Spent a most enjoyable day at the meeting at Rugby last Sunday. This
was my first experience of working 2 1/2" locos and now I can't wait
to get one of my own up and running. I got to meet in person some of
the people I had only known via email such as Des Adeley, Gerald
Chandler, and Roger Palmer amongst others. I've created a photo album
and uploaded some of the many photos I took there.

Of special interest was the appearance of'Ayesha Too' who had her
first official steaming. Unfortunately she suffered from a
non-functioning displacement lubricator and had to retire early. She
looks a very nice and fairly simple loco to build. Laser cut frames
and castings were on sale at the meeting but I resisted the
temptation! (for now anyway)

Another interesting loco was one of the few versions known to exist of
'Uranus', LBSC's 4-8-4 3 cylinder beast. And what a beast! She was
brought up by Simon (sorry, didn't get his surname) who was restoring
her for a friend. At the last steaming problems were found with the
twin water pumps but these seem to have now been solved and she
hurtled round the track for most of the day. A very nice loco.

The Rugby track is very impressive and set in very pleasant
surroundings. It's a pity it's 60 miles away!