Back into the model room!

I'm back into the model railway and it feels good.

During Christmas the bench work in the new extension went in and Munibung is back in one piece and mounted above the new bench work as a second level. The new bench work in the new room is for staging and storage

It will be some time before a train is running again as the rest of the layout is getting a major redesign. About 80% of the current layout is getting ripped up and more prototypical yards will be built. I also have to build another helix to serve the new multi-level level design.

It has been 3 1/2 years since my Father and I finished the room extension and about 4 years since the last train ran on any part of the layout. I'm looking forward to the new challenge.

The layout is remaining DC for the foreseeable future. There is only me and my Father to operate it. However, DCC wiring techniques will be used should the conversion ever take place.

Changes include; The removal of the duplicated main line, to a single main. Extending the main line to incorporate Munibung. The addition of 2 new branch lines. I have short list of what these will be based on but getting the main line up and running is priority. Adding De Loc to the rest of the layout, a new work bench siding. Less remote controlled points, the "hand of God" will play more of a part.

Pictures were taken before the last piece of Munibung was put up.

And yet nothing...

One year since my last post and nothing has changed. Munibung is still in pieces and not a train has run in some time. I can count the time I have entered the train room in the last year on one hand.

The passion is not dead, I have still been collecting inventory, it just sits in the cupboard instead of being ripped out of the packet and put or run on the layout.

I'm glad I started this hobby at a young age and built up a little empire, if I had to start now it would be a circle of track on the carpet with a couple of wagons.

Stirrings...

The numbers...

2 years 9 months since I bought Deloc off ebay
Over 2 years since a train has run,
Almost 2 years since the new extension was finished,
1 year since any activity in the layout room.

I've spent enough money on trikes, time to move back into the models.

Munibung is in pieces, still waiting to be relocated, 80% of the rest of the layout is going to be ripped up and a new design laid down. Plans involved a meandering mainline instead of the glorified oval. Several more station yard based on the prototype and a couple more branch lines. Focus is on making operations more complex and fun.

Not a great deal going on

As the title says, my model railway has stalled. Not long after my last post I was drawn back into playing with the trikes again. I had the opportunity to get a trike I have been after for several years I couldn't pass up.

I did get the the Liverpool show in October. As usual it was a high standard, lots of layouts I have seen before but still I enjoyed watching them operate. Spent some money on Austrians GSVs and other 4 wheelers. Also picked up SDSs 63' OCY container wagons. I can't tell you what they are like. I haven't opened them yet. They are safer in the box as the layout is in pieces with Munibungs move.


This will probably be Lines near the Lachlan last post for 2012. So I'll wish everyone a Merry Christmas, stay safe and may the spirit of the season bring you happiness.


Cheers
Albert

A Little Neglected

The model railway has been at a stand still for some time now. if you have been following, efforts have been directed towards the trikes. (See Here)

However, now the trike is running again the models might get a look in.  Munibung has been dismantled and is sitting on the floor of the new room ready to be re mounted. Only need some 2 x 1 pine and charge the cordless. Looking forward to getting back into the models after a few months. I have 1 week left of my holidays so something might get done.

The collection never stopped growing. I have received SDS's not quite right tankers although only two are affected. What seemed an eternity ago now I did attend the Epping Model Railway clubs show at Thornleigh. I picked up a few specials from Austrians, 4 WHX hoppers for $120 just because the box was damaged. I won't get the Liverpool show this year. A shame because I think I will miss out on some new releases.

New arrangement

I have separated my interests of model railway and  trikes

A new blog has been started  NSWGR Trikes

This blog will remain for updating what happening with my model railway.

Oh my indeed

I'm sure most have had the great experience of starting a job only to find out it is going to take more time and more money.

One of the axle bearings has spun on the axle itself and cause a bit of damage. The solution is to take the axle to an engineering shop, have the worn areas filled and then put the axle in a lathe. Anyone reading and has a trike and you haven't checked your bearings, do so now!

Wickham 526 is the 'pride of the fleet' so to speak. I'm finding out it's a clapped out piece of *beep*.

There is an up side, once all work is complete the trike will see me out.

Wheels, axles and bearings...oh my!

The trike is home out of storage, lifted up to stand on its rear so the wheels and axles can be removed. All rather simple as it only took a couple of hours to strip the under-carriage. I did try to knock myself out. I didn't leave the axle hub nut on and as I was winding the puller up the hub flew off just missing my head.

I also take back the bit I said about the hubs not being off since 1955. Some ingenious son of a gun cut up an old Fanta can to use as a shim on the tapered axle. I guess sometime in the 70's, early 80's the insulation bush had worn and started to slip on the axle.

It's off to use a 60 tonne press to remove the rear axle hubs. This will be safer and easier. The rear axle on this Wickham is split so they will fit in the press as the front axle is to long for it.

There is a deadline to this repair job. On the 15th and 16th September the Goulburn Crookwell Heritage Railway is having a members running weekend. Anyone reading this is welcome to come and have a look and join if you wish to get involved.

The Wickam on its rear.

The axles. As you can see the split rear axle.

That's better

Now I have the right colour. The flash from the camera makes it lighter and blue-er than it is.

The overhaul is complete and the engine has been re-assembled

I have brought Wickham 526 out of storage and sat it on it's end ready to do the wheel bearings. I have already found out I'm in for some fun trying to remove the wheel hubs. Probably never been off since the trike was made in 1955.

The 1" square sample looked so good

All the parts arrived to re-assemble the Wisconsins. Both engines went back together without any problems, so they are as good as new. Mind you, not an easy thing to do these days. Production stopped on these engines over 20 years ago, new parts are very hard to come by and have many emails saying "discontinued", "No longer available". Lucky I found a supplier in the US for the more common servicing parts, however I still had to rely heavily on trading with other restorers and recycling parts from other engines.



I got to the stage for painting. The old paint was removed and surfaces cleaned. This time around I thought I would choose a custom colour with a higher quality paint other than the $3 spray can I previously used.

Got to the paint shop asked for the enamel paint chart looking for a industrial grey with a touch of blue (blue being my favorite colour). 'Storm Blue' was chosen...disaster followed.

I feel like booking myself in to the optometrist.

  

All Done but just getting started

Here are some pictures of the completed extension for Munibung and my new model workshop.

I'm very happy the way it turned out despite the delays. Part of Munibung has already been moved into the new room. It will be located under the small window. A new work bench will go under the large window (hence the power points)

The most important thing is the cat approves



Model railway-ing has taken a bit of a back seat as I have been working on the trikes. With the acquisitions of the TIC it has enabled the use of their engines to repair others.

When I pulled apart Wickham 526s engine , the poor thing was worn out and in a worse state than I thought, nothing a complete overhaul won't fix. At the same time I have been working on an engine for a friend.

Right now I am waiting on a parcel from the US of A with some Wisconsin parts to complete the rebuilds.



Motorcar Consortium Ltd.

You might have gathered already that not only are my interest with model railway but the also the 12" to the 1' as well. Particularly track vehicles know as trikes, motorcars or section cars. I have been involved with them since I was 10 years old when my Uncle started collecting Railway paraphernalia in 1988. Since then it's has been a bit of a passion to restore and run these vehicles on the rail. 

I first heard about the Motorcar Consortium a few years ago, it is only recently that they have been accepting memberships.

The consortium is organising a  induction workshop set for the 1st and 2nd of September 2012. I encourage anyone that would like to be involved to sign up by making contact with them through their website.

Below is a short video of a VW gang car in action leaving the Crookwell railway yard.



A post for post sake

Just thought I would waste some electrons and post a small update.

The new extension to the layout room is almost finished, the carpet is yet to be delivered and laid. I must say the room turned out pretty good considering some of the compromises that had to be made.

I haven't been playing with the models railway for a while. The last time a train ran would have been 5 months and that was to show a friend how it all worked otherwise it would be close to a year. That still hasn't stopped me from attending shows and stockpiling models.

I have spent some time tinkering with the new trikes in the collection. Since the TICs I have managed to collect two more flat top trailers, and another Villiers quadracycle. Parts from the new TICs are being used for my Wickham, 526. It is undergoing some repairs.

Other than that there has been little spare time.


That's about it for now. Next update will have some photos of the new room and other things.

Just what have I gotten myself into???

Yep! I've done it now. I held off for so long because I knew what it would do and it did do what I thought it would do and now that it has done what it did. Now I'm convinced by what it did do is the best thing to do for the future of my layout.

 The chance for a cheap one turned up and I thought a little play around wouldn't hurt and besides all that button pressing would surely turn me off? Not a chance.

For the last couple of weeks I have been running up and down on my 8' portable layout (glorified test track). This weekend I picked up a couple more decoders and a USB controller from the MRRC stand at the Canberra show.

Once the extension is finished and Munibung is moved the full conversion to DCC is likely to take place. The rate the extension is coming along, that could be while yet. ;)

Pays to be patient...

Back in 2005 a group of members of the Goulburn Crookwell Heritage Railway travelled to north west Sydney to transport 8 trikes from private collection back to Crookwell. These were on loan to the GCHR.

My Father and I were among that group with the trusty (now scraped) XF Falcon with car trailer in tow. Neither of us live close to Sydney or Crookwell so it was a long day, if i recall it was 16 hours from go to whoa. Anyway, on the trailer was 2 flat top trailers, 2 TICs and an ST2 Fairmont. Efforts were made to make these part of my collection however he owner didn't want to sell at the time.

So! after 6 years of waiting and waiting aaannnd waiting...The TICs are finally in my possession.  Sadly time has not done them any favors, the elements and rotten thieves have taken their toll. The body work and chassis' are write-offs from rust and important parts are missing since they were delivered.

Here is TIC 60/60

The parts missing (read stolen) are the fuel tank, the headlight, ignition coil and clutch adjuster. The last being near impossible to replace being long out of production. And to top it off, being left out in the weather for the last 3.5 years, the engine is siezed.

TIC 60/229

Pinched from 229 was the carburetor and air cleaner, clutch adjuster and just in the last week the pulley ring off the flywheel. Its engine is seized as well.

It was to be expected really, they have been out in the open, anyone and everyone had access to them. Just a shame as they were complete. I can't complain to much, the deal was right and I got them for far less than I was offering 7 years ago.

All loaded in Sydney ready to leave for Crookwell 2005

Neither will be restored, their parts will be used to put other TIC chassis I have together, 60/113. It can be seen on my site www.nswgrtrikes.4t.com









Some Piccy's

Not many pictures have been taken, to busy building the thing.

Anyway, here are a few...

 Just after the bathroom demolition

On the left is my trike restoration to-do pile.

 Site all cleaned up, levelled to with in 3mm and form work assembled for the concrete. The sheet of MDF was used as a square.

 Then we skip many months and it's lock-up!

 The view from just inside the door. The wall on the right is the existing shed

 Looking from the small window

 Left pan of the above shot.

Taken from the layout side. Plenty of holes to fill in.

Dad and I have decided to have a weekend off. Going for a trip to Sydney for a model railway supply run and swing by Train Works to have a squiz at the new look museum.

Progress and new toys

I hope everyone had a great Christmas and new year.

The new building has been full steam ahead. Over the Chrissy break the frame, roof and outer walls went up and is now in the lock up stage. It's now back to weekend work fitting out in inside.

Thanks to Santa, he delivered some building tools, drop saw, table saw, cordless drills, levels, hand tools... certainly makes the job easier. Dad was saying how far things had come when he and his parents hand build their first house without power tools in the 50's. Just an imperial tape measure, pencil, hand saw, chisel, and a hammer. He said, what would have taken 2 weeks 'back in the day' we did in 24 hours.

Australia Day is here again! So to celebrate the birth of a nation the ceiling is going up and a start will be made modifying the internal wall (old external wall of existing shed). I've more than likely jinxed the time table again, but in a month it should be ready to move in. Only 3 months behind the original schedule.


The model collection has grown as well over the holiday period. 3 x TrainOrama 44s, 2 packs of NHDF hoppers, all 3 packs of Columbia Models BCWs. The last being a present from the folks.

 I scored a L and C Kits Powerline chassis conversion kit for an 81 class off eBay and with another auction 2 x C class bogies and motor. When I find the time this will go under 8115, my first HO scale model. It will be good to have this loco running around the layout again.


I'll post some picture after this weekend.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New year

I would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas.  May 2012 bring you all happiness. 

Oh joy of joy's!!!

The concreting is finished, no more shoveling, no more heavy lifting, no more hoping the concrete doesn't go off before final troweling. It also means that the frame and roof will be on the extension for the new year.

To top off a successful weekend, the Wickham trike I was working on for a friend was fired up for the first time in 20 years.

My Father and I are off to Crookwell this coming Saturday (17th Dec) with the Wickham in tow for it's shake-down and delivery back to its owner.

Mixing it up

The next section of concrete went in today. An early start to the day had 3 of us finishing in just under 2hrs and before the sun hit the slab.


Progress is slow since last update. Rained out, Wagga model railway shows, tinkering with trikes. The frame for the extension should have been up by now but the slab isn't even finished. However it's hoped things will move faster now that there is less other things to distract us.


On the 5th November, my Father and I went to the Wagga Model Expo. What a great show they put on. It's one show that you can take your time to browse what's there without pushing and barging your way through. It was great to catch up with fellow trike enthusiasts from the TUMBARAIL mob. They had 3 vehicles on display near the entrance. 2 were mine that I sold so it was good to see them again. I didn't take many pictures as the camera had decided to play up by over exposing the photos and Dad forgot the memory card for his.



I have been working on a Wickham trike for a friend that he couldn't get the engine started. It is almost a goer, it had a very stuck exhaust valve and the ignition points needed a clean up. Some re-assembly and the engine will be ready to fire up for the first time in 20 years.



Next Saturday is a trip to Crookwell again for the monthly meeting and working bee of the GCHR.  


It obvious that model railways has taken a back seat at the moment. Like everything else it has its long to do list. I scored a Hollywood Foundry 48 Class mech off ebay. This will take the count to 3. I wish I had bought more when they were available, such nice runners. I have given very serious consideration to going DCC lately. I missed a bargain on ebay with an NCE Powercab going for $160. Would have been good to 'play' with it to get a feel for DCC. For now, the layout will remain DC.