SMR CHRIS

The NSWGR 30 Class tank arrived and has been into the workshops for a quick modification to the gear drive disable the clutch drive and a temporary DCC decoder install for motor only until a sound decoder is sourced and a full install is done with some detail additions to the model and Hook Draw Gear for couplers, etc is the plan. The ETS Model is scaled to the Euro 1/45 scale not 1/43.5 scale normally used for NSWGR in O scale however it’s not that noticeable when the loco is on the layout. Thank you to Bob for the info re this model photo straight from the box and a quick video below of its first movement on DCC

Just found your layout Topic you have done a good job of capturing the style of a SA countrys Railway yard look. somthing very different for the UK nicely done.

Hi Bob apparrently the 30 class will be delivered Tomorrow going via the tracking. had a bit going on recently. I will PM you.

The Railway is looking good Bob the Grass makes a very effective ground cover and will be very durable for out side in the weather. Apparently my 30 tank arrives tomorrow going via the tracking. what are the secrets to pulling it apart as will need DCC etc

What about a Carriage shed in place of the Dairy, Andy to park the Auto coach under that way there could be 4 goods trains on the sector plate and the auto service runs to the empty fiddle yard road after the goods has arrived and started to shunt the yard.

Hi Andy It’s great to draw inspiration from all the layouts in mags and online don’t get to caught up in the scale of the layouts just look at how the track work flows There are lots of online resources for actual real railway track diagrams plus many publications that include original drawings If you have a location in mind or a region/ era look at some of the books or reference material available specifically for these. When your drawing up plans it’s also worth having an idea of how big the points are eg if using peco download the templates and place on your board so you can see how much realestate they take up nothing worse than drawing out a line drawing and finding your way off on the dream plan Also look at the track planning programs like Anyrail or Scarm as they have templates of popular track brands. Best of luck with your planning

Hi Bob yes will let you know when the 30 arrives The photo with the 44’s looks good the Astro turf really looks good for the photos Last weeks bargain buys from eBay with DCC sound, top stuff. There is a, as new 49 class on eBay this week I can give you the direct contact for the seller if your visitor is interested.

Hi Bob 30tank is ordered/paid for, I asked if they could leave the numbers off so could number different to your loco, but the reply said that all the body’s they have made are fully finished with paint and numbers already and like yours this will be a custom build to be a 2 Rail version Looking forward to this arriving later in January with a bit of luck. Re another loco they could do a 2-8-0 53class would be nice.

Thanks Bob Email received from Zuzana, the model can be supplied without couplers so it’s in progress. Zuzana was just checking the postage. Not cheap I’m guessing but cheaper than a trip to Europe to pick up. Really looking forward to the models arrival, as I can see it will be fun to detail up with a few additions like Coal bunker extension, cast water fillers for the 4 tanks fillers, timber buffer beam, maybe even some NSWGR loco buffers, hook couplings, lamps etc.

Hi Bob thanks for the info Email sent to ETS just have to wait for a response now What’s the buffer height like for the model is it close to the Australian spec for buffer Center line height of 23.9mm Dose it look like the the wheels can be adjusted on the Axles for BTB ?? I’d probably replace the bogie wheels with slaters eventually anyway as they look a bit like the ones on a old bergs HO 30class, made under scale size for operating reasons for corners etc Happy modelling Chris

Thanks Bob I’ll do an email to them with all the details as I want the loco and see what the response is. What curancy did they do the transaction in ??

Hi Bob your 30 is a really nice looking model I remember a few of the Modellers at AMRA we’re getting their chassis blocks for their 3 Rail models from ETS a few years ago.

Rail travel the most relaxing way to travel down the New England to Sydney esp this time of year with all the Holiday traffic It’s a shame about the AMRA layout I’m guessing the numbers are dwindling with the passing of time and with no alternative for “Fine Scale standards” it days may be numbered, also as Marty pointed out its a fair hike to get there this is the main reason for me as it’s can be 4 hours + worth of traveling to get there and back. A 4 car suburban set would look really good esp if you mix up the colour schemes in the set, I’m a big fan of the PTC blue and white that many didn’t like but I think they were quite striking when compared to the all Red sets. Re the PO hoppers under wires Rule 1 Or you could add a branch line off the outdoor layout circuit.

The BTB on this Sunset 3rd Rail Model was well under the standard recommended 29.2mm and it actually has quite a small flange profile but a wide tread, so after a bit of checking with a wheel set out and manually rolling it though the points I found setting to 29.45mm BTB worked well.In the photo you can see the step machined on the axle and the wheels were installed hard against this.

Hi Bob The Fast Electric Parcel Van is coming along nicely, it’s certainly something different and not often modelled Your railway is getting a very metropolitan mix of models now. I wonder what will be next a 46 Electric may be.

Hi Bob missed this, Sorry for slow reply Extra pickups will be needed currently using the Keep alive to keep things ticking over ok, The KA will run the sound for 35 seconds after shut down when not in motion, but with the old style can motor it only gets about 2 seconds of motion when power removed but enough to keep it running ok. It’s now got a SoundTraxx Tsunami2 2200 decoder the 2 amp version with appropriate engine sounds for the Duel Motor Shunter, very basic really as it reves up and goes, only really has any character as the engine slows or as it’s idle’s Had to pull the wheels sets out and adjust the back to back as it was well under gauge on all axles and wouldn’t go through the peco points with out climbing over the check rails. All things considered it’s a very Cheap NSW style loco, all up has cost less than a Current HO Shunter like the 70class by IDR Models, and as you say would be perfect for a Start with NSW O scale Modelling will get put to use as a Carriage Shunter for Newcastle. Whilst I was getting some decoders I got a new TCS WOW V4 to replace the test one I fitted to 5917 so will fit that up and see what the difference is.

Hi Bob Yes for its size it is a weighty model the chassis comes with a big chunk of die cast on it as well for extra weight. I haven’t done any load trials yet just a quick test run with a TCS T1 with a KA installed, it ran OK and I’m sure it will pull a decent load I’ve got a sound decoder for it currently in transit down under. The Chassis is very basic and may need some work to the Bogie piviot point at some stage. It’s pickups are currently via 2 wheels on each Bogie so a set of wiper pickups is next on the list to do when I do the sound install. I’ll do another 79 class as I also have a Rich Yodda 44ton Brass Model, to do a second more detailed model of the 79class it will be in the Tuscan livery it’s a much better base model fine scale O unlike the 3rd Rail model that’s a little less refined being a compromise for 3 / 2 Rail originally.

Weathering stage 1. Using a photo of the Prototype 7920 I’ve stated to emulate it. 7920 must have had a leaking set of motors as the walkways to the cab actually had some sort of absorbing material down to soak up the oil, with staining all over the walk ways. In the photo it’s only the side with the cab door that has the absorbent so have tried to get the look of this.

Just about Finished the 79class 44ton swithcher I started this a long while ago and have been waiting to solder on the last detail parts just need to find some time to do so, today was it. Needed to be done with the resistance soldering unit so got the RSunit out and finished the loco body and painted today. The model started out as a 3rd Rail USA 44toner and has been Australianised with buffers angled cab roof new marker lamp assays, also the removal of a lot of US only parts like sun shades, hand rails etc. Here it is, in the platform at the Flats unfortunately it is no longer a nice new looking,/clean model as I’ve started weathering it to look like it’s just about to expire with leaking oil and dust and dirt as per photos of the prototype in Central station yard

Well Bob that’s not where they should be all cooped up in boxes, they need to be set free and running. HaHa. Look forward to seeing the photos

A pair of branch line Alco’s arrived at Moonan Flats recently and have been fitted up with DCC and sound. The NSWGR 48 Class in Orignal Tuscan livery and the Anniversary 125year Green and yellow livery

5917 finally gots Cab side Numbers fitted well to one side of the cab unfortunately discovered the 1 is missing from the second set so will have to make up a 1 a job for another night. To attach the brass numbers I like to use Arleen’s tacky glue this dries clear gives a bit of wiggle room when fitting and if you ever have to remove the numbers will come away without damaging the paint below I set the numbers in place aligned on the cab side then lay over a piece of clear sticky tape, then lifted the tape back with the numbers stuck to it leaving some of the tape attached to the cab side, then you apply the glue then folded the tape back down onto the model, let set for 10 min then peal the tape off and as the glue stays tacky any small adjustments could be done. On the work bench number fitting using clear tape method Tape rolled back for glue to be applied to the backs of the numbers And back on the layout

Another great day Sunday running large Scale trains out in The sunshine Had my NSWGR live stream C38 Running with a MHO passengers guards van then a train of Coal hoppers. Video of some of the days trains One of the guys had a drone and got a great photo of the layout with us running trains

Hi Bob yes this track is all hand laid track all sleepers hand cut as well Link to a video of some train running round the garden https://youtu.be/jQAaqVMnuoQ

5904 a old Fox model that was too high by 5-7 mm over its length front to rear it is now at the correct level after machining the Chassis and bearing block now to move on to the tender to reduce its height. Interesting comparison of 59 class models the early Fox semi scale model and current DJH model. And as this is 7mm and above topic thread Some photos of Garden Railway Running recently in the Down Under winter sunshine and into spring. Everyone’s caboose’s on one train not taking these things too seriously 26 all up just a bit of fun. A few locos in the afternoon shade Aster Schools in the spring sun shine It’s not all about big trains and big locos