Another different Flugel

23rd October 2007

Once again, a kind offer of pictures has allowed me to provide yet another view of the rail scene away from home. (But still in Christchurch.)

Over last weekend a really excellent annual event took place for the rail fan and railway modeller alike. This was 'The Big Little Train Show'. I'm sure it would be fair to say that the vast majority of people working in full size rail related activities have a great interest in the modelling scene too. Todays world provides some truly amazing examples of finely detailed railway modelling. I am told that a group from Auckland made the mammoth effort to bring down a tightly packed container load of 'O' gauge material to exhibit and even then could not include everything. If anyone involved in this display should read this, let me tell you that although I could not be there in person, I have had some rave reviews of your work. Thanks greatly for your time and effort and I hope your really enjoyed yourselves. Thanks too, to all who participated in what turned out to be a most excellent event. From the disc full of pictures I have been loaned of the event, it was more difficult than you might suppose, to sort out a 'Flugelsized' selection for todays offering.

In addition to the great amount of material on view, members of the National Rail Museum of New Zealand had a stand. This project has been steadily moving forward, but up till now, there has been nothing I could offer to show for this. Now the lads have begun their promotion display work. I feel I must add here, that although a number of the people working in connection with the Museum are from the Canterbury Railway Society and the building will be on adjacent land, it is an organisation totally separate from the C.R.S. Make no mistake about it, this is indeed, a 'NATIONAL' Railway Museum. I will post more information about this project as I can.

Let's start with some pictures of the NRMNZ stand....................

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L to R we have Ian McDonald, Jack Hurley and Pete Soundy. All busy making up the display.

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When did you ever see our Jack this tidy?

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Herewith, todays picture of Sir Colin less overalls and the scale model building of the Museum, with a concept plan on the wall. Colin tells me he was delighted with the positive feedback and offers of material.

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Almost, but not quite. A Drewery Tr, which could almost pass for the one at C.R.S. That's a really good La wagon behind too.

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Pleasant Point Railway Society. Your members would have to be pleased to see this terriffic representation of your 'D16'. To my friend there, Mark Denne, this must surely find your favour? ( I hear tell, progress on reassembly on their full size unit is progressing well. Good luck there guys.)

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How about a Dg then? Where is the real 767 these days? This one looks too good to be true.

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Another two excellent engines. I can't read the plate on the sidetank, but suspect from the three digit number, it could be a 'Wa'. A very authentic Dsb (Or is it a 'Dsa?) sits behind.

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A view of the sales section of the hall, this year well separated from the exhibits. Well done!

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This sort of arrangement really appeals. There's lot's of hard work in there.

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Get a load of this. A Fiat 88 seater twinset. Too good to be true.

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Double headed 'Ja's. 1276 leading. The second of the batch of North British latecomers I think. I believe they ran a train of 18 total carriages behind a pair of 'Ja's during the weekend. Wish I could have seen that! Dear dead days!

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I ask you, how good can it get?

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Another 'too good to be true' model. Your standard NZR wooden truss bridge. I wish it were a sharper picture. There's lichen and moss on the timbers there. Check out that weathering! If the builder of that bridge reads these notes, you have my greatest commendation. Which is really not fair of me, because so much of what was exhibited was worthy of the greatest commendation from all.

The pictures were taken variously by, Colin Dash, Jack Hurley and Ian McDonald.

I see now, why I prefer to keep my modelling scale at 12 inches to the foot. Cheers, 'K'.