The Fat Controller thoroughly enjoyed himself at Fryern Funtasia 2013 in Chandler’s Ford. He was meticulous with his job. He entertained young and old visitors with a great sense of humour.
After one exhausting duty, Russell had a chat with me and joked that the Fat Controller does exist.
Winchester Model and Engineering Society brought us nostalgic childhood memories with their miniature railway. The sweet smell of the steam engine wafted through the air on such a glorious day.
The dedicated train driver was Nigel Woodham.
The working locomotive is named Silver Pea. However, another one named Bunny failed to work. Two members were busy fixing it.
The vice chairman of the society, Brian Pope, was very keen in explaining to me their railway and locomotives. He thought I might understand the steam train and its mechanism. He later even took me to a secret box. He opened up the huge box to show me a spare electric locomotive. It turned out that they would use an electric one if both steam engines failed to work.
Winchester Model and Engineering Society is formed by people with a wide range of interests. No, they’re not necessarily model makers nor engineers. You don’t have to be a train expert to join the society.
The members would meet monthly to listen to speakers on various topics. The topics include:
- Shipping in Southampton
- The repair of musical instruments
- The 18th century mining
- Production of Micro Chips
- Bookbinding
- Vintage motorcycles
- Hot air ballooning
- Steam railways
Members normally meet on the first Friday of each month at Badger Farm Community Centre, Winchester.
Many members have their own locomotives — rail and road (traction engines).
If you would like to join this interesting society, you can contact their secretaries – Jane and Russell Slater. Email: jane.slater7@ntlworld.com
[…] was something unique about the steam train. The people who ran it from Winchester Model and Engineering Society were relaxed and happy. They […]