Model Engineers’ Day at the Forncett Steam Museum

[Ramon WilsonParticipant @ramonwilson3]

Well done Jason

As one of those usual suspects this is the first year for many that I won't be attending as an exhibitor. That's something like my fourth in all the time it's been running so not a bad average. No reason other than age creeping up (well it's crept all the way I guess) I've sent Bill an email to wish all well.

Same for anyone on here who decides to give this event a look.

Have a great day if you go – as always I'm certain you won't be disappointed if it's a first time

Regards to all – Tug

[Bill StarlingParticipant @billstarling10428]

Thanks Tug and Jason. I should have waved a flag on here myself.

"Table-top" models on display in the museum cafe, plus a dozen miniature traction engines running around in the yard. All being well, they'll have a run up the road to the Norfolk Tank Museum, just over a mile away.

What Tug didn't mention was that he started the whole business off. This is the 28th "Do" so, allowing for covid, that must have been 30 years ago. It won't be the same without you Tug.

(Hope I'm not breaching any data protection laws. If so I'll plead insanity brought on my trying to organise events.)

If anyone on here does come along, please say hello. I should be wandering about in the yard wearing brown overalls.

Best wishes,

Bill.

[noel shelleyParticipant @noelshelley55608]

If you enjoy steam, REAL STEAM, this is the place to go ! What a marvelous way to dispose of waste wood ! Once you've see the Dover engine anything else will look small !!!! If you can see the TV transmitter at Tacolston your not far from the museum. Well worth a visit ! Noel.

[Ramon WilsonParticipant @ramonwilson3]

Ha ha, fame at last eh Bill

Crumbs thirty years eh where's that all gone? I do hope everyone has a good day – sad not to be there but I've reached that point…..

I'm not that sure when you took that pic but things have progressed some – that M'cOnie is finished and painted, theres five more CI engines plus a sparky and of course the Corliss is finished. Shame I'm not up to bringing that but here's a pic that will have to suffice.

Again I wish you all well

Tug

[BaldricParticipant @baldric]

It was well worth a visit today, and I would say it is worth visiting even on a normal steam day.

Baldric,

[mike barrett 1Participant @mikebarrett1]

very glad I saw his post although we live in Cambridge I hadnt heard of this place.
Visited the yesterday and what an excellent museum it is. Very interesting engines and a good show from the modellers and small steam traction engines, lorries etc.

Even better we went in my Triumph Herald so could park in the classic car car park.

[Brian Baker 2Participant @brianbaker2]

Yes, this was an interesting show, well worth a visit, as is the museum itself.

Didn't see you Bill, but lots of people in brown overalls.

[EmgeeParticipant @emgee]

Agree always worth visiting Forncett Steam Museum but the number of models displayed in the tea room was disappointing compared with earlier years, good spread of model steam engines in full steam and running in the field.

The tour of working engines compared by Rowan is always a delight, such dedication to a project is hard to find and his enthuisiasm is catching.
Bill was definitely there in brown overalls as promised and he also had his model engine on display in the back of his van.
Andrew was displaying some of the parts made for his steam engines which were well worth inspecting hands on to see some excellent machining.

There were some other displays of interest but I didn't note the names.

Emgee

[Ebenezer GoodParticipant @ebenezergood76202]

Looks good, sadly I have only just read this so I missed it!

[derek hall 1Participant @derekhall1]

I also live near Cambridge and have never been to this museum.

Apart from the mention on this website I had never heard of the place.

I must make an effort to make the short trip and visit it.

Regards to all

Derek

[Bill StarlingParticipant @billstarling10428]

Thank you for all the kind comments about the museum and Model Engineers' Day. You inspire me to offer a few photos of the event. Sorry I didn't do better, I really was wandering about in the yard most of the day.

Any resemblance to a regular contributor on here is entirely intentional.

The 1879 beam from Hopwas Pumping Station makes a nice backdrop.

This is a model of an engine in another local museum. The 'castings' are entirely fabricated from strip material.

My favorite shot of the road run to the Norfolk Tank Museum, 1.1 miles away.

Thanks.

Bill.

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

That final shot is delightful, Bill

… it would serve well as a poster for next year’s event

MichaelG.

[Ebenezer GoodParticipant @ebenezergood76202]

Brilliant, I will have to pop in again, haven't been for a few years and I'm only half an hour away so I really should make the effort.

[bernard towersParticipant @bernardtowers37738]

Dont forget Forncett Model engineers day tomorrow!!

[Anonymous]

I'll be there with a few bits and pieces on display.

Andrew

[Bill StarlingParticipant @billstarling10428]

Delighted that someone has remembered Model Engineers' Day at Forncett. I've managed to hand over responsibility for "table top" models to another volunteer – but forgot to ensure he mentioned it on here.

I'm still in charge (?) of the miniature traction engines, who will be going on a run to the Norfolk Tank Museum again.

The weather forecast is excellent – i.e. mild and dry.

If you do make it, please come and say "hello". It's always nice to put faces to names. I'll be the one wearing a badge saying "Bill" – in case I forget who I am too.

[noel shelleyParticipant @noelshelley55608]

I'll be there ! Boiler and engine in steam, I've yet to add wheels so it's self propelled. See you there. Noel.

[vic francisParticipant @vicfrancis]

Wow! Looks a super museum , but only a few pictures of the full-size exhibits on the Forncett web site. Could someone post some pics please for those not able to visit.Love the Blacksmiths workshop….Thanks, vic

[derek hall 1Participant @derekhall1]

Hi, I will be travelling up from Newmarket today for my first ever visit to Forncett Museum.

Hopefully I might get to meet some of you, perhaps we ought to have a secret sign or name badge yo help us recognise each other !

All the best

Derek

[noel shelleyParticipant @noelshelley55608]

Vic, I have plenty of pics of the machinery and will take some of the workshop for you. Derek I will be running a 6" vertical boiler and ST no 1. see you there. Noel.

[bernard towersParticipant @bernardtowers37738]

Brilliant day at forncett lots to see and perfect day for the road steam boys of which there were plenty

Edited By JasonB on 01/10/2023 19:07:27

[bernard towersParticipant @bernardtowers37738]

why is it postings move photos around and put text all over the [place?

[noel shelleyParticipant @noelshelley55608]

Vic, as promised I have taken some pictures of the Blacksmiths Machine shop. I will post later when off the camera. . Noel.

[Nicholas FarrParticipant @nicholasfarr14254]

Hi Noel, I would also like to see the pictures of the Blacksmiths machine shop. I was thinking of going yesterday, but in the end I had other things and places to go.

Regards Nick.

[EmgeeParticipant @emgee]

Few pictures of the lineshaft workshop in my album.

Emgee

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