In the Distant

North East Area Group meeting information.

Saturday 13th June 2009 Saint Barnabas Church Hall Bournmoor. Time - Please Note 2.00pm – 5.00pm. (approx.)

During the past two weeks the model railway world has lost two larger then life characters. First is a nationally renowned figure, Cyril Freezer, arguably one of the better known names in the hobby and responsible for inspiring many with his seemingly endless plans published in those little Peco paperback books.

Our very own Phil Kerr also passed away last week. Phil was a long standing 2mm Scale Association member, Hon Vice President , former Products Officer, and member of the Midland Area Group that toured with the layout Helsby Tumil and Haddon. Phil could be described as one of the ‘old guard’ and many of the castings and kits you might put together now owe their existence to his efforts as a toolmaker making the masters for them. Indeed if you have bought electro magnets from our shops you will know they’re referred to as PK magnets which needs no further explanation.

Both men were octogenarians and had suffered at the hands of ill health in recent times. Our thoughts are with their respective families as they depart this world.

For our next gathering we are staying with the subject of layout planning with Tony Simms giving us his inner thoughts on his Golden Jubilee Layout Challenge entry, Brafferton. He will be bringing along some of the baseboards and discussing/demonstrating what his thoughts were at the various planning stages. Tony does post his progress on the NE blog but it will be nice to see it in the flesh and have an hour or so with him as he guides us through how his GJLC layout has taken shape.
I hope to see as many of you on the day.

Mick S