Guys
Can anybody point me in direction of a Scottish area N group?
If there is not one would a few like minded souls want to start one with the possible long term aim of a Scottish N Gauge show!
Kind Regards
Dave
Hi Dave,
There isn't a 'Scottish Area Group' as such.
There is a Dumfries and Galloway one though and contact details were in the May/June Newsletter.
Several of the active N Gauge Society members in Scotland are also members of DEMU and/or Scottish Modellers.
We tend to meet up at the exhibitions on our stand where we provide a wide range of demonstrations.
Thanks
Talking of shows, don't forget Perth on Saturday.
Quote from: tadpole on June 22, 2017, 08:49:03 PM
Talking of shows, don't forget Perth on Saturday.
Hi Tadpole,
It's the whole weekend - not just Saturday!
Not forgotten at all...
Over the 2 days there should be either 3 or 4 N Gauge Society members on the Scottish Modellers stand plus 2 of the 2FS guys as well.
Thanks
Guys
Thanks for the replies is there any chance of setting up a Scottish area group or there just not enough of us to make it happen Dumfries is just too far for me
Regards
Dave
Quote from: scottishlocos on June 22, 2017, 07:38:16 PM
Can anybody point me in direction of a Scottish area N group?
I asked a similar question a few years ago...
Is there a N gauge model rail club in Scotland?
The problem is that most model rail clubs try to cater for all interests, so tend to be generic (O gauge / OO gauge / N gauge)
Then when you do find one, their interest in N gauge might not match your own
You can then turn to forums and internet based groups
There are plenty of them, so you can pick and choose
By "Scottish Area Group", do you mean :
for people in Scotland?
with an interest in Scottish operations?
layouts based on locations in Scotland?
Mike
I mean a group for people with an interest in N Gauge who live in Scotland you can have any layout set anywhere plan would be possibly meet up to discuss ideas etc longer term aims would be for it to be more like a traditional MRC
With the full aim in time of putting on The Scottish N Gauge show!
Guys
Just a quick word about how i got to thinking this I have seen online tiny places having an N gauge show now its just a few like minded individuals with their own layouts in the local town or village hall maybe 3 or 4 layouts but if small towns in Cornwall etc can have an N Gauge show why get a few us get together and have a Scottish show even if it is only a few layouts in small hall.
Dave
Quote from: scottishlocos on June 24, 2017, 01:07:36 PM
I mean a group for people with an interest in N Gauge who live in Scotland you can have any layout set anywhere plan would be possibly meet up to discuss ideas etc longer term aims would be for it to be more like a traditional MRC
Given how central Perth is, I would suggest this as a venue
A (motoring) group I am a member of had their first meeting in Stirling, but the Aberdeen members complained about the distance
The second and third meetings were held in Perth and the attendance vastly increased as a result
Thanks
I am in Fife so was possibly thinking East Central Scotland if anybody here has an interest rate n getting this going pm no massive commitments needed hoping if we get enough people to arrange a meet up then maybe meet bi-monthly to begin with
Thanks
As an aside
Which Model Rail Club in Scotland is predominantly N gauge?
I have been a member of three now, and they were about 10:70:20 (O : OO : N)
Quote from: MJKERR on June 24, 2017, 09:55:17 PM
As an aside
Which Model Rail Club in Scotland is predominantly N gauge?
I have been a member of three now, and they were about 10:70:20 (O : OO : N)
Hi Marcus,
You are correct - there isn't a Scottish club that is predominently N Gauge.
Thanks
Hi all,
We had a bit of discussion about this on the Scottinh Modellers stand at Perth Exhibition.
The usaual problem - for Scotland - emerged from the discussion....
Distance and Travelling Distance
This is the same problem I encountered before and the reason that Scottish Modellers exists as a 'Virtual Club' without a clubroom and turning the demonstation stand into a clubroom at the exhibitions.
A quick flick roung the various people in the disussion revealed that we were spread out over the country with as much as 200 miles between the furthest some members!
We also came to the conclusion, that, because we are so spread out, this would explain why none of the clubs have a high member count of N Gauge (or/and 2FS) members.
Thanks
Quote from: ScottishModeller on June 26, 2017, 04:15:10 PMWe also came to the conclusion, that, because we are so spread out, this would explain why none of the clubs have a high member count of N Gauge (or/and 2FS) members
That can't be right
Clubs don't have as many N gauge members due to the distance?
Quote from: MJKERR on June 26, 2017, 08:55:05 PM
Quote from: ScottishModeller on June 26, 2017, 04:15:10 PMWe also came to the conclusion, that, because we are so spread out, this would explain why none of the clubs have a high member count of N Gauge (or/and 2FS) members
That can't be right
Clubs don't have as many N gauge members due to the distance?
Yes Marcus,
What I have said is correct.
Because the modellers in N or/and 2FS are so well spread in Scotland, non of the clubs have a high member count of them.
Thanks
Quote from: Arrachogaidh on June 26, 2017, 03:59:47 PM
If I remember correctly a Mr Grant ran an N Gauge Society Scottish Area Group for many years but it didn't seem to do much as far as meeting.
I stay in Larbert and don't mind a bit of travel, but yes, Dumfries is nearer the North of England than me.
Cheers.
There's a few guys on the real railway forums/gen sites that call Larbert COFU centre of the universe
I'd of thought that as you are not that far from Glasgow or Edinburgh. if there aren't in those cities you've not a lot of chance of a single gauge club.
I've lived everywhere from the Hebridies to Inverness to Wiltshire and am currently shunted into a siding in Norfolk, I've not come across a single gauge club in reasonable travelling distance.
Deerhounds, a bit taller than the Rough Collies we used to breed and show. It was Fun carting six of them up to Bo'ness, where most of my family live, yours must be even more fun to transport. We're down to a single Border Collie now, a lot of excersize required....
We were up there over the weekend for a nephews wedding.
Quote from: The Q on June 29, 2017, 02:15:28 PM
I'd of thought that as you are not that far from Glasgow or Edinburgh. if there aren't in those cities you've not a lot of chance of a single gauge club.
I've lived everywhere from the Hebridies to Inverness to Wiltshire and am currently shunted into a siding in Norfolk, I've not come across a single gauge club in reasonable travelling distance.
Deerhounds, a bit taller than the Rough Collies we used to breed and show. It was Fun carting six of them up to Bo'ness, where most of my family live, yours must be even more fun to transport. We're down to a single Border Collie now, a lot of excersize required....
We were up there over the weekend for a nephews wedding.
Exactly why there should be one and a group is a bit different from a club i have had a look and there appears to be an N gauge group in most areas and even some tiny places so hopefully we can get one going here build it and they will come!
Hi all,
Some informal discussions have been taking place 'Off Forum' regarding this idea.
As a result there have been some questions, ideas and comments raised.
Questions:-
Is there really the demand for a Scottish Area Group?
This arises as amongst the people thie idea has been discussed with there is a feeling that it won't be worth the effort involved in setting one up.
Of course this provoked other comments and questions!
If there was a Scottish Area Group - What would it's objectives be?
If there was a Scottish Area Group - What are the benefits for it's potential members?
If there was a Scottish Area Group - What would be the potential financial implications?
If there was a Scottish Area Group - What form would it take? Real time live meetings or virtual clubroom (or both)?
Thanks
Quote from: ScottishModeller on July 02, 2017, 08:44:05 PM
If there was a Scottish Area Group -
What would it's objectives be?
For those living in Scotland, or
For those with an interest in Scottish locations, or
For those with an interest in Scottish rail operations,
in order to complete their N gauge model layout
Quote from: ScottishModeller on July 02, 2017, 08:44:05 PM
If there was a Scottish Area Group -
What are the benefits for it's potential members?
Knowledge participation
Quote from: ScottishModeller on July 02, 2017, 08:44:05 PM
If there was a Scottish Area Group -
What would be the potential financial implications?
Not likely to be any
Quote from: ScottishModeller on July 02, 2017, 08:44:05 PM
If there was a Scottish Area Group -
What form would it take? Real time live meetings or virtual clubroom (or both)?
Most likely to be virtual, as there are many, many clubs but not specialising in N gauge
Possibly meeting as part of other clubs on a rotational basis
Hi Marcus,
Thanks for the responses - much appreciated.
Anyone else want to say anything?
Thanks
I'd be very supportive of the idea, but, errm, I'm about to move to Wales!
Mike
Scottish Modeller
As the OP I will respond to your points
If there was a Scottish Area Group - What would it's objectives be?
For likeminded N Gauge modellers living in Scotland to discuss and meet up to further N Gauge here.
If there was a Scottish Area Group - What are the benefits for it's potential members?
Share knowledge and information for example one person who I have been chatting to has no layout but has it planned on anyrail perhaps they could show those who don't know anyrail how to use it and others could help with that person with layout.
If there was a Scottish Area Group - What would be the potential financial implications?
None its a group and not a club.
If there was a Scottish Area Group - What form would it take? Real time live meetings or virtual clubroom (or both)?
Both Virtual with bi-monthly meetings moving to monthly eventually. Also with the long term aim of having a Scottish N Gauge show
See links below if these places can have an N Gauge show then there is no reason why we cant get one going here
http://engaugeshow.weebly.com/ (http://engaugeshow.weebly.com/)
http://ngaugesocietynorthwalesareagroup.weebly.com/ (http://ngaugesocietynorthwalesareagroup.weebly.com/)
Dave
Guys
Also some of the N Gauge shows appear to be people from the local area group with their own layouts in the local church/community centre etc. This is the model of what we would be looking to do possibly cost of hall would be met by charging the traders.
In addition we could invite people from other area groups who have a Scottish themed layout. Not trying to put on TINGS or Model Rail Scotland but something for Scottish N Gaugers is needed.
Dave
Quote from: scottishlocos on July 04, 2017, 06:43:51 PM
Guys
Also some of the N Gauge shows appear to be people from the local area group with their own layouts in the local church/community centre etc. This is the model of what we would be looking to do possibly cost of hall would be met by charging the traders.
In addition we could invite people from other area groups who have a Scottish themed layout. Not trying to put on TINGS or Model Rail Scotland but something for Scottish N Gaugers is needed.
Dave
Dave,
This is why I raised the question about financial risk.
If there was to be a Scottish N Gauge Exhibition.......
There is the risk which needs to be addressed.
You don't get venues for free or on the cheap these days!
Unless someone was to come forward who is willing to take the financial risk themselves or is able to get sponsorship - then it won't happen.
Even if a group of us were to get together and agree to cover the cost of holding an event by spilting the cost between us, there is still a financial risk.
In the late 70's I did this and ended up over £200 out of pocket, unrecoverable expenses as not enough people came through the doors to cover the costs incurred. However, I was lucky and a group of the various layout owners decided to donate monies back to me so that I was not out of pocket.
In this day and age, I don't see that happening!
So, before there is any chance of a Scottish N Gauge Exhibition - the money side of it needs looking into, then a search to see if there are any sponsors who would support the exhibition financially.
Thanks
Thanks
Sorry to hear that you lost out yeah that's why we need meetings to get something going then with a long term aim of a show as i said traders usually pay and an entry fee we need people with this experience on board and to start it will be a small show
Regards
Dave
All
There are almost 300 NGS members with postal addresses in Scotland, so theres probably scope for more than one areaa group (other than Dumfries and Galloway. The breakdown looks like this:
Post code Postal area Members
EH Edinburgh 64
G Glasgow 29
KY Kirkcaldy 29
AB Aberdeen 25
KA Kilmarnock 23
PA Paisley 22
DD Dundee 20
FK Falkirk 19
DG Dumfries 17
PH Perth 13
TD Galashiels 12
IV Inverness 11
ML Motherwell 8
KW Kirkwall 5
ZE Shetland 1
HS Western Isles 0
Also, has anyone contacted the NGS Area Group Co-ordinator? Not only will he give advice, but there will be an annual support grant available for an area group within NGS.
Adrian
Quote from: TykeInExile on July 07, 2017, 08:58:33 PMThere are almost 300 NGS members with postal addresses in Scotland, so theres probably scope for more than one areaa group (other than Dumfries and Galloway. The breakdown looks like this:
Post code Postal area Members
EH Edinburgh 64
G Glasgow 29
KY Kirkcaldy 29
AB Aberdeen 25
KA Kilmarnock 23
PA Paisley 22
DD Dundee 20
FK Falkirk 19
DG Dumfries 17
PH Perth 13
TD Galashiels 12
IV Inverness 11
ML Motherwell 8
KW Kirkwall 5
ZE Shetland 1
HS Western Isles 0
Interesting statistics, but it does not appear to be many people
I was a member of the NGS for one year, but did not renew for all kinds of reasons...
I would rejoin if there was a Scottish Area Group affiliated to the NGS, and that might be a better method of supporting both which would then determine if there is demand
Quote from: TykeInExile on July 07, 2017, 08:58:33 PM
All
There are almost 300 NGS members with postal addresses in Scotland, so theres probably scope for more than one areaa group (other than Dumfries and Galloway. The breakdown looks like this:
Post code Postal area Members
EH Edinburgh 64
G Glasgow 29
KY Kirkcaldy 29
AB Aberdeen 25
KA Kilmarnock 23
PA Paisley 22
DD Dundee 20
FK Falkirk 19
DG Dumfries 17
PH Perth 13
TD Galashiels 12
IV Inverness 11
ML Motherwell 8
KW Kirkwall 5
ZE Shetland 1
HS Western Isles 0
Also, has anyone contacted the NGS Area Group Co-ordinator? Not only will he give advice, but there will be an annual support grant available for an area group within NGS.
Adrian
Hi Adrian,
Thanks for providing the membership breakdown.
This appears to support what I said about the potential group members being well spread.
I think - someone correct me if I am wrong - the thread is for gathering enough information about the viability of such a group, before going to the NGS Area Group Co-ordinator.
Looking at the figures indicates - to me ate least - that there could potentially be several area groups in Scotland.
There is already the Dumfries group, but they seem to be a bit quiet and I'm not sure of the precise position they are in or if they are a viable area group?
Thanks
Phil H
I think we need to be careful using postcodes for the purposes of perceived proximity of members. In Scotland, the population is much less dense than it is many of those in other parts of the UK.
For instance, PH, is ostensibly a Perth postcode. However, the PH postcodes reach as far west as the isles of Rum and Canna, as far north as (beyond) Aviemore and as far south as Blackford and Gleneagles. So the problem is that those 13 members could all be hundreds of road miles apart. Aberdeenshire (AB) and Paisley (PA) are similar.
It seems that Daves' original idea has grown some arms and legs and they way things are going there will be a committee in place before anything happens! The original concept, as I understand it, was akin to getting a group of like minded guys together maybe for a meal and a couple of ales at a reasonably central location (you could always do North & South meets), there doesn't even need to be any train or layouts involved at this point, and see if personalities gel, if there is a willingness, given the large amount of time that would need to be given to such a project, to actually formalise anything.
At this point all you will have lost is a couple of hours and an evening (or afternoon) with fellow modellers.
If this is to move forward we need to get back to basics, have a get together and take it from there, all IMHO of course.