The first tickets for our first official schools visit were issued on Monday, 17th June to the pupils from Armadale Academy. In glorious sunshine our intrepid photographer took these pictures from an unusual position….  

Following on from Robert’s involvement with pupils from Armadale Academy who were tasked with constructing a ‘mobile wagon with a difference’ as part of their second year Design and Make class (in the Craft Design and Technology Department) ESME were delighted to welcome them to our Almondell Model Engineering Centre where the wagons were run Read more about Armadale Academy[…]

James had lunch with some retired colleagues from Hewlett Packard and afterwards they visited Almondell for a ride around the track and a guided tour.  John provided the motive power with his Feldbahn ‘Barbush’.  It handled the load of three carriages with ease and the visitors enjoyed their numerous trips around the circuit. The weather Read more about Post Prandial Steam Up[…]

The club were invited to tour the Mitsubishi Electric factory in Livingston where they manufacture their Air Source Heat Pumps.  Their hospitality was very generous and those attending had a very informative & interesting time. Judging by the comments related back to those of us unable to attend the system has had quite a profound Read more about Mitsubishi Electric Visit[…]

Archie took delivery of his limited edition 14xx from Silvercrest Models (produced by Kingscale Live Steam) in late 2018.  With the addition of a GWR Inspection Saloon from 17D models the typical GWR set up was complete!  A successful steam test in April meant that Archie was all set to take her out on the Read more about Almondell’s ‘Thunderbolt’?[…]

ESME members had a busy weekend.  ‘Meet Thomas’ event was running at Bo’ness on the Saturday & Sunday and members were running on the track there.  The Doncaster Show was tempting a few members to trek South to view the wonderful models displayed.  Whilst clear blue skies and warm sunshine tempted a few to Almondell. Read more about Sunday Best…..[…]

The club auction was eagerly anticipated, car boots were cleared and excuses for the purchases rehearsed. Members cast a critical eye over the stock….. Some items came in for closer inspection.. And then an air of anticipation as auctioneer Alex West took centre stage.       When the gavel came down on the last Read more about Going, Going, Gone![…]

Model Engineers like a challenge; make something useful out of a miscellaneous collection of bits and follow instructions.  Monday nights get together pitted five teams against the clock to rescue a raw egg suspended by a string 6′ of the floor and to place it unbroken into a compartment in an egg box. The red Read more about Who Rescued Humpty Dumpty?[…]

The day dawned bright, clear and not a breath of wind, the ground covered in a hoar frost.  Even the Mercury in the thermometer was feeling the chill at -4ºC!  Still, it would be just the day for some superb steam effects (and it would show every little steam weep!) for the photographers. Some defrosting Read more about New Year At Almondell[…]

Our first post Christmas steam up at Almondell produced a good turn out of locomotives and visitors.  The weather was mild for the time of year which helped to encourage people to linger longer.  A superb spread of cakes and mince pies plus the mandatory large pots of tea were provided by Roddy which helped Read more about December 27th Steam Up[…]