Club shop report February 2025
So now ive had time to recover from the early March madness known as ABRail 25 where we enjoyed a super weekend at the Abingdon and Witney College, I have had time to crunch all the numbers for February and what a super month that was!!
After a mild start, the going got rather firm at the Donny Racecourse and as per the norm, the well shod Horses (er Punters) started from a gentle canter into a brisk trot before making a proper dash for the post.
Total turnover for the shop was 1284-91. Added to this was payment for a loco sale at Donny of 495-00 and a Loco service charge of 171-00 so a gross of 1950-91. After fees, discounts and postage were deducted, 1775-00 was sent to the bank.
Nigel shifted 3 more locos at Donny, including a Papyrus for 1075-00 so the Loco Shed windows are letting a bit more daylight in, that wont last!!!!
We had some excellent tool sets 4 off, produced by Andrew, (all now sold) to bolster our diminishing tool set situation, the quality is oustanding considering no CNC tech was involved in the production. All hand turned (on a foot operated lathe i beleive) and hand finished no less.
We have since received 10 CNC produced sets from David Frith, so it is nice to see that he is still willing to supply us albeit at a reduced output. Andrew will produce a small batch of sets to keep us afloat.
On another twist, My son Elliott kindly offered to produce cylindrical tool dispensers via his 3D printing facility to compliment Andrews hard work, They are a twist to lock nature with a built in accommodation for the red motion nut wrench supllied in the loco sets. I thought about obtaining the nice anodised aluminium wrenches available on the market from Hornby but decided to leave this to the purchaser, and keep our tool sets under the magical 50 quid mark. These cylidrical tool sets were recieved very well by all and have been pressed into action with the first three sets now punched off into the ether in addition to Andrews four sets!!
Did someone mention Coffee??? Ahhh yes that old chestnut!!
As promised at the AGM in January I intended to address the poor sales of what was frankly, very basic sustenance over the years. Only 55 cups consumed in the whole 2024!!
To that end larger recyclable cups have been produced and a larger quantity of cow juice, along with my no1 DeLonghi coffee machine. (For the inquisitive,,,The grind is by L’or called Profundo intensity 8 and is very nice apparently!!)
The up-shot is that we now have proper 330ml size, hot, frothy, milky coffee known henceforth in railway terms as a Cappuchoochoo!! No less than 38 cups were enjoyed at the Donny event alone so thanks to all for the support. This has gone down well with all, especially the ladies on the team, who just love a bit of a froth!! LOL.
A hot water service is provided for the ‘herb suppers’ and ‘porridge fanciers’ so everyone is included. LOL
Please note,, sadly this service will be suspended for the upcoming london gig due to the baristas delinquency and forced absence but will resume ASAP.
Oh yes the cost is now £1.50 a cup with 50% going to the club funds.
I thank you all in advance of your support of this most original ‘trick; of the OOLS club and you can be assured of the very best coffee at any venue we chose to frequent.
My operation has been ‘the next few weeks’ for a couple months now so all being well, it will happen soon. I was glad to attend the first two shows of the calendar and hope not to be impacted too much as the year goes on. If you catch me asleep at a show, just put a coin in the slot on the left hand side of my head to activate the Baristas bell!! ( Well they did say they are making a ‘50pence size hole’ in my head, so it may as well be put to use!!
Think were all done here now so enjoy london everyone and see you on the other side of the shunting yard!!!
Nick