february 2019 volume 30 no 08 issue 332 a 100% nmra … talk vol 30, issue 332 february no 08-...

February 2019 Volume 30 No 08 Issue 332A 100% NMRA Affiliated Club

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. Oh Dear! (www)7. Teditorial (Teditor)8. On The Footplate 9. BAP (Bob Lampe)12. Inland Rail (Arthur Hayes)13. Museum News (Gary Sardoni)14. QR CC/CCB (Arthur Hayes16. Smaller Flanges17.TWBA Swap Meet (Teditor)20. Railway Pics (Graeme Daniel))22. Wuiskes Wunda World (Adam Wuiske)26. Drayton Harbour News (Gary Sardoni)28. TAM TAM Tokyo (Blake Dellar)30. Modellers Corner (Jurgen Engel)31. Highfields Pioneer Village (Angela Adams)

32. OOPS! (www FOLLOW-UP)33. Teditor’s Tales (Ted Freeman)36. Photo Smorgasbord (Murray Burfitt)37. Taree XPT and Others (Arthur Hayes)38. Railway Timetable38. Never Trust a Train (www)39. Unknown??? (www)40. Backpage Photos (Andy Warren)

ADVERTISER INDEX:3 Southern Rail Models4 Train Pictures5 Wuiske Promotions7 4AK/4WK Toowoomba8 Altitude Motel 39 Wings Over The Downs

Toowoomba Model Railway Club Inc.All correspondence mailed to:

TMRC Inc.PO Box 883

Toowoomba Qld 4350

‘Train Talk’ Volume 30 No 08 (issue #332)February 2019

ABN 32 998 681 418

A 100% NMRA Affiliated Club

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

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ON THE COVER: Yangri Valley SD40-2 4012 (Ex santa Fe) leads two DualTrain ‘Ugly Duckling’ EMD BL-2's on a coal drag on the club’s Byers Junction N Scale layout. SD40-2 by Kato, BL-2's early Lifelike.Photo; Teditor

Email; [email protected]; Toowoomba Model Railway Club

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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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An interesting topic came up recently, costs of postage related to Membership Cards, to mail out one Business Card size Membership Card costs $1.00, this adds up quite quickly, think of the NMRA (Aust) with over 700 to send out, the reason behind bringing up this subject is basically one of “are Membership Cards really necessary” once supplied, does it go in a draw never to be seen again, in your wallet, also never to see daylight again, the cards don’t really benefit you as margins are small enough for Hobby Shops without expecting “CLUB DISCOUNTS”. Have you ever been asked for proof of membership, does it grant you any privileges that you otherwise get. The big question (and replies would be nice from any members of any clubs) - DO WE REALLY NEED A MEMBERSHIP CARD?”. A reply from Ian Venables re last months Train Talk. Thanks for your great stories of trestle climbing. Occasionally, I watched this happening at Mayne Junction yard in Brisbane and it sure looked scary. Even more amazing was to see loaded hoppers being shoved up the ramp by D-16 and D-17 tank engines. They seemed too small to be doing such heaving work. We would often get off our suburban run and catch the next one to take us where we were going just too watch. Dad, who worked in the railways, used the excuse that he felt duty bound as a Railway Ambulance man to make sure a climb went well and that no one was injured. I remember once watching a small tank engine with its loaded hoppers make about half a dozen ‘goes’ before it made the top safely. I can well imagine that the crew were glad to knock off that day. When you think of it, Australia was largely developed by courageous men who did such feats regularly and we are lucky to have their stories to entertain us and fill us with pride of their accomplishments. Thanks for reminding me of those feats Ted. As they re-enter my active mind I can smell the coal, and re-experience the thrills that my nostalgia brings me. Regards, Ian. Ian, when I am putting each issue of Train Talk together, the past always lives on, my time on the NSWGR’s was about the most enjoyable part of my life, I was (and still am) amazed at the things we had to do to make things work, fools don’t survive in the rail industry.

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

Toowoomba Showgrounds 22nd - 30th February 2019February 2019

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Club Shirts: If you wish to obtain a club shirt of the Chambray type, purchase d i r e c t f r o m To t a l l y W o r k w e a r Toowoomba, 1/37 Prescott St. There is a policy at the TMRC Inc. You “MUST HAVE FUN”, say g’day to 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

February 2019

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INTRODUCTIONHere's a bit of history about the BA&P. Locals in Anaconda and Butte call it by pronouncing the three letters B, A, P sometimes saying B, A and P. later I will write a brief description of the other railroads I model. I am still working on the BAP cylindrical hoppers.

THE BUTTE ANACONDA & PACIFIC Railway. The Butte Anaconda & Pacific Railway is a short line railway located in the southwest portion of the US state of Montana between the cities of Butte and Anaconda. The distance between the two cities is only about 24 miles The actual trackage mileage at one time was only about 56 miles. it was owned by the Anaconda Copper Mining Company which was begun in Butte, Montana by Marcus Daly in the late 1800's. Desir ing a less expensive alternative to having his copper ore smelted in Wales he built a copper smelter near the present day city of Anaconda, Montana. With the building of the smelter the city of Anaconda was started. Daly originally wanted to call the town Coperopolis but was informed by the postmaster that you could not have two towns with the same name in a district. Daly threw his arms up in the air and walked out so the postmaster wrote in Anaconda, the name of the company, for the city name. Incidentally the Anaconda Company was named for the Anaconda Mine which Daly owned. That is another story for another time. Before the smelter was completed Daly decided he would need a railroad to haul

the copper ore from Butte so he contacted his friend James J. Hill founder and president of the Great Northern Railroad to build the railroad which Daly named the Butte Anaconda & Pacific. The railroad was originally built as a narrow gauge but was soon widened to standard gauge. The railroad was originally powered by steam locomotives until 1913 when it became the first railroad in America to electrify using a 2400 volt DC system. A fleet of

boxcab electric locomotives were built by General Electric in 1913 to 1915.

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Bob Lampe

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T h e s e ; l o c o m o t i v e s remained in service until 1964 when electric operations ceased. in 1952 and 1953 three General Motors EMD GP-7 locomot i ves were p u r c h a s e d a n d w e r e numbered 101, 102 and 103 they were all black with yellow stripes. These locomotives did not have dynamic brakes. In 1957 four more GM EMD locomotives were purchased. these were GP-9 locomotives and were equipped with dynamic brakes and were numbered 104 to 107 and the new

black and yellow paint was introduced and the original GP-7 locomotives were painted to match. Also in 1957 The railroad purchased two 125 ton electric locomotives from General Electric these locomotives were numbered 201 and 202 and were the only two ever built and were painted similar to the diesels. in 1967 electric operations were ceased and all of the electric locomotives were stored. The overhead wire was removed in 1969

and the railroad became totally d i e s e l i s e d O n e b o x c a b number 47 was placed on display at the World Museum of Mining in Butte, Montana while all the others were scrapped. Currently #47 is on display at the Anselmo mine yard in Butte, Montana. 201 and 202 were sold for parts and were eventually scrapped after the purchasing railroad took what parts they wanted. The BAP was only a 2400 volt system while most other railroads such as neighbouring railroad the Milwaukee Road were at least 3000 volts. Purchasing all those locomotives and converting to 3000 volts would have been cost prohibitive. The final locomotives purchased by the original Butte Anaconda & Pacific were mad in 1978 and 1979 were two EMD GP38-2 locomotives numbered 108 and 109.

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In 1980 the A n a c o n d a Copper mining Company closed and the railroad was purchased b y s o m e investors and r e n a m e d t h e Rarus Railroad i n 1 9 8 5 t h e movie Runaway train was filmed on the railroad and later the two G P 3 8 - 2 l o c o m o t i v e s were sold to the Alaska railroad. In May 2007 The Rarus railway was purchased by Patriot Rail and in July of 2007 Patriot rail announced that the name of the railroad would be restored to Butte Anaconda & Pacific. The railroad is still in operation and has interchanges with BNSF at Butte, Rocker and Silver Bow, Montana and with Union Pacific at the same locations.

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Expressions of interest called for Inland Rail PPPWritten by Mark Carter

AUSTRALIAN Rail Track Corporation has invited Expressions of Interest (EOI) for a public-private partnership (PPP) to design, build, finance and maintain the Gowrie – Kagaru (Queensland) section of the Melbourne – Brisbane Inland Rail project. The section is the most technically complex of the Inland Rail project and includes a 6.5km tunnel through the Toowoomba Range, capable of accommodating double-stack intermodal trains, and around 130km of new dual-gauge track (standard and 1067mm) traversing Toowoomba, the Lockyer Valley, Ipswich and the Scenic Rim. The section was identified by the Australian government as requiring private sector support in its May 2017 $8.4bn financial commitment to Inland Rail. Inland Rail CEO Mr Richard Wankmuller says he is expecting a strong field to express an interest in the PPP. “We are at an excit ing stage marking the commencement of the formal procurement process for this major component of the Inland Rail project,” Wankmuller says. “This is an important step which facilitates shortlisting of parties for the issuing of the PPP Request for Proposal, scheduled for later this year.” In late 2018, ARTC undertook a Registration of Interest (ROI) process to identify organisations interested in delivering the PPP project. A market-sounding exercise was also undertaken as part of the ROI to gain industry feedback on key commercial and technical issues associated with the delivery of the PPP. Wankmuller says the launch of the PPP EOI again sent a message to the market that work on the Inland Rail project is progressing. A request for proposal is expected to be released later this year once the Australian and Queensland governments have finalised a bilateral agreement for the implementation of Inland Rail.

Arthur Hayes

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I don't expect that I will be writing regular reports about the Museum at the clubhouse for "Train Talk", however, as I did a bit of work on it over the last few weeks, I would be grateful for some constructive feedback about what I have done and suggestions for improvements, as I have (hopefully not foolishly) accepted the role of museum co-ordinator. I raised the subject of the museum at the most recent committee meeting, and requested that the committee members have a look at the museum in its present state, and provide feedback. This request also applies to all club members, hence this brief article. At the committee meeting we firstly discussed the purpose of the museum, which needed to be established before being able to evaluate it. We established that its goals are to provide displays and information about the history of model trains from the start of the hobby up until the beginning of the DCC era. The intention is for the displays to be useful and informative for the general public, who know next to nothing about model trains as well as providing something of interest for model train enthusiasts. These stimulus questions below were provided for the committee and are included here for everyone's information, so feel free to refer to them or ignore them depending on your preference. The important thing is to have a look at the museum and let me know what you think. Your constructive feedback in any form, either electronic (to Ted as secretary), or on paper (to me or any other committee member), or verbally to me directly, would be greatly appreciated.

TMRC: Possible Museum Stimulus Questions Does the layout of the museum provide the opportunity for its goals to be met?

To what extent does the museum meet/not meet its goals?

What things should be done to make the museum meet its goals more effectively than at present?

What aspects of the museum are good/effective (and should be maintained and expanded upon)?

From an aspirational perspective, what could be improved (assuming availability of objects to display and energy and enthusiasm of personnel to organise things)?

As a club, what strategic decisions (if any) need to be taken about the development and maintenance of the museum?

What other issues, about the museum, not raised in the questions above, need to be addressed?

ALL REPLIES/SUGGESTIONS WELCOME

by Gary Sardoni

February 2019

Some time back I was going through my Model Railway cupboards/draws itemising kits / rollingstock to form an inventory of my gear. Recently a model railway friend passed away unexpected leaving his wife dumfounded what to do with his railway stuff. Plus, some guys rocked up to collect items that they claimed had been promised to them. Mates ????? I came across a plastic bag which contain various part of a “Caintode Flats” CCB wagon kit. The kit was not complete, I think someone had given it to me. I already have a CCB guard’s van on the layout and don’t require two for such a small layout. I did toss it about making it into a trackside workers hut, but the kit is too good for that. After a bit more consideration I decided I would make a CC wagon by cutting off the guard’s lookout and replacing it with scribed styrene. Checking a few plans, I found out that the end door had been moved inwards to fit the guard’s lookout in, “Bugger”, Guard’s must of have had big backside in the early days. QR plans call them Convertible Goods Wagons. John Armstrong book “Wooden

Wagons of the Queensland Rai lways 1880 – 1980” covers both CC and CCB wagons. In short both were 26’ (5 doors) and 32’ (6 doors) CC wagons that ran on the network. In holiday periods, seats were added they were used to carry passengers. All up about 80 wagons made up t h e C C c l a s s . O n l y 2 remained by 1940 which

stuck around to 1958. Commissioner’s Report 30th of June1960 showed the class, but no wagons in service. CCB vans were converted from CC wagons, both styles were used with about 28 being converted to vans. Commissioner’s Report 30th June 1960 showed 10 still in service. The instructions for the CCB kit refers to John’s book “Locomotives in the Tropics” Vol. 1 (Rev 1.) page 63. The photos shows a CCB at Cairns in 1965, the van even had electric lights and small passenger type bogies. I recalled taking a photo of a CC wagon in Kuranda in 1979, it was being used as a camp wagon. I guess it was shown in the Commissioner’s Reports as a service wagon. On the same trip to Cairns I walked the Townsville yard and photograph camp wagon CW 8 just out of the paint shop. This wagon showed all the haul marks as being converted from a CC wagon.

Arthur Hayes of Westgate

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Plans suggest CW 8 was in a family of 5, CW 7 to CW 11. Back to the kit, I liked the look of the open timbers on the end as in the kit, plus I liked some of the features on both wagons I was in 79. Given “Westgate” is a freelance layout, the kit was made up to reflect a “Westgate Workshops” conversion of a CCB wagon into a Camp Wagon and reclassed CC. Who knows, it may have happed. ?????? Not sure if I would of enjoyed travelling in one as a passenger or living in one on the job away from home. All I can say is they must of been tuff in them days.

Currently the “CC” Camp Wagon is part of a Bridge Gang moving camp. FG with portable shower, dummy, water tank, tool boxes, fuel etc. The “A” wagon for equipment/tools etc., one “S” wagon has a bondwood hut, and the second “S” wagon is carrying bridge girders. I guess I should have another wagon loaded with a section car and flat tops etc.


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Need smaller flanges to operate on smaller code rail, here is a way that will achieve the objective if approached sensibly.

There is no need to take apart anything to turn down the flanges on a locomotive,. In fact, a working locomotive is the key to doing the job.

To turn down the wheels you need-2 Flat Files preferably Fine. Jeweller's files are good. They just have to be wide enough to rest the locomotives wheels on.1 DC/DCC power pack2 WiresA flat surfaceTapeLocomotives

The process- Attach a wire to the metal part of a file, do this for each. Place the files next to each other on the flat surface. Each file should be able to support one side of the locomotive's wheels. Use the tape to insulate the files from each other if needed. It can be used to secure the files to the surfaceAttach the free ends of the wires to the track (throttle) (DC) terminals, Plug in the power pack and test the throttle. Make sure there aren't any shorts.

That's the prep, now the actual turning- Place the locomotive on the files, making sure that each side's wheels rest on one fileUse one hand to guide the locomotive.

DO NOT APPLY ANY PRESSURE! Slowly advance the throttle, slower is better. If the wheels turn too fast you can remove too much material. After three seconds remove the locomotive and test on the Code 55 track to see how it runs. Return the loco to the powered files if needed. DO NOT PRESS on the locos while turning the wheels.

ONLY PLACE THE LOCO ON THE FILES FOR A COUNT OF THREE SECONDS! Repeat until flanges clear the spike heads, no more. The files quickly will remove the excess flange. You only need to do this, if your locos are hitting the spike heads. Taller flanges are functional and the train will ride the rails better.

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The Toowoomba Swap Meet was held on the first weekend of February (this is NOT a model train swap meet), it is one of the largest Automotive Swap Meets in Australia

with thousands of vendors plying their trades from New, Second Hand, Pre-Loved to downright junk (someones treasure!).

As we were open from 9am to 5pm Saturday and knowing the atrocious traffic conditions with altered streets and entry areas, several members decided to camp in the clubrooms.

Of course under these harsh conditions, arrangements need to be made to feed the hungry hordes, this was aided by Angela and Benjamin, with Angela cooking up tasty treats including Train Cakes and Benjamin handling the cooking chores, a minor financial contribution was requested from members wishing to dine on the arranged cuisine.

Saturday night saw us dining with the Glenvale Scout Group (our Expo Exhibitor ca te re rs ) , where a s u c c u l e n t s a v o u r y mince was dished up and eaten Al Fresco s t y l e i n t h e g r e a t outdoors.

See No Evil, Speak No Evil and Hear No Evil were contemplat ing second servings, plenty to be had.


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Dray ton Ha rbou r received plenty of attention as can be seen with careful s t u d y a n d cons iderable ta lk sessions taking place ironing out a few p r o b l e m s a n d i n general everyone having fun.

A run around Drayton Harbour can take a considerable time at scale speeds with Bill W a t e r h o u s e favouring a top speed of 30smph (Scale

Miles Per Hour) for his personal locomotives, still very much a plywood central, the railroad is beginning to see scenery aspects take shape.

Jamestown was showing off some altered track arrangements that Gary Sardoni and Benjamin Martin have been putting a lot of effort into along with a branch terminal with platform and runaround track.

The layout is very British themed now and showcases the smaller British locomotives well with its subdued Branchline flavour.



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Of course the rest of the layouts were in full swing and the N scale Buyers Junction saw Big Time Southern pacific steam in the form of 4279 Cab Forward and the Sponsor train led by AC4400 5522.

Although not the biggest money spinner for our club, the event is worthwhile as we

can promote the hobby in general as well as the 2019 Toowoomba Model Trains & Hobby Expo.

Many thanks to the members that participated in running the layouts and generally conversing with the visitors and a special thanks to Angela and Benjamin for the efforts in keeping us fed.

A list of actual announcements that London Tube train drivers have made to their passengers...

'Ladies and gentlemen, we apologize for the delay, but there is a security alert at Victoria station and we are therefore stuck here for the foreseeable future, so let's take our minds off it and pass some time together. All together now.... 'Ten green bottles, hanging on a wall......'.'

'We are now travelling through Baker Street ... As you can see, Baker Street is closed. It would have been nice if they had actually told me, so I could tell you earlier, but no, they don't think about things like that'.

'Beggars are operating on this train. Please do NOT encourage these professional beggars. If you have any spare change, please give it to a registered charity. Failing that, give it to me.'

During an extremely hot rush hour on the Central Line, the driver announced in a West Indian drawl: 'Step right this way for the sauna, ladies and gentleman... unfortunately, towels are not provided.'


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Further photos from Steamrail 2018 by Graeme Daniel.

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Well it’s that time of the year once more when we all finally get a chance to take a break and do some work on our hobby… Only to find that all the suppliers and shops we want to make emergency purchases of decals and glue from are shut! And why are they all shut might we ask? All so that the proprietors can claim that they have one of those new fangled “life” things I keep reading about. That’s right it’s time once more for that morbidly obese North Polian to hang up his gloves on his normal job as a

sacrificial animal breeder and don his infamously red pajamas and jack boots so that he may, once again, haul his increasingly girthsome posterior into a sleigh. If only to be led around this mildly noteworthy planet of ours by 8 out of breath escapees from the venison farm. In other words, it’s Christmas time once again. And we all know what

that means… It means that the wondrous and only mildly egotistical leader of the

W u i s k e M o d e l s w o r k house can t a k e a b r e a t h e r f r o m yelling and screaming a t t h e urchins in the Wuiske Models work house and relax, take stock and yell and scream at his layout for a week or so.After recent events here at the Wuiske Asylum, we’ve decided to make some changes on the Wuiske Models layout. We’re backdating it!

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So with a new modelling period of about 1991, we can now run original 1720s, high nose 2400s and 2470 etc. Not to mention REAL TRAINS! Back when QR still acted like a railway and hauled “things”, train loads of “things” actually. All done with a myriad of wagons with 78,000 different classes and bogie types… Ahhhhh this should be fun.

We recently had a visit to Planet Jandowae from Stephen Colclough (formerly of 3 Foot 6 Models fame), we were led to believe that he was going to show us “something we would like”. Obviously, we were cautious.

S u r p r i s i n g l y e n o u g h , t h e “surprise” from Stephen was actually a REALLY good surprise. He had brought with him a shiny new DCC control system to show off to us. Being that the new

system was in a black box, we knew it must be good!Within a few minutes, Stephen had set up a little demonst ra t ion o f the Digikeijs DR5000 and we

were impressed… So much so that we ended up buying the system from Stephen there and then! In theory, it seems that the new Digikeijs system will allow us to put occupancy detection, signal control and all the other bells and whistles without me needing to learn to much complex electro-gizmo-thingy-stuff (what? it’s a word alright).

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As well as allowing for simple add on bits and pieces, it seems that the Digikeijs is actually compatible with ALL the major DCC suppliers and even has wifi. As a result of this, we can continue using our Lenz LH100 controllers as well as the Roco Lokmaus wireless controllers. In fact, the only system it’s not compatible with is NCE, but this is simply b e c a u s e a l l t h e i r i t e m s a r e propitiatory, trademarked, tissue typed and just don’t like to play with anyone else.

All of these points, coupled with the fact that it’s half the price of the others had me sold. So all that remains now is for me to become a youtube junkie (again) and learn all I can about setting this little piece of techy stuff up.

On the personal front, it would seem that Bridget and I have managed to side step the Australian Gumbyments laws about the proliferation Wuiske’s and we’re proud to announce that she is “with child” (not me this time, but an actual small human).


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It looks like the soon to be urchin shall be a boy, which makes us all VERY happy to say the very least. Bridget has been in full swing of using her lumpy condition to her advantage and cries of “for I am with child” have been heard all over Planet Jandowae when hefty tasks (such as lifting a postage stamp) are required.

On behalf of Bridget and myself, we would like to thank you all for your support and congratulatory wishes since

we announced this news on faceplant a few weeks ago.

As we’ve reached the end of the year, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your continued support over the last year. 2018 has been, genuinely one of the happiest of my life and we have MANY plans for new things (some of which are VERY big) in the not to distant future.

So from all of us here at the Wuiske Asylum, thank you and we hope you have a VERY merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year

Now, I’ve got work to do on the layout… We shall see how we go.


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Work on the Drayton Harbour station precinct continues slowly but steadily. Since the last report on this part of the layout, all the platforms have been constructed and the steps from the station entrance and main building to the platforms have been done. Reminder: suggestions for the station name can still be made. The platforms are very long, as per a main line station handling prototypical length trains. This created some issues with the design, and now that the platforms are in place, some unanticipated problems have arisen. A contributing factor to these issues and problems was my decision to make all the fixtures removable. If everything was glued down permanently, these problems would have been significantly reduced, but instead, other longer-term problems would have happened eventually.

The basic problems with gluing the platforms in place permanently relate to cleaning and damage. The clubhouse, being a largely unlined shed, is a dusty environment. Experience has shown that the only way to clean card buildings in the clubhouse properly is to remove them, take them outside and brush off all the dust and dirt out there. Trying to dust and clean them inside just spreads the dirt and dust. Using a vacuum cleaner would help, but it can't get into all the corners, and there's more chance of damaging something in the process. So, having the buildings removable, including the platforms, was/is the way to go.

by Gary Sardoni


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The problems that this decision has created are related to warping and expansion. Each platform is made of 4 or 5 sections which butt up to each other end to end. Slight uneven warping in the platform deck is obvious where one section butts up to the next. Expansion is another problem, and one that I had not anticipated. In the middle of summer (especially a long hot summer) the shed gets really hot and while Brent's speeding ticket cardboard backs make for strong platform decks, the card expands significantly. I have consistently pushed the platform sections up against each other on leaving the clubhouse, only to return a few days later to find obvious gaps between them, as they had expanded and then contracted in the meantime. I do have a couple of potential fixes to try. The first one involves using velcro underneath the platforms to hold them down in place. The theory is that the velcro will have a bit of 'give' to also handle the expansion and contraction. Time will tell with this as I will need to experiment. Another problem I found was that due to the heat of summer, the paper surface on

the platforms had became unstuck from the card underneath. Scalescenes recommend tha t f o r glueing large surfaces, the humble gluestick is the best option, as it is easy to get a nice smooth surface. However, this didn't work on "Drayton H a r b o u r " . I h a d t o carefully cut away much of the paper (along a join line) to get underneath it to get some pva glue in there to glue it down again. This seems to have worked, although it took a

bit of work to get a smooth platform surface again. Just the slightest amount of excess pva caught underneath the paper leaves an obvious bump, so it has to be squeezed out to the edge before it dries. As the accompanying pictures show, the steps down to the platforms are in place. These are the only part of the project that are not "Scalescenes". I found a plastic pedestrian walkway overbridge (US prototype I think), and carefully cut the steps (which I wanted) away from the horizontal overhead walkway (which I didn't want). A bit of rearrangement of the railings at the top of the steps was also needed to complete the 'bodge' as was the construction of a few card steps at the bottom of each stairway, as the steps on their own didn't quite have the height needed. The structures were painted and set in place, but as per everything else on the station, removable when needed. The result is not perfect, but I can live with it. I have also made a start on the next part of the project; building the first of the island platform buildings. Hopefully this will have progressed further by next month.

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Blake Dellar


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February 2019

Jurgen Engal

The WAGR A/AA/AB classes are classes of diesel locomotives built by Clyde Engineering, Granville, New South Wales, Australia, for the Western Australian Government Railways (WAGR) between 1960 and 1969. O Scale Model by Jurgen Engel.

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February 2019

Angela Adams

Preserved Railway Station and Surrounds

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February 2019

WWW Follow-up from last month

February 2019

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Ted Freeman


The 48 class Alco diesel locomotives on the NSWGR’s were (and still are) an important part of the motive power pool, known affectionately as half a locomotive due to their meagre horsepower rating of around nine hundred from their inline six cylinder diesel engine, these locomotives were virtually unstoppable, their 900hp going into six traction motors designed for much more powerful locomotives (ie; 44 class). The South Coast line to Bomaderry was an early stronghold for these

locomotives, their low axle loadings, and small physical size allowed them to venture anywhere on the lines and if more power was needed, just multiple unit two, three or more and tailor the locomotive to what you needed whilst still keeping the low axle loading. I can still remember one of the tactic’s needed to run the South Coast all stoppers to the timetable, jobs originally held down by the P class 4-6-0’s, or 32’s as they were numbered. After stopping at a station, the driver would anticipate the right-o-way, and open up the throttle of the loco to eight notch, slow to load up, the loco would start to belch black smoke, the right-o-way would be given, brakes released, and kicking and bucking like a wild bronco, the 48 would slowly find its feet and get underway, a bit of sand would help eliminate any likelihood of wheel-slip (not that there was a real big chance of that happening). These

remarkable locomotives would take this treatment in their stride, day in and day out.

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Because of the low horsepower available (by usual mainline standards), a driver would have to anticipate hills much more vigilantly than if the engine was a 44 class or such with around double the horses. This could lead to another interesting event, collecting a staff. The station name eludes me, but just out of Wollongong, after the Port Kembla line deviated, the line to Bomaderry became staff and ticket single line working. A staff was (rarely is these days) a metal tube with circular rings around it at various spacings, there were miniature staffs (secured in a bamboo/leather hoop) and the standard size staff. In general, the miniature staff in the hoop was easier to exchange, the fireman/observer (usually) would take position behind the driver outside the cabin door and brace himself against the short railing. At this particular station, only the p ick -up o f a s ta f f was requ i red , straightforward enough, and no problem

with a passenger train, because you were stopped. But with a full load on a goods train or milk train, most drivers would get a run-up for the grade that begun just beyond the platforms end. I full remember one day as I stepped out onto my perilous perch, the 48’s exhaust crackling behind my head with a pawl of black smoke streaming skyward - terror - I can’t do this, I said to the driver, it’s too @#$%^&* fast. With the throttle still in eighth notch and momentum building up, the driver ushered me out of the way and took position in readiness to collect the staff. With his arm outstretched, the hoop went over his arm in a beautifully executed catch, both the speed, and hence force, of the manoeuver, flung him around and the staff could be heard plain as day above the cacophony of the roaring diesel - kawump! As it struck the side of the locomotives long hood.

February 2019


Stepping back into the cab, see - nuthin’ to it! He shakingly stated, I don’t know what the actual speed was, but it sure as hell felt like a hundred miles per hour, whatever it was, I never faced quite the same pace to pick up the staff at that station with that driver again! One Easter Weekend, I worked the milk train from Sydney to Bomaderry, power on this occasion being one of the more powerful 44 class diesel locomotives with quite a bit more horsepower at hand. Being Easter, several additional passenger trains had been scheduled to the South Coast as all along the route was beautiful beaches and the end of the line at Bomaderry was a real tourist attraction. Having started sometime after midnight on the Friday, our arrival in Bomaderry was relatively early in the morning, we had pulled into the station and were receiving instructions from the guard as to our shunting moves. The guard, on my side of the loco related the moves required, stating that when we pulled forward onto the old wooden trestle in readiness to set-back to the dairy, be careful - as due to the Easter extra’s, there were a couple of trainsets stored on the other side. I turned to repeat the instructions to the driver, but he was right behind me - did you get all that, I quipped? Yep! No problem - and away we went. We were on the No 2 end of the Alco and visibility couldn't have been better, except we were both looking back for the guard as we stepped out onto the creaking old timber trestle. I looked around to check our position and noticed the driver with his head out the window intently watching the guards signals, then they caught my eye - just off the bridge, the old wooden car set loomed up, I summonsed the drivers attention, but it was too late, with the brakes in emergency, the 100+ tonne locomotive pushed by several milk vans careered into the end of the carriage and commenced to manufacture matchsticks. It wasn’t the all-mightiest crash in the world, and as far as the 44 class was concerned, it was just a love tap - the old wooden coach on the other hand looked like Mohamed Ali had taken to it! Did you forget about the carriages I asked of the driver, “I didn’t know anything about them, he replied!”, But! But! I stuttered back!

The inquiry found me at fault because I h a d n ’ t re layed the message to t h e d r i v e r word for word, h is - OK! - m e a n t nothing.

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Murray Burfitt

February 2019

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February 2019

Arthur Hayes

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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

February 1st Social Night, activities of your own choice, Start 6.30pm 2nd/3rd Toowoomba Swap Meet 4th Committee Meeting. McDonald’s Margaret Street, 7.30pm. 6th Running Day, all layouts proposed to be available for running.

March 1st Social Night, activities of your own choice, Start 6.30pm 4th Committee Meeting. McDonald’s Margaret Street, 7.30pm. 6th Running Day, all layouts proposed to be available for running. 9th Clifton Historical Society QLD Rail 150th Anniversary. 28-29-30 Toowoomba Heritage Royal Show* * April 1st Committee Meeting. McDonald’s Margaret Street, 7.30pm. 3rd Running Day, all layouts proposed to be available for running. 5th Social Night, activities of your own choice, Start 6.30pm 6th Running Day, all layouts proposed to be available for running. 29th Committee Meeting. McDonald’s Margaret Street, 7.30pm.

February 2019

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February 2019

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February 2019

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Andy Warren

february 2019 volume 30 no 08 issue 332 a 100% nmra … talk vol 30, issue 332 february no 08-...

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