TMNR Times - Edition 14

ISSUE 14 AUTUMN 2014 ONLINE REPRINT EDITION

CONTENTS 4 6 8

13

15

17 18

19

News

All of the latest TMNR news

The Brightwalton Village Fete

Giles Powell writes about the Tri-ang Minic’s returning role in the Brightwalton Village Fete

My Tri-ang Minic Tale (Part 2)

Mike Clement continues his two part article describing his history restoring and selling Tri-ang Minic Railways

Drawing Z10030 - T.M.N.R. Axle Bearings

Mike Slatter documents the history of the Tri-ang Minic Narrowgauge Railway axle bearings with the factory drawing

The TMNR Society Day 2014

Brian Palmer reports on the 2014 Tri-ang Minic Narrowgauge Railway Society Day at the Choseley Railway, Berkshire

Classified Advertisements

The latest classified adverts

Spares Shop

The new look, continually growing source for replacement and reproduction ‘off the shelf’ parts

Society Sponsors

The latest Society Sponsorship and member discounts

FRONT COVER PHOTOGRAPH: A special passenger - Barry Loraine’s 3" scale Aveling and Porter traction engine brings steam to the Choseley Railway, September 2014. MIKE SLATTER

£5 when sold

Hon. Patron: H R. Lines

www.tmnr.co.uk

2 TMNR TIMES

www.facebook.com/triangminicnarrowgaugerailways

EDITION FOURTEEN WELCOME to the Autumn 2014 edition of TMNR Times.

Following on from last years busy fiftieth anniversary celebrations, I am pleased to say that this year has been a little more relaxed for the society and subsequently allowed plenty of time to enjoy the lovely summer weather and excursions to some very nice railways.

It was only inevitable, with such fine weather and busy calendars that the TMNR Society Day would clash with events in many members diaries, so if you were unable to attend the intimate gathering held at my home, I hope that the delightful article by Brian Palmer will provide some consolation, and should the membership express an interest to still visit, we can always arrange something next year.

I am also grateful to Mike Clement for concluding his fascinating s tor y from the previous magazine and to Giles Powell, for taking the time to write a lovely article at about the Brightwalton Village Fete at short notice for me.

I am also pleased to be able to include a copy of one of the original works drawings, and relate that to the history of the employees which I hope that you will not find too technical nor boring!

I have once again run out of articles for the next magazine, so if there is anything TMNR related that you can think of to help with the next edition, please do drop me a line.

We are also hoping to hold the society AGM on the last weekend of January so please do pencil the date in your diaries!

Here's hoping you enjoy the edition.

Mike Slatter ABOVE: An afternoon commuter train and ‘nod’ to the original factory photographs. PIP TAYLOR

TMNR TIMES

3

NEWS Greendene (Works) Railway Closed BOB SYMES' wonderful Greendene (Works) Railway has finally closed and been removed following the sale of his home in Surrey.

A last large celebration took place to celebrate Bob's birthday on the 3rd of May, with his 14XX engine returning to provide steam traction for the day as it was no longer kept on site. The Bespoke Buildings signal box had also been previously removed and now resides at the Ingfield Light Railway in West Sussex.

A closure notice was fastened to the platform waiting shelter reading “The British Railway Board gives notice following the decision made by the Secretary of State for the Environment in accordance with section 56 of the Transport Act, 1962 that all passenger services will cease on the Greendene Railway.

The closure notice attached to the waiting shelter building. MIKE SLATTER

On and from 14th September 2013 all services from the above railway will be withdrawn. The following stations will be closed:- Greendene Halt”.

Birchley House Sold DRUMMOND Randall's former home Bichley in Biddenden, Kent has been sold.

The venue kindly hosted a number of memorable TMNR Society Days, and was passed to its new owner with the permanent way remaining.

The last public running was reported during the weekend that Drummond held a garage sale on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th April.

Dr umm o n d ' s f in e c o ll e c t i o n o f s t e am locomotives have be relocated to the Ingfield Light Railway.

4 TMNR TIMES

A TMNR outside Birchley in 2008.

MIKE SLATTER

Dennis Hoad (1929-2014) IT is with deep regret that I have to report the passing of society supporter Dennis Hoad in May, at the age of 84.

Dennis at the 2011 Society Day. ROY HARWOOD

Dennis, along with Drummond Randall both played a large part in the early preservation of the TMNR system by purchasing stock and spares from Butlins.

Dennis attended the TMNR Society day in 2011 with his 4½” scale Foden steam wagon and wrote an article about his many railway memories in the spring 2013 (Edition 13) society magazine.

He was a man who devoted his life to his family and his great love of engineering and the many steam engines he built remain a testament to his great passion.

TMNR Society Visit to the Garden and Woodland Railway at Thame A LAST minute invite kindly allowed society members to visit the late Ted Martin's 7¼” gauge railway in Thame, Oxfordshire, on Sunday, 22nd June. The railway is one of the finest in the gauge and is now operated by Ted's widow Irene.

Stolen TMNR Class 73 Bogies on eBay THE bogies belonging to Richard Wigdahl's stolen class 73 locomotive appeared on the internet auction site eBay in late August. The seller reported having brought them at a fair in Detling, Kent earlier in the year but could be identified

by Richard due to the non-standard TMNR motors.

Although the re-built wooden body of the locomotive appears to have been lost, the original TMNR bogies are hoped to return to Richard later in the year to be reunited with his original locomotive and Pullman coach.

TMNR TIMES

5

The

Brightwalton

Vil ageFete 5TH MAY 2014

GILES POWELL writes about the Tri-ang Minic’s returning role in the Brightwalton Village Fete.

HE annual fete at Brightwalton used to be a serious railway event about ten year s ago, w hen five s team locomotives hauled well over a thousand passengers round the garden during the three hours of operations.

T

Back then the Tri-ang Minic was just a side attraction to amuse the smaller children and was a single track oval on the tennis court.

Several years of village fete passed with no railway involvement but many fete goers missed the trains.

It was only when additional o r i g in a l Tr i - a n g Mini c Narrowgauge Railway track had been acquired to create

6 TMNR TIMES

a double track that sufficient panels were available to be temporarily moved, as the original oval circuit had been hard wired to help provide better electrical feeds when running the set on live rail.

station master were taken in turn by five volunteers, who are becoming quite adept at assembling the track, running the service, and then dismantling it all like a military operation.

The stock had been taking the fete day in its stride and unlike the s team lo cos which all needed a good service after an intensive days work, seemed to have suffered no major faults giving t wo hundred and fifty rides on the day.

So last year a short straight track was installed along the edge of the village playing field, where the fete is now held, and a successful trial has evolved into what looks like a regular feature.

Let's hope that continues for the next few years as servicing away from home on a grass field is never the best place, especially if you drop a vital nut in the grass.

This year the straight track was back, with two battery powered locos sandwiching two or three carriages. The second loco was needed as the mild gradient was still too steep for one loco when fully laden. It also meant we had a responsible adult at each end of the train to keep an eye on any misbehaving child.

Giles Powell

On the double track back at home we normally run using the original line side 40 volt transformers, so managing b att e r y li fe fo r a fair l y intensive afternoon is still a learning curve, but judicial use of the throttle meant that they lasted until the fete was almost over.

BELOW: Returning the TMNR after the event on the 9½” gauge railway. GILES POWELL

This year we were worried that it might rain but the day stayed dry so slipping on wet rails was only experienced on the morning test run with the dew on the track. The three people required to operate the service; two drivers and a ticket seller / inspector /

FAR LEFT: Leaving with a three coach train.

OPPOSITE BOTTOM: The temporary line behind the vintage car display. ABOVE: More rides and more passengers. JOHN HALL-CRAGGS

My Tri-ang Part 2 MIKE CLEMENT continues his two part article describing his history restoring and selling Tri-ang Minic Railways.

FTER I sold my refurbished Minic engine and coach (TMNR Times 13) and still being in possession of a large quantity of Minic track I wondered if there was a potential opportunity for operating a 10¼” miniature railway at any local open air events.

A

with a wonderful mechanical workshop in his ex tended garage. He showed me work under way in his work shop, pictures of completed models then running at commercial enterprises and 7¼” double slip point track work under construction.

I can not remember as to how, but somehow, I acquired a rather battered Minic engine with the intention of 'stretching' it to make it wider and perhaps a little longer to accommodate myself and a Honda engine. After many enquiries I located a medically retired police officer living on Merseyside who had made several 7¼” railway engines.

What struck me was his ability to technically draw freehand detailed designs and then skilfully assemble high quality scale models.

What he did not appear to be too interested in, was the final detailed cosmetic finish application to his engines and coaches, which was where I knew I could use my skills. We agreed that once the design was finalised, that Arni would build the framework of an enlarged Minic railway engine, a toast rack carriage and a Pullman style carriage and I would finish off

I contacted him, an Arni Bimpson, a ver y friendly person living in a modest semi, but

8 TMNR TIMES

Minic Tale the fabrication with the lights, horn, cushions, paintwork, logos, brass work, etc.

Arni wanted to build to 7¼“ gauge, but soon appreciated that I needed it in 10¼” to enable me to use my track. So the build was started and I paid for the work stage by stage – r a w m at e r i al s , flame cutting, b u s h e s , s p r in g s , engine, etc. Labour and part s in total came to just over £1000. Work was delayed for a while following one of his n e i g h b o ur s reporting him to the The process of increasing the length of the original TMNR locomotive.

MIKE CLEMENT

TMNR TIMES

9

Inland Revenue and Arni's deteriorating health.

Eventually after s everal months the three units were delivered to my home and run into my double garage. I then spent several enjoyable weeks sourcing the fittings and fixtures, from flags to switches necessary to finish my project off. Again I used m y c o nt a c t s f r o m t h e Electronics Department at the University of Liverpool to contacts at vehicle breaker's yards.

Then there was the issue of insurance and public limited liability. One of the clauses was that my engine had to be fitted with a horn. This was not a problem as I had fitted a car battery under my driver's seat to power the forward and rear lights. A friend said he could supply a set of horns and compress or from a scrapped vehicle. The only snag was that they were t w o - to n e , h a v in g b e e n recovered from a police vehicle - So some tweaking was necessary. BR logos and lettering on the sides of the coaches were no problem as a Merseyside company had all necessary template copyright images, the Minic's Golden Arrow metal name plate lettering was readily available and I was able to track down the supplier of paints for the BR green locos and for Orient Express Pullman coaches.

The engine driver and coach cushions came from a local furniture manufacturer, Lime Street Station supplied me with a scrap flashing light unit as fitted to the rear of a line of carriages. I fitted the engine with a handbrake that operated on the rear axle wheels, whilst the engine could be suddenly stopped by a 'dump'

10 TMNR TIMES

The TMNR being widened by Arni Bimpson along with an attractive 7¼” Class 66. MIKE CLEMENT.

button. For ward, backward control and acceleration were operated through a 'joy stick' mechanism.

So then we were ready to do some trials, first for my neighbour's charity event, then for a local primary school. The latter proved to be somewhat of an experience as I had to query as to why do boys want to lie on the track as the train is moving towards them. I realised that my insurance company had failed to stipulate that the track should be protected by some type of

high visibility plastic safety barrier to minimise accidents. Transport to the two local events was no problem as Arni used his double axle trailer. An electric screwdriver hastened assembly of the sections of Minic track, but was still hard work, lifting the units on to the track was in essence a four man operation - A real struggle.

I was then so convinced that it was going to be such a money making scheme at 50p per head per ride that I started to source lightweight aluminium track and a double axle box trailer to move everything around in. I went to see a couple of possible trailers but then the unforeseen happened, a major health issue resulting in me having to have extensive r a di o t h e r ap y a c c o mp ani e d b y a w ful medication. My strength departed and my days of moving anything of any weight were over. I knew I had to sell the whole set-up loco, carriages and track.

It was advertised at £6,500 and there were several enquiries and a Manchester club owner expressed an interest as he said that he had a business on part of the abandoned Colwyn Bay Railway Station. I went to see the premises which housed several retail outlets and a Below: The interior workings of the finished widened Minic locomotive. MIKE CLEMENT.

converted restaurant car set out as a diner. The club owner's idea was to set out my track and operate the train on a daily basis charging 50p per passenger, or for special events such as weddings. The engine driver was to be a local, interested elderly gentleman. The club owner said that he would give me a cheque for £2000 and pay me off 'on the drip' at £250 per month to which I foolishly agreed without drawing up any form of contract.

A week later the Minic was collected and I banked the £2000 cheque, although it was only then that the trouble started. The cheque bounced, then bounced, then bounced and finally cleared. In my weakened state he fobbed me off by saying it was just a glitch by his accountant. The first monthly £250 arrived late, followed five months later by the second £250 giving the reason that the train was taking no money.

The time had come to take action so I drove up to Colwyn Bay with my wife and met the elderly driver, a nice old gentleman who assured me that he had been taking substantial revenue each day, probably in total already amounting to several thousand pounds, but he had also not been paid as promised and anything I could do to reimburse him would be much appreciated.

I returned home and contacted my solicitor “Mike”, he said, “Possession is nine tenths of the law go and seize the train”.

Undeterred I rang the rail authorities then based in the Midlands and explained that I needed to recover my train from their leased premises. Back came the reply “No problem”.

Then I rang British Transport Police and again, back came the reply “No problem”. I then rang the Police Inspector at Colwyn Bay, but his reply was less than enthusiastic, “No way can I condone your intended action”. I expressed utter dismay to which he asked as to whom it was who had failed to pay me. I mentioned the name and the inspector's response was immediate, “Oh him, he already owes so many people here in Colwyn Bay, go and recover your property”.

A week later on a clear Friday evening with a hired Luton van, a four wheeled buggy to move the very heavy rolling stock from the elevated railway station down to the promenade, some heavy weight mates in a separate vehicle, we arrived nervously on site to find 'surprise, surprise', the premises unlocked and the burglar alarm inactive.

12 TMNR TIMES

Three hours later the units were back home.

Saturday morning arrived quickly followed by an irate phone call from the Manchester club owner threatening my life, police action, imprisonment and County Court action. I calmly read out my solicitor's prepared statement and offered him the Police Inspector's telephone number if he wished to discuss his fraudulently making out of cheques knowing that there were insufficient funds. I recorded the conversation and still have the tapes.

The units languished in my mother's garage until she had to sell the property to pay for nursing home fees and I knew that I then had to sell. So, sadly last year, having nowhere to run the train in my own garden, the engine went to a new home and the carriages to another.

So, the moral of the story is, get paid in full and make certain all cheques are cleared before handing over any goods! Hindsight is a great thing! But yes, given the opportunity I would still be prepared to restore and run a Minic railway.

Mike Clement

The finished locomotive. MIKE CLEMENT

DRAWING Z10030

T.M.N.R. AXLE BEARINGS MIKE SLATTER documents the history of the Tri-ang Minic Narrowgauge Railway axle bearings with the factory drawing.

HE original TMNR axle bearings are very susceptible to wear and during my years of preserving the Tri-ang Minic system have seen many bearings in various states as a result of both use and age.

T

Often, under continual heavy loads, or with the introduction of a foreign body such as dirt the internal axle hole would wear oval, and in the case of the original design the end of the axle box would break off.

Various solutions have been used to overcome the wear on this original part to include the installation of roller bearings within the original unit, as documented by David Matthewson in TMNR Times 10, to the manufacture of metal units for railways that no longer use live rail by Drummond Randall.

Manufactured using 'Delrin' Thermoplastic the original design for the a xle bearing by

Draftsman Ron Bulley (RHB) on the 26th October 1962 did not incorporate an oiling hole which allows the axle boxes to be dated, and are usually produced in white.

The later amendment by Bill Challis (WHC) on the 4th July 1966 adds the oiling hole and nipple to the design which is more commonly seen on surviving TMNR today and can be found in both black and white varieties.

With the exciting discovery of factory TMNR drawings last year, the original works drawing for axle bearings (scaled to 50% for this publication) is shown opposite.

Mike Slatter ABOVE: The original design of axle bearing on the left in white and the later design on the right.

TMNR TIMES

13

THE TMNR

SOCIETY DAY

2014

THE TMNR BRIAN PALMER reports on the 2014 Tri-ang Minic Narrowgauge Railway Society Day at the Choseley Railway, Berkshire.

AVING my miniature railway interest awakened by a good friend, sadly no longer with us, it has developed over the years and led to meeting many welcoming people at many railways.

Mike had emphasised that his railway was short and I can confirm this. A small and perfectly formed, 35 yard end-to-end line, formed into a U-shape around three sides of the house with buffers at each end and no run around.

It was whilst on an invited visit to a private garden railway that I first encountered Mike Slatter and the TMNR Society. I was much taken with Mike's enthusiasm, warm friendship and open approach to what is clearly a passion. I was hooked and joined the society, a decision I have never regretted as I have met many new friends.

Train movements are controlled by a lever framed signal box connected to cable operated semaphore signals, much of the work carried out by Mike's dad, John.

H

It was with this expectation that I travelled with my friend, Rex, to Mike's Choseley Railway for this years Society Day - I was not disappointed.

The line is not flat and this, combined with the sharp bends, made for a challenging drive.

Visitor numbers were down as the event had clashed with the Narrow Gauge Society’s visit to the Torry Hill Railway in Kent, but this made the day all the more intimate and it left time to TMNR TIMES

15

chat to old friends and new, to share ideas, especially over the wonderful refreshments provided by Margaret and Megan - and the tea flowed.

Barry Loraine arrived from Kent with his 3” scale Aveling steam traction engine and at one stage this was loaded onto a flat bed wagon and hauled around the track by the Minic loco.

All too soon the afternoon in the company of great people came to ABOVE: Barry Loraine prepares to light his visiting 3" scale Aveling Traction Engine. MEGAN TAYLOR.

ABOVE: Members enjoy tea and homemade cake.

BELOW: The Aveling in light steam. MEGAN TAYLOR

an end. Thank you Mike and Megan, not forgetting John and Margaret, for hosting a relaxing and highly enjoyable afternoon.

This leaves only one question - Who would like to host next years get together? It would be great to visit another TMNR member on their line.

Be assured we are all behaved, respectful and very appreciative.

Brian Palmer

TOP LEFT: Rex returns with an empty train to Choseley Station. TOP RIGHT: Loading the Aveling onto a flat wagon at the line terminus. ABOVE: A partial group photograph (some guests had already left). MEGAN TAYLOR

CLASSIFIED ADVERTS Placing a classified advertisement is free. Please write to the society address.

FOR SALE “Ikanhopit” - A small 10¼” 0-4-0 locomotive project formally of Queen Mary Hospital Railway fame. Dismantled by previous owner to install a petrol engine (included) along with 12v mobility motor and controller.

Contact Mike Slatter via the TMNR Society at: classified@tmnr.co.uk

WANTED Curved TMNR rail required to help complete a track for a society member.

Contact Barry Green via the TMNR Society at: classified@tmnr.co.uk TMNR TIMES

17

SPARES SHOP

The Spares Shop operates independently of the TMNR Society

18 TMNR TIMES

SOCIETY SPONSORS TMNR SOCIETY MEMBERS OFFER: 10% off in the Visitor Centre Shop on production of a valid TMNR Society Membership Card The Hornby Visitor Centre Westwood Industrial Estate Margate Kent, CT9 4JX

ISSUE 27 OUT NOW! TMNR SOCIETY MEMBERS OFFER: 20% off a current 9 Issue (3 Year) subscription – Only £16 (usually £20) 20% off all Back Issues - Only £2 (usually £2.50) Contact 01305 259998 with your society membership number www.miniature-railway.com/

SOCIETY TMNR SOCIETY MEMBERS OFFER: 10% off annual membership - Only £17 for Society Members Contact the Secretary with your society membership number at: The Tri-ang Society, P.O.Box 226, Sale, Manchester. M33 4XY

www.tri-angsociety.co.uk

THE TEN AND A QUARTER INCH GAUGE SOCIETY TMNR SOCIETY MEMBERS OFFER: 10% off annual membership Contact the Secretary with your society membership number at: Ten and a Quarter Inch Gauge Railway Society 5 Union St, Finedon Northamptonshire. NN9 5EX.

www.tenquarter.org