WEEKEND EXCURSIONS AND DAY TRIPS PLANNED FOR 2019

Ariel view of York with the Minster clearly in view

A trip to visit the city of YORK is long overdue. Such a lovely place to stay, so much to see and do, even the train journey up will be a pleasure for me as it hold so many memories of trips with my father as a child. Yes I even manged to get completely lost in the Railway Museum until Dad found me in the Lost Property department ... well where else would you go if you were a six year old and lost.

MALLARD ON SHOW

Plenty to see and do not just the National Railway Museum although I fully expect to spend the whole day there, but also to sample the Roman history, walk the city walls, visit the famous Minster, York Castle and museum, the Viking Centre and if the weather is nice a cruise along the River Ouse. I believe there's plenty of "antique" shops in an area similar to Brighton's "Lanes" and could easily spend an day perusing them. Kings Cross to York is about 2 hours by LNER services towards Scotland and the aim would be to travel midweek and have a day or two to enjoy the sights. Was thinking it might be less busy midweek on a work day but I'm sure it's busy at anytime. Has been on the list of places to visit for a while now so appears as #1 pick and hopefully I won't get lost again this time (sorry Dad). 

SWANAGE HERITAGE RAILWAY
Another trip that is long overdue is a ride down to Swanage, while the heritage railway has now made a connection to the line close to Wareham they are still a little way off running a regular service onto the National Network. Not sure if there is room at Wareham for a separate platform similar to the arrangement at Alton (Mid Hants Railway) and Eridge (Spa Valley Railway) but at least it's a possible future option. 

CLASS 4 LEAVING CORFE CASTLE

The plan would be a long weekend with at least one full day to spend enjoying the railway, a visit to Corfe Castle station which is in the centre of the picturesque village and a short level walk to the village square. The Swanage Railway's free to enter museums - the goods shed museum, the cinema coach and exhibition coach - are located here too. Also planning at least a full day in Swanage itself where I will probably base myself and pray for a nice few sunny days by the sea. 

They were planning on running a heritage DMU service onto the main line but that was delayed last year so hopefully all being well we can see if this option is taken up in 2019. If so then they'll run a timetable probably during the weekend and I can have a ride down from London and pick up a connecting service. Link Wareham-Swanage Timetable.

MID HANTS RAILWAY - The Watercress Line
(Day out, easy to do via train from Feltham - Alton)

TEMPORARY CHANGE - There will be no Mid Hants Railway trains operating to or from Alton station from January 11th until the end of July 2019 due to work being carried out as part of a large highway improvement scheme. We will still be running trains from Alresford to Medstead.


So any trip will only be possible after this is all completed as I would be reliant on a train service into Alton to connect with the Heritage Line. So it's lucky I was checking this and have moved this one to the end of the queue for 2019. When the trains are back running the full length of the line into Alton I will be able to catch a South Western Railway service and meet the opening departure towards Alresford. Trains depart from Platform 3 though there are limited facilities at Alton but very useful connection for myself now I no longer drive. 

LONDON FESTIVAL OF RAILWAY MODELLING -- ALEXANDRA PALACE 23rd/24th MARCH 2019

London Festival of Railway Modelling
Sat 23rd March 2019 - Sun 24th March 2019
LOCATION:
Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way
London, Greater London  N22 7AY

OPENING TIMES:
SATURDAY 10am - 5pm,       SUNDAY 10am - 4.30pm

ADVANCE TICKET PRICES
BRM Subscriber:   £10.00      Adult: £11.00
Booking in advance saves you money on entry, gives you 30 minutes' early entry and a free show guide on arrival. 

GENERAL ADMISSION:  
Adults £12.00    Children £6.00    Family £36.00

The London Festival of Railway Modelling returns to Alexandra Palace on 23rd to 24th March 2019 for its 20th year. A must for every railway enthusiast and a fantastic family day out for all.

Aside from the awe-inspiring venue, visitors can enjoy over 40 hand-picked layouts from around the globe and in excess of 120 exhibitors to browse and purchase from. The vast selection of trade stands covers those ‘must-have’ items to ‘specialist’ items in rarer scales and gauges. Don't miss the expert demonstrations and meet the BRM magazine team. Sponsored and supported by Bachmann Europe, Graham Farish and the Model Railway Club.

The show is sponsored & supported by:

BUS SERVICE
A FREE shuttle bus service will be running continuously on Saturday and Sunday between Alexandra Palace Station, Wood Green underground station and the venue. Please note that the LAST bus from the venue will be 5.15pm each day.

ADDISON PARK - LONDON UNDERGROUND TT SCALE

List of Layouts Attending:
Layout Name   -   Scale / Gauge
Addison Park TT (above) London Underground metropolitan area inspired layout mix of steam and electric stock. 
Arigna OO N3
Ballyconnell Road 3mm
Burntisland P4
Dunkow Road N
Eccleston P4

EALING ROAD Dock and Station

Ealing Road OO -- (above) Built by the Missenden Modellers for the Channel 5 TV series 'The Great Model Railway Challenge', which you may have seen back in October/November of 2018. The theme of their heat was ‘Movies’ and the team opted to base theirs on a medley of the Ealing Studios films of the early fifties
Fenchurch St Peter OO
Habbaniya Var
Happisburgh Goods O

HARPENDEN EAST - O GAUGE

Harpenden East O -- (right) A small country station and goods yard, situated on the border of the Midland and Eastern Regions of British Railways just to the south of Luton on the line between Leighton Buzzard and Welwyn Garden City, which was closed in the mid 1960s as part of the Beeching cuts. Both steam in its final years and the newly introduced diesels may be seen operating here.

High Stamley OO9
Hornby 3rail OO
Johnstown Road O

Llwyn Grug N (left)
by Les Nehrlich is another masterpiece of scenery a bit like his Dyna Hyfryd, plenty of recent modifications to this layout include a working fun fair. The trains are almost an afterthought. 
Lower Exbury P4
Lymebrook Yard N
Megantic On2
New Kensal Green OO
North Foreland O

Pig Lane OO (left)

Puttnam Ho
Rolvendon Em
St Petroc 1
Santa Barbara N
The Bridge at Remagen N
Thornbury Hill OO
Troutbeck Bridge OO
Warton Road Preservation Society 3
Wickwar N





It's well worth a trip to Ally Pally just to admire the venue the view and the surrounding parks. They've spent money to do up the original broadcasting venue so if you can try and have a good look around. It's an uphill trip getting there so careful if (like me) you not as nimble as you once were. 

At least it's downhill going home. 

MAP:

UK RAILTOUR -- THE ABERDONIAN – 14th MARCH 2019

Thursday 14th March
THE ABERDONIAN RAILTOUR
Featuring A1 Class - 60163 "TORNADO" 

Here's a fantastic tour with views to savour behind the A1 Tornado. Crossing both the Forth Bridge and the Tay Bridge, the train runs along the coast for much of its route making it an unrivalled way to experience Scotland. In Aberdeen there is a chance to explore this historic city, or take one of our off train excursions that include a castle or distillery visit. On board the train you can sit back in comfortable seats with large windows through which to admire the scenery. Our friendly team will look after you, and if you choose to dine with us you will be treated to fine Scottish fare. Come and be one of the first to travel with us as Tornado begins another chapter running regularly over this historic route.

THE JOURNEY
Our journey begins in Scotland’s capital and its imposing Waverley station, right in the heart of the city, in the shadow of the Castle. Tornado steams through Princes Street Gardens and pauses to pick up further passengers at Haymarket station in the west of the city. From there we leave the city surroundings and pass open countryside before our train will start to slow.

The Forth Bridge (page top) is one of the wonders of the modern world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, crossing over 350ft above the water and stretching over one and a half miles in length. First opened in 1890, Tornado will lead our train across this magnificent structure giving amazing views of the Firth of Forth and we cross into the Kingdom of Fife. The railway follows the coast line through Inverkeithing and Burntisland where the city of Edinburgh can be seen across the Forth. Approaching Kirkcaldy the route turns north whilst remaining alongside the coast, but once we leave the town behind we move into the rich countryside of Fife with its farming communities and many golf courses. We cross the beautiful countryside before pausing at Leuchars station where Tornado takes on water.

Once underway again it is not long before the train slows as we approach the River Tay and its long elegant bridge across to Dundee. The Tay Bridge (above) is two miles in length, with 85 spans, and links Fife to the City of Dundee and the County of Angus. This is the second Tay Bridge, opening in 1887, after the first was destroyed in a storm in 1879.

Our departure from Dundee is through tunnels under the city, and we exit the city and head alongside the River Tay out as far as the world-famous golf course of Carnoustie. We make our way eastwards passing the coastal town of Arbroath, famous for its Smokie’s which are still produced in the town. Our route takes switches from running along the coast to diving inland and back again before crossing the Montrose Basin with the railway sandwiched between the water and Montrose itself. As we leave Montrose behind we are running through the stunning Scottish countryside as we leave the coast behind for a while. Passing through Laurencekirk and Fordoun and Drumlithie it is a chance to see the lush and unspoilt country for which Scotland is rightly proud.

Bittern using the refurbished turntable at Ferryhill Depot.

As our journey progresses we pass Stonehaven and then exit the town on the cliffs above the North Sea. We run high above the water below all the way to Aberdeen now on what is a wonderful finish to a unique railway journey. Tornado will run at speed alongside the water and on the approach to our destination we will slow and take a winding course through the Granite City before crossing the River Dee on a beautiful curving bridge. Once across the river on our left is the recently refurbished turntable at the former Ferryhill depot (above left). This is where Tornado will be turned for our return journey and is something that is important facility to make this magnificent journey possible. We continue on a little further and we then arrive into Aberdeen’s light and airy station ready for onwards excursions.

EXPLORING ABERDEEN
There is plenty to see and do in the centre of the bustling city of Aberdeen, and a lot of attractions are within easy walking distance of the station. For those attractions a little further out, there are local taxis and regular bus services: a hopper ticket to explore the city by bus costs less than £5.

Whisky Tasting –  CASC are avatars of hedonism, demanding excellence and rejecting anything less. CASC (Cigars, Ale, Scotch & Coffee) – are relentless in the pursuit of great products and overwhelming choice. Doing things their way and never compromising. Focussing on quality cigars, craft beer, scotch whisky and artisan coffee, they aim to compound the senses and deliver a truly unique bar experience. Just three minutes’ walk from the station.

Maritime Museum – Aberdeen Maritime Museum tells the story of the city’s long relationship with the Sea. This award-winning museum is located on the historic Shiprow, just five minutes from the station, and parts of the building date back to 1593. The Maritime Museum houses a unique collection and is the only place in the UK where you can see displays on the North Sea oil and gas industry. Aberdeen Maritime Museum offers visitors a spectacular viewpoint over the busy working harbour.

EXPLORE FURTHER
Old Aberdeen – 2.5m from the station, number 20 bus route. Monks and scholars, traders and travellers settled round Old Aberdeen in the  area where 14th century St Machars Cathedral still stands and where Kings College, the forerunner to Aberdeen University, was founded by Bishop Elphinstone in 1495. Step back in time as you tour the late-medieval cobbled streets and make some time to appreciate the old perfectly blended with the new as you admire the architecturally distinctive Sir Duncan Rice Library.

The Gordon Highlanders Museum [above] – 2.5 miles from the station, number 11 bus route. The Gordon Highlanders Museum is a ‘5-star Visit Scotland’ Tourist Attraction based in the west end of Aberdeen. It is committed to preserving and sharing the legacy of the world-famous Gordon Highlanders Regiment for future generations to enjoy, providing a wide range of unique experiences for all visitors, young and old.

RSPB Dolphin Watch – Intelligence, acrobatic ability and good looks, bottle-nose dolphins have it all. Jump in a taxi and travel 2 miles to Torry Battery, where from the high vantage point you can watch the dolphins and discover panoramic views of the harbour mouth and North Sea. The mouth of Aberdeen Harbour is one of the best places in Europe to spot bottle-nose dolphins and Scotland is home to the largest in the world! The team of volunteers are on site April – August and provide telescopes and binoculars. The 2018 dolphin spotting season saw 100% success rate!

Fyvie Castle 
Travel through the beautiful wilderness of the Grampian Highlands to reach Fyvie Castle. This magnificent fortress in the heart of Aberdeenshire is a sterling example of Scottish Baronial architecture. Inside, the rooms are filled with antiquities, armour and lavish oil paintings. Out in the grounds the grandeur continues, with a picturesque loch and an unusual glass-roofed racquets court. The cafe will be open for your refreshment. Ghosts, legends and folklore are all woven into the tapestry of Fyvie’s 800-year-old history. Book this option to enjoy a short tour and time at your leisure to explore the glory of Fyvie’s landscape and the richness of its past.

Glen Garioch Distillery (above)
It’s true what they say – you can never fully enjoy a dram of Glen Garioch until you have seen how and where it’s made. One of the oldest operating distilleries in Scotland – and its most easterly – Glen Garioch (pronounced Geery in the ancient Doric dialect still spoken in these parts) has been making its mighty malt in the quaint and historic market town of Oldmeldrum, ever since 1797. Book this tour to discover the personality and character, both of the whisky and those who create it. The in-depth experience explores the secrets passed on by generations in the pursuit of quality. The tour would not be complete without tasting some of their small-batch whiskies and includes three drams.

All timings are provisional and intended only as a guide.

Station	Depart	Arrive
Edinburgh Waverley	09.30	20.30
Haymarket	09.35	20.20

5th NORFOLK and SUFFOLK NARROW GAUGE EXHIBITION - 2nd MARCH 2019

Saturday 2nd March 2019

LOCATION:
Blyburgate Hall (Former St John Hall), 
Blyburgate, Beccles, Suffolk  NR34 9TF

OPENING TIMES:    Saturday  10.00am - 4.00pm
ADMISSION:    Adults £3.00      Family £6.00  

This will be the groups 5th open day/exhibition with a selection of narrow gauge layouts. There will be guest layouts as well as some of the groups own member's layouts. The OO9 Society sales stand will be present again. Refreshments will be available. Please note that there is only disabled parking at the hall, please use the car park along road next to 'Roys'. We are using four rooms, I'm afraid the smaller two are not wheelchair accessible

COLEFORD 009 SHUNTING LAYOUT

List of Layouts Attending:
Coleford - OO9 [Above] a narrow gauge shunting layout, is based on a real railway in the Forest of Dean, with history having been warped a little to suit a “narrow” (gauge) mind.
Woolthorpe Light Railway - OO9 
Chwarel Tegid - OO9 
Nibley Knoll - OO9 
Bottle Kiln Lane - OO9 - [Left]. 
A layout based on a fictitious location somewhere in England, by John Thorne
Set in the 1930s this small narrow gauge line runs through the English countryside and serves a small canal and pottery. The pottery is based on the buildings of the Coalport factory in Ironbridge. The layout is of no particular prototype but provides the opportunity to showcase a wide variety of 2ft gauge narrow gauge stock.

Grange West Tramway [Right] - O.16.5 by John Dean.
A middle England tramway station (GWR) in 7mm/ft scale 16.5mm gauge (0-16.5) and this layout featured in the June 2018 edition of the Railway Modeller appears to be a regular on the exhibition circuit. 

Llanfair Jamieinion - OO9
Little Ease - 1.16
Ruritania Eisenbahn - O.16.5
Wendsleydale - O.16.5 

Thurtey - OO9 [Below] -- A dock side narrow gauge layout, appears to be in the shape of the number 30 hence the name, but still nice little run around and plenty of different looking stock on show. 

Nearest Railway Stations:
Beccles [0.19 miles] 
Brampton (Suffolk) [4.28 miles] 
Somerleyton [5.25 miles] 
Haddiscoe [5.59 miles] 

MAP: [Blyburgate Hall, post code - NR34 9TF]