G scale news from around New Zealand December 2011 · We will round the day out with a meal just...

- G scale news from around New Zealand -

December 2011

Karl Arnesen’s Mikado leads a train out of the Mt Catt tunnel and around the fishpond on his Mt Catt and Jessie Falls Railroad in Christchurch. This spectacular garden railway is one of the layouts being visited

during the NZ Garden Railway convention in January 2012. Photo: Glen Anthony.

Karl had his Fortuna Flyer out for a run. As you probably know its driven by a big fan on the back, (and no brake to stop it in a hurry!). While Karl’s railroad might look flat, there are actually some deceptively steep grades on it. This required good control to get the required run up to make it to the summit, and then shut off power early enough to slow down for a safe speed descent. It took a couple of laps to get the hang of it, with some spectacular derailments in the process, which I guess is half the fun of it. Chris Greer brought along a track clearing wagon he had built (photo next page). The basis of it was a kit he purchased off the internet. It comes with the rotary brush, motor, mounting bracket, pulleys and drive belt . Chris mounted it on the end of a wagon and used a cab and tanks from an old Bachmann ‘Lyn’ tank loco to create a track maintenance car. The battery to run the motor is stored in the tank. Chris added a piece of brass above the rotating brush to act as a mud-guard and stop water being splashed up on to

The Garden Whistle - December 2011

Mt Catt & Jessie Falls Railroad

Text by Glen Anthony (Christchurch) Photos by John Lammiman & Glen Anthony. What a stunning day it was for the running afternoon at Karl Arnesen’s Railroad in Christchurch. The day was nice and warm without being too hot. Let’s hope this was an indication of what summer has waiting for us. There was a good turnout of people and range of interesting trains.

Trains lined up at the township of Jessie Falls.

The fan driven Fortuna Flyer speeds past.


the motor. The brushes turned at high speed and were very good at clearing leaves and obstacles off the track. Chris’s other item, which can also be seen behind in the photo, was a video transmission camera. This was another internet purchase for around $30, and transmits a signal which can be viewed on a television set inside the house. A great way to watch you trains if the day is too hot outside. Graeme Wood’s brought along a couple of loco tenders he made for his Aristo 0-4-0’s. He used some trays from a storage system, which were a perfect size for the loco’s. He just had to add some wheels and couplings underneath and coal for the inside. We were all thinking of Brain Alison, as the area he lives in had been declared red zone during the week. All houses will now be demolished. Brain reports that he is having a new house built in Northwood, but is unsure about a garden railway at this stage. Karls railroad will be on the layout tours for the Garden Railway convention in January. More details elsewhere in this issue.

Chris Greer’s track clearing wagon and video transmitting wagon

Graeme Wood’s train crosses one of the arch viaducts

Graeme Moar’s Mallet on timber hauling duties climbs through the Mountain Pass

we will lightly trim to maintain size. Also the Isotoma has done well as a ground covering plant smothered in tiny blue flowers all spring. We water the ground covers regularly to keep them lush and green, particularly over the rockery area. The only other change was a replacement LGB MTS digital controller. Even though the original was protected by a box this was not enough to keep out the elements over a long period of time. The electrics suffered a meltdown requiring an urgent import from the USA. We have learnt our lesson and now bring everything inside after each session.

We ran our own and members trains and were pleasantly surprised how even Ken MacDiarmid 's huge "Red Camel" diesel and 3 Harzer (HSB) railway coaches each over 400mm long, coped with our LGB R1 curves. Ken showed us that even though the coaches looked similar one was made in China, and subsequently much cheaper, another in Hungary and the 3rd was LGB. However, it was mentioned by the "live steamers" in our group that we would need to broaden our curves to accommodate their trains - maybe next year?


Tim & Rosemary Auld’s Railway

Text by Tim Auld (Auckland) Photos by David Graham & Ingrid Booth(Auckland) Sunday 13th turned out to be our best G scale event in Kumeu to date ! Usually held in the wet winter months the sunny spring day drew members from far and wide. The layout has remained basically unchanged since last year although the plantings have matured well. Of particular note are 13 dwarf spruce - Picea albertiana conica , which

some magnificent locos in his shelves that I’ve never seen run, so I expect a number of people will be looking forward to it. We will round the day out with a meal just over the road at the Tinwald Tavern, then travel back to Christchurch. Day two will encompass another four railways, starting with Karl Arnesen’s Mt Catt and Jessie Falls. We will be travelling up into the “red zone” at Brooklands which the earthquake commission has determined will be totally bulldozed, for what could be the last running on Brain Alison’s railway. Then we move further north to Kaipaoi and on to Neil Wiggins who has just completed the ‘mountain line’. Again I’m sure there will be some eager to see this too! Its going to be a great time! So if you are still thinking about coming, its time to get you’re A in G and finalise your plans quickly! Registrations need to be in by 10 January. (we will be away on holiday for two weeks after this and may be unable to respond to email) For more info see the back page or email: [email protected]


Its now less than 8 weeks to the convention, and with a chunk of that time taken up by Christmas and New Year celebrations, its going to come around faster than you think. Its going to be a great weekend. Here is whats lined up: We will be starting out by meeting at Don’s work at 118 Wordsworth Street, Sydenham just prior to 9am. The club layout will be there and we may use it if the weather is not co-operating. But as it is summer, hopefully it will be a nice day, and we can get straight onto the best part, visiting some great garden railways. Clinics will be intermingled with the layouts tours, weather permitting. There are four layouts to visit in Christchurch in the morning. Then in the afternoon we are off south to Ashburton were we have a special charter train waiting for us at the Plains Railway. After that we will be popping around the corner to visit Kerry Paterson’s Ashburton Forks Railway. Kerry advises he will be putting on a selection of scratch built for us. I know there are

Andrew Wilson is building a new railway and has a design problem. He needs to build two throats. In the middle is a station yard six tracks wide. At the left hand end are four tracks consisting of 2 mainlines, 1 track to a storage yard

What is the most suitable layout of points for each end of this yard?

NZ Garden Railway Convention Update

28 & 29 January 2012 - Christchurch

and one to a engine shed. At the right hand end is 2 main lines and a track leading to a port. He asks; What is the most suitable layout of points for each throat? Email replies to : [email protected]

Design help sought

The Garden Whistle - November 2011


Text & photo by Gavin Sowry (Wellington) The usual November Twilight Meet of the Wellington Area Modellers, and Garden Railway Group, was held on November 1 at Gavin's Taita Gorge Railway. This was held a few days before Rail-Ex and quite a few were unable to attend, as they were getting their own exhibits ready. Those that did attend, as usual, had a good time, running not only the garden railway,

but an array of smaller layouts that were being readied for Rail-Ex. New to the Taita Gorge Garden Railway, is the 'Beer Train', owned by Gavin's wife Tina. Some of the cars have come from Christchurch layouts (via Trade Me). The photo, taken the following day, shows this train, which actually started off as a souvenir of a trip to America (in particular, Coors Brewery). If anyone has a spare Coors car or two, there is a buyer waiting!

Twilight Running on the Taita Gorge Railway

FOR SALE 1. Aristocraft Mallet, complete with Vandy 6-axle tender and fitted with Phoenix sound

(amazing!) in Union Pacific marking. About an hours running and in un-marked condition. $1200

2. USA Trains PA1/PB1 set with very little running. Also fitted with Phoenix sound (PA1 unit) in Union Pacific colours. $950 for the 2 loco set.

Reluctant earthquake relocation sale! Enquiries to Brian Allison (email: [email protected]) or phone Christchurch 03-3298403.

mailto:[email protected]


East German Delivery Van

New plastic body constructed


Text & photos by Wayne Haste (Wellington) Part One This is built from Indiana Jones toy car I picked up from Toy World for $30, reduced from $60. It also came with three oil drums, and a road barricade. This made it a worth while project to build a large delivery van. See photo

of the Borgward B1000. My van is based on this design. First, like most conversions I removed what is not wanted. Then I drew up a drawing that looked right. The body is made up from 1.5 styrene and I will make up the roof in layers. My driver is one of the Schleih figures that are about 1/21 or so scale.

Progress so far, the new body fitted

Plan for the required extra parts Picture of the desired result, a Borgward van

Parts removed Van as purchased

running. Chris Drowley obtained pot plants from Williams Garden Centre to dress up the display. Brian Cashmore provided all the buildings for the display and Allan Davidson supplied models for static disply. To create the “Garden Atmosphere”, Brian Cashmore set up a sun umbrella, table and chairs on Saturday morning.

On the Saturday morning, more trains were set up on the display. These were provided by John Robinson, Wayne Haste, Allan Davidson, Dave Allen, Brian Cashmore and Murray Clarke. The track power was provided by Aristo Craft Revolution receivers under radio control. Some of the locomotives were also radio controlled using Aristo Craft Revolution and battery power. Sunday saw a change around in the display, with trains run

Text by Ian G Galbraith (Masterton) Photos by John Robinson (Wellington) The Wellington Garden Railway Group Inc had a display at RailEx 2011, held at the NZ Kennel Club premises in Porirua, over the weekend of 5-6 November 2011. John Robinson and Wayne Haste transported the display to the venue and with assistance from Robin Gunston, Dave Allen and Brian Cashmore soon had trains


RailEx 2011 The Wellington Garden Railway Group Inc display

The height was just right for the all important little ones.

Pictures along the front of the layout showed what we do out in the garden



ning in a different direction to Saturday. Members took turns running the display and talking with the public. Brian Cashmore was in his element talking to the public as he has a good rapport with them and finds it very easy to talk to strangers. The show closed at 4:00pm Sunday and the display was dismantled and loaded for return to storage around 5:00pm.

Brian Cashmore, who supplied all the buildings, shares a laugh with a member of the public.


Some other layouts on display: Right: Chris Drowley set up this small G scale railway in another part of the hall, beside the Mack’s Track trade stand. Below: Istein a Marklin Gauge 1 (45mm track) modular layout

Below: The Kaikoura layout, with NZR 9mm scale (32mm track).

tively low cost modules. A short circle track was also set up outside for rides on a double headed live steam powered train. The Museum ran excursion trips from Brisbane to Ipswich behind 4-6-2 BB18-1/4 number 1089. This loco was the last steamer to enter service with QR. It was on display between 1970 and 1992. After being restored at the Ipswich workshops, it is now operational for excursions. We did our best to avoid Bob The Builder show and its 100 decibel audio. N Gauge layouts Many of the N gauge layouts used the T-Trak system and more info is shown on the www.allgauge.org.au/T-Trak.html website. T-Trak is a modular system based on Kato Unitrack

An example is shown below. DualTrain is a much larger modular layout using flex track and running very long trains – one with 4 locos at the head. The photo below gives some idea of the scope of this layout.

Text & photos by Derek Lane (Auckland) Introduction The Queensland Railway Museum is located at what was the Ipswich Railway Workshops about 30km west of Brisbane. This is a relatively popular destination and a reasonably comprehensive museum including a range of interactive displays. The Ipswich Model Railway Show was laid out in one of the Museum workshop buildings. The display consisted of two rows of layouts and dealer stalls. The dominant scale was probably N gauge with the balance in HO. A single G scale setup was on display. As expected, the display layouts were modular in one form or another. One of the bigger N gauge displays consisted mostly of modules about 500mm long. Modules are owned by different club members. Concept is to allow rela


How the Aussie’s do it: Queensland Railway Museum Model Train Show, October 2011


The outdoor ride-on

The museum excursion from Brisbane to Ipswich

Glintown N scale

Dual Train N scale

2) DL1 diesel shunter, designed and built at Ipswich in 1939. 3) Blue Baby 4-6-4 tank loco built in 1952. Twelve were built at Ipswich when the Museum was a Railway workshop. The display one was restored in 1993 and is used for heritage trips.

Some General Observations: Australian prototype is widely modelled and there is a surprising quantity of models and kits available. European prototype and the European manufacturers are conspicuous by their absence. No sign of Marklin or Fleishmann. N gauge rolling stock appears to have changed to magnetic knuckle couplers. This may not be that new – it is just something I missed. Hornby is still quite common.

G Scale layout The G scale “layout” was simply a large oval with a passing loop using Aristocraft track simply laid on a series of folding tables. Main motive power was a couple of Amtrak diesels with sound. At one stage a live steam K27 appeared. There was no doubt that the G scale display had little appeal for the visitors even with sound and the live steamer. A single oval with only occasional operation is hardly going to attract the punters. G scale displays are always going to be difficult to attract punters because smaller scales tend to fill the available space with more things that move and flash even without sound. HO layouts Several layouts in this scale were built to cover the entire board with “things”. Trains tend to be run at well above scale speeds. The Morewood layout is such an example. Lots of flashing LEDs to attract attention.

The Biniguy layout was rather less cluttered but did have some rather strange scenic details.

Other things The centre of the exhibition space was taken up with three restored locos. 1) Type AC16 s/n221A is one of 20 Baldwin 2-8-2 built for Queensland Rail in 1943, is operational and lives at the Museum. A second machine 218A, is operational with the Zig Zag Railway in Lithgow.



G scale track laid on some tables

Moorwood HO scale

Biniguy HO scale

Blue Baby 4-6-4 tank loco

AC16

The Garden Whistle - May 2011

Club Events and Contacts Auckland:

Saturday 3 December: Alf and Rosie Williams. 64 Derbyshire Lane, Karaka. This is the last meeting of the year finishing with our traditional shared B-B-Q.

Club Contact: Auckland G Scale Society. C/- Michael Hilliar, 22 Halver Road, Manurewa, Auckland 2102. Ph 09 266-4745 email: [email protected]

Waikato: Saturday 3 December: Geoff Hallum, 166 Okoroire Road, Tirau

Club Contact: GROW: Garden Railway Operators of Waikato! Grant Alexander, PO Box 1172, Cambridge. Ph 07 823-0059. [email protected]

Wairarapa:

Sunday 18 December: Charlie Collinson

Club Contact: Wairarapa Garden Railway Group. C/- Murray Clarke, 4 Taylor Street, Carterton. Ph 06 379 7659.

Wellington:

Sunday 11 December: from noon for Christmas run at Loco Minature Railway and Gardens http://www.loco.co.nz/ We will be able to run our own trains (battery power or live steam), eat their wood fired pizza (or your own picnic) and the kids can play in the playground, on the tramp, climb trees, play ball and generally have a ball.

Phone John for more details. 0274 427 160 Club Contact: Wellington Garden Railway Group Incorporated. www.culcreuchfold.org.nz/wgrg.htm C/- John Robinson, PO Box 56039, Tawa, Wellington 5249 Ph 0274 427 160 [email protected]

Christchurch:

18 December: Lunchtime BBQ, Michelle & Kevin Leigh. Cnr Willard & Somerset Cresent. 28 & 29 Jan 2012 - Garden Railway Convention

All running afternoon’s 1-4pm. If weather looks doubtful, please phone host to check if meeting is still on. Club Contact: Christchurch Garden Railway Society P.O. Box 7145, Christchurch 8240 Chairperson: Michelle Leigh. Email: [email protected]

The Garden Whistle is published monthly by the Christchurch Garden Railway Society and features news from various G scale clubs in New Zealand. Each club is a separate identity and the contact details can be found above. Contributions of articles and/or photos are always welcome. Photos should be sent as separate jpg attachments. Editor: Glen Anthony. 59 Colombo Street, Christchurch 8022. Email: [email protected]


NZ Garden Railway Convention

Christchurch

28, 29 January 2012

Weekend registration just $50

Registration Forms Available Now

http://www.trainweb.org/nzgr/2012/

or email:

[email protected]


http://www.loco.co.nz/

http://www.loco.co.nz/

G scale news from around New Zealand December 2011 · We will round the day out with a meal just...

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