Doncaster & District Model Engineering Society Ltd

Sunday 25th April 2010 Warm sunshine and a steady number of visitors to the park kept the train fairly busy for most of the afternoon. Even the railways bear that is kept for the "Bears in the Park Specials" enjoys the afternoon sunshine.

May Day Sunday and Monday 2010 As ever the wind direction swung around to the North East just in time for a Holiday Weekend, dragging the cold unstable air from the artic and North Sea. However this did not dampen the enthusiasm of the members to keep the train service running. On the Monday a line squall with strong winds and hailstones damaged two gazebos, one being beyond repair. 

On the Sunday Theresa Smelt unveils the additional name plate dedicated to her late husband Ronald Smelt better known as Ron. Ron had started the work to rebuild the locomotive but was unable to complete the work due ill health. On the right we see Theresa driving the locomotive around the track something that Ron would have been so proud to have seen. Click here to see Ron working at the railway and on the mainline steam locomotive Tornado.

The youngsters in the park and on the railway. Above left and middle, what's the song "The was once and Ugly Duckling"? Nothing ugly about this cute little duckling, different in colour yes he or she is one of the many young ducklings now appearing in the park, something that our train drivers have to be so careful of as the parents struggle to keep them off the tracks especially when the trains are approaching. Youngsters of a different kind proudly show off the drawings they did as part of a drawing competition.

The local community radio station TMCR FM was in attendance on both days. On the Sunday Bob (myself) used the outside broadcasting equipment to make the first live on air steam train journey from the footplate of the steam locomotive Koppel. Left we are sending the sounds of the steam engine whistle back to the studio to go out live on air. A short while later we manage to get a the sounds and a commentary of the journey around the railway track.

Pat my wife keeps a watch on the "Winnie the Poe" bear sitting on top of the loudspeaker that is relaying the live broadcast from the radio station. In the middle we see passengers queuing for tickets before boarding the train. On the right our junior members with David Stubbins nearest sorts through book marks now on sale.   

Mufuta the electric locomotive built in 1995 spends most of its time in bits as it tries to self destruct its chains, gears and anything else it can. Jordon finally helped to fit it back together during the last few days at the same time the UK could not make its mind up who was to be the resident at No 10. Above right Jordon takes Mufuta out for a test run as the main line locomotive John L Stokes hauls the passenger train on the outer circuit.

A matter of hours previous Jack Salter had just purchased the petrol locomotive "Punch" from a seller in Harrogate. To the right Keith and JK test out the Societies petrol locomotive that has not operated for about 5 years. Not an easy locomotive to drive especially when changing gears.   

On Saturday the members of the Society and the local radio station TMCR 95.3FM outside broadcast team visited the LEEDS SOCIETY OF MODEL AND EXPERIMENTAL ENGINEERS at their track at Eggborough Power Station. It was the Southern Federation of Model Engineers "Spring Rally". A great day was had by the members and for those that stayed after tea a marvellous barbeque by all accounts. Pity I missed that!  For more photographs of the event please click here.

After some early rain at dawn, blue skies and sunshine prevailed for most of the afternoon. The Societies new gazebo made its first appearance.

Unfortunately we shall not be seeing the two resident steam locomotives "Remus" and "Koppel" are laid up. Remus is in parts and will need some extensive repairs to bearings etc something that may prevent going back into service for sometime. Koppel has been withdrawn for whilst a technical problem is investigated. So for a while the only steam operation will be by visiting locomotives.   

In the meantime the electric locomotives will be the main stay of the operating fleet.  In the middle photo David having to be careful of two male and one male ducks,  say no more. Looks like I will be taking more photographs of more young ducklings soon. To the right Paul investigates how to dismantle the new gazebo for the first time.   

Sunday 23rd May 2010 A very busy day in the park possibly the busiest day since the 2009 Summer Festival. This was thanks to the excellent weather, the Green Tops Cheerleaders and the trains.

Malcolm Lee from TMCR FM the local radio station for the North East of Doncaster talks to Lucy Doxie at the radio station ready to put Mrs Oversley the Cheerleaders dance teacher live on air. On air! The girls demonstrating their skills.

A Sunday Afternoon in the park, a reminder of how people should be able to enjoy themselves, something for everyone.   

No wonder ice cream van had a very busy time as the temperature was in the low 80's f (28C) Queues for the trains too as the Cheerleaders took a break.