West Wales and the Marches Area Group Report May 2025

David Hunt was our host for a very enjoyable day spent operating his engine shed layout – Westfield. He also did us proud with cake, sandwiches and numerous savoury snacks. There was a non-stop buzz in the air as we discussed modelling techniques including 3D printing. Indeed, Paul Carter brought some beautiful examples intended for detailing the frames of the Great Western Castle he is currently building. He also brought an Adams L&SWR 4-4-0 – class X2 which he had started a little while back. I think I'm correct in saying that it was the mismatch in the spacing between the frame plates below the platform compared to the dummy ones above which prompted his adopting S7 standards.

As the WW&M Area Group is very flexible with regards to where its membership is drawn from we were graced with a member from Staffordshire – Chris Walker. He brought with him a second example of the six 33mm gauge locos planned to have been built by Ron Spiers and Bernard Miller for W S Norris.

This engine, a Midland Johnson 0-4-4T Nº 1279 was incomplete at the time of Norris' death and with that this really rather ground breaking development ceased. We can only speculate how 7mm modelling and S7 in particular might have developed had this project been completed. Instead, unfortunately, we have to say sotto voce that the 0-4-4T was completed to O Fine Scale standards.

However, S7 honour was fully restored by three members who travelled across from the Nottingham area – George Brodie, Tony Overton and Paul Clarke. George brought his Cowan Sheldon 15T breakdown crane with its associated train. This presented an interesting demonstration in the development of these cranes when compared to the one from a different batch built by our host. Comparing the two clearly revealed the design changes made to the jibs and the configuration of the match wagons. It also highlighted the fun to be had when modelling the Midland. One builder had elected to paint the riding vans grey while the other chose red. In truth we don't know for certain what colour they were painted or even if their livery was consistent. Interpreting black and white photos is all we have – nevertheless it provided a discussion point.

In total 24 locomotives were present and as one of the attendees remarked it was one of the largest, possibly even the largest, number of S7 Midland engines to be present on one layout. Unfortunately, five of them were in various stages of completion but despite this, to see nineteen locomotives, all bar one, proudly displaying their brass numbers made a grand sight.

Such was the enjoyment we have already asked our host if the event may be repeated next year.

If you are interested in our group drop me a line – as you can see we are very flexible with regards to geography!