a trainee quantity surveyor at the same firm as Arthur Whitehead and so started a friendship of over forty years. His modelling interest was EM from the outset and he chose LMS as his prototype, not because of any possible influence from Arthur, but simply because the local model shop was having a sale and the best bargains were GEM LMS locomotive kits (he was a Yorkshireman after all!!). His first exhibition layout was Wickham which featured in Model Railway Journal no.35. This set the standard for everything that was to follow, his combination of complicated trackwork, faultless running and his use of card buildings were to become his trademarks which continued with Striving and Strove. His last layout, Striven, only made one appearance at ExpoEM North in 2008 before his untimely death. Like his previous efforts it won the award for best layout in show, a fitting tribute to his work, his fears about appealing to the public were completely unfounded. On the way home from Slaithwaite he said to me with a smile on his face that he had proved to himself that the concept had worked, that he was happy, and that he didn’t mind if the layout never went out again, if only he realised what he had said. Our sincere condolences go to his wife Cheryl, he will be sorely missed by friends and family alike. David Woodward (EMGS Member) = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Posted 5th March 2009 Future of expoEM As all our members will know, the EMGS was obliged to vacate Bletchley as the venue for expoEM after 2007, and although we have relocated to Bracknell we are aware that some members are unhappy with this, mainly due to the geographical location. We are therefore continuing to look at alternatives. Following an initiative by the Scalefour Society, representatives of the EMGS Board and the Scalefour Society Committee met recently to discuss the ever-more difficult problem of finding suitable accommodation for exhibitions at a time of increasing prices for venues, increased transport and travel costs for those attending and the general economic slowdown. There are significant challenges ahead and it is hoped that the two Societies can work together to address these concerns, with the possibility of staging a joint exhibition in 2011. Whilst this meeting was primarily convened to discuss this topic, it was also seen as an initiative whereby we can work more closely together with one another in the future to address other areas of mutual interest for the benefit of all our members. We will of course keep members informed of developments. Members who would like to give us feedback should eMail Graeme Vickery at secretary@emgs.org Chris Kedgley (Chairman)