The Whistle BlowerNewsletter of the Canberra Society of Model and Experimental Engineers

March 2015

President Peter Hateley 62547229 Secretary Greg Peters 0412 179899.Email: csmee@grapevine.com.au

Website: Editor: acttraffic@hotmail.comwww.canberramodelengineers.org.au

NEW BUILDINGAPPEARING AT

THE CMR

CSMEE Member Peter Mottram has submitted a unique proposal to the Club and, as reported in last month’s Whistle Blower, the project has been approved by the Committee.

“My wife and I have decided to downsize to a townhouse and as a result I will not have room for a workshop”, said Peter. “As I wish to continue with and grow my model engineering skills and interests, I requested the club's permission to locate a transportable building at Symonston.”

Peter’s proposal suggested the existence of the workshop would be an asset to the club. “My attendance at the site, other than just on Wednesdays, will provide better security to the site”, he said. “And on Wednesdays when I am present, the existence of the workshop could assist the Wednesday work group with easier and quicker maintenance of site machinery and construction work.”

The proposal goes on to suggest two building types. An ATCO style site building of approximately six metres by three metres (18m2). The site building would preferably have windows and an entry door facing the toilet block. A path could be laid from the door to meet up with the existing/proposed path between the main building and the toilet block. The building would be painted to match the existing buildings if necessary.

The alternative would be a 20ft hi-cube container with windows, possibly a side door, and internally lined. It would be painted to match the existing buildings. The installation of a low skillion roof over the container may be needed for weather protection and temperature control.

PRESIDENT

PETER’S

MESSAGE.

and Kevin’s

finance report -

PAGE 2

In this issue:

Our FEATURE

ARTICLE

We go to

Europe as

Dennis Maurer

shows off his

Wismar!

EDDY MOL

mulls over the

first fun run of

the year -

PAGE 4

NOSTALGIA

The “Spare

Page” Feature

publishes some

contributions

that never

made it!!!

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Financial Report for Marchby Treasurer Kevin Olds

February has been a quiet month on all fronts financially.

Patronage at the KMR was down, especially at the end of the month, so our income was well down. However, it was also very quiet on the expenditure front with a nett result being slightly better than expected.

We are slowly recovering our financial position but will need to take any opportunity to raise additional funds to guarantee our position at the end of the year.

Reminder: Next running days for the public are8th & 29th March 2015.

From the Office of the President:After Rosemary and I from our overseas trip I was keen to pick up on the developments at CMR whilst we have been away. It is very pleasing to see changes happening every week. Well done to the workers! The track will also see a new building soon as the Committee passed the proposal from Peter Mottram to build a facility to further his engineering ambitions. Whilst there was not unanimous agreement on this type of development, the Committee was of the opinion it was good for the Society and the advancement of CMR. Doubts expressed, very genuinely by Committee members, have nevertheless been noted. Overall I welcome Peter's initiative and recognise his commitment to our Society. I would also like to remind everyone that as income from KMR is down this year we will need to remain frugal with our spending if we are to achieve our aims of being able to develop the Symonston site to a stage where we can close down Kingston. Finally for this month I hope you all are continuing to enjoy your chosen paths within our hobby.

continued from Page 1. Either building type would be supported on concrete pads similar to the pads used for the existing buildings. The concrete pads would be spaced to suit the building supports and finished approximately 150mm above ground level.

Installation could begin in the first quarter 2015.

The proposal is cost neutral to the Club. “I will cover all costs associated with the purchase, transport, concrete pads, electrical connection and approvals as necessary, said Peter, “I will provide my own alarm / CCTV system, window grills and locks.”

Kind Regards, Peter Hateley

At the March meeting, railway books owned by the late Ian Smith will be available for viewing and purchase. If you are unable to attend, more details are available by sending an e-mail to geoffery@grapevine.com.au

The Hannover Wismar railbus was constructed in various designs between 1932 and 1941. ‘Waggonfabrik Wismar’ located at a town with the same name in Northern Germany, later part of the DDR, build numerous small motorcars (schienenbus) for local railways the so called: ‘kleinbahnen’.

They appear on 750, 900, 1000 and 1435 mm gauge nicknamed: ‘Schweineschnäutzchen’ (pig’s nose) due to the hood in front and rear (two motors, one for each direction). These units were Ford AA/BB 4 cyl. Engines, under a complete Ford hood/radiator assembly, each driving one axle.

The use of road vehicle drives with five forward gears and one reverse gear made the installation of two engines necessary. These were located outside the vehicle body and gave the railbus an unmistakable appearance.\The Wismar railbus had several advantages. Firstly, it was cheap: at 25,000 Reichsmarks, roughly half the cost of a normal railcar. Secondly, it was easy to maintain - the engines were very accessible and spare parts could be obtained from any Ford dealer - and, thirdly, it was relatively comfortable because, although it only offered 3rd class accommodation, the seats were upholstered. The wagon body rested on a frame consisting of two lattice girders that converged at the front and rear. The girders had holes in them to save weight.

The entire construction was welded, which meant that the Wismar railbus was the first fully welded railway vehicle in Germany. Its profiles were creased and the suspension springs were mounted on rubber sections. The entire railbus weighed just 6 tonnes and a maximum advertised speed of 25 kph!

The February running day was enhanced by a visit by CSMEE members Barbara & Dennis Maurer. Dennis took his Wismar rail bus for a few demonstration laps much to the delight of our visitors.

The “Hannover”

Wismarrailbus

Our First Fun Run for the Year - by Special Journalistic Communications Correspondent Gerardus (Eddy) Mol

Sunday 1st of February was our Fun Run day and this time combined with locomotive boiler inspections. John Oliver was the master of inspections and about ten boilers were inspected on the day. Les Mouat had all the parts of his Blowfly boiler in a box and with his workmanship on show, the boiler inspector did not need to spend much time inspecting the parts. Another Blowfly for inspection was Brendan Hill's locomotive called “DANGEEB” and was supervised under the very watch-full eye of Colin Fuller. A steam test followed but the loco was not run. The other Blowfly for John Oliver's eye was Luke Roberts' engine called “SPARKY”: after the boiler test, Luke took it out onto the track for a number of laps. During one of the runs, Luke's son took over the controls and did it very well too.

Paul Gugger's 'Britannia' boiler was sitting on the steaming bay for all to see but the consensus was that it would look much better in the locomotive frame...! Paul also brought along little 'Rob Roy' (3.5-inch gauge) which also passed the inspector's eyes. Paul had to source a piece of 3.5-inch gauge track and fit it between the steaming bay rails because there is no 3.5” gauge in the bays. After steaming the wee loco, Paul carried it to the elevated track for a run as he thought the length of 3.5” gauge remaining on the ground level track was a little short in length: he also had a fear of being run over by the big 5” gauge locomotives out on the tracks... It has been a long time since 'Rob Roy' was last steamed but it ran very well, as they do.

The next locomotive on the list was “Great Northern” belonging to Eric Hindes; a very nice looking steam locomotive indeed and also in 3.5-inch gauge. Although steamed, it did not get a run. Matt Macgregor had his 0-6-0 Southern Railway R1 Tank loco in the steaming bay as was Ian Bissell's 5 inch gauge 'Simplex”.Unfortunately, Ian's Simplex developed a broken gauge glass so could not be tested.

Out on the tracks, your special correspondent's PB15 No.5 (hauling two new Queensland Railway VR coal hoppers for their maiden run) did the rounds with a number of drivers enjoying the delights of driving a Queensland Railway locomotive. Reg Smith brought along his Queensland railmotor for a run and during the run did a “John Oliver”. No, not running out of steam but he ran out of electrons. At least a Queensland locomotive driven by Paul Gugger pushed Reg and his Queensland train home. This stopped play for Reg and new batteries may be required before the next run.

Later in the afternoon it was time to pack up as the rain clouds started to appear overhead. It was good timing with the rain coming about an hour later on.

L e f t : P a u l Gugger rescues Reg Smith and ( R i g h t ) C o l F u l l e r d o i n g what Col Fuller does best!

Connor Roberts can take care of passengers on electric and then turn his hand to steam all in one day!

The main change to 81 has been the fitting of air brakes and the work associated with this arrangement. From the driver's point of view, the long black hand-operated lever has been replaced by a short black valve lever; they both ultimately push on the auto brake master cylinder rod and thence push hydraulic fluid to the calipers on the rear differential. The compressor and air tank are located in the front compartment. Drivers should note that it is best practice to stop the train with the air brake, but once stopped, to put the transmission into Park, and release the air brake. Leaving the air brake on and the transmission in gear only places unnecessary strain on the brakes, since automatic transmissions always creep in gear. When starting the engine, turn off the compressor via the switch on the dash, only turning on the compressor when the engine is running. This reduces the drain on the battery when starting. The pressure gauge on the dash will soon come up to 100 psi or 7 Atm, giving full brake functionality. At the end of each run, please drain the air tank in the front compartment with the red handled valve, closing it when completed. And disconnect the battery behind the dash with the green knob.

8101 has had some major changes recently.John Crocker explains the details:

Clockwise from right: Eddy Mol rejoices making a lap at CSMEE; Reg Smith before losing all his electrons; Matt McGregor having fun!; Eddy’s new coal hoppers and Luke Roberts happily steams off from his boiler inspection on Sparky.

MORE PHOTOS NEXT MONTH. Order your copy TODAY!!

Club badges are now available from the Canteen on runningdays or by requesting then

through the secretary by email or letter. Cost is $5.00 each

>Message from the Editor: People continue to accuse me of "stealing

others jokes" and being "a plagiarist"! Their words, not mine..................

Party BookingsParties/People

02 March 2/47 Simon Foxcroft Club Member

29 March 2/48 12 April 1/40 26 April 1/25

>Committee member Chris Grallelis has resigned from his position on the committee but remains a member of the Club. His position will be left vacant until the AGM.

>The next committee meeting will be held on Monday 6th April 2015.

>>The next Members’ meeting to be held at CMR will be on Thursday 19th March 2015

>A new logo has been developed for the new CMR. Another design

will be developed for members as a Society logo without

reference to CMR. This logo (left) is to be used for fund raising and publicity. More information will be

forthcoming as the project develops.

>The mower at CMR has undergone substantial repairs over he last three weeks. A defective switch led to the discovery of other major defects but work by John Oliver, Kel Broughton and Ian Hahn has fixed the issues. Thanks gents!

>Due to logistical issues the triple containers will now house locomotives and rolling stock and the two containers near the five inch track will become storerooms. Access to the containers is now being completed.

>The Committee has decided the only job at CMR is TRACK LAYING including the 5 inch Y to join up the loop.

>Work on replacing bogies continues and the 81 class should have a new set installed by the second running day this month. Work will continue on the second set and for cars in conjunction with fitting air brakes.

>The Club is negotiating with AHRS to operate over Easter. Five hours a day for four days. Cal Secretary Greg NOW if you can assist. This may alleviate the reduced income this year from Malkara.

From Network Control: News from the Committee meeting held 2 March

March 2015Peter Hateley 6254 7229 0401 670829

Team LeaderPeter Cole 6288 5609

John Crocker 6251 2430 0420 382068Michael Dickinson 6294 1217 0418 482147

April 2015Bob Hesse 6288 2025 0418 630764

Team LeaderChris Grallelis 6231 5981 0414 230189

Les Fearnley 6297 9376Bruce Findley 02 4476 7693 0423 710067

MOWING ROSTER

Monthly meeting 19th March 2015

CMR Rooms Symonston Lanotec Australia is a manufacturer of

natural, biodegradable, and

environmentally friendlier preventative

maintenance products. Their range

includes corrosion / rust protection

products, lubricants, anti-seize, timber

protection, release agents, anti-spatter and

cleaners & degreasers

At the March Members meeting there will

be presentation of products by Lanotec

Australia Pty Ltd.

Sponsored by

The Spare Page.

Editorial contributions that never made the last sixteen editions of Whistleblower as a result of limited space

Mick. This reminds me. I will be inspecting all members important credentials over the

next few meetings. Regards. John Oliver

VicRail driver joins CSMEE

Dear Editor,

Please find enclosed my time line

for the completion of repairs and

maintenance to my Shay

locomotive. Members will be

thrilled to be able to see the Shay

running by December 2012. 2013.

2014. 2015

Yours sincerely

Peter Hateley

PS I am thinking of running for

Club President too.

Dear Whistle Blower Editor,In February next year, like many other famous and exemplary members of society I will be turning 70 years of age.I have been reliably informed there has been a series of secret meetings at which this event has been discussed although I have not yet been able to identify the person responsible for organising such meetings, I did however see a torn scrap of paper at KMR which read “and that Hesse bloke will be another who will have to get the septuagenarian treatment next year”. I realise this means, like others before me, I will be the recipient of a magnificent celebration with bucket loads of adulation poured on me. I am at pains to stress to the “Celebrate Hesse’s 70th birthday in February 2015" organising Committee that such an event would be highly embarrassing to me and assist in regurgitating the jokes and jibes I continually have to fend off about my decision to marry a bride less than half my age. It is now painfully obvious to me the Club members are reticent about talking to me in case they accidentally “spill the beans” about the extensive plans the Club has for me.For myself, I am happy for a more subdued celebration so that I can hand out free beer (and, of course, a nice Cab. Sab. to you, Mr. Editor) at the conclusion of the March 2015 running day. See you there and please ensure all the Club is invited

I luv yous all!Bob Hesse, Weston, 23 Feb 2014

Quote of the MonthPeople used to laugh

when I said I wanted to

be a comedian.

Well they're not

laughing now!

Greg Peters

PS Think about it - Ed.