Romney Marsh Model Engineering Society

Eleven models were on display at the 2½" gauge Association Rally at Rolfe Lane at the beginning of May. Seven locos were steamed during the afternoon with visitors from as far away as Staffordshire and East Anglia.

In contrast to previous years, the Open Weekend in May was held on a very hot and sunny couple of days. A good attendance with a total of 19 locos (15 steam and 4 battery powered) on the raised track and visitors from six clubs (Bracknell, Tonbridge, Maidstone, Reading, Polegate and Gravesend). There was also lots of activity in the garden railway with electric 'O' gauge, Gauge One steam, 16mm battery and steam plus numerous 'G' scale models to be seen running. A successful weekend.

Over 20 members and friends went to the Iden Gauge One Railway Open Day at the beginning of June. Some were also Gauge One Association members and there were some very nice models to be seen running. Much credit to Paul Abrams for the magnificent railway he has created.

A couple of days later was the annual visit to the Boatyard Railway. Unfortunately, the weather gods were not with us this year and it rained most of the afternoon. Despite this, around 45 members and friends enjoyed the visit with eight locos, both 5"g. and 7¼"g., running on the track. Thanks to Roy and Irene and all their helpers for the marvelous refreshments.

The visit to the 7¼"g. Bolebroke Castle & Lakes Railway was arranged at relatively short notice so not all members knew about it and consequently the attendance was down. Those that did go had a very enjoyable afternoon with unlimited rides on the very extensive railway. It is hoped to arrange another visit next year.

A lot of members and friends turned up for the Midsummer Track Meeting and BBQ. Plenty of activity on the main track and also in the garden railway with 175 burgers and sausages consumed at the barbecue.

It was a hot summers afternoon for the return visit of the Boatyard Railway members to Rolfe Lane at the beginning of July. Around 40 of their members enjoyed their visit with afternoon tea under the trees and they brought along their accordionist to serenade us with background music. Models were run on all the tracks with five locos being steamed on the gauge one line.

The Wednesday Gang still meet on a regular basis. The swing bridge section has just been completed and has been galvanized. It is hoped to install it in the next few weeks.

STOP PRESS Congratulations to RMMES member Brian Remnant who won this years IMLEC at Southport with his 5"g. 'Sweet Pea'.