The Birmingham Society of Model Engineers
The club was founded in 1936 with the aim of bringing together people from all walks of life who share a common interest in model engineering and its heritage, in miniature. It operates from a splendid track at Ilshaw Heath, Solihull. There is a continuous elevated track for 3.5" and 5" gauge models 319m in length (steel rails with recycled platic sleepers), an outer ground level circuit for 5" and 7.25" gauge models 342 metres in length (steel rails with wooden sleepers) and an extensive garden railway catering for Gauge '0' and Gauge '1' models. The elevated and ground level tracks each have their own station for loading and unloading passengers with overbridges for access and awnings and features in G.W.R. style. Two signal boxes in G.W.R. style are provided and each circuit has colour light signalling. Steaming bays (with built-in power for both 12 and 24 volt electric blowers) and all the usual facilities including toilets are provided. There is a fine purpose-built clubhouse, well fitted-out for providing refreshments. The whole site has been landscaped, forming an attractive venue.
This Aerial view of BSME Ilshaw Heath track gives an impression of the extensive faciliites (Google)
Click for larger view
Ilshaw Heath Halt, with its GWR appearance, is situated just outside the clubhouse. The impressive footbridge provides pedestrian access to the grassed area enclosed by the running tracks.
Ilshaw Heath Halt on the elevated track, with footbridge in the background and the clubhouse just visible to the right: Lionsmeet 2023: Birmingham Society of Model Engineers
Kingswood station serving the outer, ground level track was not in use during 'Lionsmeet' but it provided an impressive 'backdrop'. It also has a GWR appearance with umbrella roofing along the island platform, parachute water tank and brick-built signal box.
Kingswood station on the ground level circuit with Signal Box in the distance and elevated track on the right: Lionsmeet 2023: Birmingham Society of Model Engineers
Live steam running
Fortunately, the weather was good throughout the day. The steaming bays quickly became the focus of interest as 'Lion' models were unloaded and prepared for operation. There was parking for visitors with models near the loading point where models are moved between road vehicles and a manual traverser. This traverser allows interchange of locomotives between two sidings leading to and from the steaming bays and to and from the elevated continuous track.
Adrian Banks on 'Thunderbolt' near the substantially-built manual traverser which links two sidings from the steaming bays with with the elevated track. Note the hinged multi-gauge 'transfer flap' in the raised position: Lionsmeet 2023: Birmingham Society of Model Engineers
Adjacent to the traverser, an electrically-powered elevator is available to allow heavier models to be lifted from a road vehicle onto the traverser.
The electrically-powered Elevator provided for lifting larger models: Lionsmeet 2023: Birmingham Society of Model Engineers
At the steaming bays, a '2-into-1' traverser selects which of the two sidings from the loading point connects to the turntable.
Activity at the Steaming Bays with the Carriage Shed beyond: Lionsmeet 2023: Birmingham Society of Model Engineers
A further outlet from the steaming bay turntable feeds the carriage shed, recognisable as a pre-cast sectional garage. To allow the doors of this shed to close, a removeable section of track is used to 'bridge' between the turntable and the carriage shed.
Interior of the Carriage Shed: Lionsmeet 2023: Birmingham Society of Model Engineers
The original format for 'Lionsmeet' featured a fairly good-natured competition between 'Lion' models to determine the most "efficient" (determined by measured work done in ten minutes). But, some few years ago, the competition was abandoned in favour of a more relaxed, informal style which allows plenty of time for congenial conversation between locomotive drivers, non-drivers and members of the host club in an atmosphere infused with the attractive odour of warm oil and steam. Four 'Lion' models were steamed and, in addition, various models were on static display, some under construction. John Hawley's splendid 7.25" gauge 'Lion' (built by Harrye Frowen) was much admired but, sadly, not in steam.
"Brewing up": Lionsmeet 2023: Birmingham Society of Model Engineers
Bryan Buckley offers comments to the driver of Bryan's 'Lion' (which carries a 'Worcester and District' headboard). A second 'Lion' waits to follow into the station and, in the backgound, 'Thunderbolt' approaches: Lionsmeet 2023: Birmingham Society of Model Engineers
John Hawley's splendid 7.25" gauge 'Lion', built by Harrye Frowen): Lionsmeet 2023: Birmingham Society of Model Engineers
Adrian Banks lets a member of BSME try 'Thunderbolt': Lionsmeet 2023: Birmingham Society of Model Engineers
'Thunderbolt' and three 'Lions': Lionsmeet 2023: Birmingham Society of Model Engineers
BSME Clubhouse
Hot and Cold drinks with snacks were available at the refreshment area within the large clubhouse throughout the day. A fine buffet lunch was served, finishing with strawberries and cream.
The purpose-built clubhouse viewed from the Footbridge at Ilshaw Heath Halt: Lionsmeet 2023: Birmingham Society of Model Engineers
Overall Impression
Of course, the unexpected death of John Brandrick, the Chairman of OLCO, just a few weeks before cast a long shadow over the event but I believe he would have approved of enthusiasts coming together to operate and discuss live steam models which had always been so important to him. OLCO extend warm thanks for the generous welcome shown by B.S.M.E. They have a well-established site with an impressive range of facilities which I'm afraid this report only hints at.
Related posts on other websites
Birmingham Society of Model Engineers Ltd.
Related posts on this website
To find all my posts about the Old Locomotive Committee and the locomotive 'Lion', click here or select 'OLCO' under 'Labels to select a blog topic'.
My pictures at Lionsmeet 2023
Lionsmeet 2023: Birmingham Society of Model Engineers
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