21st July 2021 · Visit to Bradford Model Engineers, Shipley

After many long months branch activities were resumed when an outside evening visit to the Bradford Model Engineers was arranged. No doubt the perfect weather conditions and enhanced degree of freedom contributed to the large number of members and friends who turned out for a most enjoyable evening of “playing with trains” and meeting up with familiar faces and fellow enthusiasts.

The two tracks around the park in Shipley were in full use thus enabling locomotives of various gauges to be employed. Altogether six locomotives were in either full operation or on display. For followers of steam a superb Black Five (44773) and a 50-year-old 0-6-0 side tank occupied the oval circuit along with a battery electric model of London Transport electric No. 8 “Sherlock Holmes”. Operations around the lengthy woodland circuit were in the hands of the Engineers’ ubiquitous petrol-hydraulic 0-6-0 shunter. On display was a lovely model of Coronation Class “Duchess of Hamilton” alongside “Lady Myra” – a beautiful 4-2-0 Crampton.

Due to the enthusiasm of the Engineers themselves, who provided the grand array of motive power and their accompanying hospitality the whole evening was an outstanding success and a most excellent restart to branch activities.