Canterbury Society of Model and Experimental Engineers

Canterbury Society of Model and Experimental Engineers

Locos | Road Vehicles | Ships/Boats/Yachts | Miscellaneous Models
  Home

  About Us

  Birthday Parties

  Club Contacts

  Canterbury Tales

  Related Links
 
  Webmaster

New Page 1

 

Previous issue

(Please note that photographs and advertisements have been removed from the 'hard copy' before publishing here)

Canterbury Tales

(The official newsletter of the Canterbury Society of Model and Experimental Engineers Inc.)

 

NEXT EXHIBITION - EASTER FUN WEEKEND

SATURDAY 22, SUNDAY 23 & MONDAY 24 MARCH 2008

Dust off your engines!  Oil the wheels and get fired up!  REMEMBER it is your chance to show of your pride and joy.  Come on turn up for a GOOD SHOW!

Rev up the engines, clean up the sails, patch up the holes and get down to the pond.  Come on everyone lets give those ducks THE WORKS!!!

NOT A LOT OF PUFF THIS TIME! - from the Loco Foreman

My apologies for not being around much for the last couple of months owing to heavy work commitments.  I appreciate all the help and support from the team at the club.

I had a great run with “CONWAY” on a recent trip to the Nelson Club.  I was very impressed with the progress they have made on their 7.25 track.  Especially the gorge and tunnel set-up will be very popular with the crowds, I’m sure.

Alan Malaquin

 Alan Barlow’s pride and joy – his new F7

 

MEANZ REPORT 2008

Future Convention Venues – 2010 Nelson; 2012 Whangarei; 2014 Otago; 2016 ??

Safety Self Management Progress – further discussion centred about establishing “Industry Best Practise” models rather than the previously familiar Codes of Practise which are too difficult to amend and keep updated.

GENERAL BUSINESS

Discussion about Incorporated Societies Act and Club Constitutions and rules being adequate enough to prevent established administration being “rolled-over” by new-comers with their own agenda.

Boiler inspections for other clubs – Some clubs only inspect members boilers which requires remote owners to join the club as a “country member” for at least that year. General consensus was that inspections could be done for smaller clubs by properly experienced inspectors, but the records must be held by the host club.

Discussion about “Expiry Dates” being shown on all Boiler Certs, Drivers Licences and Club Membership cards.

Suggested a Webb Site be established to publish Competition and Awards Rules together with recipients so that current holders can be traced for future conventions.

Commodores Report - March 2008.

For a few months now we have noticed the sides of the pond being eroded by the wave action, so the decision was made to delay making the dock area until this was fixed. The level of the pond has been lowered so that timber can be placed on edge around the sides of the pond. We will continue doing the edging on the sleepers by the Toilet block next. The intention is to slightly deepen the edges to allow our boats closer to the sides.

It is disappointing that members of our boating section are not making more regular use of the pond.  Building the docks will be a major expense and hard to justify with so few members sailing.  So to try to be there more often.  At our meeting on Tuesday night  (11/3/08 ) our members decided that every second Sunday will be a designated boating day, to also allow ‘boaties’ operating trains to have their sailing time too.

Easter weekend is almost upon us again and we will be operating sailing on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.

So please make the best use of the few fine weekends  left before winter starts

    M Cowie - Commodore

LIBRARIAN REPORT

The issuing system for the library has changed - hopefully this will simplify matters. An Issuing book system has been adopted. This removes the need to locate the card for a particular book, periodical set or video.

All you have to do is write down the title of the book or its code number, your name and the date the book was issued.   Please remember to mark off when you return the book.

A new database is being developed which will then enable a change to the shelving of the books. Hopefully this will make it easier to find books on a particular topic.

We are still missing 3 issues of the Model Shipwright- I am concerned that a member has these volumes and they are still AWOL. These issues have been out now for several months. Could members keep a look out for the volumes. As these books were not issued at all we have no way of locating them.

Please remember the library resource has been provided by past members for our use now and for future members in years to come. This is a unique resource please respect it as such or the club will be forced to secure the collection to prevent further losses.

Andrew Were - Librarian

CSMEE 75th ANNIVERSARY

Celebrations will be held during Show Week-end November 2008.  The programme will have Special Events during the three days and a dinner on the Friday night.  If you have any ideas for the week-end please contact:

John Hamilton 338 2497 or Graeme Chisnall 03 313 1781

NEW MEMBERS

Welcome to CSMEE - Russell Gifford & Cameron Moore.  Look forward to seeing you at the club.

COMMITTEE MEETING - December 2007

LOCO FOREMAN:  The F7 has been derailing frequently lately.  The problem was dry axle-box horns. It was recommended that the horns be oiled as part of the routine run day preparations.

COMMODORE:  The visitor harassing wildlife on the pond during the November 2007 Exhibition was spoken to by Malcolm Cowie at the time.  There was no more trouble after this.  It was noted that several of the boating members have been active with train operation and this has limited the number of boats on the pond during run days.  Malcolm Cowie requested that we try to refrain from categorising members as “boat” or “train” people, rather refer to us all as “Model Engineers”.

LIBRARIAN:  Andrew Were will overhaul the library catalogue system during the Christmas break.  The Committee has granted permission for Andrew to introduce a system where a borrowed book’s catalogue number is recorded in a book. This would dispense with the current card system, which is proving difficult to administer.

MEANZ:  Of the South Island clubs, CSMEE and Otago have been audited. Timaru may be audited in the New Year.  Jock Miller has not yet sighted the report from our recent audit. There has been a successful meeting between MEANZ and OSH representatives with good progress being made. One item on the agenda for the forthcoming MEANZ Biennial General Meeting at Manukau was “Consider proposal to set up Convention Fund”.  There was general discussion over this. We expect this will be a means for more affluent clubs to financially assist smaller clubs host a Convention. The CSMEE Committee agrees with this in principle.  We would like the assistance to be in the form of a non-guaranteed loan to be repaid from Convention profits.  Alan Malaquin will convey CSMEE’s position on this to the MEANZ meeting.

Halswell GLT:  Most of the current work at Halswell is maintenance related. The engine shed needs a good cleanout.  Weed spraying around the site will commence when there is less wind. There needs to be a Saturday working day at Andrews Crescent. Alan Orwin reported on a meeting between Alan Orwin, John Beauchamp and John Allen, Trevor Woodham from the Council.  The following were established: We do not need resource consent for buildings less than 100 square metres; We can have a building larger than 100 square metres but will need resource consent; The footprint which we currently pay rent on is the engine shed and steaming bays only.  These are the only areas not accessed by public; It was suggested that we design our clubrooms to resemble an old time railway station.  We could have a small refreshment room at one end serving the public; our proposed tunnel is considered a landscaping job for which we do not need resource consent. 

The Council may be able to assist with its construction; The Council representatives are happy with our harbour plans;

GENERAL BUSINESSJock Miller suggested that we limit party bookings to allow more time for members to enjoy operating their models.  It was noted that large numbers of party people restrict public access to our facilities, making it difficult for casual members of the public wanting to ride trains.  Large Sunday parties make it difficult to use the raised track.

It was decided to limit future party bookings to one or two per Sunday. It was suggested that we rotate the run day manager position between the regular train operating staff. It was suggested that we procure two bar stools for the point operators.  When not in use these could be stored in the ticket office. Noel Etwell advised that approximately 80 vintage cars and their crews would be present at the Halswell Domain on 24th February 2008.  Noel wishes to operate his locomotive specifically for the vintage car people and will load independently on track 4.

COMMITTEE MEETING - January 2008

Not al lot of business due to holidays. But some notes were made.  Camp Quality visited Halswell for train rides and it was decided and approved that the following Sundays’ takings be donated to Camp Quality.  The president reported that $677.60 was received.

LOCO FOREMAN:  Thanked the weed-sprayers and advised that some minor track maintenance is required.

COMMODORE: Advised that the springs in the pond are drying up. (Summer conditions) Because of the lower levels the edge of the pond is more exposed and the resulting in the edges crumbling.    After considerable discussion it was resolved that a timber edge around the pond would eliminate the problem as well as some planting of appropriate material.

COMMITTEE MEETING - February 2008

CORRESPONDENCE:  Received, a letter from Catherine Fielden.  Catherine thanked members of CSMEE, especially Jock Miller, for assistance in disposing of Ross’ workshop equipment. The letter was read to the meeting and is held on file. A Thankyou card and letter have been sent to Catherine.

LOCO FOREMAN:  Alan Barlow reported that there has been a good attendance of members at recent run days, the raised track is being used more often and the new run day liaison officer is appreciated.

COMMODORE:  Work is continuing around the edge of the pond.  Approximately 10 metres of timber edging have been installed along parts of the bank not currently protected by sleepers.

LIBRARIAN:  Several recent journal volumes have been bound and are now in the library. Approximately $300-00 worth of material purchased from AME was water damaged in transit.  Andrew Were is seeking redress for this.

MEANZ:  Rob Wilson and Alan Malaquin reported on a successful audit of the Timaru model engineers’ site.

Halswell GLT:  John Hamilton reported that there was a good turnout of members for the recent engine shed cleanout and general site cleanup working party.  However, not many members have been present during other Saturday mornings.  We may convert to one large working day per month, this likely being the Saturday following a General Meeting.  The next large cleanup working party will be at Andrews Crescent, 5th April 2008. It was suggested that we obtain a temporary building or caravan and base this near the station.  This would provide shelter and tea and coffee making facilities for members staffing our run days.  John Beauchamp has approached the Council over this and permission would not be granted until me have a permit to commence construction of our new clubrooms.  Meanwhile we may obtain a picnic table with shade and wind shelter for members to use.  We may position a power point in the ticket box for tea and coffee making. John Beauchamp will do his best to ensure our building application is presented to the Community Board when it next sits, which is April 2008. 

GENERAL BUSINESS:  The final sale of workshop equipment from Ross Fielden’s estate will be held 9:30 am until 3:00 pm, Saturday 8th March 2008 at Ross’ premises on Brougham Street. A bronze woodworking plane from the Reg Knox estate has been donated to the Woodworking Museum, Tinwald Domain. It was reported that there appears to be a misconception, both from some of our own members and people outside our club, that CSMEE is now a commercial enterprise.  Although we are actively fund raising for our new clubrooms, we definitely remain a hobby-orientated group. Alan Orwin to liaise with Graeme Chisnall and John Newlands regarding a tent for our Easter running session.

FOR SALE:  1- ac/dc 9v charger, 1-1800ma 9v battery $30:00, 1-200 ma 9v battery $15:00, 1- pro-star 7.2v ni-cad charger $35:00.  The above equipment has had very little use.  Ring Derek Gillie - 338 5329

Alan Orwin addressed the meeting on the Charities Commission. It appears that we fit the category of “sports club” and as such there is no requirement for us to register as a Charitable Trust.  The IRD currently has no intention of changing the tax laws for sports clubs. We currently have a redundant steel walkway and two sets of steel steps from the Andrews Crescent station.  We cannot conveniently use these at Halswell.  Jeff Randall suggested the installation of a water supply in the vicinity of “Siberia Curve”, this being required for garden watering and possible fire fighting.  We could use the Siberia Curve point water supply, which is independent of the hydraulic pump supply.  Malcolm Cowie to look into this. Rob Wilson suggested that one Sunday a month be designated for sailing on the pond.  As many members as possible will be encouraged to sail that day.  Malcolm Cowie will put this to the boating fraternity at their next meeting night.

LIASON OFFICER - (A new rostered position for Sunday Run days.)

The Liaison Officer will be in charge of assigning jobs and assisting club members who are running the railway.

1- Making sure all staff get a break and have a cuppa when needed.
2– Welcoming new members
3– Attending to inquiries.

CONGRATULATIONS

To George Johnson for winning the CANTERBURY TROPHY (Best Model on Display) at the Manukau Convention, with his newly completed traction engine.

THANKS EVERYONE

Cathy Fielden, Anneke Howie, Lynne Campbell, Jim Rosanowski, Isobel Fanshawe, Clive Robertson, Graeme Chisnall, Sue Head and John King,  (For the running of the ticket box at the Show Weekend Exhibition.)

It was decided at the last GM to make the following Honorary Members:

Catherine Fielden;

Cathy Beauchamp;

Isobel Fanshawe;

Marjorie Orwin.

MEMBERSHIP:

Subs for the year 2007/08 are now due.  Discounted if paid on or before Awards night.

SCHOONER 'LA TOULONNAISE'

The original La Toulonnaise was a French schooner with 8 x 18 lb. guns which was in service from 1823 to 1843.  La Toulonnaise was built in Toulon, France in 1823 for action in the war against Spain.

Stationed for a time at Barcelona, she sailed to Cadiz to take part in the bombardment of the port. During a complete overhaul in Brest in 1832, the poop deck superstructure was redone, internal and external gunwales, waterways and the planking of the bridges were all replaced.

After her re-fit she went to the West Indies for a time. She was repaired there in 1843 and returned to Brest where it was decided the necessary maintenance was too expensive and she was de-commissioned.

Her Dimensions were WL Length 81 ft (24.7m), beam 21 ft (6.4m), 9ft 9in (3m) max draft. Sail Area 785 sq yd (656 m2). Displacement 157t. Complement 61

 

La Toulonnaise

The model was built from a kit by Corel of Italy. I actually purchased the kit in England while living there in 1981. Progress on La Toulonnaise has been a bit stop start and goodness knows how many hours have gone into her. The model is 665mm long, 450mm high and 210 wide.

The hull is plank on frame. The kit came with sails but I decided to leave them off. The rigging was very satisfying but tricky - especially in the latter stages when it was so easy to bump a bit while working on another bit.  I was surprised, but delighted, that La Toulonnaise won the Harrison Cup for 2007.

Supplied by John Begg

Women !!!!!

Engineers Jock and George were standing at the back of a flagpole looking up.   A woman walked by and ask what they were doing.

“We’re supposed to find the height of the flagpole” said Jock “but we don’t have a ladder!

The woman took a wrench from her purse, loosened a few bolts and laid the pole down, then she took a tape measure from her purse, took a measurement, announced 5 metres and walked away.

George shook his head and laughed “Ain’t that just a like a woman.  We ask for the height and she gives us the length"



Copyright ©2008 Canterbury Society of Model and Experimental Engineers