This page provides a brief profile of some of the members of the Midlands Model Railway Club. For further information relating to the Club and its activities, please follow the links on this page.
Selected Members’ Profiles
Brendan Curran’s interest in model railways started when he was 10, with a Christmas present of a Hornby Dublo Goods Train set, which he considered at the time to be “absolutely perfect”. Though without fellow modellers or a local supplier and only limited access to model railway magazines, he continued modelling, largely by trial and error, for about 6 years until school, career (and presumably other interests) inevitably took precedence.
He resumed his modelling at about the age of 24 and built a layout in a spare room. This lasted for a few years until planning permission was revoked by the “local authority” and the layout had to be dismantled and stored. Eventually, though, permission was obtained to erect a 30’ X 18’ shed in the garden, which was built with the help of neighbours, and the layout was reconstructed. He also started work on a garden layout approx 100’ X 36’ (30m X 11m), but progress has been slow due to poor weather during recent summers.
Initially, all of Brendan’s models were Hornby products (at that time, manufactured in the UK), mostly of LMS prototypes and some LNER. However, with the arrival of superior models from Bachmann and access to a local supplier, he began to widen his horizons to other prototypes and eras.
The internet and eBay enabled him to expand his interests further, to include models from the US, which were of an even higher standard but with similar pricing to the UK products. These models also provided DCC and sound options, both of which he has implemented on his layout. Subsequently, travel to Europe introduced him to continental models and he was unable to resist. Though expensive, he believes that their quality is “second to none”.
As a result, Brendan now has an extensive array of models that originate, and represent prototypes, from various parts of the world. However, it is perhaps appropriate that some of his most recent acquisitions come from Murphy Models and represent Iarnrod Eireann/Irish Rail prototypes.
Brendan was the driving force behind the establishment of the Club and was unanimously elected as Chairman at its inaugural meeting. See Club Background
Pat Kavanagh joined the Club to learn new skills (particularly in relation to the use of DCC) and to meet people of a similar persuasion, i.e. others who share his interest in model railways. Like many, his interest started at a young age, when he received a present of a train set.
He is now in the process of building a layout in his shed, which he commenced about a year ago. Having previously built a 6’ X 4’ layout, the new layout was originally to be 12’ X 6’ and located centrally, with access on all sides. However, after seeing the design of the Club’s layout, including the lift-up section, he decided to change his plans, and reconstruct his layout so that it runs around the walls of the shed, thereby extending its overall size.
Pat models in 1:76 (4mm to 1 foot) scale, using 00 gauge code 100 flexitrack. His layout will be based on the Irish scene in the mid 1960’s, but will not represent any specific location. It will be controlled using DCC and will incorporate approx. 160’ of track with a double track main line and a 6-track fiddle yard.
Existing locomotives are mainly Bachmann and Hornby Diesels, with passenger coaches by Bachmann and wagons by Peco. (He has also acquired a US outline model with a sound chip.) His buildings are mostly Metcalfe card kits.
Dick Brennan worked for British Rail (BR) in the UK for 20 years and has been interested in railway modelling since the early 1970’s. While in the UK, he became a member of the Northern Model Railway Club, based in Preston.
Since moving back to Ireland, he has built (and continues to develop) an 8’ X 4’ layout in a spare room. The layout comprises a station and goods yard and is built in 1:76 (4mm to 1 foot) scale. Track is 00 gauge and is a combination of both sectional and flexitrack.
Dick describes his layout as freelance BR, representing the 1940’s/1950’s era, but also admits to having acquired an Iarnrod Eireann Class 201 locomotive manufactured by Lima. His other locomotives are by Hornby (2 X 0-6-0 tank locos and a Class 08 Diesel shunter). All are controlled by DCC.
Wagons used on his layout are from a selection of manufacturers, including some second-hand Dapol kits. Most of the structures are also Dapol kits, the remainder being Airfix.
Dick feels that membership of the Club will help to “renew” his interest in model railways.
Stephen Drury is a self-confessed armchair modeller for many years. His interest started in the 1980’s, when he had frequent business trips to the UK, where he would travel by British Rail on the East Coast Main Line between King’s Cross and Peterborough. At that time, these trains were in the hands of the iconic HSTs, which were modern, stylish and, in his view, extremely efficient. These locomotives have remained a firm favourite, both in prototype and in model form.
He started to build a layout for his son in the only space that he had available, his son’s bedroom. Though it lacked any scenic detail, this layout remained operational for a couple of years. However, it failed to capture his son’s interest and was eventually dismantled and laid to rest in the attic.
Over the years, Stephen has maintained his interest in model railways through magazines and books, occasional visits to Model Exhibitions, both here and in the UK, research on the internet and one foray into kit-building. When he retires, he plans to construct a 00 gauge layout in his attic to represent the Peterborough area in the mid 1980’s.
In the meantime, his membership of the Club has energised him to commence work on a smaller layout in a spare room. The remains of the previous layout, including a number of locomotives, carriages, buildings, etc., have been resurrected and a plan has been drawn up.
Although he realises that he lacks the knowledge and skills of more experienced modellers, he is confident that his fellow Club members will be an invaluable source of advice and that participation in the creation of the Club layout will enable him to learn many of the skills he will need.
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