Your Host
I have been a volunteer on the South Devon Railway for 15 years, and now work on the line full-time in my role as Finance Manager. I have 40 years experience as your “average modeller” and use simple methods that are easy to follow. I do not use airbrushes although I have dabbled with aerosol sprays and weathering powders. I was the Exhibition Manager for the memorable Rail 150 Newton Abbot Racecourse. These were both very successful; 4,000 visitors came to the first weekend and 3,000 arrived for the Festival! Iain Rice kindly obtained an excellent selection of layouts that graced both shows and Festival of Transport 2000 events that were held at I was a Director of the Model Railway Heritage Trust during its existence until the untimely passing of one of our founders, Martin Brent, precipitated its demise. I picked up many good tips from my friends in the Trust, but I have no special talent and I am sure that my results can be obtained by anyone with a bit of patience and guidance.

The Restoration Project

6412 is a former GWR 0-6-0 Pannier Tank that is currently in an advanced state of restoration at our workshops in Buckfastleigh. Progress has been rapid in recent months and the loco is on target to re-enter service in 2012, after a major (and very expensive) project to bring her back to life. She will be a vital addition to our fleet and fitted for auto-train working, a feature which was synonymous with the Ashburton Branch prior to closure in 1958. The South Devon Railway is a forerunner in running authentic auto-trains, and many of us have a soft spot for 6412 and are delighted to see her return to the railway. Her restoration is progressing well but funds are urgently needed to finish the job. Every penny that is paid to join the skills day will be put into the restoration fund so your contribution will be going to a very worthy cause. The South Devon Railway Association actively supports the railway and provides benefits, including discounts in our shop and café, half-fare travel and a quarterly magazine for atleast a year. If you are interested you can enrol at the station shop or via Allan Lovegrove, the Membership Secretary.

What you will do
You will spend an enjoyable day amongst modellers, starting with a demonstration on modelling techniques. You will then be encouraged to have a go on your own models. This may entail working on your l rolling stock but if you want to bring something else to do then you will be at liberty to tackle any project that can be done on a kitchen table.

The day will be semi-structured and adapted to suit individual requirements. The most important ihing is to enjoy it. The day will start in the privacy of the former GWR “Picnic Coach” but we will also have a reserved area in the station refreshment rooms for me use of guests.
You will be expected to bring your own models and paints but suitable materials will be available from the shop (at discounted prices) for anyone who needs supplies. A limited selection of tools may be borrowed from the host.

You will learn easy ways to mix paint to produce the desired finish, what to do if things go wrong and alternaiive ways to replace and improve couplings.

This will be our first attempt to run a session of this nature and it is hoped that A similar events will be held on me railway in future. If you have any requests or suggestions please pass them on to me: .  I can be contacted during normal working hours on 01364 643536.

Course Details

Venue:	The Picnic Coach & Café, Buckfastleigh Railway Station
Time:	10:00 to 16:00
Fee:	£ 20 Standard
	£ 10 SDRA Members
	£  5 SDRA Active Members

The fee includes one complimentary ticket which will allow unlimited travel for one day on the South Devon Railway, valid until 29th October 2012*
* Ticket valid on timetabled trains and Mince Pie specials, Not valid on Santa, Thomas or Dining Trains

Participants will also obtain a 10% discount for the station shop and café **

** Discount applies to most products. Excludes locos and train sets which are already discounted.

Places are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment!
Download a PDF copy of the booking form here.*
Please help promote this event by downloading the poster and printing it locally.  Thank you.*

The former GWR picnic saloon 9346 was built at Swindon in 1896 and has a new lease of life on the SDR as a nostalgic vehicle for meetings and Site visit On the day there will be an opportunity to take an escorted tour around the staijon site and inspect the rolling stock at close quarters.

Driver for a tenner
There will be no scheduled services, but there should be an engine in steam offering the chance to ride on the loco and sample the real life on the footplate as we run our annual driver experience for a “tenner”. These sessions are organised on behalf of the Royal British Legion and must be booked in advance if you want to participate.