South Hams Area Group March Report

The 4th March saw 6 S7 members plus Phil the Pill (a retired pharmacist, an ex S7 member) our rogue finescaler meet at Bittaford for another informative and entertaining meeting. Football did intrude at one point but was quickly dismissed in favour of all things 7mm. A number of our members were absent due to holidays (Marytn) and building work (Vic) with Bill Eaton at Missenden Abbey for a course on loco building lead by Kevin Wilson. Bill will I'm sure give us an in depth report on the course at our May meeting ( he has a note from his mum to miss the April meeting) and bring along his JLRT GWR 517 chassis he part built under Kevins instruction. Once again painting and lining took up a great deal of  discussion time. Frank lead the discussion as he has a great deal of experience of airbrushing and using a lining pen to expertly finish models. Different makes of airbrush equipment were discussed along with methods of applying etch primer,enamels,acrylics and celluse. Halfords, I learnt supply a number of paint materials that are useful to us modellers including a mixing service, another reason to join a local area group, the sharing of modelling experiences and techniques. A visitor from the Crediton group Mike Capper joined us for the day and brought along a recent purchase, a class 31 diesel kit by MMP. This was a series of superb brass etches plus resin cast cab ends. The complexity of the construction of this model was tempered by the thought that if I ever get the urge to build a diesel it will be a resin cast one from JLRT! Our next meeting will be on the 1st April and no this is not an April Fools joke, although if someone brings along an 0-6-0 with square wheels I will be suspicious. If you wish to join or visit us please give me a ring 01752 894477 for details.