About the Slide Scheme
This Slide and Cassette Collection was conceived and devised
primarily in an attempt to bring closer together the widespread
membership of the Guild, which has no permanent H.Q. and whose
members, many of them, cannot get to meetings for whatever reasons;
health, age, or just sheer distance. This scheme makes it possible
for members to "visit" many layouts built and operated
by their fellow-members - without even leaving their own armchair!
The collection is managed by
, to whom all enquiries
should be made.
How to use the programmes
It is perfectly possible to enjoy these programmes with nothing
more than an inexpensive hand-viewer and an ordinary cassette
tape-recorder. Ideally, however, you need a slide projector and
screen, especially if more than one person is to view the programme.
You do NOT need any sophisticated synchronisation equipment such
as dissolve units, pulseunits, etc. The cassette contains a spoken
commentary which includes clear instructions on when to go on
to the next slide.
Do you know of some more layouts
If you know of a layout which you consider should be included
in this collection, or if you belong to a club or group who have
a layout, will you please let Michael know.
This collection (undoubtedly the most comprehensive library of slides on the subject
of Gauge ‘O’) covers all kinds of layout, from the fine-scale, super-detailed system of
highly professional modellers to quite basic model railways by newcomers to the hobby.
All are equally important. These programmes are often borrowed by beginners in Gauge
‘O’ and these people can easily be discouraged by a diet of the more complicated
systems; they want to see how ‘the man next door’ did it, and pick up both useful
information and inspiration by seeing the more modest layouts. These people want to see
how the ham-fisted model basher goes to work - if only to be able to think "I could do
better than that!"
On the other hand, it is often necessary to present a programme showing the very
highest standards of achievement in 7mm scale, and for this one can turn to the superdetail
battalion.
There is no harm in admiring the perfection of a Rolls-Royce, even though few of us
will ever aspire to owning one. But if your layout falls a little short of Rolls Royce
perfection, coming more into the category of the Mini-Metro, the Ford Focus, etc., we
still need it in the Guild Collection. Michael is constantly trying to locate new material so, if
you can help, do please contact him.
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The list of programmes
There are over 150 programmes available. The list can be seen in two forms. The first is sorted
by the layout name, the second by author. Please click on the links below to view the list you'd like to see.
- Programmes listed by program name -
- Programmes listed by author -
In addition there is a quick reference guide
which will help you choose a suitable set of slides which link together.
How to apply for the loan of programmes
An application form is downloadable in PDF form.
Please print it, fill it in and send it to Michael Howarth at
28 Mill Street
Adlington
PR6 9QY
giving him as much notice as possible, as bookings are heavy, especially during the winter.
The programmes requested, if available, will be sent to you by FIRST CLASS RECORDED DELIVERY, and you are
asked to return them by the same method, by the date agreed. Return label, recorded
delivery certificate, and a fresh application form will be sent with the slides.
What you pay
The very high cost of making these programmes is borne by Guild funds and is
considered an integral part of the service you receive in return for your Guild
subscription. However, although no charge is made to members for the loan of
programmes, we must recover the cost of administering the lending side of the scheme,
and that includes outward first class recorded postage, printing, stationery, telephone etc.
You are therefore invited to make a contribution towards these costs, which will be
shown in an accompanying note with all parcels of slides. These costs are carefully
calculated and quoted at an absolute minimum to allow us to ‘break even’. The scheme is
worked on a yearly budget, and anything you can add to your donation when returning
programmes is greatly appreciated.
It is suggested that three programmes is to optimum number for one evening’s
entertainment to a group or club.
Hints on presenting these programmes
If you are going to present these programmes to a group of friends, club, family, etc, it is
advisable to run the programme through beforehand in order to familiarise yourself with
the content, thereby making possible a smoother and more professional presentation ‘on
the night’.
Make sure that the projector is level and in line with the centre of your screen. A tilted
projector gives an uneven and distorted picture. On many non-professional projectors
most slides ‘pop’ when they are first projected, a habit which is intensely irritating to an
audience if they are left looking at an out-of-focus picture while the projectionist is
searching for the next slide, lighting a cigarette, or just dozing off! Keep a very watchful
eye on the screen all the time. If possible, always show slides in a fully darkened room.
The slightest extraneous light causes a faded picture on the screen.
Three average-length programmes is quite sufficient for a normal evening’s entertainment,
preferably with intervals between programmes.
Every programme starts with a few bars of introductory music to enable the
projectionist to adjust the sound level to a comfortable volume for the audience. Plenty
of time is allowed for the projectionist to return to his projector before the programme
starts. During this vital stage you can show on the screen the title slide. The music will
then fade and the commentary begin, including verbal cues on when to move to the next
picture.
How you can help
This scheme is a one man show! Please help by following the procedure as detailed
hereunder.
- Before returning sets of slides, please check carefully that all slides are present and in
the correct order - especially the last slide: it is so easy to leave this in the projector and
forget it!
- Wind tapes back to the START. This is important; loosely wound cassettes deteriorate
rapidly.
- Post the sets back to Michael Howarth, wrapped securely, by FIRST CLASS RECORDED DELIVERY,
to reach him by the date agreed - not days or weeks later. Please make sure you include
with the slides your cheque made payable to THE GAUGE ‘O’ GUILD LIMITED and
crossed. Please do not in any circumstances send notes or coins.
If you have any queries or problems relating to the scheme, or
if you need help of any kind in preparing a programme, please contact
at the address above or by email.
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