Natal RSSA branch train program, Sptember 2010

[Steve Appleton]

RSSA Natal Branch
PROGRAMME ANNOUNCEMENTS : SEPTEMBER 2010

Monthly Meeting:-
Date & Time:- Wednesday, 15 September 2010. 7.00 p.m. for 7.30.
Venue: Clubhouse of the Durban Society of Model Engineers, Hinton Grove, VIRGINIA
Feature:- Photographic Group Convenor Alan Wilson has been busy compiling a slide show (yes – real old fashioned slides!) from the extensive collection left to the Society by the late Brian Couzens. This should be a most interesting evening, with much of the material dating from the 1970’s, but with members having to come up with the details as we have not received Brian’s catalogue.

Next Month’s Programme:-
Wednesday, 20 October 2010:- “Lake Baikal and its Railways”, a presentation on Siberian Russia by David Easton.

Cape Town Excursion:- The trip has now been confirmed for 3 – 8 October 2010 and will include a Premier Classe trip plus an overnight stay in Cape Town, adults paying R2 990 per person sharing, (including all travel and accommodation), with some concessions available. Whilst the uncertainty surrounding the future operation of Shosholoza Meyl trains has caused some concern about this trip, I am in regular contact with SM management about it and remain optimistic that it will still take place. Participants will be kept informed by e-mail. If anyone else is still interested, there is limited space available.

Umgeni Steam Railway:- (website address: www.umgenisteamrailway.co.za)
Monday, 13 September 2010 : General Meeting at Inchanga (19:00)
Friday, 24 September 2010 : Durban – Point Commemorative train – this trip is definitely ON, and there is also the option of a full-day outing via the New Main Line from Inchanga (06:00) to Durban and back.
Saturday, 25 September 2010 : Chartered train : Kloof – Inchanga (to be confirmed)
Sunday, 26 September 2010 : Running Day : Kloof – Inchanga (08:30 & 12:30) – steam
Tuesday, 12 October 2010 : Committee Meeting at New Germany (17:30) – date change due to Cape Town trip
Sunday, 24 October 2010 : Social “Bring & Braai” for USR members, families & friends at Inchanga (12:00)
Sunday, 31 October 2010 : Running Day : Kloof – Inchanga (08:30 & 12:30 ) – steam
Tuesday, 9 November 2010 : Committee Meeting at New Germany (17:30)
Date & Time of October General Meeting to be confirmed following analysis of the results of USR members’ survey.
Sunday, 28 Novermber 2010 : Running Day : Kloof – Inchanga (08:30 & 12:30 ) – steam

Work-parties take place at Inchanga and Mason’s Mill most weekends – usually on Saturdays. Coaching – 031-701 6810 (Clem Robins) projects currently underway include the refurbishment of brake-end no.7390; Locos – 082-820 9337 (Simon Anderson) projects currently underway include extensive repairs to the tender of 3BR no. 1486 as well as the restoration of 118 year old Dubs A no.134 (NGR 88); ‘Maritzburg activities – 083-435 9210 (Roy Raats) projects underway include repairs to coach no. 5854. For all enquiries about the running of U.S.R. trains, as well as bookings, please call Rob Macgregor on 082-353 6003.

Railway History Society:- Library sessions: 11:00 – 17:00 on Saturdays, 11 September 2010 and 16 October at Inchanga station. Willing hands are desperately needed at the library, especially in the archive section which seems to grow by the month! As always, all are welcome at the library – complimentary coffee at about 11:00; liquid refreshments on sale all day and there’s a braai at 1 pm. The correspondence files which contain various groups’ newsletters etc. that are on display at RSSA monthly meetings are now also available on Library days for those who can’t get around to viewing them at meetings.

Railway Museum:- The Society would like to establish a formal railway museum at Inchanga. Suitable premises have already been identified (old station master’s house), but the challenge is to find a volunteer who would be prepared to undertake the project as museum curator – limited accommodation is available and this may eventually also become a paid position. If you feel you are a potential candidate, or you know someone who is, please contact me urgently.

Modellers:-. Assistance is often required for the running of the model layout at Inchanga Station on USR Running Days. To volunteer or for more details please contact Jeremy Hathorn on 031-309 1817.

Renewals:- Please renew urgently as mailing lists will be updated during October 2010. Membership cards are being sent out.

D.S.M.E.:- Durban Society of Model Engineers operates miniature live steam trains for the public on the second Sunday of each month at Kellaway Park, Hinton Grove, VIRGINIA. For details, contact John Coombe on 031-572 6984.

Annual Photographic Competition:- Please make a start on getting your entries ready for the competition, which takes place at the November meeting. All entries to reach the Convenor, Alan Wilson, not later than 31 October 2010.

Ashley Peter
SECRETARY