The New England Convention.
6-7 November 2010.

This is an invitation to all railway modellers to attend the New England Convention. The convention will provide an opportunity to exchange and learn modelling ideas and techniques, plus catch up with some old friends and make some new ones. The convention will be held at the Armidale Bowling Club, Dumeresq Street Armidale NSW. This convention is held outside of large city areas, and is aimed at providing a convention for those who cannot make the trek to places such as Sydney or Brisbane. The convention will be held over 2 days, commencing on Friday evening for registration, introduction and a get-to-know-you session, finishing on Sunday after lunch to see you on your way. The weekend is structured to provide a range of different activities, with attendees free to choose how they spend their time.

Presentations.

There will be several different clinic lectures to choose from covering various aspects of railway modelling. These include layout scenery, structures, weathering and control systems.

Clinics.

There will also be a number of 'hands on' demonstrations on constructing turnouts, weathering, making poplar trees and scratchbuilding structures etc.

Tours.

As part of the convention there will be the opportunity to visit the home layouts of New England Model Railway Club members and there is also a Heritage tour of Armidale.

Trade Stands.

There will also be a small group of commercial traders represented. Some specialised and hard to get items will be available, and maybe some new products will be released or on display. Some of those who may attend are: Gwydir Valley Models, Peter Boorman's Workshop & AR Kits.

Model Display.

All attendees are encouraged to contribute to a model display. Models can be anything railway related. Partially completed models are also encouraged. Models can be kit built, scratchbuilt, detailed ready to run models of Locos, rollingstock, structures, dioramas or modules.

Layouts.

There will be two layouts on display for participants to view. The last layout constructed by the late Rodney James, Exeter Bank and Bowen Creek, a new layout on the exhibition scene constructed in the Proto 87 format.

Getting there.

Armidale is located approximatly half way between Sydney and Brisbane on the New England Highway, or 3 hours inland from Coffs Harbour. CountryLink offer a daily rail service to Sydney. QantasLink offer regular services from Sydney to Armidale ariport. Bus services are also available from various departure points.

Accommodation.

Accommodation is available at several excellent locations within Armidale and there are 3 or 4 motels within walking distance of the venue. Further information is available from the Armidale visitor Information center or This list of nearby accomodation.

Registration.

The cost for the two days which includes convention registration, morning teas and lunches, will be $70.00 per attendee and there will be a discount for those who register early ( Registration form,)

Please complete the Registration form and send it with your payment to arrive no later than Friday 29th October 2010.

Register Now!

If you need any additional information do not hesitate to contact the organiser on Phone No. (02) 6732 5711.

The New England Model Railway Club look forward to meeting you at Armidale in November at what should be a truly successful New England Convention.

The Presentations.

Scratchbuilding in Styrene by John Brown

This master of scratch building will explain the simplicity of building structures using styrene and other modelling materials that we all think is so difficult.

DCC control and Decoder Pro by Gerry Hopkins

This Master Model Railroader (MMR) will discuss the various aspects of Digital Command Control. He will eliminate some of the myths of DCC by showing us all how easy it is, along with some hands on demonstrations.

Modelling Oil Depots.

A presentation by Peter Street describing the components that make an oil depot and how to model them. Including Tanks, pumping and delivery mechanisms, the case store, security fencing etc. Howard Armstrong This knowledgable guru of Oil companies may also make an appearance to discuss the oil companies and rail tank cars.

Weathering with a Heavy Hand.

Dean Bradley who is a master at the art of heavy weathering will discuss his methods of heavy weathering to make rollingstock look very secondhand.

DCC Friendly Locomotives, Turnout and Accessory Decoders

Gerry Hopkins will discuss the ways of making locos and turnouts friendly when used with DCC, and how to use accessory decoders.

LEDs by Laurie McLean.

To be advised

Fettler's Transportation by Stephen Ottaway.

Stephen will give us the run down on the history behind fettler's transport and the type of vehicles they used.

The Clinics or Sideshow Alley.

Ian Millard & Andrew Campbell

Ian and Andrew will present a new exhibition layout 'Bowen Creek' and explain the finer points of constructing this Proto 87 layout.

Weathering with a Heavy Hand.

Following his presentation Dean Bradley will be available to show some of his hints and tips at making rollingstock look very secondhand.

John Brown

Following on from his presentation, John will be available to show you some hands on structure building.

Turnouts the Fast Tracks Way.

Len Durkin will be on hand to demonstrate the simple method of building your own turnouts using Fast Tracks assembly jigs. Len will have samples of turnouts in various sizes including 3 Way and double Slips.

Poplar Trees by the Roadside.

Jim Pullen will demonstrate the art of making rows of the iconic poplar trees for any Australian layout. You will be able to see rows of these trees on Jim's layout during the layout tours.

Soldering

Peter Boorman, in conjunction with his trade stand will demonstrate some soldering techniques for assembly of brass and white metal kits.