West Wales and the Marches Area Group Report, February 2026

The WW&M group held a meeting in Whitchurch in November and eight individuals attended, including two new faces plus one last-minute apology. We had an enjoyable lunch together accompanied by a few beers – nearly all 0.0% Guinness!

Members brought examples of their work both complete models and items under construction. In truth there were more of the latter. These in particular encouraged a lively discussion of how? why? what? etc in connection with profile milling, 3D printing and designing artwork for etching using CAD.

George Brodie brought three sets of almost complete wheeled frames for a batch of Midland 6ft 9ins 2-4-0s he was building. These were based, I think, on the Ragstone chassis kit but had been modified to receive roller bearings resulting in very free running units. Discussions included bespoke transfers and 3D printing with an example of a woman figure from the late Victorian period.

Mike Osborne brought along some of his exquisite scratchbuilt wagons for which he is well known within and without S7 circles, together with a very attractive model of a L&NWR Cauliflower 0-6-0, which rightly drew considerable praise.

Other items brought were some milled parts for a Midland class H 0-6-0 (Stephenson), including a frame plate, together with the equivalent pattern in Plastikard for a Midland 1698 class 0-6-0 including the one for its tender frame.

Parts for making the underframes for NPCS and wagons also appeared with the members explaining their individual preferred methods for constructing them.

Unfortunately, we were all too engrossed with talking and admiring models and learning about new techniques to remember to take any photographs for which I apologize. Our next meeting will be 21st March 2026 when, following last year's very enjoyable visit to see Dave Hunt's Hellifield-based locomotive shed layout, he has kindly offered to repeat the exercise.

While the group has a geographical name we interpret it quite flexibly so if you are interested in attending please drop me an e-mail.

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