Friends of the Birmingham Railway Museum Members' Newsletter - December 1995 D e a r F r i e n d s . . . . Well, "Dinmore" has left, to be replaced by two locos from the South Devon! - but that sort of news belongs in the loco report, so I'll keep my nose out! W h o s e H a n d M a d e W o r k s h o p L i g h t W o r k? The most significant news this time is the progress with the workshop lighting, which promises to transform the place and make our lives much easier on Thursday nights! I have yet to meet the hero responsible for this (can I flatter myself that it's a response to the Newsletter?) but hopefully that will soon be remedied. Meantime, he deserves our heartfelt thanks. Australian Membership Doubles! An item that got missed last time was - we have doubled our Australian membership! In the summer we had the pleasure of a visit from he who, up till then, had been our only member "down under", together with his friend whom he then recruited! They spent a long time with us as part of their European tour, on which they have visited more railways than I have in a lifetime! Thank you both, gentlemen - we hope the rest of the tour was a success. From Rusty Junk to Loco Parts As mentioned last time, outdoor work has ceased on Thursday evenings, so we have moved to the workshop where a lot of rusty metal is being converted to highly respectable loco parts. Allsorts, from sanding gear to wheelsets, are receiving the treatment, and 9600 and "Albert Hall" are looking all the better for it. Currently we have the company of three lads on the "community project" part of their Duke of Edinburgh's Award work, and they are making a most useful contribution; we should like to keep them as regular volunteers! We have large stocks of rusty or dirty components left, so don't be put off the idea of joining us! Work in Progress - Work Planned The weekend team used the Indian summer to benefit the S.R. van (housing the model railway) and the GWR box van which is "upstairs." Their job for inclement weather is the diesel shunter's cab, which has been crying out for attention - no-one in a steam shed loves a diesel!! Tidy Site - Safe Site - Volunteers Needed Mid-week (usually Tuesdays) we spent the time site tidying, chiefly up at the top where tons (or is it tonnes?) of scrap await collection and much more lurks in the undergrowth. How we acquired all that junk taxes the imagination; we have actually discovered some useful parts! Jobs such as painting the gallery floor have been held over for a rainy day, but we haven't had a wet Tuesday until I decided to write this, so painting the floor has not been started! Once again, plenty of work remains both indoors and out, so we shall be delighted to welcome any of you with time available during the week. W h e r e T h e r e' s M u c k ... One little item which Ian may not mention in the loco report is that, when work started on the K1 Garratt, the boiler was found to have brass tubes! How things have changed, but then it has been out of use for my entire lifetime! Newsletter Typeset and Layout I hope the newsletter's new format is to your liking - I have received one letter saying so. It's so good to get some feedback and to know someone is out there! Very many thanks to Roger, who has got me out of a hole as regards typing, and improved the presentation at the same time (typist - aw shucks) As mentioned last time, thanks also to all those who offered; again it's good to know you're there! Coming events - Toy Fair, Santa Days You may not receive this before the Toy Fair on December 3rd, but do come to the 'Santa' days on December 10th and 17th. There will be presents for the children, mince pies and punch for the adults, and 3 sizes of railway in action: brake vans rides on the full size, rides on the miniature, and the model layout will be working. "Chuffs" and the Buffet Car are due to be in service for food and refreshments. Model Railway Day in January 1996 Then for the last Sunday of January (28th) we are planning another Model Railway day. Looks like another good show is in the offing, with layouts on 3 gauges. I am hoping to arrange for a larger display of Trix Twin this time. Solihull Railway Film Shows Film Shows at Solihull are having a rest in December. Next one is January 9th, then February 28th, March 20th and on through the year. Michael is maintaining his high standard and attracts good audiences; the sales stand also proves worthwhile in generating a few funds. Brake Van Rides - Hold Out Henry Brake van rides on 'first Sundays' are likely to resume at Easter, provided that 'Henry' holds out that long. There's always the '08' diesel as a substitute...... A n d S o, F a r e w e l l, t o E l m d o n M o d e l E n g i n e e r i n g S o c i e t y Sadly, the 'Santa' days will be the swansong for Elmdon Model Engineering Society at Tyseley. They have been offered a site at Shirley which gives them a lot more scope to operate as they wish. We enjoyed their company and wish them well for the future. We hope many continue as our members. 7 1/4" Gauge Developments? Watch this space for news of future developments in 7 1/4 " gauge at the Museum! P a s t E v e n t s The Car Boot Sale just about broke even, causing us to feel that there is too much competition in that field. A pity, because the venue is excellent; maybe we'll try another when we feel brave enough. One big deterrent is having to pay £50 to Birmingham City Council for the privilege. Firework Night Success - 600 Visitors But Site Safety Issues Highlighted On Firework Day (November 4th) we were victims of our own success. Over 600 visitors were attracted to the event - congratulations to Don for the publicity which was at minimal cost. 600 is more people than have ever been accommodated in that part of the site before, particularly at night. This showed up a few weaknesses, compounded by a faulty socket which caused some mayhem. Overall, however, it was a success and we are encouraged to consider a repeat next year. By then (and preferably long before) we must deal with the question of open pits and get the lighting improved. Anyone fancy the job of making some more wooden pits covers? We will even provide the wood if we can't scrounge anything suitable! Oh, and I am asked to promise that next year there will be more spectacle and fewer explosions - not everyone likes to feel they are on a battlefield! The fireworks are likely to be set off in a different position, too. Summer Crew Training I had hoped to include reports on the crew training that has taken place through the summer, but none is to hand (I fear sickness may be chiefly responsible). Suffice to say that several volunteers have been trained up as guards and footplate staff, and further courses are in mind. If you are interested, please contact us and we'll keep you posted. One little problem arising from the above is that some of our most regular volunteers, as co-ordinators of the driving courses, are now on the Operating roster! Fortunately no big problem so far, as the courses are not heavily booked, but we still need more names for this important job. The more volunteers we have, the less demand will be placed on them - and I'm not kidding by describing it as a very rewarding experience, when people are sent home so happy. A G M 1996 Advance Notice A bit of advance notice - the 1996 AGM will be held on Saturday 20th April. This will be repeated in our next letter. W e l l C h u f f e d In the last letter I mentioned the change of management at 'Chuffs.' There's not a lot more to say, just to remind you that the new name is Angela and that she is open every Saturday and Sunday and for special events as already mentioned. These included the Brake Van rides which took place throughout half-term week in October; they attracted enough visitors to return a profit. E d u c a t i o n S e r v i c e Our Education Service deserves further mention. Fred and his able assistants are putting in a lot of work and building on the base already existing. The visits are well regarded by the schools and form part of their curriculum. Today's children have to be taken from rock bottom, as most don't know what coal is!! T h a n k Y o u A l l That seems to be it for 1995 - bound to be something I've left out. Write to tell me and it will get mentioned next time. It remains, on behalf of the Friends and the Management, to thank you for being members and supporting the Museum. Special thanks to all who give time and effort as well. Next year could be one of enormous significance for Tyseley; so much is bubbling in the background (you may have had a small sniff from the press) but there's nothing to announce until something is certain. Meanwhile our very best Seasonal Greetings, and may 1996 bring us all what we desire!! Jeff Robinson STOP PRESS! STOP PRESS! STOP PRESS! STOP PRESS! STOP PRESS! January 1996 - Steam Gala Almost as I was putting the manuscript in the post for typing, a January Gala has been announced! Sunday, January 21st - two Castles, a Hall and a Pannier all in steam - grab them before they disappear! This is the only occasion when these four will be together, perhaps ever, so we shall look forward to seeing you. For further details please phone the office. Happy New Year!! Events Summary Dec 3rd - Toy Fair Dec 10th - 'Santa' day Presents for children; mince pies & punch for adults, 3 railway sizes action: full size - brake vans rides, miniature rides, model layout working."Chuffs" and the Buffet Car serving food and refreshments. Dec 17th - 'Santa' day Presents for children; mince pies & punch for adults, 3 railway sizes action: full size - brake vans rides, miniature rides, model layout working."Chuffs" and the Buffet Car serving food and refreshments. Jan 9th - Film Show at Solihull Jan 21st - Steam Gala - two Castles, a Hall and a Pannier Jan 28th - Model Railway day - layouts on 3 gauges Feb 28th - Film Show at Solihull Mar 20th - Film Show at Solihull 'First Sundays' from Easter - Brake Van Rides