Going Loco

 The main baseboard on South Coast Rail that contains the terminus of Eden was where the layout commenced and that was back in 2016. It seems like yesterday but eight years ago is a long time. On the second baseboard to be constructed I allowed an area to be set aside for the locos to be serviced. So far the ash dump has been constructed. The actual siding that goes through the engine shed is long enough to hold three locomotives comfortably and four at a pinch. Initially the tracks were built around this track and also ballasted, but this track was just a track laid waiting for future development. Eventually I got around to building the base of an engine shed and this was based on a VR narrow gauge shed. It was painted up and just sat there for a while. My intention was to eventually build the shed over the base and allow it to be removable for access to the insides of the shed. I have also plans to put some lights inside. This plan dragged on for a long time until recently I thought why not just put the base down and lay the track and ballast around it and build the shed at a later time.

This was a job I should have a long time ago as it then completes Eden from having a bald spot. Typically the ground around engine sheds is mainly black achieving that look from countless years of oil, coal and grease being absorbed into the soil. I dug into a foam box I had containing a dark ballast. Around the entrance of the shed I sieved the ballast which produced a near powder like finish. This was fixed into position with the two part system. First is to use water with a dash of detergent to enable the glue mixture to flow easily. Then comes  the watered down PVA glue and as soon as it hits the ballast it flows evenly amongst it.

The track was temporarily nailed into position and these were removed as soon as the glue had dried. One thing I had to do also was to solder up the two wires into position under the rails. But what I have done some time ago was to squeeze in a cupboard directly underneath where the two wires drop down and so I will have to empty it out and remove to get access to the wiring.

On the second day this afternoon I checked that the glue had dried. It had and the brads were removed from the middle of the track, it certainly won't move. I have started to introduce the weeds and will gradually increase them until I think it looks 'weedy' enough.

The loco shed may get built one day but at least for now the area looks more complete and finished. I have included a few photos of the last two days work. Plenty more to do.

More Narrow

  I can't say that it has been a busy year on South Coast Rail. Trouble is that time has speeded up and before you know it another year has gone by. So as a stop gap I  will post some photos taken around the various spots and hope you will enjoy.

They cover areas such as around the ash pit at Eden, of course the Thomson River bridge, and various other places.

 

The Main North Railway

 I must admit again I haven't been very busy on the SCR of late. The Rosehill Model railway exhibition hosted by the Epping Model Railway club was attended in May. This is by far the largest of the around three exhibits that Sydney hosts. When we compare the number of Victorian and Queensland exhibitions NSW comes last. One would think the state with the most people would have the most but for some reason it is not so. Exhibitions to me become mainly social outings where you can meet up with old aquaintances and spend more time talking than viewing the exhibition.

Many of the blogs report on running sessions with other modellers and they become social outlets for sharing the hobby. I have recently met up with a few other bloggers and was able to organise a short notice visit to the Main North with two other bloggers. The 'Main North' layout is being constructed by Marcus Amman who is a very accomodating host for visits to his layout.

We arrived at his layout last night and as this was the first visit for them they were taken on a progressive tour starting at the lower level of Sydney progressing throughout the room around to the heights of Armidale and Tamworth. I am sure they were very impressed with the layout as all who get to view it. I have seen progressive improvements during my short time of visiting the layout. There is so much to see on the layout and I would like to hope that one day it makes the pages of the Australian Model Railway Magazine as an example of a great New South Wales style model railway with plenty of operation to be had.

There are so many photo opportunities to be had so I have attached some I have took on the night.

Werris Creek diesels waiting a job

Werris Creek 36 class on an Up Freight

Werris Creek Coal stage

One of the trips operated on the Main North is the running of the Northern Tablelands Express and this journey is operated by a 900 class DEB set. It starts at Werris Creek when a three car set arrives from 'Moree' and a four car set arrives from 'Armidale' Once the operator connects the two portions together they then proceed towards Sydney. Here are a few photos depicting the trip.

Passing Ardglen

Exiting Ardglen Tunnel

Passing Pangela

Quite day at Murrurundi waiting for the Express

Murrurundi Loco depot

Control Panel for Murrurundi

Oak Milk Factory

Pages River bridge

Coming into Fassifern

Waiting to depart Fassifern

Departing Gosford

Departing Gosford passing stored U boats

Crossing the Hawkesbury River bridge

Passing through Hawkesbury River station

One of the busy impressive stations on the layout is Gosford. When I first saw it, there was no overhead or ballast and points were hand operated. Now there is overhead all the way to Sydney, ballast laid and a control panel to control the points. Impressive. All loco hauled trains passing through Gosford are required to change motive power from either steam or diesel to a 46 class electric. This adds to more operation working. There are usually many steam, 46 class electrics and U boat interurbans stabled there waiting their turn to move. Here are a few shots taken around Gosford.

 Hope you enjoyed, we all did.