The TMNR Society Day 2014

THE TMNR SOCIETY DAY

2014

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

HAVING 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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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

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.