St Albans & District Model Engineering Society
Steam engines, model engineering, traction engines, locomotives, trains, model boats, ships, yachts, barges.

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The BBQ went well the second time around. Fair winds and sun for most of the day. 4 Steam locos turned up and 3 ran plus the electric. Varous visitors made an appearance including some late arrivals who managed to get a couple of circuits in before the fire ran out on the club loco. It was a very excited Holly's first ever ride on a real steam train so hopefully it will be remembered at least until the exhibition provides another opportunity.
Only one photo of the actual BBQ itself so it is a bit bigger, at 200k. The food had largely gone by then, one lonely burger left on the grill was being burn to a cinder but I suppose someone eat it in the end. The table is specially made to fit over the old steaming bays and provides plenty of space and is sufficiently overgrown to shelter from the sun and rain, though that makes the picture look a little dull.

As we packed up the rain started, and increased, and was of the wet variety. Then as Les closed the gate on a pleasant afternoon's steaming the heavans opened, as if to put out any errant sparks, and the tropical deluge prompted me to put the wipers on extra fast. Hail added to the assault, through Sarrat and I expected to get soaked when unloading at home but Watford was completely dry.

The BBQ is an event intended to encourage the boating fraternaty and others who do not usually come up to the track to come along and have a go at driving the club locos. It was a little disappointing that we didn't see more of  those people up there but if you can make it on a regular track day you will be just as welcome.