Preparations for this year's rally were taken on board by the usual Wednesday maintenance crews, under the watchful eye of club Secretary, Andy Cole. The pre-fab was given a serious 'spring clean'. (If you had taken something to Broadfields for safe keeping don't be surprised if it's not there anymore! Ed). A one person(!) sub committee was formed on the previous Wednesday who decided that better use of the Tunnel Extension loco storage facilities could result in the battery charging shed being used as a temporary home (is there such a thing? Ed) for all of the new pre-fab flooring panels. The plastic roofing sheets which were stored in the pre-fab also found their way to the charging shed for safe keeping.
To say that this year's rally was almost a 'wash-out' would be a gross understatement! The rain started the day before and was relentless. Strong winds in the early hours of Sunday morning caused some cross Solent routes to be cancelled but fortunately the car ferries returned to service for our mainland visitors to travel as planned.
Bringing three loco's, members from Basingstoke, Ascot & East Grinstead societies chanced the weather and, as ferry tickets had already been bought in advance, travelled to the Island. They were greeted with the usual warm Broadfields welcome over a much needed 'cuppa'!
On the day of the rally the rain continued to lash down throughout the morning, and at around 11:00 one brave (some say stupid! Ed) Basingstoke member decided to brave the elements and steam his 5" gauge "Maid of Kent". Also being a member of the IWMES Dave Mitchell was the first to raise steam and had the raised track to himself until around 12:30. The visitors from East Grinstead decided that it was "Now or Never" and raised steam on their 5" gauge "Hunslet". This loco had been built by one of the past members of the IWMES, John DeBank, and used to be called 'Ironside' as it had one gunmetal cylinder and one of cast iron! Derek Alford, from Ascot, soon followed with his 3½ Gresley K2 and as the rain slowly started to ease a few of the IWMES junior members enjoyed a few laps behind the societies "Red Engine". Reg Wrenn, the IWMES President, steamed his 7¼" "Wren" and the junior members enjoyed being let loose on the Ground Level Track unhindered.
As forecasted by the Met Office the rain stopped at 14:30 and the junior members had the previously postponed Whistler Yacht race. These boats were made by the juniors last year under the watchful eye and expert help of Ken Harrison. Three runs were undertaken with Charlie coming 1st, Robbie 2nd and Harry coming a very close 3rd.
A few other boating members chanced sailing their boats but the changeable wind conditions hampered all but the most persistant sailors.
Throughout the day the Catering Crew supplied endless Tea's & Coffee's. A superb lunchtime buffet was also provided by the 'Ladies'; thank you ladies.
The society's committee would like to thank anyone who helped make this rally a success, even if it was a rather wet one!
9th May 2012
The history of the Broadfields Pre-Fab, 1945 - 2012
Ever wondered where the society's clubhouse originated?
What it was in a previous 'life'?
Who manufactured these pre-fabs?
Check out the latest update in the features section
30th January 2012
Annual General Meeting 2011
19th November 2011
The 2011 Annual General Meeting of the IWMES was held on Thursday 17th November at the Unitarian Meeting Room, High Street, Newport, Isle of Wight.
As in previous years the meeting was very well attended. It was the first AGM for many new members and it was nice to see some junior members also present.
As President of the society Reg Wrenn conducted the official business of the election of officers. All members of the Committee were re-elected with two exceptions. For personal reasons both George Dexter and Alan Mackenzie had 'stood down' from their respective committee roles during the year. Roger Scott-Roberts was duly elected to take George's place and has taken on the task of Webmaster following Alan's departure. We are now in need of a Librarian to carry on the great work that Alan had started. The full Committee line-up can be viewed via the 'Committee' link in the Menu on the left.
The Secretary's report gave mention of the death, earlier in the year, of Tom Chapman and also the work of Colin Young who had to give up his 'grounds man' duties due to ill health. The meeting gave a vote of thanks to George, Alan and Colin for their hard work, and contributions to the society over the years. The meeting also showed it's appreciation to Bill Wills for his outstanding work on this year's exhibition.
At the November committee meeting it was decided that the 2011 - 2012 subscription would be raised by £1 to £31. This was accepted, and passed at the AGM.
Note-worthy events for the past year included:
Total refurbishment of the raised level track,
Completion of raised track signalling,
The completion of sailing yachts by junior members,
A successful exhibition,
Three portable track running events,
The set-up of the Societies Facebook page.
After all the business had been completed (and a very welcome cup of tea!) the Annual Bring and Buy Auction was run by John Helps, and his team of Junior Tellers. Some thirty five lots were knocked down in the short time left before the meeting closed.
The IWMES goes live on Facebook!
7 th October 2011
The society now has its own Facebook page where you can see up to date pictures and 'blogs' left by other club members or visitors.
You need to be a Facebook member if you want to post comments or 'upload' pictures.
But you can view the picture galleries or other peoples comments without joining Facebook.
The Facebook page is normally updated once or twice a week so check it out for the very latest news!
Take (click) the train to go to FACEBOOK!
The 2011 I.W.M.E.S. Exhibition
4 th October 2011
The Isle of Wight Model Engineering Society opened the doors of its Biennial Model Exhibition at Newport's Riverside Centre over the weekend of 17th-18th September.
Last staged in 2009, the Society's 75th Anniversary, the show featured a wide range of working models of railway locomotives, boats, aircraft and other model-making disciplines.
The classic car event held on the quay on the Saturday, and the changeable weather, saw a steady stream of visitors to view the exhibits.
Sunday was a much quieter day, visitor wise, but several of those that attended were interested in taking out membership with the society.
Highlights of the exhibition included; a working lathe demonstration, by John Palmer, and a display of yachts built by junior members.
Track Rebuild Completed
3 rd July 2011
Since our last progress report a mere five weeks ago, a head of steam has been built up (pun intended) and the teams have now completed the rebuilding of the 5in/3½ in gauge raised track.
This task included cleaning and derusting the steel beams and support posts before anti-rust treatment, priming and repainting throughout, followed by replacement of all the hardwood sleepers and other wooden components and most of the aluminium rail with new.
Once ready, the July "First Saturday" was deemed to be the new track's opening day and four engines ran during the afternoon, some carrying passengers. The picture at left shows Dan Callcut driving the newly re-commissioned B1 (Martin Evans' Springbok design) owned by Roger Scott-Roberts who provided the picture.
Should you be visiting the Isle of Wight at any time, to arrange a visit to Broadfields an e-mail to the Hon. Sec., Andy Cole,
is strongly advised. Please be aware that all the usual requirements of insurance and boiler certification apply if you do bring an engine.
Club Discount
25th September 2010
After it was announced that the Club had arranged a Members' Discount with Technobots of Southampton, some news has come to hand of changes of address of the firm.
Operating "over-the-counter" now from 60 Rumbridge Road, Totton or via the Internet, Technobots are purveyors of materials and components mainly to the radio-controlled robot fraternity. As well as radio control equipment and spares, they stock a wide range of electrical, electronic and mechanical items that we use, making their website <www.technobotsonline.com> well worth a look.
To obtain your discount as a paid-up member, you will need the Club's details and password, obtainable from the Committee (obviously we can't broadcast them).
Since our last progress report a mere five weeks ago, a head of steam has been built up (pun intended) and the teams have now completed the rebuilding of the 5in/3½ in gauge raised track.
is strongly advised. Please be aware that all the usual requirements of insurance and boiler certification apply if you do bring an engine.