Train Talk Vol 30, issue 325 July No 01 2018

July 2018 Volume 30 No 01 Issue 325A 100% NMRA Affiliated Club

www.toowoombamodelrailwayclub.com.au

Please note; schedules for club activities are notified in Train Talk - RAILWAY TIMETABLE - Page 38, and via email, if you have an email address and are not on our members email list, please advise ASAP so you can receive up to date news.Send to email; [email protected]

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in ‘Train Talk’ are not necessarily the opinions of the TMRC Inc. or it’s members.

PLEASE NOTE: Any personal items left and/or used at the club premises or events attended and/or organised by the club are the responsibility of the owner of said items.

The TMRC Inc. Takes no responsibility for any loss or damage thereof. MOTION:04/02/03.

MEMBERSHIP FEESOne membership level only.

Ordinary @ $90.00* For Twelve Months

Pro-rata rates per Quarter(*Includes basic NMRA membership =$30.00 for Public Liability Insurance)

6. Presidents Report (Brent Smith)6. Hawkesbury River Bridge (www)7. Teditorial (Teditor)8. On The Footplate 8. Ain’t Love Grand (www)9. Modelling Tips & Tricks (Walthers)10. TMRC Inc. Annual General Meeting12. Carnival of Trains13. New England Convention14. NMRA Divis ion 1 report ( Ian Venables)17. Miniature Train Club - Gold Coast17. Turntable Incident (Noel Steinke)18. Garden City Central (Teditor) 20. Railway Pics (Arthur Hayes)22. Building Bridges (Barry Freeman)27. Jamestown News (Gary Sardoni)29. Clubhouse Ditties (TMRC Inc.

Members)31. Modellers Corner (Garry Stephens)32. OOPS! (www)33. Teditor’s Tales (Ted Freeman)36. NMRA Conventio Itinerary Part 237. OHE Tank Wagons (Arthur Hayes)38. Railway Timetable38. Scratchbuilt in N39. SP Commute (Brian Moore)40. Backpage Photo (Geoff Evans)

ADVERTISER INDEX:3 Southern Rail Models4 Train Pictures5 Wuiske Promotions7 4AK/4WK Toowoomba13 Altitude Motel

Toowoomba Model Railway Club Inc.All correspondence mailed to:

TMRC Inc.PO Box 883

Toowoomba Qld 4350

‘Train Talk’ Volume 30 No 01 (issue #325)July 2018

ABN 32 998 681 418

A 100% NMRA Affiliated Club

President Brent Smith 4687 7607Vice President Gary Sardoni 4635 5920 Secretary Ted Freeman 4638 0397Treasurer Angela Adams 0488 768 486Committee David Cook 0414 301 436 Jessica Gibbs 0411 069 328 Grant Hirning 4635 7939 Ben Martin 4630 7668 Club Mobile; 0490 388 327

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ON THE COVER: Union Pacific Big Boy 4006 is entering Byers Yard on the clubs N Scale Byers Junction layout. The locomotive is an Athearn that was donated to the club by ex club member Barry Turner. Photo Ted Freeman

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NEW LOCOMOTIVE RELEASE FROM WUISKE/HASKELLWuiske Models, again in partnership with Haskell Co of Taiwan, are proud to announce the release of the fifth mass produced Ready To Run locomotive for the Queensland Modeller.The 2470 class are the most common of all the 90 tonne locomotives built to this design.

The 38 members of the 2470 class were introduced from 1980 to 1983. The majority of these units were held in coal traffic throughout the 1980s with only a handful being released to general traffic. By the early 1990s however, all members were in general traffic and could be seen in all areas of the state.We are still awaiting the arrival of some models through customs but have (at the very least) a small number of each running number in both gauges in stock and available right now.As ever with us, we have kept the price the same at $295.00 per locomotive.We have released eight different running numbers in three versions to ensure everyone is catered for. The numbers are as follows,

The high nose units are: 2472, 2486, 2495

The Driver Only (low nose) units are:2474D, 2491D, 2471D , 2484D, 2497D

Al l avai lable in HOn3½ or HO (Standard Gauge 16.5mm)

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Wuiske Models PO Box 131 Jandowae, Qld, 4410Web: www.wuiskemodels.com

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The Annual General meeting is coming up on the 15th of September 2018. That's a Saturday and it will commence from 2pm.

Unfortunately, I will be in New Zealand, enjoying their trains and good food and seeing the fantastic NZ scenery.

I urge all to attend the AGM, there will be nibbles provided for members.

Once again, I want to thank my Committee for assisting me throughout the year to make progress with the future direction of the Club.

Regards

Smithy

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Tune in for the best of sounds for everyone’s likes 4AK and 4WK - Your stations! 2018 TOOWOOMBA MODEL TRAINS & HOBBY EXPO

Toowoomba Showgrounds 2nd and 3rd July 2018

As we start a new volume of Train Talk, it is incredible to see that we are up to Volume number 30 and issue Number 325. The process of producing Train Talk has gone from very basic to what we have today with the computer technology available. Unfortunately the cost of Hard Printing and Postage has all but eliminated the old traditional ways of producing magazines (I like to think of Train Talk as a magazine, not a News Letter), I have been an avid collector of magazines and have something like 4,000+ of them. I had to cut back on a couple due to price and the poor dollar, but I still subscribe to many, Model Railroader, Railroad Model Craftsman, Trains, Classic Trains, NMRA Magazine and of course the Australian Model Railway Magazine. Although my primary interest is N scale North American, I also have HO Scale Australian and American, British OO, QR’s HOn3½ and Z Scale North American, my collection is vast and a lot of it rarely sees action. Why do I have such variety? easy, I just have a love of trains, regardless of where they are from, if you have been reading Teditor’s Tales in Train Talk, you are aware that my interest in Trains goes back to my childhood (as do many of you). My father, Norm, was a prolific scratchbuilder of O Scale Brass, (I wish I had of had the foresight to retain possession of his trains), I began with Tri-ang, then turned to N Scale after visiting an exhibition at Strathfield in NSW. My collection of N Scale is vast and I am not one to sell off any of my collection, I have done so on a couple of occasions in the past, deeply regretting it afterwards. My knowledge of trains (models and prototype) is reasonably vast, but not immeasurably so, I, like many others, never stop learning, mistakes, of which I have made many, add to your knowledge. The Toowoomba Model Railway Club Inc. (former Darling Downs Model Railway Club Inc.) has been a way of life for me since moving from NSW to Toowoomba in 1989. We have come a long way and will continue to do so as enthusiasm has never been higher, we have never had so much to work with, make sure and come along to the club and share in the success.

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New Member: Welcome to Alex Hulstaert from Kearneys Spring, Alex is modelling in N Scale.There is a policy at the TMRC Inc. You , say g’day to “MUST HAVE FUN”everyone and invite them to ‘get involved’, we are all in this hobby for the same reason - “To have fun” Model Railroading ‘IS’ The World’s Greatest

Hobby.Member participation is an important part of the clubs success, become involved and reap the benefits. There are many projects underway to suit any interests.The production of Train Talk and Construction of the Showgrounds Museum & Display Centre has been m a d e p o s s i b l e t h r o u g h t h e generosity of the

July 2018

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Signs of the timesSigns of every size, shape and color have been part of the American scene for decades, making them a must-have detail that instantly defines your modeling era.

Period photos o f t e n s h o w small handbills, pasted or nailed t o a n y h a r d sur face f rom bridge railings t o b o x c a r s s p o t t e d f o r unloading.

With the coming of autos, signs g r e w l a r g e r, more colorful and simpler so they could be read quickly.

Today’s steel billboards and a n i m a t e d structures are a far cry from the rickety wooden f r a m e s t h a t once clogged the landscape. Over the years, local ordinances forced sign companies to maintain their signs and even today restrict placement, size and height.

Researching your era can be fascinating, with period photos online to help you pin down what’s right for your modeling era and area.

Kits for billboards and signs of all kinds are readily available in popular scales. You’ll find a great selection in your Reference Books (which also include a FREE sign sheet), and online at walthers.com.

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The Annual General Meeting (15th September) is closing in on us at a rapid rate, nomination forms have been emailed out on a couple of occasions and they have also been available at the clubrooms.

Quite a number of nominations have been lodged already, but we would like to see more, any situations where there are no nominations or not enough (ie: general committee) by the 1st of September, the position/s will need to be called from the floor.

If you are not in a position to stand for the committee in any way, you are still of vital importance as a member, we are required to have at least twice the committee number plus one, financial members in attendance, either in person, or by proxy, a total of Seventeen, this should not be difficult to achieve.

Once nominations have closed at midnight the 1st September, the nominations received will be emailed to members (snail mail to those not on line) along with Proxy Forms in accordance with the Constitution.

To be a committee member is a privilege in the fact that you are part of the party responsible for the next twelve months of the clubs existence, you have a great starting point, what with our own club premises, Solar Power, large and varied club layouts, valuable museum assets and much more.

Committee Meetings are held once a month, generally the First Monday of the month (subject to events/holidays etc), the meetings are held in comfortable quarters at McDonald’s Margaret Street commencing at 7.30pm, every effort must be made to attend to maintain the operability of the club.

Commitment is also a prerequisite of being a committee member, you have been chosen as a leader of the club, therefore you are expected to set an example and support the club in any way or means you are able, it is not a financial commitment, but it is commitment towards ensuring the clubs success.

Positions to be filled consist of;PresidentVice-PresidentSecretaryTreasurerFour General Committee Members;

A quorum for a committee meeting to proceed requires at least five of the total eight to be in attendance.

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PROUDLY PRESENTS

DURING THE CARNIVAL OF FLOWERS WEEK

SEPTEMBER 2018CARNIVAL OF TRAINS

MODEL RAILWAYOPEN HOUSE

Museum & Display CentreToowoomba Showgrounds

Glenvale Road, ToowoombaSaturday 22nd to Sunday 30th

Open 10am - 4pm each day

ADMISSION“GOLD COIN DONATION”

Enjoy the Museum & Display CentresOperating Model Train Layouts, Memorabilia and Railway Art

Wheelchair accessibleCOACHES WELCOME

Website: www.toowoombamodelrailwayclub.com.au

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All railway modellers are invited to attend the 2018 New England Convention. The convention provides an opportunity to exchange and learn modelling ideas and techniques, plus catch up with some old friends and make some new ones. The convention will again be held at the Armidale Bowling Club, Dumaresq Street Armidale NSW commencing on the Friday 17-Nov-2018 evening for registration, introduction and a get-to-know-you session and finishing on Sunday 19-Nov-2018 after a lunch to see you on your way. The weekend is structured to provide a range of different activities with attendees free to choose how they spend their time. For partners, there are lots of things to see and do in Armidale and surrounds.Presentations and Clinics The club is currently looking for presenters and modellers to run clinics for the 2018 convention. If you are interested please contact Warren Herbert, Convention Convener, Phone (02) 6732 5711Getting There and Accommodation Armidale is located approximately half way between Sydney and Brisbane on the New England Highway, or 3 hours inland from Coffs Harbour. Transport NSW offers a daily rail service from Sydney. QantasLink and Regional Express offer regular services from Sydney to Armidale airport. Bus services are also available from various departure points. Accommodation is available at several excellent locations within Armidale and there are 3 or 4 motels within walking distance of the venue. Further information is available from the Armidale Visitor Information Centre. RegistrationGo to http://www.newenglandmodelrailwayclub.com/content/convention.shtml

Where you will find full details and a registration form.

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Sept 15th --- James Lampard. Sept 21st, 22nd, 23rd --- NMRA Convention --- Helensvale, Gold Coast. Oct 13th --- Cannon Hill MRC. Nov 17th --- Ipswich MRC T/Trak Run Day. Dec 1st --- Christmas Lunch. NOTE THE CHANGE OF DATE.

We should gather for this lunch at 11.30am for 12noon. The mains will be $35 and the desserts will be $10 extra. The venue was used by us a couple of years ago and was very popular. Since that time it has been taken over by new owners and the venue has been done up.

All meetings start at 10.30am unless otherwise notified. For the purpose of catering, please RSVP your host at least on the Monday before the meeting.

You will notice from above, our National Convention to be held at Helensvale on 21st – 25th September. Please seriously consider talking to one of our organisers for this event to offer your assistance in giving a clinic, helping with the formalities, opening your layout for visitation, directing attendees to various events, etc. Just like you, some of those organising, find it hard to ask favours of other members so volunteer to make this a memorable Convention.

Comment It's amazing how long it takes for some technologies to reach the general public. You would expect this is large objects simply because of their size; but small objects you would think could be controlled quickly because there is so little to process. I remember some years back, it was general thought that it would be 25 - 35 years before new technologies in motor racing would reach the family car. One of the first of these racing to family car additions occurred way back at the time of the first Indianapolis 500 in 1911 when Ray Harroun fitted a rear-view mirror to his Marmon Wasp, a stripped down and souped up car, to win that first "500". Presumably helped by knowing where his opponents in that race where gave him a win at a 74mph average. Not bad for 1911. At work, we first became aware of and used supercaps (super-capacitors) way back about 1980 and these are the main workers in Keep Alive, Stay Alive, Keep Rolling, etc. devices that are now proliferating our DCC decoders as an add on. There is an article about them in the latest Model Railroader (DCC Corner by top modeller Larry Puckett on page 60, MR July 2018). What a huge difference to our hobby these might have made if they were employed in controllers or locomotives back in 1980. A lot of our thrust and learning in new technologies is driven by 'fashion' and what manages to appeal at a particular time. Perhaps supercaps seemed rather dull back in the 1980's. Supercap presentation hasn't changed all that much and the Jaycar catalogue shows that perhaps the most useful for us is catalogued as RU-6705, a 5.5volt job with a capacity of 1 farad and priced at $5.95 each. These are very compact, you would need three for each loco unit so what's the point of making them yourself when you can buy the units ready to install about the same price. continued on page 15

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But keep your eyes on supercaps as they are being tried in Europe as night-time back-up for large solar farm panels on an enormous scale that will make power-houses and coal almost laughable. To get some idea of this, just think of supercaps as big a gasometers and sometimes installed at old gasometer sites to keep night time electricity from solar panels going strong. Like the car case above with Ray Harroun, we can probably expect the hobby use to predate the more essential use by quite a number of years. Another thing that puzzles me is the lack of use over many years of contact "wetting" in MR. In telephone exchanges, which used to have millions of contacts in their relay switching; fundamental contacts were used to switch DC but this often had a lower voltage AC overlaid on them to break down the contacts reluctance to pass current due to 'dirt' build-up on the contacts. There is a little reference to this in some of the very early Model Railroad Magazines but it was generally neglected. Now it isn't so important with DCC as that technology uses AC on the track anyway and thus in itself, acts as contact wetting and if no other change is made then AC will probably operate at getting voltage across the rail and the wheel tread better than DC will. Once again we can only muse at the difference that would have made in much earlier times. When we look back at where we have come from in MR we can be thankful that there were such thinkers as Lin Westcott, Frank Ellison, Bruce Chubb, Frank Taylor, John Armstrong, Paul Larsen, etc. and the smart people who came along after them and brought many of their ideas to practicality or improved on them. There is some discussion going on about what football players ought to be lionised by statues at Lang Park. You could justify an avenue of statues leading up to the front door of the NMRA headquarters honouring these pioneers above and many like them. Such has been their contribution to the enjoyment, the sustaining, the easing and the healing of so many modellers over quite a few years now. But we have another advantage living in an NMRA influenced world. That is, we can think of the past and all its innovation and glory and consider the future of MR and the NMRA and realise that it should go on for many years yet. Over many years we have seen great advances. From the crude first electric powered model locomotives we now have sophisticated mass-produced, beauties that look like the real thing in miniature, sound like the real thing, can be made to operate like the real thing and cost far less than the previous offerings did if you consider inflation over the years. Previously some items were so expensive that it made classes of modellers, those just hanging on in the hobby and those who managed comfortably in the hobby. With such advances in having the expensive items evened out over the years our hobby has become much more democratic. It doesn't take much to realise that there are places in modelling that need a lot more attention and we are slowly getting around to some of these. The brass rail has gone, the funny looking couplers are gone, lighting can be achieved in many ways and for many purposes that really does look like the real thing and its cheap, We can choose an era to model or even a couple if you so wish because now you can afford it and the stuff is there. What a huge difference Fast Tracks has made to the appearance of track.

continued on page 16

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Electro-static grass has killed off sawdust grass forever. Various epoxies have revolutionised water, helped in gluing, etc. Control over out trains has improved markedly due to DCC, supercaps as mentioned above have improved reliability. With some of the ideas bubbling to the surface of the MR cauldron we can expect huge improvements even though along the way we might wonder were some ideas are going. I remember when the internet was first starting, how disappointing it was as far as model trains were concerned. So little had reached the web in those early years. Then there was an avalanche so that now I wouldn't be surprised to learn that MR is one of the best covered and most used subjects on the web. It must surely rank very highly when it comes to pastime and hobbies.

It's Not All Neat and Tidy The NMRA is the source of so much information for we modelling members. I was just thumbing through one of its publications "Freight Terminals and Trains" by John Droege when I noticed a simple diagram of trackwork for the end of a stub siding on page 61. This is Fig.20 – re-railing device as substitute bumper. On my module I have several bumping posts or their substitutes and they are often getting bumped off in travel. These, mentioned in Doege fit the bill but they certainly aren't elegant. With the way it apparently really was according to Droege, in most cases when you come to the end of the rail just end it. When things are over done by inattentive crew, the freight being pushed into these sidings just runs off the end and stops very quickly- in the dirt! We are told that this is the simplest and most effective way to stop cars especially if ".....switchmen prefer to trust.... the bumper post instead of riding the cars and applying the brakes". That could probably mean a long walk back to the switcher in some cases too. Humans tend to find and use the easy way out. To get the freight cars back on the stub siding track is then a simple matter of the loco pulling it through a re-railing device consisting of two rails running parallel to the inside of the siding track for a short distance from a point beyond the ends of the siding rails from a position a few feet beyond the sidings rails where these other rails have been brought to a point and facing the open paddock beyond. When the loco pulls on the freight cars the trucks are skewed back to and mount the sidings' rails. In other words it works similarly to those plastic re-railers we buy from Peco and Rix. There is too little height in this device for it to get knocked off in the transit of our modules.

QUESTION --- I am detailing a C B & Q silver and red bay window caboose. On the roof are three legs of a holder that lifts the elevation of two lights facing both forward and backwards, in the modern style. Can anyone tell me if what the colours of the lights are and if the lights facing one way are the same colour as the lights facing the other way. If you have accurate information could you please get in touch with me on (07) 3378 3647 or [email protected]. And while we are at it, if any of you have a similar question in your modelling please let me know and I will seek an answer by publishing it in this Newsletter. Answers will be published so that we all might learn.



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I have been rabbiting on about the tremendous knowledge that is held by the collective membership of our division and I'm sure our members would love the opportunity to share their knowledge with other modellers. I also think we probably have the model railroad library in the country but that's not a NMRA possession. The library of the AMRA branch contained in their special building at Zillmere comes as a bit of a shock to all who see it for the first time. Not only is it extensive but it seems to be controlled and managed the way a library ought to be and I congratulate AMRA for having the courage and the foresight to build up and manage such a treasure.

Miniature Train Club Gold Coast Exhibition

The Miniature Train Club – Gold Coast, at its recent general meeting, has decided that we will not proceed with our annual Miniature Trains on the Coast, Model Train and Hobby Show for 2018. We wish to express our sincere appreciation to the many Modellers, Clubs and Retailers that have supported us over the last 8 years. We are aware that some will be disappointed in our decision as we know many look forward to our show each year. The good news is that it is our intention to return in 2019, at a date to be decided upon later. The show will be bi-annual as we wish to make the event bigger and better and that we need more time between shows to accomplish this goal. We look forward to your support for that event.

Yours FaithfullyDennis Candlin - Secretary Miniature Train Club – Gold Coast Inc

Turntable IncidentHi Ted, that crash involving poor old “Fanny” I’m pretty sure it occurred at Junee in NSW.

I lived in Junee for 27 years and spent many years working with a chap called Jim Smith who worked at the roundhouse all is life.

He often spoke about a lot of accidents that happened there. If you google Junee roundhouse you will find some pictures I’m sure.

Hope this helps.


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Garden City Central has been a wonderful success, several members have contributed to the design and construction of the layout and it is always dangerous to make a list of contributors, as inevitably one will miss someone.

It is very obvious though, that Doug Clarkson has immersed himself in the project with enthusiasm and drive that has seen so much progress on the scenery, every time you attend the clubhouse, there is something different that has been added or is underway.

The left end of the layout is depicting the real scene in its general state, the right end however is a conglomeration of features Toowoomba is/was known for

Laurel Bank Park is one of these features and it is a real colourful and attractive feature as can be seen above.

With size and shape elements in place, the photos at right and below show the far right feature, Defiance Mill.

As usual, Doug uses nothing but materials on hand, cardboard, paper, cardboard tubes, imagination and skill.

The construction is done so the turn back curve on this end is disguised by the Defiance Complex.

Doug has brought the layout to life with little expense but plenty of expertise, a true artist.


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Railway Street, along the backboard behind the railway station is being represented by Building Flats, these are shallow representations of building that are designed to blend into the backscene and lend visual depth to the area.

Again, only rudimentary items are used in the construction, including pictures representing cars in open garages and 3D add i t ions to effectively blend the scenes.

The Church dep ic ted i s actually representative of the St.James Anglican Church on the corner of Russell and Mort Streets, (modellers licence regarding placement).

Shops etc along Railway Street will be a mixture of factual and fictional (we hope to sell some real estate along this strip).

Below is a different story, encouraged by Doug’s efforts,

Jess Gibbs built the version of Downs Steam with ‘roll your own’ metal siding.

The building has been produced to N scale so it creates forced perspective in the scene and will be blended in with ground cover, track a n d s c e n i c e l e m e n t s , a commendable first effort from Jess!


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Arthur Hayes After a lengthy restoration the Pichi Richi Railway's Yx141 is underwent test runs before entering service. On Monday it went as far as Summit, today it went through to Woolshed Flat and tomorrow it goes to Port Augusta. The NT was in the train as dead weight and also for assistance if needed. Yx141 was built by James Martin and Co. of Gawler, South Australia, in 1892 and was one of the numerous Y class 2-6-0s of Beyer Peacock origin. It was rebuilt to a Yx with a larger Belpaire boiler with a higher boiler pressure in 1923. It was withdrawn from South Australian Railways service in the early 1960s and preserved in a park at Port Lincoln. It was acquired by the Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society in 1983. Although first steamed a few years ago, it was found to have a cracked cylinder and two new ones had to be cast before the restoration could be completed. NT76 is the last survivor of a small class of Sulzer-engined diesels built by Tulloch Ltd in 1968 for the Commonwealth Railways narrow gauge Central Australia line. I t was acquired by Pichi Richi in 1989.

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Barry (Bazza) Freeman

PREFACE: I don’t profess that this is a scale correct model of a Through Plate Girder

Bridge, but it looks like a Plate Girder Bridge.

The basic tools that are required being-

300mm Steel Rule, Sharp Pencil, Tooth Pick/s, Grey 2mm Thick Cardboard*,

Expanding Blade Cutting knife, Aquadhere Glue (White), White 600gsm

Pasteboard (Newsagent). *This cardboard became available to the club through the

current President’s previous employment issuing speeding tickets.

PREAMBLE:

There is a basic floor assembly that is common to all bridges, (ie) Through Plate

Girder, Through Truss, Curved Chord Truss bridges and many others.

The floor assembly is constructed using a Ladder type arrangement of the beams.

METHOD:

Cut two (2) pieces of grey cardboard 300 x 10mm to give two (2) main beams A & B

Measure in 10mm from one end and cut a slot 5 x 2mm.

Measure then (A) 70mm, (B) 140mm, © 210mm & (D) 280mm.

Cut 5 x 2mm slots at the points (A), (B), © , (D) & (E).

Next cut five (5) pieces of grey cardboard 60 x 10mm and cut 5 x 2mm as per diagram

to fit into above beams A & B

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The next step is fit cross members C,D,E,F & G into the slots in the main beams A & B and glue with Aquadhere. This then forms the basic floor assembly.

The cross members C - G need some grey cardboard 60 x 5mm glued to the bottom of each, eg;

To complete the floor assembly it now requires 4mm wide strips of the 600 gsm white cardboard glued to top and bottom of the floor assembly. This is to represent “I” Beams.

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The side girders need to be constructed now, so using the grey cardboard, cut four (4) pieces 300 x 30mm, laminate (glue) two (2) together, thus giving 300 x 30 x 4mm thick side girders.Using a 20c coin round the corners if required or they can be left square. Using the white cardboard cut 2 pieces 10mm wide x 360mm, this is to represent the top plate of the girder, cut 2 pieces 10mm x 305mm for the bottom plate of the girder, trim to fit, see the drawing for a better understanding.

Glue these sides onto the basic floor assembly to give the shape of the girder bridge.

The next task is to instal stringer braces to the floor assembly, this is done with the white cardboard that is 3mm wide and trimmed to fit on the stringers.


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Next fit the side braces as above using 2mm strips of white 600gsm card. (Stringers omitted for clarity).

Insert a 10mm x 10mm Octagon Gusset Plate where the side cross braces intersect shaped as below

Install 8 side plates as per below.

The next stage is to attempt to represent the side panels. This is achieved by creating a “T” shape using three pieces of 2mm white cardboard - to fit between the top and bottom plates of the sides.



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1,2,3,4 & 5 align with cross members of the floor assembly

6, 7, 8 & 9 are equidistant between 1,2,3,4 & 5.

On the inside of the side girders, place “T” shapes at locations 6,7,8 & 9.

NEXT:

Cut 20 pieces of white cardboard into triangular shapes.

Glue these in place on top of the cross beams 1,3,5,7 & 9 at 4 per beam.

This now completes the girder bridge construction.

CONGRATULATIONS -------------

All that remains is to paint the bridge whatever colour you choose, be it Dark Grey, Black, Red Oxide or Silver and when dry place on your layout.

Do not forget to install guardrails inside your trackage over the bridge.

Hopefully, these notes have proved useful to you in the construction of this type of bridge.

Enjoy building.Barry (Bazza) Freeman


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July 2018July 2018

Due to Jamestown's age, there are always going to be on-going maintenance issues with it. It's now at the stage where these issues are usually small and easily fixed. However there was a recent trackwork issue that was a larger than usual problem.

One of the important points (turnouts) on the layout suffered a critical failure. The layout could still be operated, but trains could only travel in a trailing direction from one of the two diverging routes, so this was unsatisfactory and needed attention. This point had previously been modified and had a printed circuit board throwbar installed, presumably to replace the original which had failed. Usually a failed point can be easily replaced, as the club has a good supply of new and good quality used points of all kinds of geometries. Not so with this one: it's a long double curved thing which is totally unlike anything else that was available from our club store. A bit of internet research revealed that it is an Atlas #288, and I could not find any shop that h a s i t i n stock, so I suspect that it has been discontinued. Replacing t h i s p o i n t with different one was not a n o p t i o n either, as the nearby track g e o m e t r y w o u l d b e altered, and t h e n e w track would n o l o n g e r link up with a number o f other nearby points.

Not to worry, Ted, in his usual generous style, volunteered without prompting to prepare and solder in a new replacement throwbar, which he did, without any drama. After giving it a good 'going-over' by sending a variety of trains through it in all possible directions, I identified a derailment issue with one of the diverging routes in the facing direction. Close scrutiny revealed that the point blade was not quite vertical and had a slight 'lean' on it, which allowed some loco and rolling stock wheels to climb up over it and derail.

by Gary Sardoni


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No problem, I decided that I could easily bend it back to vertical with a pair of pliers. I was right about one thing: I did succeed in getting the point blade vertical again, however, in doing so I had broken the solder joint between it and the PCB throwbar, so back to the drawing board and the need to 'fess up' to Ted that I had 'stuffed' his repair work. Again, no problem for Ted. He was more than eager to give it another go. Furthermore, in the original repair he had soldered the point blades to the PCB throwbar by eye, and was trusting his skill and judgment that the gauge would be right, which it probably was. For the second repair he decided to bring his track gauge along to be extra certain that it was right. Thanks to Ted's help, the layout is running again as it should, and the repaired point is as reliable as any other on the layout.

The layout got a good workout recently over the three days of the Outdoor Expo at the Showgrounds, and ran with its usual level of reliability: the dramas this time occurred on day one and involved a number of dead spots, which meant that trains could not get all the way round. I wasn't there at the time to tear my hair out over it. No problem for Ted though: he stepped in again and got it all sorted.

The related images for this report show firstly, Ted at work on the troublesome point, while fellow club member, Ernie Lindel looks on, and secondly, Ted giving the fixed throwbar and the underside of the nearby rails a tiny dab of WD40 to help smooth its action.

No problem, I decided that I could easily bend it back to vertical with a pair of pliers. I was right about one thing: I did succeed in getting the point blade vertical again, however, in doing so I had broken the solder joint between it and the PCB throwbar, so back to the drawing board and the need to 'fess up' to Ted that I had 'stuffed' his repair work. Again, no problem for Ted. He was more than eager to give it another go. Furthermore, in the original repair he had soldered the point blades to the PCB throwbar by eye, and was trusting his skill and judgment that the gauge would be right, which it probably was. For the second repair he decided to bring his track gauge along to be extra certain that it was right. Thanks to Ted's help, the layout is running again as it should, and the repaired point is as reliable as any other on the layout.

The layout got a good workout recently over the three days of the Outdoor Expo at the Showgrounds, and ran with its usual level of reliability: the dramas this time occurred on day one and involved a number of dead spots, which meant that trains could not get all the way round. I wasn't there at the time to tear my hair out over it. No problem for Ted though: he stepped in again and got it all sorted.

The related images for this report show firstly, Ted at work on the troublesome point, while fellow club member, Ernie Lindel looks on, and secondly, Ted giving the fixed throwbar and the underside of the nearby rails a tiny dab of WD40 to help smooth its action.

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July 2018

The HO/OO Drayton Harbour Railway is now in the process of having scenery commenced, the mainline is now functional around both current peninsulas and the branch to the mine is functional.

The cardboard webbing is the start of the mountain covering the spiral down from the mine to the power house, this will be a loads in, empties out operation.

Further UTP’s (Universal Throttle Panels) have been

obtained and are in the process of being installed, this will allow more flexibility for operators as they will be able to follow their trains around the layout.

Discussion has been ongoing regarding the multi prototype HO/OO compromises required to cover various members interests with Gary Sardoni commencing construction of a generic passenger station.

Bunnings recently donated two heavy duty shelf units to the club, these will be set up near the Solar system and be loaded with heavy items.

Teditor tried them out as bunk beds, but the clearances are a bit tight to get in and out of, two more of these heavy duty un i ts a re be ing purchased by the club.

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July 2018

Part two of last months Convention Information

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July 2018

My Son was in the Helicopter Division of the Australian Navy for 10 years.

He was with the Avionics division stationed at Nowra and did a number of Voyages to the Gulf.

He and his wife have just had a lovely Grandson so I made this kit of the Sea king as a present for both him and the baby boy Will.

After I finished the model I placed it on my layout at home giving the impression it was flying above the girder bridge.

Garry Stephens

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July 2018

Coal Train Derailment at Oakey, QLD. 8th July 2018.

Recovery underway.

Arthur Hayes

July 2018

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Ted Freeman Imagine, if you will, going for a ride on a roller coaster at Dreamworld or one of the other theme parks, place yourself in the very rear of the last car, stand-up! And stay that way throughout the ride! Sound like fun? Or sound suicidal? Basically, this is what a trip to the top level of the double deck shed at Darling Harbour on a 19 class was like, and the rear pushing duties out of the yard assisting goods trains was little better. We’ve just dragged a string of assorted bogie and 4-wheel wagons up the yard, our 19 class 0-6-0 is blowing off with a full head of steam, the gauge glass shows around half and we are waiting for the shunters signal to shove the string of wagons through several turnouts and up a steep climb to the upper level of Darling Harbours unique double deck goods shed. The full head of steam and the half glass of water are necessities for this arduous duty, the ride will be too rough to put any fire on and too much water will have the loco priming profusely. Although this is a several times a day occurrence, a few ‘hail Mary’s’ don’t seem to go astray as the shunters give the go ahead signal and the driver flings open the 19 classes throttle to the full open stop peg, with sand pouring under the front driving wheels, the ubiquitous engine digs in for all its worth and lurches into a frantic bucking motion as it gains speed on the down grade of the yard. Hanging on for grim death as the engine thrashes and lurches through several turnouts, gaining momentum with a rapidly accelerating exhaust, then the train of wagons start the climb to the shed, the 19 class immediately protests with an even harsher bark of the exhaust as the full weight of the wagons starts to bear down on the front buffers. Up ahead, the shunter is still waving his hand frantically, urging the driver on, not to lose momentum as another shunter bears his full weight onto the point lever directing us into the second track of the shed. Now, with everything including the loco and tender on the grade, we are struggling to maintain movement, the engine bucks as the drive wheels fight for traction, the string of wagons curves across the trestle leading into the shed and then the weight eases off as the train of wagons levels out. The driver has to anticipate the change of load so as not to run away and shove the wagons out the far end of the shed, a catastrophic happening to say the least (don’t know if it ever actually happened). In what was one hell of a ride, and the first of probably several we will do through the shift, we have successfully placed the string of wagons in the shed where motor Lorries will load/unload the cargo in readiness for a repeat performance.


July 2018

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We uncouple, retaining the shunters truck, and ease down the grade just far enough to clear the turnout and then proceed back up against the brick wall into track one where we will pull the string of wagons out in readiness for the next lot we shove up the hill. The trip back down into the yard is usually uneventful and far less demanding - unless of c o u r s e , t h e b r a k e s a r e misused and you run out of air!

Goods trains out of Darling Harbour were more often than not powered by one or two 46 class electric locomotives, most of these heavy trains heading west or north. The exit from Darling Harbour via Sydney Yard included a short run on gauntlet track under a building and then a tight right steep climbing grade out of the hole to the crest as it entered the mainline between the area known as the Mortuary and the main entrance junction of the country platforms. This short climb was enough to tax a maximum tonnage train and a shove was needed to get them over the short climb and clear of the crest. Again, our insignificant 19 class shunting engines came to the fore.

Ultimo Street Signal Box, the backbone of the frantic pusher activity out of Darling Harbour.

Exit from the yard was controlled by a colour light starting signal (SY 80), this in turn was controlled by the Ultimo Street Signal Box (destroyed in a fire on the 11th March 1996). With the road engines attached to the front of the train and brake and air tests complete, it was the job of the assisting bank engine to ease up against the brake vans buffers and maintain pressure ready for a launch. The procedure was that we had to be ready to go when the road engine blew his

horn, this would have a general time appointed, but could vary considerably according to Sydney Yard passenger traffic.

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July 2018


Pressure was maintained against the buffers by cracking the throttle with enough steam in the cylinders to hold the engine tight against the van, an eye had to be kept on the steam and water, but you didn’t want the engine blowing off constantly, so a roaring fire was out of the question. Of course, under these circumstances, with very little draft on the fire, and a desire to keep the steam below blowing off, the inevitable would happen, the fire would die. An occasional shovel full of coal would go on, but if you sat waiting for an hour or so, attention would lapse. With no warning, there would be a toot from the front end and almost immediately the train would lurch into motion, now! Remember how we had the throttle cracked, well! With luck, we would move off with the train. The driver would fling the throttle across full and open the cylinder cocks to expel the inevitable build up of water in the cylinders. The blower would be another job for the driver to turn on as quick as possible, and the fireman, by now in a state of panic, would start firing wildly in the hope the fire would ignite to an inferno immediately and maintain steam pressure. At this stage, the electrics (with horsepower in the thousands) would be sailing easy, so all we had to do was struggle to keep up, fall back at all, and the dangerous rush to get up against the brake vans buffers was on, with the Ultimo Box signalman waving frantically for you to get back on the train. When the front of the train entered the gauntlet track, you were on a slight d o w n g r a d e , m o m e n t u m building up, then - all of a sudden, the full weight of the train would fall b a c k o n y o u r struggling 0-6-0 as the electrics well and truly got into the grade. With smoke and cinders belching from the stack, the 19 class would sound like it was going to lift the building off the top of the gauntlet tunnel, speed getting down to a crawl, smoke would shoot to the sky as you exited the tunnel and back into daylight, now it was on for earnest (my middle name by the way). The road engine/s would crest the grade and gradually take charge of the tonnage as you approached the home signal where the driver would shut the throttle and throw the brake handle straight across so as not to roll back.

WHAT HAPPENS ONCE THE TRAIN THAT WAS ASSISTED CLEARS – Find out next month.

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July 2018

Around 2000 some were fitted with ground loading / unloading equipment with an extra dome/hatch fitted to the top of the tank, photos suggest this was done mainly to single dome tanks which had the higher carrying capacity. By this time, orders for small consignment of mix products was long gone, most wagons were being used for bulk orders.

QR Plan P 245 has many pages covering imperial and metric measures. The diagram on the plan is for the two dome tank wagon. All tanks had the same inside diameter 6’ 1½” (1 867).

Two domed tanks were 38’ 8½” (10 579) long, the single domed tanks were 10 850 long. (Opp’s that something I missed ???). Likewise the carrying capacity was greater in the single dome tanks, 29272 Lts (6429 Gals) to 27768 Lts (6108 Gals), this was subject to product being carried.

The single dome wagons tared weight was around 16 tonnes as to the two domed wagons at 17 t. Loaded, all wagons were 40.6 t gross. The plan shows OHE 1 – 20 was fitted with QR 11 bogies (5’ 9” axle centre with 2‘ 9½” roller bearing wheels). QR 11 bogies were also used under PE, OBY, OTE, OPY, OFY, OGE wagons. Some of the later OHE were fitted with QR 22 A bogies.

Continues next month

Arthur Hayes - (continued from last month)

38

THIS COMING EVENTS LISTING IS PRESENTED AS ACCURATELY AS KNOWN AT THE TIME OF PRINTING, IF YOU WISH TO CONFIRM ANY DETAILS AND/OR HAVE ANY OTHER EVENTS FOR LISTING, PLEASE SEND THE INFORMATION TO THE CLUB EMAIL ADDRESS - [email protected]

PLEASE ADVISE ANY ERRORS.

NOTE: Saturday afternoons at the showgrounds from 2pm, unless notified otherwise. Wednesday afternoons from 1pm till 4pm.

ALL EVENTS SUBJECT TO CONFIRMATION

* *Indicates limited access at the Showgrounds

August 6th Committee Meeting. McDonald’s Margaret Street, 7.30pm. 8th Running Day, all layouts proposed to be available for running. 18th Running Day, all layouts proposed to be available for running. 30th Fathers Day Display at Bunnings North 6pm-8pm.September 3rd Committee Meeting. McDonald’s Margaret Street, 7.30pm. 12th Running Day, all layouts proposed to be available for running. 22nd Running Day, all layouts proposed to be available for running. 22nd - 30th Carnival of Trains at the Clubhouse 10am-4pm each day.

25th 4pm on, NMRA Visit, Decal Clinic, Bar-B-Que.

July 2018

Scratchbuilt in N Scale

Including the wheels and all detail parts, the motor and gears are

the only commercial items used.

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July 2018

Brian Moore - UK

Southern Pacific Commute 129 arrives at Quisling California behind GP-9 3192.“Commute” is correct terminology for the Southern Pacific local trains

July 2018

PRR 5853 E7 with the Broadway Limited.Geoff Evans

Documents

Train Talk Vol 30, issue 325 July No 01 2018