A 100% NMRA Affiliated Club

August 2015 Volume 27 No 2 Issue 290

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;

info-ddmrc@ddmrc.com.au

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.

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. President’s Report (Brent Smith) 30. Splitters Swamp Creek (Geoff Burns)6. Creative Modelling Lectures (Doug 32. The Dunlop Way (Ben Dunlop)Clarkson) 34. Modellers Korner7. Teditorial (Ted Freeman) 35. AR Kits Portland Convention Specials (Al 8. On the Footplate/Spanish Comparison Cutmore)(Terry Goalder) 37. Trains of the World Stamps (Dick 9. Modelling Tips & Tricks (Walthers) Stracey)10. NMRA Div 1 Report (Ian Venables) 37. Southern Rail Models Update14. Wednesday Daylighters 38. Railway Timetable15. Carnival of Trains 40. Darling Harbour (Bill Waterhouse)16. Special Run wagons17. Annual General Meeting19. Members Equipment Colour Codes20. Camellia/Rose Hill (Bill Waterhouse)22. Wuiske’s Wunda World25. Train 209 (Arthur Hayes)29. OOPS!

ADVERTISER INDEX:3 Train Pictures4 AR Kits5 Wuiske Promotions38 My Tool Store39 Southern Rail Models

Darling Downs Model Railway Club Inc.All correspondence mailed to:

DDMRC Inc.PO Box 883

Toowoomba Qld 4350

DDMRC Inc. Internet HomepagesWebsite:

Email: ddmrc.com.au

info-ddmrc@ddmrc.com.au

‘Train Talk’ Volume 27 No 2 (issue #290) August 2015

ABN 32 998 681 418

A 100% NMRA Affiliated Club

President Brent Smith 4687 7607Secretary Ted Freeman 4638 0397Treasurer Bill WaterhouseCommittee Peter Bates 0414 994 966

Doug Clarkson 4528 2584Lionel Kearney 4613 5785Gary Sardoni 4635 5920

4639 2434

Club Number (07) 4638 1408

ON THE COVER: Amtrak General Electric P32BWH (Dash 8-32BWH) number 507 in the “PEPSI” scheme exits a tunnel on the N Scale Twin Falls club layout.The layout was built by Doug Clarkson who generously donated it to the DDMRC Inc. Locomotive by Atlas, owned by Bob Claydon (Photo Mikey)

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Well people, my term as President is almost at an end and I can see that we have made progress since my last term.

We have moved out of Baillie Henderson completely, the HO Group has started planning for the new layout, things are gradually moving ahead all round.

I wish to thank my Committee for an excellent year and strong commitment and I look forward to another year of steady progress at the Showgrounds facility.

The Club has a bright future, it's just that sometimes we can't always see it, with some the things that we have faced over the years clouding that vision.

I hope that all the Club members will take that journey with me to achieve what the Club should be, a great place to be!

Anyway, enough from me for this year. Smithy

CREATIVE MODELLING LECTURES

August 1st meeting marked six months of lectures, attended by around a dozen people each time. Just an ideal number for achieving results without too many being in each others way. Progress has been made on both sections of ZeNkeville with everyone getting the hand of where we are heading, and perhaps more importantly, just how we plan to eventually get there.

Saturday was also the middle day of the Outdoor Adventure & Motoring Expo. So the Clubhouse was open to the public all weekend, resulting in a few people stopping in from time to time, listen a while or snap a photo. One keen stranger must have expended a whole memory chip as he carefully recorded every inch of every table. Parking was a minor problem. Gatekeepers sent us to all kinds of locations - I ended up in the main oval - but we all arrived, and on time.

Next month will be more trees, more hedges and general landscape. Ocean Dioramas are mostly ready for sandy beaches and their water. We shall use silicone and, when dry, paint them. Very simple and effective. The next meeting was scheduled for Sept. 12th. But a change in the date for the AGM has caused us to go back to Saturday Sept 5th. Please note the change. Call me if in doubt. Doug Clarkson 4528 2584.

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On the 12th of next month (September), we have the Annual General Meeting to be held at the Clubrooms, Toowoomba Showgrounds, commencing at 2pm, it is very important that we have as many members present as possible, by the Constitution, there must be at least 17 financial members accounted for either in person or in proxy.

That’s right - proxy votes count, make sure and get yours in if you are unable to attend. Proxy Voting forms will be sent by email as soon as the nominations close on the 5th September, please do your part.

Another way to do your part, nominate for a position, all you have to do is ask another member to nominate you, obtain a seconder and accept the nomination, it would really be nice to see every position go to vote, that would be a democratic way of obtaining a desired committee for the next twelve months.

The Carnival of Flowers is not far away and that means the Carnival of Trains for the DDMRC Inc., we will be open every day from Saturday the 19th to Sunday the 27th of September from 10am to 4pm. I commit myself to this event but would like to see others assist where possible, it is not overly busy, so a couple of members in attendance is adequate, please promote the fact that Carnival of Trains is on as much as you are able.

For me, there is some extra excitement being thrown in, I used to race Isuzu Belletts as Sports Sedans in my younger days, the current issue of Australian Muscle Car has five photos and text regarding an incident I was involved in at Sydney’s Amaroo Park Raceway, the last sentence is where the excitement lies for me, The Bellett Car Club of Australia is holding it’s 2015 National Convention right here in Toowoomba.

I will get to witness some beautiful examples of Isuzu machinery and also rekindle some friendships with people I have not seen in twenty odd years. I have invited the attendees to visit the DDMRC’s Display Centre to take a look at my current involvement, unfortunately, in some small way, there is also disappointment for me in that I no longer have a Bellett, I will have to try and sneak the Falcon under the radar.

The first Wednesday Daylighters afternoon went well with several members making it along, including Richard Whitworth, all the way from Kumbia, that’s about a two hour drive each way, the next Daylighters is scheduled for the 19th August and commences at 1pm, we are organising some extra keys and look toward some sort of roster so that there is always someone available to open at the allocated time.

See you all at the AGM on the 12th September!

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Showgrounds Museum Coordinators:

There is a policy at the DDMRC Inc.Special Sale Items:

Club Shirts: The production of Train Talk and Construction of the Showgrounds Museum & Display Centre has been made

Layout Coordinators: possible through the generosity of the

YouAvailable now are , say g’day to everyone

quality pens inscribed with the club name @ that comes along to the clubhouse, visitor, $3.00, 25th Anniversary Magnets @ $1.00, new member or old and invite them to ‘get 25th Anniversary Coffee Mugs @ $5.00 and involved’, we are all in this hobby for the same Key rings @ $1.50, complete pack for just reason - “To have fun” Model Railroading $8.00. ‘IS’ The World’s Greatest Hobby.

A limited number of club shirts are available at just $30.00 each.

Ted Freeman - GeneralGary Sardoni - HO JamestownRussell Hartwig - N Byers JunctionMichael (Mikey) Freeman - Groundsman

HO - Bill WaterhouseZ - Ted FreemanN - Bob Claydon

“MUST HAVE FUN”

Submitted by Terry Goalder

Spanish singer Julio Iglesias was on UK television with British TV host Anne Diamond.

He used the word "manyana" (pronounced "man - yana").

Diamond asked him to explain what it meant.

He said that the term means: "Maybe the job will be done tomorrow; Maybe the next day; Maybe the day after that; Or perhaps next week; Next month; Next

year. Who really cares?”

The host turned to Albert Yatapingu from the Gumbaingeri Tribe (aboriginal) who was also on the show. She asked him if there was an equivalent term in his native language.

“Nah", he replied, "in Australia we don't have a word to describe that degree of urgency."

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The great outdoors

Don't let summer slow down your model railroading fun. Planning and building a garden railway can be a great project for the entire family.

Garden railroaders were among the first to enjoy G Scale equipment, as many large-scale models from locos to track to structures are made especially for use in the great outdoors. The bigger size of these models provides room needed to carry today's smaller and long-lived batteries and radio control systems in the engine or tender. You'll also find a few folks running live steam equipment too.

If you've been to your local garden centers this summer, chances are you've seen something called a "fairy garden." Combining figures, structures and other details into small mini-scenes (sounds awfully familiar!), a number of small and low-growing plants are available that are perfect along the tracks. Garden railroads may face some of the same problems as their full-size counterparts, so you may need to grade, fill and level the right-of-way, as well as plan for adequate drainage and weed control. Be prepared to deal with "trespassers," in the form of various varmints such as insects, squirrels, rabbits, moles and mice too.

You'll find a lot of online-resources to help you plan and dream, and walthers.com is a great starting point for this fun family project!

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NMRA DIVISION 1 (QUEENSLAND)

AUGUST 2015 COMING EVENTS 22nd & 23rd August – Pine Rivers Train Show at the Pine Rivers Community Centre. 12th & 13th September – Redlands Model Train Show at Cleveland Assembly Hall, 44 Smith Street Cleveland. 18th – 21st September – NMRA Regional Convention at

Ettalong Beach, NSW. 26th September, Bob McLean at Kingaroy; a nice drive in the country then some MR and perhaps a little touring on the way home. Further events will be published later. All meetings start at 10.30am unless otherwise stated.

Useful Colour Wheel Tony Reidpath sent in the following information that you may find useful when it comes to mixing colour for scenery, structures or rolling stock. http://www.goldenpaints.com/mixer/ Click on a colour, and add it to the tube, add other colours to the other tubes and slide the caps and watch the magic happen, this will save a heap of paint and time and bring you close to the shade you are looking for. This is a simple program and remarkably useful I've found. Thanks to Tony for the website.

You Tube QR Celebrations Member Les Ellen sent in this YouTube address where you will find a video of C-17 Number 971's run from Warwick to Goondiwindi https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=I6CfeeEZLeU Having passed it on, I have been told that in America it has become very popular mainly it seems, because at one stage there are two kangaroos hopping along beside the train!

More on Ransomware I passed on some warnings and actions about Ransomware from members recently in the hope that it might be useful to members. I received further comments with smart ways of avoiding this problem from member, Charles Page. Anyone wishing to have this, please email me and I will pass it on to you.

Comment With all of the small and cheap white LED's on the market these days there has been a plethora of lighting on layouts that was just about impossible years ago. Most of us remember saving any small incandescent bulbs we could find that were of suitable voltage. Grain-of-wheat bulbs were considered miracles of realism. Now, LED's have an extra advantage in that they don't emanate as much heat as the incandescent bulbs did, thus saving problems of softening plastic. Best of all though is there inherent reliability.

(martyn1107@bigpond.com)

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(continued from page 10) 11Many uses are now available to us and even a single bulb that one might expect on a street lamp or an outside light can be modelled, so small have many LED's become. A couple of years ago I ordered a packet of 1,000 LED's from Germany and when they arrived I thought I'd been had. The packet was too small for that number. However, when I counted a 100 I realised that I must have had well over the stipulated 1,000 and they would all have fitted into teaspoon.

I expect that everyone who wires these tiny lights up has their own way of achieving a good reliable connection. Connecting fine wire to these LED's meant for street lights and such things, is a test in nerves and eyesight. Maybe we could have a discussion on this at one of our meetings. My guess is that those of us being successful with them won't change our methods too much but showing other members how we do it will give them the opportunity to choose a way that would best suit them.

Another problem that many of us face is the possible problems of the plug/socket connection between steam locos and tenders. With DCC this now requires at least six wires and so many locos come already wired with that multi-connection plug joining the tender circuit to the loco circuit. These aren't too bad if you can leave the connection permanent. But I notice many modellers disconnecting them so that they can store their locos back into their original safe box for moving, sometimes disconnecting these requires considerable force and leverage with a screwdriver or a pair of pliers, risking problems.

It would be far better to leave loco and tender permanently connected. Doing this then requires, to my way of thinking, a custom made box so that the engine can be slid along the base straight onto the tracks. The box would of course need to be well padded to prevent superstructure damage.

I believe a discussion about a design for this would go down well at one of our meetings. Perhaps those so inclined could make an example and bring it along showing what its features are, and why certain parts of its design are done the way the maker has built it. I note that DCC Components sell a very fine and rather smaller plug an socket that if used, does get rid of some of the awful toyish look that some of the manufacturers use.

Along with the above suggest, I think we could have a discussion on the best way to make pickups on bogies, especially on passenger coaches. Now some come ready to go – that's fine. But others are not made that way and it is difficult to install your own phosphor-bronze wire pickups with enough length in the wire to have low drag on the wheel or axles. Once again those who feel they have been rather successful doing this might give a talk about it at one of our meetings.

I can remember various excellent talks, usually one per meeting, being given years ago and I must admit I learnt a lot from those. Mark Ward of Toowoomba, gave an excellent talk on getting the best out of a 'blue box' Athearn freight car kit.

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Athearn kits are probably being bought less and less but the principles behind Mark's well thought out methods are useful when doing many things with freight cars.

When I see how fantastic some of the work done in MR among our group, I am amazed at how many original thinkers we have. Many of them probably think that others know what they do and therefore there is no need to tell everyone about it. Yet I know for a fact that some of our modellers struggle with achieving results that are more realistic or that conform to their ideas of what a MR should be. The NMRA has the ideal way to improve our modelling and I hope that all of you reading this will immediately think of something you do that others might like to see.

Member Laurie McLean made a good suggestion some time ago that we still haven't taken up. Laurie suggested that we set up our modules at one of our meetings so that with the freedom of not having the public around, we will be able to ask questions and answer them by sliding underneath to look, or perhaps even pulling a module out of the display layout to better explain a point.

Perhaps we might have to hire a hall for this or we may have a member who has massive suitable space. I feel sure, from the queries I get from even long established members, that many of you wouldn't mind having a go at building a module but a few nagging questions remain. How better to learn the 'ins and out' than by having the modules before you in a position where they can be thoroughly 'dissected' for your edification!

This could include more than just how to build a module. It could include answering questions on why you chose a particular industry, or the rolling stock you use, or how you light your buildings, or why did you select the materials you used, why did you make it that size, etc.

There may be scope for members of NMRA who are also members of the Union Pacific Club to tell us something about their Friday passenger train meetings. This could be a window on passenger train operations for any of us on our home layouts. I know that there has been some study of this subject to get accuracy in passenger trains and this could be a short-cut into you receiving excellent information from those who are recognised experts in the field. These members could I am sure, also tell you what propriety models are available and the suitability for your favourite trains.

We still have some members who are using DC but are thinking of making the jump into DCC. Perhaps it is time once more to talk about how this can be done easily and pitfalls to look out for. Especially, what about those who want to run DCC trains and then at other times may want to run their DC locos. They may need reassurance that this can be achieved before they make the final leap into DCC.

Finally, this Newsletter wants your questions about MR. As stated often, we have some people among us who have an enormous knowledge of our favourite subject or at least know where to get it.

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13(continued from page 12)If you have any question about the prototype or about modelling and can't seem to find your answer, try asking in this Newsletter. This Newsletter goes out to not just our Division 1 members of the Australasian Region but also to the rest of the AR and to some people in the USA.

Some of our members have extensive libraries and know where to look up a reference that might suit your query. Most of the queries you are likely to ask can be answered locally so your answers won't have to take long to resolve. I am often staggered at how informative some of our members are and these members are also very generous types and love to see fellow modellers satisfied about some modelling problem they may have. So please send in your queries. I will continue to send out general information other than the Newsletter as I receive it, for example like those YouTube pieces about the recent QR 150 year celebrations.

The above includes several suggestions on mini-clinics to be presented at our meetings. Perhaps some of you could suggest other subjects to include in the future list of mini-clinics for meetings on subjects you want to learn more about. We should make a list of these and erase them from the list once they have been covered.

Snippets In 1938 NYC introduced its Dreyfuss styled 20th Century Limited. Considering that the Pennsy also introduced a streamlined engine to it Broadway Limited, railroad executives were often heard to say that the streamlining of locomotives was here to stay.

Well it didn't happen to all locos and it wasn't long before some discarded it. Then came the many locos that had no hint of streamlining. It is now becoming fashionable again as the advantage of very high train speeds are considered.

Henry M. Flagler spent a holiday in St. Augustine during the winter of 1883 – 84 and liked the area. That was his impetus for building the Florida East Coast's Key West Extension. The first train arrived at Key West January 1912. He also built three hotels at St. Augustine for his patrons. Flagler also realised that when completed, he would own the closest U.S. port to the Panama Canal that was being built at the same time. This required many materials and the railroad would be well placed to supply much of it. Flagler himself died 1913, the year after the bridge was opened but his foresight and courage had this line considered as the Eighth Wonder of the World.

This extension island hopped from the tip of Florida to Key West entailing 128 miles of extension from Miami. While Flagler's fortune, mostly made from Standard Oil helped him build this amazing railroad, the hotels, develop Miami and several other nearby places, the hurricanes eventually got the better of this long line out into the Atlantic Ocean and it was abandoned by the FEC in 1935.

When we first start to mentally plan our railroad empires, we all have trouble trying to work out how we are going to fit our gigantic schemes into part of a normal Queensland home.

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14Many go freelance so that they can justify what there railroad appears to do. Some build a small section of a Class 1 railroad. Others might try a short line or a branch, and there have been plenty of those worth following.

One that comes to mind and that I find appealing is the Montpelier & Wells River Railroad in Vermont. It's main chore in life was to transfer heavy granite loads from the Barre & Chelsea RR to the Boston & Maine RR.

From it's beginning until 1960 this RR had a total 28 locos but in 1941 it had six locos on its roster. These were three 0-6-0's and three 2-8-0's. At an interesting stage in its existence it catered for its loadings with freight trains, passenger trains, and mixed trains. This line had only 42 miles of track in New England, not as much as the F.E.C. Extension, mentioned earlier. While granite was its main tonnage it carried many other products in both directions including milk, general freight, timber, coal, gasoline, etc. Here's one to think about if you like the idea of modelling the New England countryside.

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The clubhouse will be open on the 1st a 3rd Wednesday afternoons each month from 1pm to 4pm.

This is an opportunity for you to spend some quality time at the clubhouse involving yourself in the creativity this hobby allows.

The next Wednesday Daylighters will be the 19th August.

If there are any events on that prevent the scheduled days being held, notification will be given in Train Talk and by Email.

Any member that wishes to become involved as a coordinator/organiser/clubhouse openerupperer, please let the committee know and a key will be arranged for access.

This is a trial for your benefit, please consider attending if you are able.

Here are the dates for the rest of 2015 at this time;19th August2nd September16th September7th October21st October4th November18th November2nd December 16th December

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Text Teditor - photos Mikey

What used to be a common occurrence in the DDMRC Inc. was the production of Special Run Wagons for events, especially the Annual Exhibition held in late May/early June each year.

It seems that interest in these sort of Special Runs is waning, hence they are not produced on a regular basis.

As I had some undecorated N scale Atlas Freight Cars on hand, I decided to produce a

very l imited number of w a g o n s f o r t h e 2 0 1 5 Toowoomba Model Trains, Craft & Hobby Expo and some advance Carnival of Trains ones.

The Exhibition ones are 50ft Plug Door Box Cars, while the Carnival of Trains ones are 54ft ACF Quad Hoppers.

Very limited individually

numbered stock available at just $25.00 each (+ postage), or available at the clubhouse.

T h e W H I T E R I V E R PRODUCTIONS/RAILROAD MODEL CRAFTSMAN car is a Micro-Trains 60 ft Automobile Box Car, only two exist in the world, one with the producers of the magazine and one of my own running on Byers Junction.

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As noted on previous page the DDMRC Inc. Annual General Meeting is to take place on Saturday afternoon the 12th September 2015 at the club’s Showgrounds venue commencing at 1pm.

For the meeting to go ahead and function we must have at least 17 financial members present, these can be in person or by proxy.

Depending on the nominations received prior to the closing date of midnight the 5th September, positions may need either calls for nominations from the floor and/or voting.

Where there is only the required number for the position nominated, the position is automatically filled unless the nominee withdraws. (These include President, Vice-president, Secretary and Treasurer), for the General committee if there are four nominees, the positions are filled, should there be less, nominees from the floor will be sought, if there are more than four nominees, it will go to a vote for the positions.

Some ideas of the positions and what they entail;

Executive Committee; four people.

PRESIDENT: Figurehead of the club, needs to be someone with a positive outlook, fair judgement and respected by the membership.

VICE-PRESIDENT: Basically the same qualities as the President, as this person represents the club in the President’s absence.

SECRETARY: Handles club correspondence, keeping of minutes and records, a representative of the club, must devote time to activities.

TREASURER: Looks after clubs finances, handling of all financial matters, needs to be available for events when on to handle the monetary side.

General Committee; four people.

COMMITTEE: Four members that are willing to devote time and effort towards the running of the club and support of the executive committee.

Some aspects to consider;

The President and vice-president should be available for committee meetings as well as other functions and should be accessible to members.

The secretaries position involves taking minutes at meetings, dealing with correspondence in and out and other duties as deemed necessary.

The Treasurer handles financial matters, should be available throughout the weekend of the Annual exhibition.

There are several other positions that require filling by members, although not listed as committee positions, they are nonetheless just as important. Most are roles undertaken in conjunction with committee positions to enable flowing communication.

Multiple nominations give the members the chance to select by vote who they would like to take the club through the next twelve months.

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As there are club layouts available to run your own trains on (especially the HO side with the building of the new HO permanent layout), it is very important to know your equipment from other members rolling stock and locomotivesThe recommendation to identify your gear is by using a colour code system, this method has been used for many years in the DDMRC Inc. It is highly recommended and works well to save any disputes of ownership.Members colour codes as of this time are as follows, charts will be located at the clubhouse, please check colours available and make sure you are on the list.As you can see, there are only a few members with colours selected, protect your investments.

MEMBER COLOUR/SDDMRC Inc. Red

red

/Ted Freeman /Russell Hartwig /Bob Claydon /Mark Ward /Barry Freeman /Barry Turner /Grant Hirning /

white

white

whitewhite

Green

Green

GreenGreen

yellowBlue blue

Bluegold

Purple

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Despite being busier than a one armed juggler with an itchy bum, I have managed to get some time to weather two of my own 1550 class locos for my layout, 1558D and 1572H.

Both units have been weathered to different degrees and have been done almost completely w i th ou r wea ther ing powders. I did apply a faint coat of Floquil CN grey (no longer available but any light grey will do) with an airbrush to tone down the blue and yellow and help give them a more faded look.

For those of you that follow our faceplant page, (www.facebook.com/wuiskemodels) you will have already seen photos of these models and some of the responses to how they were done.

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23(continued from page 22)I am looking at doing a video corner soon to update everyone as to the progress on the layout to see the entirety of it thus far. As always though, we shall see how we go.

We've had a few reviews published recently in various model railway magazines.

Most notable was our special mention on Model Railroader's online publication

Cody's Office in April 2015 and news announcement in the 2015 July Issue.

We have been told this is the first time in about 47 years that an Australian model featured in Model Railroader.

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24 (continued from page 23)We've also had reviews published in Continental Modeller, Narrow Gauge Down Under Magazine, and Australian Model Railway Magazine. Thanks to all the publications for allowing us to share these with our readers.

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After the last issue I received quite a bit of feedback, one came from Peter Kennedy who was Manager of Special Loads in QR for many years. Here is some of what Peter had to say about modifications to PE wagons to carry special loads. You may recall I modified one for the harvester load.

In their early days I had some control of PE wagons which didn't count for much after QFC wagons were introduced. However in the early 1960s QR was asked by the Army to transport Centurion tanks (52 ton stripped for transport) from Clapham to Gympie for Tin Can Bay. PE Wagons were unsuitable as is, but I never gave up easily. I asked the CME design staff could PE wagons be strengthened to carry these 11ft 6 ins wide and 52 tons tanks. The answer was yes with considerable strengthening of the underframes, increasing the floor timbers to 2 ½ inches thick and 9ft 4 wide. The extended timbers to be further supported by a heavy angle steel welded on the outside of the solebar. It would be necessary to change the 12TAL bogies by 15 ton axle load bogies. I arranged this by using new 15 ton axle load bogies being built for the new WHO wagons for the Mt Isa line.

The next issue was bridge loading. The loaded modified PE would be just over 16 TAL but also considerably exceeded the linear limit of 1.5 ton /ft. After lengthy consideration the Bridge Engineer approved the movement with restrictions including each loaded PE must have an empty wagon before and after over certain bridges. It was all in vein as the transport dept. would not allow the army tank transporters over the road bridges between Gympie and Tin Can Bay. The Army took the tanks by sea on LSM barges to the Bay.

Some months later the Army approached QR, this time they wanted to take 4 Centurions from Tin Can Bay to the Army tropical trials near Innisfail. They would take them to Lucinda by an LSM and hoped to road transport them to their tropical trials unit. But!! the transport dept. refused to let their loaded army tank transporters over the Herbert River Bridge. Could QR carry them the short distance from Ingham over the river and then unload them at the next suitable unloading station, the name of which I cannot remember. QR agreed to do it, but to modify only one wagon PE31612 and conduct a shuttle between the two stations. A B18 ¼ did the 4 shuttles and was supervised by Harvey Bamford from my section. I cannot recall if the tanks were ever returned by this method but PE31612 remained in the modified condition for the rest of its life. Whether its original bogies were returned I am unaware but this movement brought home to QR the serious need for a much heavier flat wagon and I was privileged to work in conjunction with the CMEs design staff the outcome was the QFX/C wagon. Originally, I asked for 10 QFX wagons, they were so popular QR built several hundred of them. Hope this added a bit more to Arthur’s great story.

This issue I going to cover the conveying/loading of motor vehicles. Prior to 1963, wheeled vehicles/cars etc. were conveyed mostly in open wagons from the “H” & “F” family of wagons.

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The wagon was placed beside a high level bank, most stations had a bank somewhere in the yard. The doors were dropped onto the bank, generally this was done with the assistance of a # 10 boot from inside to get the door off the stanchion pin. The door made a ramp to drive the vehicle into the wagon. To get the second car into an “H” wagon, one needed to be good at reverse parking. There was a number of four wheeled open wagons specially modified for end loading of vehicles. FM (15’), FJM (17’ 6”), and FGM (20’) had ends that could be folded down over the buffer to provide access for an end ramp. To secure the vehicle from movement during travel an old sleeper was place in front of the front wheel and a second sleeper was placed at the rear of the rear wheel. For wooden floor wagons the sleeper was nailed to the floor, sometime a pine chock was nail in front of the sleeper to stop it from moving.

For steel floored wagons (FJS/HJS) the sleeper was braced to the end of the wagon. Two extra sleepers were placed into the wagon, one hard up at each end of the wagon, sawn mill offcuts were nailed to the sleeper under the car wheel and the sleeper at the end of the wagon. This stopped the sleepers from moving and prevented the vehicle hitting the end of the wagon during travel. Having said that, a large number of vehicles coming from the bush arrived in Brisbane without being secured. Most times the vehicle was damaged from coming in contact with the end of the wagon during shunting. During this era, all shunting was done by kicking wagons and let them go, generally they stopped after running into another wagon or the stop blocks. A new type motor vehicle wagon brings another class of platform wagons onto the QR network. In 1963, fifty 30 foot “S” wagons were converted to carry motor cars, they were classified “SM” wagons.

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The wagon had four securing bars that could move along the wagon across the floor, plus each bar had two brackets (one for each side) that could move across the bar. Bar and brackets were secured with bolts and nuts, undo the nut and the bar/bracket was free to move to any locations. The bars were placed under the wheels (one each end) and the brackets slid into beside the wheels, good idea to remove the hub caps first. Tighten up the nut and the job is finished, no need to cart old sleepers to the wagon. To get the cars on and off the wagon, six portable ramp were provide, brackets on each side at the end of the wagon carried two ramps down beside the bogies. The ramps could be used for both side and end loading. It didn’t take too long before wagons were arriving without ramps, stations loading cars would miss returning the ramps to the wagons are loading. Or maybe they were just collected

their own supply of ramps. After time the brackets were removed from the wagons, they were a pain in the butt for Train Examiner’s testing trains and changing brake blocks. It was long before the medium size car got bigger, the 30’ wagon were too short for two cars resulting in a number of 32’ “H” wagons being converted, these were classed as “SML” wagons. Likewise a number of 26’ wagons were converted and classed “SMS” wagons. Weekly Notice 34/75 (21.08.75) advised that motor car carrying wagon class SMW had entered service which was 12 192 (40’) over headstocks on the 30th July 1975. Wagon diagram 197 showed the number as 39010 and was carriage 960 underframe. The bogies had 8 x 4 journals, 1524 wheel centres and 851 mm wheels. Weekly Notice 39/75 (25.09.75) advised entry into traffic of SMC wagons for motor cars which are 7315 (22’) over headstocks. Numbers 39011, 39012, 39013.

August 2015

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28 (continued from page 27)Later 39075 was added. These wagons were cut down “Dinky Vans”. The W/N indicated the wagons were fitted with 7 x 3 bar frame bodies with 660 mm wheels. These wagons only had 2 securing bars. I’m aware of one keeping it original bogies. Photos of MS 41035 and SMC 39013 attached.

In 1978 motor vehicles wagons were reclassified. W/N 48/78 (07.12.78) stated:- The attention of all concerned is drawn to a new system of classification of motor vehicle carrying wagons. The new classification are being introduced to simplify identification of the wagons in accordance with their length. The following classes apply:- Class MS - Wagons up to 9.5 metres over headstock. Class M - Wagons

exceeding 9.5 metres but less than 12 metres. Class ML - Wagons exceeding 12 metres. To comply with the new system, the following wagons wi l l be re-classified. “SMC” and “SMS” to “MS”, “SML” to

“M”, “SMW” to “ML”. (Going on that. “SM” (30’ or 9.144) wagons became “MS” wagons) Wagon Diagrams P 358, P 359 and P360 were issued. Conversion continued, in 1978, M 40211 entered service being converted from a CMIS 30912, 9 755mm long by 2 440 mm wide, Plan P359A shows the wagon was fitted with C.L.T.B. bogies (MTW style), 1 525 wheel centres, 8 x 4 journals with 660 dia. wheels. Plan 360 A shows 1978 M 40212 converted from carriage 949 underframe, 15 240 long by 2590 wide. Bogies were pressed steel 1 750 wheel centres, 8 x 4 journals with 915 dia wheels. I guess there may have been many more, finally in 1984 QR caught up with their southern mates with the introduction of the “Six Pack” double deck DDM 43579 wagon.

CONTINUES NEXT MONTH.

August 2015

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Geoff Burns

Lattice post home signal construction

SSC has only a small yard, certainly busy, but limited in its size. Evans Gap relies on the deliveries from Sydney and beyond to survive. Those deliveries were required on a fairly regularly cycle, so effective safe working was the order of the day. At either end of the yard were home signals, and further on a landmark for early warning of the yard ahead.

What seems like years ago I placed an order with Wizard Models in the UK for some signalling bits that I needed urgently. (yep two years ago I'd say!) I really liked the look of their lattice post, and thought I might be able to get away with a smaller OO sized post (it would be great to have a local supply of lattice posts). I also picked up a couple of detail bits at the May Show last year, a lamp holding staffer and some white metal lamps as well. The intention being to light the lamp with an LED and also light the lamp that is being carried.

I've shortened the post and added a new base, and the NSWGR finials by AM Models fit the top spot on! I've re-acquainted myself with Ian Millard's fine article in AJRM on

signal post construction. The ladder construction was not difficult, but a little time consuming. The hardest part for me was not adding too much solder to each step so that there was little or no fillet between the steps and the stiles. I did cut two pieces of basswood to fit between the stiles against the steps. one against each side of the steps so that filing of the stiles was a little easier.

(continued on page 31)

The lattice post being OO means that the holes for mounting the moving parts of the signal are not perfect, however it will have to do. I've soldered a new support for the weight through the centre of the post, and added the signal arm support on the side of the post as in Ian's article.

I used a block of timber with a centre line marked and a squared line to help aligning the signal arm support tube. Here's a close up of the top of the signal so far.

Whilst out at my local hobby store the other day I mentioned to Chris at Daft Craft the fact that the figure I was using lacked detail and looked a little 2D. He showed me some figures he produces for war gamming, in a word outstanding! The level of detail left me a little in awe, of course I told him to have a crack at some HO stuff. During the conversation we spoke about modelling putties, so I've got some Milliput to bulk out my figure a little, and maybe add some detail...we'll see.

Well it's not as easy as I thought it would be. I've managed to form some extra backbone that my 'bloke' really needed, but I'm going to have to wait till it's cured

before adding any real shape. The putty I used is the yellow and grey all purpose one and I'm thinking that the finer one might be easier to work into another surface.

Well it's late and the coffee cup is empty, so that's it for a quick post,Oorroo!Geoff.

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Ben Dunlop

Due to the miserable weather here this weekend there was nothing to do but put some time into modelling. I've been wanting to build a turntable for some time now so I gathered up the research info I have and got right into it. I decided to build a 50 ft turntable as one day I hope to build a layout which incorporates a branch line with a terminus, therefore I need a turntable to spin those old steamers round or maybe just have it sitting around unused as I mostly run diesels.

éSide on shot of the model, only requiring the rails.

Due to the weather painting was not an option, it will have to wait for another day.

çAnother view from the turn assist handle.

Sides from . 20 thou styreneê.

I then added all the strengthening beams for the sides. Because evergreen don't make a 'T' in styrene it was all made up from strip styrene, very time consuming but worth it.

Top view of the two sides together with strengthening cross members. I added a little extra styrene on the insides for strength and to assist with the squareness. It will be hidden with the top member which the rail attaches to.

ç

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çI chose to use scale timber for the walkways as I wanted to model a realistic look and effect. It would have been stronger with styrene but due to the amount of use it will get I think the timber is a better option.

I went with styrene for the hand rails as aè strength option, plus they are usually painted white so it will nearly be unnoticed. I also left the pinion cover until I can decide on a method to have the turntable rotate and power the rails.

çA view showing the walkway brackets. I had to cheat a little as it was very difficult to get the styrene to bend all the way around the bracket to create the tee shaped steel used. Hopefully it will go largely unnoticed as it is underneath.

I found an old pair of plastic wheels which came in handy too bastardise. They are a little oversize but I prefer that so they will easily find the rail in the pit. è

çA n o t h e r v i e w o f t h e mechanical assist handle. I will update as soon as the paint and rails go on.

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Text Teditor - photos Mikey

As a long time member of the DDMRC Inc., Barry Freeman has seen a lot of action and changes, he has served on the committee and has served as President, honoured as a life member for his input over the years, he is now like so many of us, retired but still finds little time to model.

When he does model, ‘Bazza’ is a prolific modeller with seldom seen talents.

Two of his recent creations are featured here.

The square water tower is from a Casula Hobbies Silvermaz kit, this kit has the tank only, the support frame is a mixture of Evergreen Styrene shapes.

A detailed 2 part construction article was in the April and June AMRM by Peter Jarvis.

The round water tank was made using a section of 4" Diameter Sewerage Pipe (new, I am assured).

There was an article relating to this in one of the Byways of Steam Books (No 2?).

The pipe was wrapped in a heavy card with 3D dimensions achieved by layering.

The brick finish is a British Brick Paper.

There are more of Bazza’s models coming up in future editions of Train Talk.

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Earlier this year AR Kits received a request for support for the NMRA National Convention in Portland, Oregon in August. I thought how do I support the Convention from far away Australia with any real meaning. I discarded the idea for a while and after producing a number of limited run items for local clubs that gave me an idea to set the picture in motion. I would do a limited run of three HO models each with a banner that would be purely NMRA National Convention but with an Australian twist.

Using AR Kits NGHF wheat hoppers I came up with three unique banners that would enhance the models with a couple of local mountain icons that would give them meaning. All cars carry the code PDX followed by the wagon number. PDX being the Highlight red lettering of the Portland Daylight Express and the wagon number starting with 2015 (the year) followed by a two digit number. The wagon also carries the AR Kits logo and the logos of the NMRA.Org and the NMRA Australian Region.

The scenes are representative of the reason behind it all from far away South East Queensland, Australia to our modelling friends all over the world.

AR Kits is located in Warwick, Queensland and the mount in the mid foreground is Mount Dumaresq (Due Mare Ick). A small mount to the East of Warwick where the explorer Allan Cunningham stood in 1828 when he named the Darling Downs region of what was to become the state of Queensland.

Teditor is the maker of the decals that adorn the models and he lives in Toowoomba, Queensland. One of the sights to the East of Toowoomba is Table Top Mount which is part of a small rift valley running along the eastern rim of the Great Dividing Range in that area. Ted is a wiz with Corel Draw and the Alps Printer and given a little encouragement can produce some great results.

Last but not least is Mount Shasta. This is the image that got me started on this line of thought. When I first went looking for ideas I went to the Convention website and got hit in the face with Mount Shasta.

So there we have the story. Although it did not quite finish there. Ted is an avid N Scaler so we just could not let it go at that. With three Atlas ACF Centre Flow Hoppers we have created the N Scale equivalent.

All cars are painted Sky Blue to match the heavens above all three locations. I do hope that each car, be they as individuals or in sets go to modellers who appreciate the small contribution we have made to what I hope is a very successful meet.

Regards and All the BestAl and Barbara Cutmore AR Kits

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2300 Class Project UpdateUnfortunately some last minute tooling glitches have put us behind on the 2300 class project. These involved additional tooling to make the more contemporary pilot for our main version which will also flow over to the 2400 class. We are just waiting on some painted and running samples to review before we go to production. When we are satisfied with the result we will go to production to produce an accurate quality model.

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August 2015

Mongolian Stamps submitted by Dick Stracey

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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 -

PLEASE ADVISE ANY ERRORS.

NOTE:

ALL EVENTS SUBJECT TO CONFIRMATION

*Indicates limited access at the Showgrounds*

info-ddmrc@ddmrc.com.au

August

Saturday afternoons at the showgrounds from 2pm, unless notified otherwise.

22nd-23rd RMCQ Pine Rivers Model Train & Hobby Expo Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd August 2015 Strathpine Community Centre, 199 Gympie Road (enter off Mecklem St.) The RMCQ holds a Model Train Exhibition once a year, where model railway layouts are on show as well as clinics, sales, raffles etc. For more information visit: http://rmcq.org.au/7th, Committee Meeting , McDonald’s Margaret Street, commencing at 7.30pm, members welcome.12th, Annual General Meeting, see pages 17 & 18 for details.19th-27th, Carnival of Trains, see page 15.5th, Committee Meeting , McDonald’s Margaret Street, commencing at 7.30pm, members welcome.

September

October

August 2015

My Tool StoreP.O Box 210AspleyQLD 4034Phone: 0411 605 726

mytoolstore.com.au

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