WEYMOUTH MODEL RAILWAY ASSOCIATION, Dorset, UK  -  Weymouth MRA   www.WeymouthMRA.org.uk
 An association for enthusiasts of scale railway modelling in N, OO and O Gauges. Sponsors annual open days, model railway exhibitions and the construction of layouts:-
     | Bincombe Junction - N gauge | Bridehaven - OO gauge | Connaught Road - O gauge | Yeovil Pen Mill - OO gauge | Test Track - O gauge |
     About the Weymouth MRA; Why take-up railway modelling; The details on public events; Pictures of events; Association news; How to find us; Pictures of past exhibition

Archive
Site 'Help' page

Annual exhibition - 2008

Annual exhibition - 2007

Change of Host June 2007

May Public Event 2007

2007 AGM

Adding Realism  Initiative launch 2007

Xmas 2006 Open Day

2006 Annual Exhibition

Aug 2006 Website News

May 2006 Open Day

Dec 2005 Auction

Sept 2005 GUILDEX

2005 Annual Exhibition

April 2005 Event - Dorset Railways

2005 Annual General Meeting

2004 Annual Exhibition

Sept 2004 GUILDEX

July 2004 Association's website

Phil steps down: Sept 2003

Public Notice: 18th Dec 2001

O Gauge Group Website

Website Launch

 

 NEWS - Archive

Weymouth's Annual Model Railway Exhibition 2008


Picture shows a scratch-built 7mm Finescale model of BR/SR 34064 Fighter Command  (operated on the
Waterloo-Weymouth service in Summer 1957), and is just one of the many models that will be running over the weekend.

2008 Attractions include:-

Layouts

Yeobridge Town by Ray Oliver; N-gauge - BR period. Based on Yeovil Town Station using prototypical stock.
Chipbury by Barnhill MRC; N-gauge - BR 1970-80s period. Fictitious town served by an Exeter branch-line.
Hookwood by Jim Bryant; EM-gauge - BR(SR) 1960s period. Fictitious small town near Oxted on an imaginery cross country line.
Scotts Quay Pier by Ron Boreham; N-gauge - BR(SR)1960-70s period. South coast IOW ferry terminal.
Springfield by Phil Dawling; O-gauge - BR(WR) 1950-1960s period. Country branch-line terminus.
Grange-Over-Sands by Blackburn & East Lancs MRS; N-gauge - BR 1980-90s period. Modeller's license has been applied to the prototype for added interest.
Trevelyn Bridge by Chas May; OO gauge - BR early 1960s period. Fictitious station on a North Cornwall line with Clay and passenger traffic.
Wiveliscombe by D Garrett & T Hiscock; OO-gauge - BR(WR) 1950-1960s period. Representation of the small market town on the Taunton to Barnstaple branch.
South Dorset Light Railway by Harry Marshall; OO-gauge - SR (ex-LSWR) 1930s period. Fictitious branch-line from the proposed main-line near Winterborne Abbas to a coastal port.
Connaught Road by Weymouth MRA; O-gauge - BR(SR) 1950-60s period. Under construction is a fictitious 4-track urban main-line station layout, inserted into our Test Track.
Bridehaven by Weymouth MRA; OO-gauge, - BR(WR) 1950s to date. Fictitious development of West Bay into a larger town.
Bincombe Junction by Weymouth MRA; OO-gauge - BR(SR) 1950s-1970s period. Fictitious main-line station with passenger and freight branch-lines.
Yeovil Pen Mill by Weymouth MRA; OO-gauge Finescale - GWR 1937-1941 period. A historical model of the whole station area inc goods sidings and MPD.  Subject to availablity
New Project by Weymouth MRA; OO-gauge. This started life as a quick-construction test track. Currently, it's transforming with scenery, for added interest. Available for test running.
Children's Railway by Weymouth MRA - G-scale. Variety of LGB and Bachmann rolling stock available for children to drive either by conventional DC controllers or radio control. 
Portminster by Bridport MRC; OO-gauge - BR(SR) 1950-1960s period. A country town terminus featuring many 'Art Deco' buildings. Steam locomotives employed as line not electified.
Rax Lane MPD by Ron Randall; OO-gauge - BR 1960s period. Fictitious diesel depot loosely based on Willesden shed featuring a variety of diesel locomotive prototypes.
TopLine Tinplate by Dave Corps; O-gauge.
Operating display of vintage tinplate trains from Bassett Lowke & Hornby.

Static Displays

Weymouth & District Model Engineering Society; various scales. Selection of live steam locomotives built by members.

Demonstrations

Custom Cottages by Terry Booker; OO-gauge. Demonstration of construction of buildings and landscape. Techniques are applicable to all scales and any prototype.
The Weatherman: Tom Rayer; N & HO-gauge. Demonstration of weathering stock by hand rather than with an air-brush.
Steamsound: John Willoughby; 4mm scale. Demonstration of battery-powered sound modules that fit inside rolling stock.

Traders

ABC Model Railways; A range American, British & Continental new & pre-owned models from Z to G-scale.
K & H Models. Suppliers of model railway layouts items: scenics, lights, scratchbuilt buildings & locos plus new rolling stock & tools. 
Plus Daughters; Specialists in N Gauge Model Railways and Accessories. 
Geoff Gamble Books; Railway book specialist also books on other forms of transport. New & quality secondhand. 
The Model Railway People; Range of miniature figures for N, OO & O gauge model railways.
Rail Room Electronics. Electronic modules and components. Full range of Eckon & Berko signals & accessories. 
Classic Trains & Cars; Secondhand RTR rolling stock and plastic & diecast vehicles. 
M & B Models; Hornby and Bachmann OO-gauge rolling stock. Lima & Bachmann spares specialists. 
Mike Rogers; New miniature vehicles from a range of manufacturers. 
Steve Paine; New diecast 4mm scale 1950-1970s road vehicles, secondhand railway items and books. 
Kernow Model Rail Centre; Comprehensive range of new railway items from Z-scale to SM32; RTR products from Bachmann, Hornby, Dapol, Peco, etc. 
Smithy Halt; Specialising in new & secondhand G-scale items of rolling stock. Secondhand items in N & OO-gauges.
East Somerset Models; Range of new & secondhand items in N, OO & O gauges
Aspire Models;
Specialising in OO gauge train accessories and buildings.

Old Trains and Toys; Second-hand collectables.


Weymouth's Annual Model Railway Exhibition 2007
Our retiring Exhibition Manager Dave Riches' final exhibition was one to be remembered! He organised an excellent show and pretty-well met his target of filling the larger space afforded by the Sports Hall at Wey Valley School - one layout couldn't make it so the plan was revised. Once again we'd like to thank all the exhibitors and traders that supported, so well, Weymouth's 19th Annual Model Railway Exhibition. Also, our special thanks to all those that visited the Exhibition - we trust you enjoyed the show. Pictures of our 2007 exhibition are now available, please see Site Contents > Exhibitions > 2007 - Latest (note that this link opens a new browser window - see Site Help).


Photo: Award presentation by the Executive Officers of the Weymouth Model Railway Association
The opportunity was taken at the exhibition to present Geoff Sawford, a long-time stalwart of the Association's O Gauge Group, with a certificate marking his award of Lifetime Associate Membership. From the left, in the above picture, is Nigel Godsell (Vice-chairman), Rob Atkins (Chairman ), Geoff Sawford, Roger Miller (Treasurer) and Dave Riches (Secretary and retiring Exhibition Manager). Picture kindly taken by John Wiltshire endeavouring to make the best of Nigel's camera!


Dave with Exhibition Manager's hat off (for five minutes) and modeller's hat on!
Dave Riches officially passed the baton to our new joint Exhibition Managers (John and Tim) as of this exhibition, and by way of thanks for all his hard work Chairman Rob presented Dave, at the following Monday meeting, with a model kit to make in his new found spare-time. Dave was pleased to receive a Laurie Griffin Miniatures kit of Southern Railway's (Queen Mary) 25 ton Bogie Brake Van. (At the time of ordering the kit the recent postal strike was in full force and Laurie kindly offered to drive down to Weymouth with the kit. However, a mutually very agreeable rendezvous was arranged at the Central Southern Gauge O Group's exhibition in Wimborne, the Sunday before our exhibition, for the handover.)


Change of Host
This work is now complete. Please note that from the 1st June 2007 our website is only accessible via our domain name www.WeymouthMRA.org.uk - note upper case used to ensure correct spelling only. If you have previously added our website to your 'Favorites' please ensure it points to the correct URL.

May Public Event
This year's new venture for the Association, a themed event running all weekend instead of our usual "May Open Day", was a success.

Some of the regulars of our Connaught Road layout - Photo: Rob A
Click here for further pictures of the event. 

2007 AGM

During discussion it was identified that a group of members were interested in building an OO gauge test track to universal track-work standards.  

The elected 2007/2008 committee is as follows:

  • Chairman: Rob Atkins
  • Vice-chairman: Nigel Godsell
  • Secretary: Dave Riches
  • Treasurer: Roger Miller
  • Wessex Association rep: Harry Marshall
  • Hall Committee rep: Keith Pratt
  • Additional members: Tug Wilson, Dave Corps

This year's exhibition will be the last to be organised by Dave Riches as he did not stand for the post of Exhibition Manager. Consequently, the Committee will be co-opting someone to work alongside Dave and take on the role of Exhibition Manager for our 2008 exhibition.


Adding Realism Initiative

This recently introduced venture by the Weymouth MRA is to assist modellers in progressing their model railway from the train set (where we all start) towards a real railway in miniature. Our 'Adding Realism Initiative' is currently comprised of two components: articles and items of interest, information, etc accessible from this website and Monday evening sessions in learning and improving skills. See Site Contents > Modelling > Adding Realism for details.

The first serialised article on layout design is now available on this website. This article promotes the concept of realistic operation and takes the reader through the process of identifying the services that your proposed railway could provide and the resultant impact on station(s) layout and goods handling facilities. See Site Contents > Modelling > Adding Realism > Layout Design.

 


Xmas 2006 Open Day

A good day was enjoyed by everyone. This was the first Open Day since we've reluctantly reverted to charging (a token) admission to the event. To compensate we are now inviting traders to attend as well as having our layouts on display. The proceeds from the event resulted in a small surplus for the Association, thus ensuring the continuation of our 'Open Days'.


2006 Annual Exhibition

Took place over the weekend 28-29th October and was yet another success. The Association would like to thank all the exhibitors and traders who supported our show and all the members of the public that attended and freely praised  it. Please note that our 2007 exhibition is provisionally set for 27-28th October. This will be confirmed following investigation of alternative accommodation at the venue.


Aug 2006 Website News

Early History of the Association: This article is now available on the website and traces the origins of the Association to the Upwey & Broadwey Model Railway Club. The article also documents the construction of the Evercreech Junction layout exhibition layout that was built by members of the Upwey & Broadwey MRC.

Harry Marshall's series of articles on designing layouts for realistic operation is in preparation and will be available on this website shortly. This is a development of the article his father (Ivor C Marshall) had published in the May 1976 issue of the Model Railway Constructor.


May 2006 Open Day

This was held on the 6th May and was opened by the Major of Weymouth and Portland Councillor Les Ames. Once again the auction went well with many serious bargains. This will probably be our last auction for the moment as all the stock from the Trade Stand has been disposed of.


Dec 2005 Auction

This was held on the 17th December and was opened by the Major of Weymouth and Portland Councillor Les Ames who as a keen railway enthusiast has been a member of the Association for many years. A special feature of this Open Day was an auction of model railway rolling stock and scenic items. All lots were realistically priced and plenty of genuine bargains were snapped-up!

The auction of second-hand rolling stock and scenic items, held at the Xmas Open Day, was highly successful. It is hoped to hold another at our May 2006 Open Day. 


Sept 2005 GUILDEX

Once again Weymouth Model Railway Association provided the test track for the Gauge O Guild's GUILDEX 2005 at Telford. 

Members of the O Gauge Group of Weymouth Model Railway Association were again invited by the Gauge O Guild to provide the Test Track for their September exhibition held in Telford.

The Test Track allows members and visitors to run their stock, and for prospective purchasers to test run the stock. This year, we are fortunate to have a large number of photographs recording the event thanks to Dave Riches - Hon. secretary of Weymouth Model Railway Association.

Click on the thumbnails below for a larger image - use the browser "back" function to return to this page.

7F no 1.JPG (37132 bytes) 7F no 2.JPG (34410 bytes) C r 4 4 0.jpg (39961 bytes) Cardean.JPG (41193 bytes) Clayton.JPG (37189 bytes) Deltic.JPG (39532 bytes) Fairburn 2.JPG (34444 bytes) Hall 1.JPG (34048 bytes) Hall 2.JPG (40148 bytes) Hall 3.JPG (37598 bytes) LNWR loco.JPG (36735 bytes) M R 4 4 0 no2.JPG (38904 bytes) M r 4 4 0.jpg (46816 bytes) Pannier.JPG (40020 bytes) Q1.jpg (42928 bytes) Railmotor.JPG (35440 bytes) Schools.JPG (39070 bytes) Visiting Garrett.JPG (31151 bytes)


2005 Annual Exhibition

Due to fairly extensive modernisation of the Wey Valley school hall & stage, scheduled for this summer, the date of our exhibition has been moved to the 29/30th October. The committee took the decision to move the exhibition date (previously given as 17/18th September) on advice from the school.

The 2005 exhibition held on 29-30th October has been widely acclaimed as a resounding success with increased attendance on 2004. Some £500 surplus has been achieved with considerable hard work by the committee, members and members' wives. The committee would like to thank all those who freely praised the exhibition - especially those who took the time to write/email us. Photographs & layout descriptions now available - see site Contents page.


April 2005 Event - Dorset Railways Exhibition

The Dorset County Museum and the Association held a very successful 2 week long exhibition at the County Museum in Dorchester over Easter 2005. The Dorset Railways Exhibition  was comprised of a number of quality model railway layouts, preservation society stands, and static displays, together portraying the history of railways in the County.  Full details


2005 Annual General Meeting

The AGM of the Weymouth Model Railway Association took place Monday 21st March. 2005/2006 committee is as follows:

  • Chairman: Rob Atkins
  • Vice-chairman: Nigel Godsell
  • Secretary: Dave Riches
  • Treasurer: Roger Miller
  • Exhibition Manager: Harry Marshall
  • Additional members: Roy Hounsell, Dave Corps & Keith Pratt

2004 Annual Exhibition

This year's September exhibition organised by the Association was even larger as the Wey Valley School had additional space available to us. The show was highly successful and generated a substantial surplus (£540) from the increased budget needed to include the quality layouts on show.


Sept 2004 GUILDEX

The Association are proud to have provided the test track for this year's Gauge O Guild's GUILDEX 2004 at Telford 11/12th Sept - enjoyed by all

Members of the O Gauge Group of Weymouth Model Railway Association were invited by the Gauge O Guild to provide the Test Track for their September exhibition held in Telford. Principally this invitation arose as a result of Weymouth MRA providing their Test Track for the annual Trade Show organised by The Bristol Model Railway Club for the past 5 years.

The Test Track allows members and visitors to run their stock, and was allocated space next to the Gauge O Guild's secondhand stand so prospective buyers of stock could see it run before purchasing.


Test Track at GUILDEX 2004 Telford. Photo taken by Dave R during a quiet moment, not that there were many!


Test Track at GUILDEX 2004 Telford. Photo taken by Dave R. Operators (left to right) are Rob, Derek & Dave G.
Part of the Guild's secondhand stand is bottom left of picture.


Some impressive looking locos were test run including an Air Smoothed West Country Class and a re-built
Merchant Navy Class. Both locos have been weathered and look typical of their classes as running in the
late 50s to early 60s time period. (Photo Dave R)

And finally...


Possibly the strangest loco to run on our Test Track (ever!?!) is a
model of Emmet's cartoon locomotive. (Photo Dave R)


July 2004 Association's website

The web site has moved to a new server (Tiscali) as of July 2004, and the opportunity has been taken to revise the format for even quicker and easier access to its pages...

The website is proving very popular with a peak of 251 visitors on Monday 13th Sept 2004. Similar high numbers were recorded for the rest of the week before the exhibition.

Any comments to webGroup@WeymouthMRA.org.uk


Phil steps down: Sept 2003

The 15th Model Railway Exhibition was the last show to be organised by Phil Dawling. He now takes a well deserved rest after eight very successful years in the role of Exhibition Manager.


PHOTO: Chairman Pete Bruton presenting the Association's Best Layout Trophy to Kensal Green MPD - 80A.
 Almost just out of shot is Phil.

Phil take a rest, never! He's seen the light and taken-up modelling in O gauge, and by way of much thanks and appreciation for all his (and that of his late wife Rosemary's) hard work he was presented with an O gauge kit of a BR(WR) Auto-coach.


PHOTO: Unfortunately the 7mm Auto-coach kit didn't arrive in time, so here's Chairman Pete presenting Phil with a promissory note for the kit. Spookily, Pete is the latest victim of the "O gauge bug" going around, lately he's been muttering about building a GWR 54XX pannier tank in 7mm.


Public Notice: 18th Dec 2001

The Committee has regretfully withdrawn the membership of Mr R Forster and consequently he no longer acts in any capacity on behalf of the Weymouth Model Railway Association. 

The Committee also points out that "Model and Rail of Littlemoor Lane, Weymouth" (Mr R Forster's model railway stock, repair service) is, and has always been, totally independent of the Weymouth Model Railway Association. Mr R Forster never sought or was granted approval to use the Association's name in connection with his business.


O Gauge Group Website

The official website of the O Gauge Group of members of the Weymouth Model Railway Association has been set up. To browse the site see 'O Gauge Group' on the main menu.

Homepage of the WMRA O Gauge Group website


Website Launch

The official website of the Weymouth Model Railway Association went live on the 1st August 2001.

WeymouthMRA.org.uk: Home page

Its aim is to provide the www users with up to date information and pictures on the Association's activities.

A special group of members including the Association's Chairman and Secretary has been set-up to maintain and co-ordinate the website. It is to this group that all communications with respect to the website should be addressed email: webGroup

 

   

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