February 2015 - National Model Railroad Association

February 2015 Volume 26 No 06 Issue 284
A 100% NMRA Affiliated Club
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A 100% NMRA Affiliated Club
‘Train Talk’ Volume 26 No 06 (issue #2284)
February 2015
ABN 32 998 681 418
DDMRC Inc. Internet Homepages
Website: ddmrc.com.au
Email: [email protected]
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in ‘Train Talk’ are not necessarily the opinions of the DDMRC 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 DDMRC Inc. Takes no responsibility for any loss or damage thereof. MOTION:04/02/03.
Darling Downs Model Railway Club Inc.
All correspondence mailed to:
DDMRC Inc.
PO Box 883
Toowoomba Qld 4350
MEMBERSHIP FEES
One membership level only.
Ordinary @ $85.00*
For Twelve Months
(*Includes basic NMRA membership)
Membership is for a period of twelve months from the time
of joining.
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]
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Committee
Brent Smith
Bob Claydon
Ted Freeman
Bill Waterhouse
Peter Bates
Doug Clarkson
Lionel Kearney
4687 7607
4630 1465
4638 0397
4639 2434
0414 994 966
4528 2584
4613 5785
Club Number (07) 4638 1408
2 Table of Contents/Club Information
6 Presidents Report (Brent Smith)
6. Vale Peter Napier
7 Teditorial (Ted Freeman)
8 On the Footplate
8 Doppleganger
9 Modelling Tips & Tricks (Walthers)
10 Staging Tracks (Ted Freeman)
14 Easements and Super Elevation (Ted
Freeman)
15 Single or Double Track (Ted Freeman)
16 Loads & Grades (Ted Freeman)
17 Creative Modelling (Doug Clarkson)
18 HO Layout Sub-committee Report (Bill
Waterhouse)
19 The Workshops Rail Museum
20 Chinese Steam (Rosalie Loring)
22 Wuiskes Wunda World (Adam
Wuiske)
26 200 Year Old Railway
27 Ways to stop a train
28 Modellers Corner
29 OOPS! (Brian J. Hadley)
30 A Layout Tale (Geoff Burns)
33 The Dunlop Way (Ben Dunlop)
35 Large Scale Models (Ken-Edge
Williams)
36 Roadtrain (John Lebsanft)
37 Puffing Billy (Bill Waterhouse)
38 Railway Timetable
40 BB18¼ 1079 (Michael Freeman)
ADVERTISER INDEX:
3
Train Pictures
4
AR Kits
5
Wuiske Promotions
38
My Tool Store
39
Southern Rail Models
ON THE COVER: Queensland Railways PB15 #444 located under the entrance to
the Ipswich Workshops Rail Museum. Photo: Michael Freeman
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February 2015
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February 2015
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February 2015
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With the opening of the new section of the
Showgrounds complex comes the issues that certainly
must follow with such a vast space.
There is always the temptation to just fill it up like a
giant warehouse, but careful consideration must be
given as to utilizing the available space to
accommodate the various interests of the Club.
These would be things like the HO Scale layout, a meeting/library area,
workshop and test track and perhaps a small N Scale layout to round out the area.
The HO Section has formed a sub-committee to examine layout proposals and map
out an area of the new shed, to maximise it's potential whilst giving good access and
viewing of the new layout.
The attendance for the initial HO Layout meeting was very good and many
ideas were put forth and discussed.
Bill Waterhouse, as HO Coordinator, did a splendid job chairing the meeting
and facilitating the discussions as the style of the layout, the future amenities and the
setting-out of the areas of operation within the new section.
As this is an important subject for ALL members, I would like to see the
members have as much input as possible so that an informed decision can be made
by the Club. This is not a decision made by one person but by everyone putting their
piece in and coming up with a viable plan for the future of the Club premises.
I recently attended the Toowoomba Swap meet for the first time in 23 years
of living here. I couldn't believe how big the function is and how much walking is
involved.
And yes, there are even some trains there as well! Anyway, enough chatter
from me for this month.
Regards - Smithy
Vale
Linda Napier of Amaretto Koffee Karts advised us that her beloved husband, Peter,
passed away recently.
Linda is still hoping to do the Exhibition this year with the wonderful Amaretto Koffee
Kart liquid delicacies.
Our sincerest condolences go to Linda and her family with this tragic
loss.
CONTINUES NEXT MONTH
February 2015
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This issue of Train Talk focuses on the proposed new HO Club
layout by taking a look at, and describing some of the options
available when designing a model railway layout. Although we wish
to get things underway as soon as possible, we need to consider that we must plan
fairly thoroughly to take advantage of the fact that this building is a permanent home
and the layout needs to be built with longevity, practicality and future adherence to
continually changing trends in the hobby.
Many of us that have put a lot of effort into achieving this milestone in the club would
like to enjoy the fruits of our labour, but we also need to leave a legacy behind us for
future generations.
A sub-committee consisting of HO Layout coordinator Bill Waterhouse, Mike Prowse
and Gary Sardoni has been formed to oversee the development of this important
attribute to the club.
An important part to consider is the fact that this project is being put into momentum
for the HO/OO scale modellers in the club (and/or prospective members), it therefore
needs to cater to quite a diverse set of requirements.
Those of us primarily involved in N scale, go along with this concentration towards
the larger scale, the N scale Byers Junction layout will keep us busy for many years
yet, the N scale Rat-Hole layout is proposed to be assembled in the extended
building section, primarily for those that wish to run DC controlled trains only.
As a member of the DDMRC Inc. you will be aware that we all require at least a basic
NMRA (National Model Railroad Association) membership, this facet gives us 100%
status in the NMRA and ensures our members are covered for Public Liability
Insurance, when we conduct or participate in an event.
I have a full NMRA membership, this gives me the extra benefit of receiving the
Australasian Division Magazine, Mainline four times a year and the NMRA Magazine
from America on a monthly basis. The fact that our members have at least the basic
membership status still allows you to take advantage of many NMRA benefits, the
best way to see what you can access is to go to the NMRA (Aust)
website www.nmra.org.au
The DDMRC Inc. members for the most part are isolated from our
QLD Division of the NMRA, but can still be involved, the AP
(Achievement program) is something to look into, I am a Golden
Spike Certificate holder and need to pull my socks up and go for
Master Model Railroader, why don’t you!
February 2015
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Special Sale Items: Available now are
quality pens inscribed with the club name @
$3.00, 25th Anniversary Magnets @ $1.00,
25th Anniversary Coffee Mugs @ $6.00 and
Key rings @ $1.50, complete pack for just
$8.00.
Club Shirts: A limited number of club shirts
are available at just $30.00 each.
Layout Coordinators:
HO - Bill Waterhouse
Z - N - Bob Claydon
Showgrounds Museum Coordinators:
Ted Freeman - General
There is a policy at the DDMRC Inc. You
“MUST HAVE FUN”, say g’day to everyone
that comes along to the clubhouse, visitor,
new member or old 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.
The production of Train Talk and
Construction of the Showgrounds
Museum & Display Centre has been made
possible through the generosity of the
An apparition or double of a living person.
For a minute, Brents fellow workmates thought he was moonlighting, have you ever
seen such a perfect (not in the sense of perfection) copy of our beloved President.
February 2015
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Chill Out on Your Layout
How did we ever survive without air conditioning? Well, we used to open all the
windows and sit on the porch. But if you model a modern scene, you'll need a
wide range of these important air handlers.
Over a century ago, a young engineer named Willis Carrier was waiting for a
train one foggy night. Standing outside, he began to understand the relationship
of temperature, humidity and dew point. From this, he developed some basic
mathematical formulas, still used by the air conditioning industry today, and
created a practical machine to control both temperature and humidity.
This first device was installed in a Brooklyn printing plant, where weather played
havoc with paper and printing during the summer months. Many industries soon
purchased the devices. Smaller units for commercial buildings appeared in the
1920s (especially stores and theaters), followed by a home unit in 1928, and the
industry was on its way.
These days, air conditioners come in every size, from tiny ones in automobiles
to monstrous units perched on the roofs of big buildings.
Window air conditioners are a great add-on detail for model homes and
apartments especially in older parts of town. Like the prototypes, you may need
to remove some of the window glazing on your model first, and fill in any gaps
around the unit with scraps of wood or plastic. Central air units can be modeled
using rooftop units from a smaller scale, or scratchbuilt from bits of styrene and
fine mesh screening. Experts recommend installing them behind bushes or
shrubs to provide some shade. Bigger buildings require larger units, which are
typically roof-mounted – cold air is heavier and sinks, so this allows gravity to
keep the air moving. Here too, a model unit that's large in one scale may be
small in another, so mix and match to find what works best.
Don't overlook your rolling stock and locos! Air conditioning was introduced to
the railroads in the 1930s, when diners were equipped with on-board units.
These days, roof-mounted AC units on engine cabs have dramatically improved
working conditions for crews.
If it's too hot to be outside where you are, chill out with your Reference Book and
head for the train room, or fire-up your computer and check out
walthers.com to find scale air conditioners for your layout.
February 2015
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Ted Freeman
What is Staging?
Staging Yards serve many purposes on a model railroad;
Storage: Home for all those trains you can't run right now.
Operations: Staging represents additional destinations not modelled on the actual
railroad.
Interchange: Represent connecting lines or other railroads.
Classification: "Active" staging yards allow train consists to be rearranged between
or during an operating session.
Real railroads also have staging yards used to hold trains until delivery is
needed. A common example would be holding empty coal trains in yards near the
mines. By keeping a supply of cars on the ready, demand can be met quickly.
What Can Staging Do ?
No matter how large the model railroad may be, it's probably not big enough. In
addition to simply providing a place to store extra cars, staging yards can become an
integral part of a layout. Most modelers interested in railroad operations use some
form of staging yard to represent portions of the world that aren't actually modelled.
This gives the trains a place to go "beyond the basement," or "off-stage."
Staging yards can represent neighbouring divisions, cities, other railroads,
or just the next mile up the line. A staging yard may be as simple as a single track or
large enough to hold hundreds of cars. The right size and configuration is the
requirement of the staging yard. Some modelers reclassify and modify trains while in
staging, making them essentially a classification yard without scenery, this is called
"active staging."
Trains can start their run in one staging yard, travel across the railroad and
terminate offstage in another yard. If the railroad is a continuous loop, it can even be
the same physical yard. Trains could also begin or end their run on the modelled
layout. Staging can also represent an interchange, or a connection with another
railroad. This places the railroad modelled in a much larger context and lends
credibility to the operations.
Most people think of staging yards as hidden, but they can be open and even
feature finished scenery. Often, the entrance to staging yards will be modelled with
the tracks disappearing under a bridge or through a backdrop. This allows operators
to see when their train is moving or clear of the switches. For completely hidden
yards, track occupancy detection or closed-circuit television can be used to monitor
trains.
Like any yard or track arrangement, there are many ways to build a staging
yard. Some important things to consider when designing are:
Capacity: How many trains? How many cars / train?
Reuse: Will trains need to return to the active layout during a session or is it once and
done?
Active Staging: Will trains be reclassified in staging yards during the session?
Access: How will access be to the trains and tracks in the yard to fix derailments,
clean track, etc?
February 2015
(continued on page 11)
(continued from page 10)
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Power / Control: How will power to the tracks and turnouts be accomplished? Will
the yard tracks stay powered when not needed?
Detection: How will trains be kept track of, which tracks are full / empty? Which train
is on which track?
Capacity
While excess capacity in staging equals wasted space and resources, most
modelers end up with the opposite problem. You think you only need room for two
trains of fifteen cars each. Five years later, the roster has increased so that twenty car
trains are the norm and it’s been decided to add a new passenger train. Adding track,
especially in a hidden staging yard, can be a challenge.
Try to estimate the number and length of trains that will be run. If there is
room to make tracks a little longer than necessary without compromising other goals,
it should be done. If nothing else, operators will have a little extra clearance. If there
is room to add one or two extra tracks, it is worth taking the time to do so up front.
Even if not used regularly, the tracks can be useful for storing special trains out of the
way or provide a location for future acquisitions.
Keep in mind that every train doesn't need to have its own track. Fewer but
longer tracks capable of handling multiple trains are also an option. Rarely will every
track in the yard have exactly the same capacity.
Staging Track Designs
Note that the double ended staging track design lessens the length of the sidings as
the number of tracks increases, this can be overcome by the simple staggering of the
ends as below.
Continuous staging yards can be incorporated in return loops if desired, from either a
single or double
track approach
(always keep in
mind where
r e v e r s i n g
sections “read
short circuits”
may occur).
February 2015
(continued on page 12)
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(continued from page 11)
Restaging
How will trains be turned, or restaged in staging for their next run is also a concern.
Staging yards come in two forms, stub or double-ended. Stub staging has an
entrance at one end only. Through yards have connections to the layout at both ends.
Often these yards are built as reverse loops.
Stub tracks usually allow the greatest car capacity/length. Double-ended
staging, especially in a loop, allows faster re-staging of trains as they can re-enter the
railroad without being reversed. Even if trains won't be reused immediately, its nice to
have them ready to go the next time you want them.
If you will be actively changing trains in staging, make sure to provide
adequate storage space in or around the yard and convenient access for operators.
Access, Power and Detection
These concerns are easily addressed in construction, but it’s good to have an idea of
what’s needed before construction starts. In hidden yards, make sure there is access
to the entire yard to fix a derailment or clean track. A detection system (cameras,
sensor lights etc) may be required, make sure to accommodate any needs in the
plans.
Benchwork
A sturdy base is a must for staging. Yards don't have to be level, but if there is a grade
it is usually best to have the entrance to the yard at the top. This prevents cars from
accidentally rolling out of the yard.
The basic construction techniques needed to build a staging yard are no
different than anywhere else on your railroad. If you've planned correctly, the pieces
should fall into place.
Track
Take care to lay track properly. As in any yard, maintain adequate clearance between
tracks. If this yard will be
hidden, adding a little extra
space can prevent sideswipes
from derailed cars and makes
re-railing much easier.
Use rerailing sections near yard
ladders to help catch the
derailments.
Power
Ensure the track is adequately powered in a staging yard, especially if it is hidden.
An option to turn off power to tracks not in use, either empty or full, is a good
safety device. This will prevent a train from creeping out of the yard if an operator
forgets to completely shut off a throttle or turn off a block.
Powering down the yard when not in use also reduces current draw on your
DCC system.
February 2015
(continued on page 13)
(continued from page 12)
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Adding a power-routing option to your turnouts is one way to do this. A master kill
switch is another easy-to-install option.
In addition to powering tracks and turnouts, many staging yards require
some sort of train detection system. The two most common types of detection rely on
track current and light. These devices will likely require their own power supplies and
connections to control panels and/or DCC control systems.
Cameras
Cameras are yet another option for detecting trains in staging. While it may seem like
a costly alternative, a single camera can monitor many tracks and may be more cost
effective for large yards. An added advantage: a camera can show not only if a track
is occupied, but which train is in it. It can not however interact with the layout's
command system to control signals or automatic block controls.
Staging yards may be controlled like any other part of the railroad. Whether
using manual switches, a control panel, or a computer, make sure the turnout
controls are easy to reach and understand. Label control panels clearly. Labelling is
even more important if the tracks can not be seen.
Track capacity is always a concern when operating staging yards. Switch
ladders can be arranged to keep some consistency in the length of each track, but
rarely will all tracks be exactly the same. It is good practice to record the car capacity
for each track in a clear location. It is usually easier to think of track capacity in terms
of the number of cars it will hold, not its actual length. Not all cars are the same length
however. Choose a common average car length for the railroad, 40 scale feet for
example, and be consistent in the measurements.
If trains have a consistent length, for example a unit coal train that never gets
modified or a self-propelled passenger car, creating a dedicated track for that train in
staging ensures a good fit each time.
If the staging yard is part of a formal operating plan for the railroad, make
sure operators understand how to use the yard. Provide a place for any paperwork
that accompanies the trains. By providing a hook or box for each track, the
paperwork can double as a block-occupancy detector. (No papers, no train.)
Make sure the operators know the procedures for using the yard.
t
t
t
t
t
t
Who lines the switches?
How do you select power?
Do yard tracks need to be turned off when not in use?
How will they know which track to use?
How will they know when their train is clear / stopped if the yard is hidden?
How will they know if the train will fit in the designated track?
Some of these questions can be answered by information on the fascia or control
panels. An employee timetable (rulebook) or some verbal training can also go a long
way toward making operation/operating sessions more enjoyable.
February 2015
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Ted Freeman
Easements in model railroading relate to the approach to a curve in the track, settrack curves lead directly off a straight at their fixed radius, an easement eases the
approach to a curve, eliminating the lurching of locomotives and rolling stock as they
enter a curve.
From the straight to the fixed radius curve
creates a sharp approach to the curve with
attendant lurching of locomotives and
rolling stock, potential derailments and
coupler misalignment.
An easement begins before the fixed radius, gently easing the straight section
into the fixed radius, this allows long wheelbase locomotives and rolling stock a
much smoother transition from the straight track into the curve proper and viceversa.
The laying out of an easement is not difficult, the fixed radius is drawn and where it
would become the straight connection, move the straight out from where it was by an
amount that will give the easement required as the track transitions from straight to
curve.
On prototype railways, Superelevation helps a train steer around a curve, keeping
the wheel flanges from touching the rails, minimising friction and wear.
The main functions of Superelevation are to: Better distribute load across both rails,
reduce rail and wheel-wear, neutralise the effect of lateral forces, improve
passenger comfort.
The necessary Superelevation in a curve depends on the expected speed of the
trains and the radius. However, it may be necessary to select a compromise value at
design time, for example if slow-moving trains may occasionally use tracks intended
for high-speed trains.
At the ends of a curve, the amount of Superelevation cannot change from zero to its
maximum immediately. It must change (ramp) gradually in a track transition curve.
The length of the transition depends on the maximum allowable speed—the higher
the speed, the greater length is required.
Superelevation in model trains is really a cosmetic feature and care must be taken
not to go to high, the transition from the level straight to the highest point of
Superelevation in the curve must be as easy as possible.
Our models (for the most part) don’t have springs to compensate for unevenness of
track, too abrupt a change and the wheels will go straight off the rails.
February 2015
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Ted Freeman
Its nice to model a real railroads single track, A to B operating scenario, but in the
world of model railroading we have to consider vastly different operating
characteristics, we are not running 1 to 10 trains each way over a 24hr period or are
we travelling hundreds (maybe thousands of Kilometres) per trip.
The selective compression required on a model railroad affects the choices made in
the design, in a club situation such as ours, we need to consider who we are catering
for, some members are dyed in the wool prototypically oriented while others just like
trains.
As we also encompass the public at times to show off our creations, we have a lot to
think about when it comes to visual aspects and operations of our layouts.
The new HO scale permanent layout looks to have about 8mtrs x 15mtrs to play with,
discussions at the HO Layout meeting on Saturday the 24th pointed towards a
double track main line with continuous run capabilities, for our situation, this would be
a wise choice.
Double track will enable the running of more than one train in each direction and
whilst under public eyes, will have something moving at all times. This is not to say
that operational capabilities are restricted, industrial areas, passenger facilities,
interchanges, loco facilities, freight yards etc will all be a necessary part of the plan.
A very important part of layout design is the ability to store and stage trains, the
previous pages delve into the attributes of staging yards (or fiddle yards as also
known), a single run through staging yard can be both east/west or north/south on a
layout, if carefully located out of sight from the public when they have access, it also
serves as a great place to put trains on/off track without obstructing the view form
onlookers.
Discussion regarding a branch line also came up, in this instance, a point to point
single track with passing sidings is the perfect scenario, though, there is mention of
incorporating trackage for QR 12mm equipment (becoming very popular), in this
instance, a continuous run would once again be beneficial.
To make the most of all worlds, we have also under consideration, multi-deck design,
this feature can increase the run, operation and scenic opportunities, but, must be
designed carefully, not everyone is over six feet tall.
In the past, the floor to zero level of our club layouts has been around 40 inches (1
mtr), this has always been a satisfactory height for the majority of instances, using
this as a base level enables a second deck without becoming too high and also lends
itself to some sub-zero storage yards if desired.
A very important aspect in the layout design, will be the ability to bring smaller
segments on-line as they are built to maintain operational opportunity.
There has been a sub-committee formed for the overseeing of the HO layout project,
Bill Waterhouse is the HO layout coordinator, whilst Gary Sardoni and Mike Prowse
comprise the rest of the team.
We have a big opportunity ahead of us, lets make the most of it.
February 2015
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Ted Freeman
The capabilities of locomotives hauling a given load on level straight track change
dramatically as grades and curves are introduced.
Mention of a maximum 2% grade (1 in 50) for the mainline and 3% (1 in 33) for any
branch have been suggested for the new HO Club layout.
Relating this to train length can be a difficult exercise, on the N scale layouts we have
loosely used a formula that for the most part works and simulates the prototype pretty
well.
Working on powered axles, an allowance is made for 3 wagons per powered axle on
the level and 2 on a grade (the grades mentioned previously should work OK with this
formula).
This means that a Bo-Bo Diesel locomotive (4 powered axles) is rated for 12 wagons
on the level and eight on a grade, we have to remember that weight and tractive force
do not scale and that we use steeper grades than most prototypes do, the biggest
factor affecting a locomotives hauling capacity is when curves are introduced, there
is a lot of additional drag in a curve, and model curves are way, way sharper than the
prototype will ever encounter in normal running.
Another mention was for two locomotives and 28 cars to constitute a train, lets do the
math, two SD Road locos have twelve powered axles between them, on the level,
this equates to a 36 car train, on the grades, 24 cars, not far off the suggested
amount, but a good reason to introduce helper districts for steeper grades and/or
additional unit/s as a run through consist. Steam locomotives can use the same
formula.
In the model railroad world, the amount of wheels being hauled can mean more than
the actual weight, this basic wagons per axle formula still has to be altered to
accommodate different length rolling stock to work in with siding/passing loop
lengths.
Locomotives can be added as required, there are no hard and fast rules, you
put as many locomotives of whatever kind is needed to get the train over the
road.
One of the most important things to consider where grades are concerned, is the
start and finish, where curves need a transition curve leading into them, the ‘vertical’
transition at the start and finish of a grade is of utmost importance, especially if long
wheelbase steam locomotives are to be used.
February 2015
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Doug Clarkson
The lectures now have a green light and will begin on Saturday, March 7, starting time
is 1.30pm at the DDMRC Clubhouse in the showgrounds. This is to be a regular first
Saturday of the month fixture, continuing until September or October.
The mix will include general information, demonstrations and hands-on time. There
will be no charge for DDMRC Club members who can attend any of the subjects they
find of interest.
Members of the public are also very welcome, however, we are requesting a gold
coin donation for each lecture they attend. In most cases, the club will supply
materials required, but it would be helpful to bring any tools you feel might be needed
for the subject of the day.
TOPICS FOR
MARCH 7th
General background
information, thoughts
on scale and
perspective, creating
a compelling plan,
preparing ZeNkeville
for landscaping.
TOPICS FOR
APRIL 4th
Explaining card hills,
using polystyrene,
making simple
buildings to aide in
design, hands-on
basic hills and roads,
get ready for the May session, latex rubber and rock casting.
At this stage the intention is to work on the Club’s ZeNkeville layout, which is of
course Z scale. From time to time, exercises in N and HO will be held. Beach and
Ocean scenes for example. I shall try to keep you up to date via the club magazine.
Not many tools are required for this session. A hot glue gun if you have one, ruler and
hobby knife will suffice.
Remember the starting date - March 7th.
February 2015
18
Hello Fellow Members,
As I'm sure Ted has already described elsewhere in the magazine a group of
approximately 10 members met at the clubhouse on Saturday the 24th of January to
discuss what we would like to see in the club's new HO layout.
The general consensus is that as we have the space so we should look at developing
a large layout but we also want to be able to run some trains in the not too distant
future so we will look at developing the layout in stages.
We have a floor space of approximately 12 metres by 7.5 metres.
Gary Sardoni & Mike Prowse have offered me their assistance to act as a subcommittee.
We intend to develop a proposal which we will take to the management committee,
hopefully by the April Committee meeting.
There were about 7 responses to Ted's "Given & Druthers" and all the information
from these will be taken into account.
If you have any ideas etc. that you would like to be included in the HO layout don't
hesitate to contact me, my home phone number and email are at the front of the
magazine.
This is a fairly brief summary of the happenings so far but I'll provide an update for
next month's magazine once we have analysed the information provided by the
members via the
" G i v e n &
Druthers".
Until next month
enjoy your trains.
Bill Waterhouse.
The grid equals 1 x
metre for each
square
as
a
comparison of size
in the 15mtr x 18mtr
building, the overall
layout
area
is
subject to change.
February 2015
19
The Workshops Rail Museum in Ipswich was named the best Heritage & Cultural
Tourism experience in the state at the Queensland Tourism Awards ceremony held
overnight.
The Workshops Rail Museum also received a Bronze award in the Tourist Attractions
category.
Arts Minister Ian Walker said the award
was another well-deserved accolade for
one of Queensland’s favourite museums.
“The multi-award winning Workshops Rail
Museum tells a unique story of
Queensland’s history and is a must-do
experience for arts and heritage fans,” Mr
Walker said.
“A great museum doesn’t happen by
accident. I congratulate the Museum’s staff
and Director Andrew Moritz for an
outstanding achievement.”
Museum Director Andrew Moritz said he was delighted to accept the award on behalf
of the team of staff and volunteers.
“It’s wonderful to be able to provide a great experience for our visitors, whether it’s
seniors reconnecting with the romance of rail, introducing the love of rail to a new
generation through Thomas the Tank Engine, or providing an authentic heritage
experience for our school visitors.”
Since opening in 2002 as part of the
Queensland Museum Network, The
Workshops Rail Museum has offered
unique experiences for visitors including
multi-media exhibitions, steam train
journeys, guided tours of Queensland
Rail’s heritage railway workshops and a
popular major events program.
The Workshops Rail Museum continually
adds activities to enhance the visitor
experience for tourists and locals alike with
the 2015 program set to introduce a new
Lego event during the winter school holidays.
The Workshops Rail Museum will now progress to compete against interstate
winners of the Heritage & Cultural Tourism category at the Australian Tourism
Awards, to be announced in April 2015 in Adelaide.
The Workshops Rail Museum is located at North Street, North Ipswich. For further
information, visit theworkshops.qm.qld.gov.au
or phone (07) 3432 5100.
February 2015
20
Rosalie Loring
These are a few photos of steam operating on the Wuj'iu Coal Railway in N.E. China.
The location which is around 40 minutes drive north of Yakashi in far N.E. China, was
only discovered by Chinese steam photographers in late 2011 and first visited during
Christmas 2011 by well known Chinese steam photographer Xuejun Liu (Jun).
The first western photographers went there in Feb/March 2012, the locals saying the
party were the first ever western people to visit this area of China. The railway serves
some local mines where coal is transported to an exchange siding with China Rail for
on shipment. The photo of the plinthed SY engine covered in ice and snow is outside
the China Rail railway station at Yakeshi in N.E. China.
With arrival at Wuj'iu by road at midnight on the night of the 7th of December, the
temperature on was minus 35 Degrees Celsius. The following day was overcast and
bitterly cold where the temperature rose to a high of just under minus 26 degrees
Celsius with a bitter wind blowing, still way too cold! The following day, 9th of
December cleared up with clear blue skies with the temperature a more reasonable
minus 15 to minus 20 degrees Celsius in the sun, with no wind unlike the day before.
The sad part about all this is that the latest reports are that the location has since
been dieselised and steam working finished.
Yakashi Railway Station
February 2015
(continued on page 21)
(continued from page 20)
Wuj'iu, N.E.China (8th December 2012
Wuj'iu, N.E.China (9th December 2012)
February 2015
21
22
Well, here goes with what should be the biggest and most important Adam’s
Corner thus far. So let’s see how well I can stuff it up.
Wuiske Models in partnership with Haskell Co are proud to announce THE
RELEASE of the first EVER mass produced RTR locomotive for the Queensland
market...
The 1550 class locomotive.
This moment marks a point we have been dreaming of reaching for over a decade
now, and it is purely due to the support from all of you that we have been able to do
any of the things we have done.
The last eleven and a half months have been very hectic in trying to ensure
that this locomotive not only gets completed in a timely fashion but also that it is
completed with a level
of quality comparable
with our already
popular wagons.
I am happy to
say that on all fronts,
the factory has
excelled themselves
and we thank them for
all their hard work and efforts on this front as the results are (in my opinion)
spectacular! With any luck, the arrival of the 1550s on Thursday as well as the
upcoming products from SRM, will herald a new era for QR modelling. If nothing else,
it will do so on the Wuiske Layout.
A s
we said
w o u l d
h a p p e n
earlier and at
the Ipswich
s h o w, t h e
1550s have not been placed on the site for general sale as yet due to the fact that we
are honouring our commitment to those who have filled in the expression of interest
forms. We are going through the list and phoning or emailing these people first to give
them first right of refusal for which running numbers they would like.
We anticipate that we will start uploading the locomotives to the site for
general sale by the end of the weekend but please bear with us as we have moved
from a heavy to industrial level of insanity within the Wuiske Asylum within the last 24
hours.
February 2015
(continued on page 23)
(continued from page 22)
23
Many people have asked us questions about the 1550 class locos through our
Faceplant page and forums that I thought I would take the opportunity to answer here
as well as I’m sure there are others wondering, so here goes...
What price are the 1550s?
They are $295.00. For as long as the sun shines, the dog barks, the Aussie Dollar
allows and my bum points towards the ground we will do EVERYTHING we can to
keep the prices below the magical $300 threshold! If that causes issues with future
projects then so be it, that’s for us to sort out and is not the responsibility of your wallet
to resolve.
How much is postage for the 1550s?
We are charging a flat rate of $15.00 for postage regardless of the quantity of models
ordered. Yes this is still $15.00 even if you buy one 1550 and a bucket load of
additional RTR wagons to compliment it. All models posted are tracked and require a
signature on delivery to ensure YOU receive YOUR model and that it does not get left
on your doorstep by a nameless Aussie Post Contractor.
Are the 1550s DCC ready?
Short answer... Of Course they are. These locos are fitted with a standard 8 pin
decoder socket. There is no need for the vast majority of QR locos to have 21 pin
plugs as Queensland locos simply don’t have that many functions. Also, I refuse to
have anything with more pins than I have fingers to count them.
Can they be fitted with sound?
YES. We have designed the 1550s to be fitted with a Loksound V3.5 or V4.0 decoder
and speaker. The standard Loksound oval speakers fit within the long hood including
the baffle box and sit behind the motor. This should allow the sound to emit from the
grills on the side of the long hood. Other brands will fit as well. We are currently
working with others to arrange the correct sound files to enable us to have sound
decoders available off the shelf.
February 2015
(continued on page 24)
(continued on page 24)
24
(continued from page 23)
What sort of decoder should I use?
Whichever decoder you are most comfortable with. There is enough space inside the
shell to allow for pretty much any decoder to fit comfortably. So long as they are the
standard 8 pin plug, they will work with these models. The one thing we should point
out is that we suggest using a 3 or 4 function decoder to enable the number boards to
be illuminated separately as on the prototype.
What is the minimum radius for operating?
The models have been designed to run around an 18 inch (454mm) radius as is
standard throughout the world of model railways as a minimum radius. The preproduction samples were tested for eleven days straight on a 17 inch radius without
problem (that’s over 260 hours of continual running without issue!).
What coupler height comes fitted to the locomotives?
The narrow gauge locomotives come fitted with the correct lowered coupler height for
12mm gauge whilst the standard gauge models come fitted with the standard gauge
coupler height. This can be changed on either model if required by simply swapping
the coupler pocket for the spare pocket within the pack.
If your model arrives without the spare coupler pockets and you require them, please
phone us and we will happily send them out straight away. Please note, that as with the
wagons, the trip pins on the narrow gauge models may need to be bent up slightly to
ensure they do not foul on your points.
Are there any fiddly parts to watch out for?
Yes. The only real part to keep an eye out for is the sand pipes. These have been made
just as close to the rail as the prototype and may snag on small items close to the rail.
This may cause them to bend down and hit the track. If this occurs, simply push them
back up. They are made from a high quality and highly flexible plastic and are certainly
strong enough to withstand any punishment from people pushing them around. In
short, I have tried to break them and haven’t succeeded. Should the sand pipes ever
fall out or need to be removed for any reason, they are simply pressed into the hole in
the underside of the sand boxes. They are a tight fit, but will hold rather well.
Why did the chicken cross the road?
We are sorry to say that we are not sure. We at Wuiske Models believe that with care,
compassion and understanding, together we CAN create a world where the motives of
those in the poultry world are not questioned on a daily basis. Come on guys, together
we can end this form of motivational questioning.
February 2015
(continued on page 25)
(continued from page 24)
25
How many versions are available?
There are eight different running numbers available in three different versions. There
are three numbers of Original High Nose Blue 1550s, these are 1559, 1565 and 1573.
There are two numbers of Driver Only (low nose) in blue, 1558D and 1570D. Lastly
there are three numbers offered for the Driver Only (low nose) in the Corporate
(broncos) livery, 1557D, 1572H and 1574H.
What is the H for on 1572H and 1574H?
The H suffix after the number on these locos indicates that these locomotives were
still fitted with two driving stations inside the cab despite being fitted with a driver only
nose. This was primarily for the Home Hill sugar traffic as locomotives on this run
could not be turned. These locomotives however ended up all over the state.
What’s with the named loco?
1565 was the only member of the 1550
class to be named. The model comes with
two pairs of etched brass name plates that
can easily be fitted by the modeller
depending on which name they would like.
When originally fitted with its name plates
1565 was named A.G.Lee, this was fairly
quickly changed to ALVA G. LEE as the
retiring commissioner for railways hated his
name being abbreviated.
How do I pull this model apart?
Um… Don’t. But if you absolutely must, then simply undo the screw located at each
end of the fuel tank to remove the shell. This will enable you all the access required to
fit the decoder or sound decoder of your choice.
I think that should about cover the main questions we have received thus far.
If you have any others, please feel free to phone us or email us and we will respond as
soon as we can. Emails tend to take a little longer due to the actual volume of emails
received though.
On behalf of Jade, Kieren and Anita, Rob and Coral and I.... yadda, yadda,
yadda, you know how this bit goes. So...
On behalf of ME! I, Adam Wuiske would like to thank each and every one of
you who have supported us over the last 12 years and allowed us to achieve what has
been a personal dream of mine since I was a teenager.
Together we have grown the Queensland market to a point where people
from around the world are modelling that quirky narrow gauge railway that is (let’s
face it) just better and more interesting than pretty much any other system on the
planet.
My personal dream for nearly 30 years has been to be able to model the
railway system I see around me and have grown up watching. And now I am one BIG
step closer to being able to achieve this. My Personal dream/passion/drive (any of
those really) over the last decade and a bit has been to do my bit to help make
modelling the railways of Queensland affordable and available to EVERYONE.
I am VERY proud to say that we are now one BIG step closer to achieving this
also. As a result I would like to thank you all for making this happen and
pushing us to achieving the biggest task we have ever undertaken.
February 2015
26
It looks as though the wooden waggon way they have dug up on the site of the old Neptune
Shipyard on the Tyne is possibly the oldest standard gauge track yet discovered; it’s not just a
few yards coming out of a mine, but part of a full system.
Problem is, its
apparently in the way
of development and
has to be removed.
The excavation is at
N e p t u n e Ya r d i n
Walker, just south of
the former Swan
Hunter shipyard,
where we've
uncovered the wellreserved remains of
an 18th century
wooden wagon way,
complete with rails,
sleepers, an integral
horse track and other
features. Its unique
and pretty spectacular
stuff (for those interested in industrial archaeology or the north-east’s coal-mining past). Les
Turnbull, author of 'Railways Before George Stephenson’, is advising on the interpretation and
significance of the remains which, we believe, are of national significance.
Although they cannot be
preserved in situ, many of
the timbers are, however, in
reasonably good condition
and could probably be
preserved if dismantled with
care.
One of the more significant
points about this waggon
way is that it was one of the
first to use the standard 4ft 8
inch gauge - Stephenson
used the same gauge when
he joined the later
Killingworth waggon way to
this earlier line.
This means that the excavated remains are the oldest surviving tracks in the
world exhibiting standard gauge.
February 2015
Ways to Stop a Train
27
We have all seen ways to stop a train,
buffer stops, boulders on the track
(see page 29), stalled vehicles ‘or’
plain stupidity.
The method shown at the left is
rather unusual in that unless the
train is a monorail, there’s really
not much chance of one safely
running through.
The method below could have
misgivings and be a very squishy
way of stopping a train, if there is a
driver with no conscience - errrk!
Maybe that’s why they are laying on
a siding, better chance of survival.
February 2015
28
Text Ted Freeman - photos Michael Freeman
Some more of the
modelling in On30 by
Jim Boyde.
ABOVE: Three disconnect
log trucks.
LEFT: An unusual 4 wheel
log wagon.
RIGHT: A large section of tree
on a special wagon.
LEFT: Disconnect log
trucks with a log secured
to them.
February 2015
29
Brian J. Hadley
February 2015
30
Geoff Burns
Goods shed surrounds
I've enjoyed the scenery work
of late. So thought it about
time to locate the Goods Shed
base in its location. I've built
the shed in two parts, sort of.
What I mean is that the base is
separate from the walls so that
the interior can be modelled as
well and especially to ease the
pain of painting.
So armed with the base of the
shed I mixed up some
sculptamold to form the base
around the shed. I slopped on
the mix making sure not to get
it in the area of the four corner posts. I built the shed with four posts in the corners
exactly the same size, and the rest were 2mm shorter. I did this to take into account
my poor cutting skills. I thought it a lot easier to site a building on four posts and mask
the shorter posts with groundwork, rather than sanding a bit off this one, then that
one...you get the idea.
I marked the location of the four corner posts and then formed the base around them.
I pressed the base into the damp sculptamold leaving an impression in it of where all
the posts would be located.
After it had cured it was out with the paint as a base coat, then gravel for the area of
unloading, and access road along the side of the line. I used more of the Chucks QLD
river sand for this, it has a nice even tone about it and the grains are fairly fine. I
normally put down the watered down PVA first then sprinkle the 'gravel over it so that
it soaks up the glue. Then if I need to add more gravel then I can put more glue on top
of what is already laid and it soaks through just fine.
All this work on gravel had me looking at the ballast on the front module. Time to
make some progress here. The gravel is a mix of chucks N scale, ash (that's been
ground down in my handy dandy Target $15 mortar and pestle, a little too coarse in its
purchased state), and some pale coloured soil that I grabbed from a roadworks site
some years ago now. I don't do anything too complex, just add a bit of this and that,
however I do normally add a 50/50 mix of ballast and the soil mixed together rather
than ballast on its own. So down with the gravel/soil/ash and flatten it out and move it
about with a ½ inch paint brush. Wet the lot down with a spray of 'wet' water then glue
it down with white glue mix.
I want to add a bit more into this scene so there is a side story going on at the same
time as the scenery, that being detail bits. I don't know about you but I think there
would be a fair number of you that have been collecting things 'for that spot on the
layout'.
February 2015
(continued on page 31)
(continued from page 30)
31
You know the old drums, crates,
timber, milk cans, brooms, bicycles,
vehicles, carts, the list goes on.
Anyway I pulled out a fair number the
other day and got some undercoat
on them so that they were one step
closer to being on the layout also.
Evans Gap Water Tank
Stand
The water tank stand has almost
reached the stage of locating it on
the layout. I used basswood for the
stand, 'jarrah' wood stain and some
G/W dark flesh paint to colour it up. I was trying to get the 'red oxide' look about it as
was used everywhere in NSW.
The first photo shows the basswood before the dark flesh paint was applied. The
jarrah woodstain is used so that not so
much paint needs to be applied. See the
fantastic 'jig' I've used in this shot, think I
should patent it!
The second photo has the stand located on
the layout. It also is a little redder as well
with the extra paint now applied. You can
probably see the cling wrap underneath it. I
put down some sculptamold first shaped
roughly to the shape required. Then I
covered it with the cling wrap, placed the
stand on top pressing it down into the
sculptamold so that it was shaped around
the base of the stand.
Off with the plastic and now it's time to wait
for it to cure. Once it is I'll do the same in the
centre, but removing the two horizontal
feet that I put on to site the tank on a flat
surface
February 2015
(continued on page 32)
32
(continued from page 31)
Mock up of Water Tank placement
Now that the ground work is nearly dry I placed the stand and its tank in place to see
how they work. I've finished the cross bracing on the tank stand and added the bolt
detail. Depending on how it settles into the ground area it might get a little more
dirtying up, so we'll see how it goes once the 'snow' has been covered.
The tank is one of the Casula ones, cut down and with some basic bracing put in
place. The inside is still to be painted and 'water' added, and weathering/rusting of
the exterior as well. The bracing does not go to the floor as it will be covered by the
water.
The next shot is just the ground without the
stand to show you the finish up of the
previous post showing the plastic
removed.
Next it's out with the paint and dirt stuff, the
fun part I think. There's also the piping and
access ladder to put in place, but nearly
there!
Oorroo!
Geoff.
February 2015
33
Ben Dunlop
After my bridge building success I decided to have a shot at building a PC1. Again I
choose to use styrene as it is readily available and easy to use. I went with the 15 inch
precast slabs for my first attempt. I want to put a little end to end layout in my shed one
day and loosely base it on the Rand line where all stations are of the PC 1
construction. Most of them had no awnings, but as I said, loosely.
The finished product. The colour scheme
and weathering were mimicked from a
photo of the Milguy PC1 on the Boggabilla
line. The grey is where the blue paint has
chipped off exposing the cement panels.
The rear of the building. I am modelling
them as abandoned/derelict. Hence no
doors and windows.
The rain water tank side of the station.
Once the platform is made I will do the
Legs.
Not perhaps the same standard as
Casula's but I am happy with the outcome.
A shot of the building after paint and prior to
roofing. The shade of blue is a little darker
than I had hoped but weathering will knock
it back.
February 2015
(continued on page 34)
34
(continued from page 33)
One of the failed attempts to chamfer the
wall panels. I glued them in first and waited
for them to dry, then filed the chamfer. Too
slow and fiddly.
Another failed attempt. I glued the panels
in the building then add the chamfer.
Another slow process. The fastest way I
finally worked out was to chamfer the
entire length prior to cutting the individual
panels.
All the wall panels are finally completed.
Front awning has been put on.
Completed unit ready for paint.
February 2015
35
Ken Edge-williams
This is a large scale model built by Townsville Railway Workshops (apprentices I
believe?)
It was used for many
years in festivals on the
Railway Floats in
Townsville. I remember
seeing it when I was a
wee young one. I don't
know what has become of
it but reckon it should be
on display somewhere. A
model built by real QGR
railway builders! It was
aC17, AG?, V and CLV
van
On a Float in Brisbane
No details on this one, early C17,
thought to be live steam.
February 2015
36
John Lebsanft.
Just how wonderfully railways operate. What hope do we have for the future ??????
The loco is going north as a spare for the QR 150 trips.
BB18¼ 1079 worked the QR 150 Train from Brisbane to Cairns, 1089 went by truck
to assist in the festivities.
The BB18¼ class locomotive was a type of 4-6-2 steam locomotive operated by the
Queensland Railways. The locomotives operated on 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) gauge. The
“B”, is used to identify the number of coupled wheels, being six coupled wheels for
the BB18¼ class, followed by numerals indicating the cylinder diameter of 18¼
inches. These new locomotives were classed BB18¼, to distinguish them from their
predecessor the B18¼ class. The BB18¼ design was an improvement on earlier
successful B18¼ incorporating modern appliances. Some modifications to the
original design were suggested by Vulcan Foundry and subsequently adopted. A
number of features, including the mounting of Westinghouse pump on fireman’s
side, stainless steel rather than brass boiler bands, SCOA-P coupled wheels (rather
than having traditional solid spokes the SCOA-P spoke is hollow, with a 'U' shaped
cross section and are considerably lighter than a conventional spoked wheel)
pressed steel sand box and a larger tender giving an increased coal and water
capacity. Engines constructed by Walkers Limited used electricity for the light on the
rear of the tender, for side lamps and to illuminate the motion. All were fitted with
Roller Bearings and chime whistles. The engines were painted green
when introduced.
February 2015
37
Bill Waterhouse
Puffing Billys’s new track machine being a
converted golf cart.
Bottom photo; Five Puffing Billy NA 2-62T tank locomotives strike an impressive
pose.
February 2015
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, unless notified otherwise.
ALL EVENTS SUBJECT TO CONFIRMATION
*Indicates limited access at the Showgrounds*
March
April
2nd, Committee Meeting, McDonald’s Margaret Street,
commencing at 7.30pm, members welcome.
19-20-21, Toowoomba Heritage Royal Show, the DDMRC Inc.
will have the Model Railway Museum & Display Centre open, 9am5pm each day.
6th, Committee Meeting, McDonald’s Margaret Street,
commencing at 7.30pm, members welcome.
My Tool Store
P.O Box 210
Aspley
QLD 4034
Phone: 0411 605 726
We handle the full range of Micro-Mark products, if it is not on our website, we
can get it for you, we place frequent orders with Micro-Mark.
February 2015
39
February 2015
40
February 2015