MARCH 2017 - G Scale news from around New Zealand
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THE GARDEN WHISTLE
MARCH 2017
G Scale news from around New Zealand
Page 2
THE GARDEN WHISTLE
I AM
A poem by Tara Hancox, Rangiora
I am the daughter of a 47 year old man who owns too many trains
I wonder why he has so many of them
I hear the trains all the time
I see the trains
I want less trains in my house
I pretend that it’s fun to clean the track when it’s not
I feel like its dads job to clean the track
I touch leaves on the track
I laugh at the trains when they crash
I worry that the house will over flow with trains
I understand that they are there and not leaving
I say that dad needs to stop buying so many trains
I dream that his trains will not take over my life
I try my hardest to eat all the food on train days
I hope that the good food keeps coming my way
I am the daughter of a 47 year old man who owns too many trains
Christchurch Garden Railway Group Running Day
January 2017
Due to bad weather, the Running Day, on postponed to 29 January. overcast, but warm, afternoon to run
the Culcreuch Fold garden Railway, trains and talk. About a dozen stayed on
Twenty-four members turned out on an
scheduled for 22 January 2017 was for a BBQ and early evening running.
John Lammiman’s track powered LGB 0-4-0 Photo: John Lammiman
Page 3
THE GARDEN WHISTLE
Dean Farrow’s 1:24 scale Drewry 88 seater railcar departs Cottonwood while the GP9 waits in the yard. (The 88-seaters were
constructed by the Birmingham Railway, Carriage and Wagon Company Ltd under contract from Drewry) Photo: Hancox Family
Rebecca Hancox’s battery powered and Revolution controlled locomotive and train exit the tunnel Photo: Hancox Family
Page 4 THE GARDEN WHISTLE Rebecca Hancox’s train passing through Nathan Photo Hancox Family David Hancox’s GP30 and train passing through Nathan Photo Hancox Family
Page 5
THE GARDEN WHISTLE
Kabita Whale, David Hancox, Robert Reid , Oliva & Tara Hancox talk while Dean Farrow checks his railcar Photo Hancox Family
Andrew Milliken’s Mogul and freight Photo Hancox Family
Page 6 THE GARDEN WHISTLE Andrew Milliken’s freight leaving Nathan Photo: Hancox Family Ian Galbraith’s battery powered, Revolution controlled, Mogul hauled freight waiting to depart Nathan Photo: Hancox Family
Page 7
THE GARDEN WHISTLE
Track powered tram #8 passing the holiday camp Photo: Hancox Family
The lights come on as night falls.
Page 8
THE GARDEN WHISTLE
Christchurch Garden Railway Group Running Day
February 2017
The February Running day was held at per day on a 15 minute cycle. opportunity to run their train during the
the Wilson Valley Railway, home of course of the afternoon.
There was a good turnout of members,
Andrew and Nicola Wilson, on Sunday
despite the meeting reminder notice not Prior to afternoon tea, President, Don
19 February 2017.
having been sent out. Ellis gave a short report covering the
Situated close to the Port Hills, there was recent Garden Railway Convention in
This will be the last Running Day on this
a constant sound of aircraft as a Fletcher, Auckland.. The 2019 Garden Railway
layout as it is due to be uplifted and the
a Cresco and a Pawnee travelled back and Convention will be hosted by the
property sold. A new railway will rise,
forth to load and spread fire retardant on Wellington & Wairarapa Garden Railway
“like phoenix from the ashes”, at the new
the fire which had been raging for six Groups
residence.
days. One of the pilots reported, in the
Don thanked Andrew and Nicola for
local paper, that he did up to 40 flights A number of members took the
hosting the Running Day.
Ian Galbraith’s battery powered, Revolution controlled, LGB Forney and passenger train Photo Lew Henry
Dean Farrow’s scratch built Drewry 88 seater railcar Photo Lew Henry
Page 9
THE GARDEN WHISTLE
Lew Henry’s UD484 on freight duty Photo Lew Henry
An eclectic collection waiting to run Photo Lew Henry
Page 10 THE GARDEN WHISTLE Lew Henry’s 2-4-2 tank locomotive on freight duty Photo Lew Henry Work train storage Photo Ian Galbraith
Page 11
THE GARDEN WHISTLE
Sales tables set up in the lounge Photo Ian Galbraith
Coming Events
Queens Birthday Weekend 2017 AMRA, Porirua
July 15-16 2017 Timaru Train Show, Roncalli College, Timaru
2017 National Garden Railway Convention, Tulsa, OK, USA
2018 National Garden Railway Convention, Atlanta, GA, USA
2019 12th National Garden Railway Convention Wellington/Wairarapa. NZ,
2021 13th National Garden Railway Convention Christchurch. NZPage 12
THE GARDEN WHISTLE
11th National Garden Railway Convention
Auckland 2017
Bryan & Barbara Hufton, Sydney, NSW.
This was our first Convention & we were not disappointed. We enjoyed the friendly atmosphere, meeting fellow enthusiasts and
seeing many different layouts.
Hugh Keal (right) and friend at Hugh's railway in Titirangi Faye & Rosalind , from Australia at the Convention Dinner
Brian Miller, Auckland so attendees, and space to exhibit all the both excellent – were weekend
items for sale. highlights.
Impressions…… hard work behind the
scenes by the Auckland committee. I lent Attendees were divided into two groups Visitors came from many areas of New
a hand loading the trailers with the club for visiting layouts on the mornings of Zealand; three visitors came from the
indoor layout, which was then set up at Day 1 and Day 2; a sensible arrangement, USA; and several from Australia. The
the convention venue, the Papakura RSA. as these layouts were at smaller venues. camaraderie between all of us was
This proved to be an ideal meeting place, Lunch on all three days was at a larger something to be proud of and enjoyed –
with a large room set aside for the 80 or venue. An informal barbecue on Saturday we were all there to share a love of large
night and a formal dinner at the RSA – scale railway modelling. And weren’t we
blessed with great weather!
Robert Graham’s Drewey at Stuartstown Station Photo Brian MillarPage 13
THE GARDEN WHISTLE
The Auckland Convention- a Committee Member’s Perspective
John Boyson – Auckland G Scale Group
It was John Reinecke who called me. 60 as we had expected! Never mind, we got everyone started within 45 minutes. I
Later Michael Hilliar phoned, both with would cope was the view. even managed to get served as well, just
the same question. Would I be interested With great cunning I managed to avoid beating some folk who were coming up
in joining the committee to help with the the set up on the night before the start by for seconds which was even better! No
convention? A cautious yes followed. the simple expedient of being in one was going to get dessert until I had
That was back in October last year. The Christchurch! I promised to come and eaten!
group’s AGM followed in November and help out as soon as I got back late Friday Speeches followed and amazingly Simon
I found myself voted on. At the first night. However when I called from Sharp’s plea for offers to host the next
committee meeting shortly after this, I Auckland Airport, it had all been done, so convention was met with two offers, A
somehow gained responsibility for straight home for me for a rest before the big thanks to Wellington and Wairarapa
organizing the RSA at Papakura as the action. for 2019 and Christchurch for 2021, and
facility for the main convention forum. And so to the convention itself. This was well done to Simon on your powers of
My brief was simply put: sort it out and all a bit of a blur. Up onto stage to start persuasion! Thus the next four years look
make it happen. So I got on with it. The the ball rolling then over to Simon Sharp to be sorted.
RSA acknowledged a tentative booking to formally open the thing. Finally we And so onto Monday. We were now in
but nothing confirmed. OK what do we could get underway! Amazingly no one the groove and the end was in sight, but
need to do to get it confirmed? got lost, Well done Robert Graham for there could be no let up. We wanted this
Straightforward question to which a the navigational aids particularly having to go out with bang, not a whimper.
straightforward response was given: pay! had some significant changes thrown his Derek Cooper duly delivered with his
So with the venue bill paid, the next thing way at the last minute, a challenge he met magnificent set up. The afternoon
was catering. Sample menus were magnificently. absolutely cooked and people lazed as the
provided with costs. And what samples! All went well with people following the trains rolled (once John Reinecke had
A robust but democratic approach was programme until Saturday night when we cleared a path for them). Me, I left at 2.30
required to sort this out. The committee lost the barbeque caterers. Philip Sharp to reopen the RSA. I was alone apart
was duly hijacked at the next meeting and went out on a search and rescue mission from Priscilla, and had time to reflect as I
provided a finite time to debate the successfully and guided them in only 30 quietly dismantled the group layout
options before decisions were made. A minutes late. There followed a delicious (poetic justice having skived off on
certain amount of bullying was used to feed. Friday night!). Later Michael Hilliar and
move this on. The vegetarian member Sunday, I was on hosting duty with the few others joined me and we got the thing
was then consulted with the obvious group split so had to do it all twice. stowed away and back to his place in
question posed; to which he agreed the However the reduced numbers made it far time to get home to watch the 6 o’clock
options selected should meet vegetarian more manageable. Having tidied up, news before collapsing into bed.
needs. Thus was the menu determined Priscilla and I managed to make My overriding memories are the
and the RSA notified. Further deposits of Michael’s Hilliar’s for lunch and briefly unstinting hard work by the committee to
money were made to ensure there would watch trains before sneaking home for a make a success of the event. A special
be a dinner. quick rest prior to heading to RSA to thanks also needs to go out to the ladies
There followed much detail work to open up for the evening’s events. Back who prepared all the lunches. Whilst
finalize things before the start. onto stage again to start the evening’s there were inevitable bumps, these were
events. Once again the logistics of largely minor and were without exception
Then came the bombshell a week before
feeding 80 hungry people raised its head. sorted by the cooperation of the
the convention, numbers were now 80 not
Amazingly, order was maintained and we committee as a whole.
The Sunday night Convention Dinner Photo John BoysonPage 14
THE GARDEN WHISTLE
Hugh Keal, Titirangi great time to talk about the different ways For those of you who wanted to know
we each face the challenges of building about the ground cover with magenta
These conventions to me are a great our railways on our own unique flowers that was trailing over the wall at
opportunity to catch up with everyone topography. I personally had a great time my railway it goes by a number of names.
from around NZ. They are also a great talking with our visitors and hope you all They are Spanish Shawl, Trailing or
opportunity to meet new people from had a wonderful time in Auckland. Creeping Lasiandra, Heterocentron
other parts of the world who share our Elegans or Schizocentron Elegans.
interest in garden railways. I find it a
Hugh Keal’s colourful garden. Photo: Michael Hilliar
Michael and Elizabeth Hilliar’s, most trying to avoid the sun Photo Priscilla BoysonPage 15
THE GARDEN WHISTLE
Tim and Rosemary Auld’s railway. Photo Brian Millar
Michael Hilliar’s Aster/LGB Garrett running between dry river and George Weston mine. Photo: Brian MillarPage 16 THE GARDEN WHISTLE John Boyson’s Auchtertyre Viaduct awaiting installation Photo Michael Hilliar John Boyson’s bridge building talk with earlier OO gauge samples examples around the wall. Photo Priscilla Boyson
Page 17
THE GARDEN WHISTLE
BBQ Dinner on Saturday night Photo Brian Millar
lots of shade at Ray and Shelley Williams … Photo: Priscilla BoysonPage 18
THE GARDEN WHISTLE
Gradients at Stuartstown Railway
John Reinecke (All photos taken with a Go Pro camera)
I was scheduled to give a brief talk on the my side boundary fence, this makes up How do we arrive at this angle of attack
gradients on my layout during the 2017 the one leg of the L of the layout. and what do we use to keep to the angle
Convention visit to the Stuartstown I spent many hours designing various On Google there are many Garden
Railway, but due to circumstances on the layouts, curves and return loops working Railway websites with a vast amount of
day this did not happen. to the Roundhouse Eng recommendations information on the vagaries of gradients,
My apologies to the convention visitors regarding curve radiuses (1.2m) and track construction and ways of turning a
and especially to the couple of folk that gradients (1:36). spirit level into a tool for keeping to the
specifically asked me about the gradients A 1.2m curve is too tight for locomotives required angle of attack
on the railway. with 6 driving wheels, no blind centre I found this website http://www.1728.org/
My railway is situated on the back lawn driving wheel and compounded by an gradient.htm which has a very good tool
and down the side of the property in an L incline curve. for working out how long the track run
shape with a return loop at each end. If I stuck to the max recommended needs to be to stay within the gradient
The back lawn is an elevated area making gradient of 1:36 /1.6 degrees or 2.8% (in limits.
it ideal for eye level train viewing from American) the track would have taken up You can input various permutations to
the back patio of the house. most of the back lawn and the run along arrive at the run length that is best suited
The usable track run is along the rear the back fence would have been to short to your parameters and available space.
fence and return along the block retaining After so experimentation with my loco, a But of course you don’t need the website
wall on the patio and then proceed down kit built Roundhouse Fowler that I tool if you remember your trigonometry
the side of the house which is at the block modified to resemble an SAR NG loco because it’s all based on good old sin, cos
wall level. (NG 15 class 2–6–2, soon to become a 2- and tan, for which you can use most
The question was how to fit a NG railway 8-2), I decided that my minimum gradient calculators even your smart phone.
into a space that is an average of 13m curve radius would be 1500mm and my The main thing to remember is that a
long X 3.9m wide where the difference in maximum gradient would be approx. 4% tight curve on an incline will significantly
height across the width between the back at the veggie garden end and approx. 3% impact on the load the locomotive will be
fence run and the block wall run is at the pond end able to pull up the incline. Also it’s a
450mm at one end (Veggie garden) and This is all very well in theory but in good idea to have a straight run between
230mm the other end (Pond). practice it’s very difficult to maintain a curves that change direction up the
On the veggie garden end the block fixed angle of attack while digging and incline.
retaining wall curves to within 1.2m of laying the base for the track construction.
Showing the grade from the retaining wall to rear boundaryPage 19
THE GARDEN WHISTLE
Climbing the grade. (The camera is being pushed by the locomotive)
If all else fails purchase a Shay as a I bought a digital level model DWL- 280 as whether you are building a roller
banker. from http://www.digipas.com/product/ coaster or a smooth incline
At the beginning of track construction I precision-measurement/torpedo-digital- For the record the gradients on the
tried the old sprit level trick but found it level/ Stuartstown Railway are on the average
to be too inaccurate especially when It’s an amazing piece of kit and I can 4% (1:25 or 2.29 degrees) on the veggie
dealing with a gradient that’s on the limit. highly recommend using a digital level end and 3.3% (1:30 or 1.9 degrees) at the
because there is no guess work involved pond end.
Michael Hilliar’s “SYBIL” heading downgrade to the lower return loopPage 20
THE GARDEN WHISTLE
Passenger train departing Stuartstown station
In the shade at Hugh Keal’s railway Photo Ian GalbraithPage 21
THE GARDEN WHISTLE
Michael Hilliar’s “SYBIL” has it’s first public run at John Reimecke’s Stuartstown Railway Photo Ian Galbraith
Bruce Cropper giving a talk on track and turnout construction Photo Robert GrahamPage 22
THE GARDEN WHISTLE
Chris and Keryn Goodman, Hobart, Tasmania
Keryn and I thoroughly enjoyed the the amount and quality of scratch built The scenery on the Northern Explorer
Convention topped off with the purchase rolling stock, live steam locomotives, train trip from Wellington to Auckland
of a beautiful caboose from the trade battery powered locomotives and was like our home state Tasmania on
table. The hospitality and organisation beautiful gardens. steroids.
was exceptional. We very much enjoyed We thank you and your team for a We hope to return for the 2019
visiting the different garden railway wonderful time. Wellington convention
layouts. We were most impressed with
A small report on my day here at Pokeno
Peter Witheridge
This project started some three years ago, Anyway the weather started off very hot Dorbeck for being the photographer on
I suppose like many others never finishes on the day of my run in Pokeno, Some the day. Thanks guys. Having just
but keeps evolving, clouds would have been nice, It was nice tweaked things with the track and points
to see so many people from overseas as two or three days before, hoping
I have mentioned in the past the
well as from our shores to see what New everything would go alright, which
Witheridge township never had a railway,
Zealand has to offer. thankfully it did. Hopefully next time
The reasons why can be seen online from
more buildings will be added, but as I say
the Witheridge society, but briefly a The busy day meant I had to rely on
these things do evolve
farmer refused to let track go through his friends, Chis Drowley and Derek Cooper
property, for train running duties, also Henrik
David Graham at the controls and young Rowan checking out the detail at Pete Witheridge’s Photo: Michael HilliarPage 23
THE GARDEN WHISTLE
Another load for the mill Photo: Henrik Dorbeck
Driver intently watching the pressure gauge Photo: Henrik Dorbeck
Cover photo is an over all view of Peter Witheridge’s Railway Photo: Henrik DorbeckPage 24 THE GARDEN WHISTLE Chris Goodman from Hobart, Australia is watching the trains at Robert Graham’s Photo: Michael Hilliar Carl & Sandy Williams place with Carl [tall] and Bruce Cropper Photo: Priscilla Boyson
Page 25
THE GARDEN WHISTLE
A section of Derek Cooper’s railway Photo: Priscilla Boyson
Discussions on Geoff Hallam’s other project a GWR push pull coach , 3d routered Photo: Priscilla BoysonPage 26 THE GARDEN WHISTLE Henrik Dorbeck uses hedges as scenery. Photo: Michael Hilliar Pete Whitheridge’s Puffin Billy train at the station. Looks like the station builders haven’t finished yet Photo: Robert Graham
Page 27
THE GARDEN WHISTLE
Mylocosound now available right Sunset Valley Railroad
here in New Zealand.
We have been very fortunate in securing the rights to market these
sound systems designed especially for Large Scale Steam, Diesel AND
Electric outline track and ba ery powered locomo ves.
We currently hold stock right here in New Zealand, and can supply in
most cases by return post.
Have a look at our website h p://www.mylocosound.com/
largescalesummary.html for further informa on and a listen to these Thinking of going pneumatic for your switch
new PLC based sound cards.
(turnout) operation? Our comprehensive system is
simple to install and use, and it has proven to be
very reliable in service with all metal components,
not plastic. Compatible with the old Del-Air and E-
Z Aire systems. Nearly every product made in the
USA
www.sunsetvalleyrailroad.com
pete@sunsetvalleyrailroad.com
+1 253 862 6748
Sound systems are $99 and the programmer is just $11. Postage New Zealand distributor
anywhere in New Zealand is just $3. Culcreuch Fold Garden Railway Model Supplies
Please contact Grant at gscale@clear.net.nz or call us on 0211900101 cfgrms@culcreuchfold.org.nz
for further ques ons or to order your new sound system. 03 551 2142
RCS 2.4GHz Radio Control
Tailored solutions for Live Steam & Electric loco
Quality 45 mm gauge brass to send the track. 3m lengths conversions.
track for indoor or outdoor also available, but need to be Dual Channel Knob Control
use. Code 332 rail compatible shipped by truck.
(Function buttons on advanced models)
with all overseas tracks North Island orders will be Multiple receiver/loco connect to one controller.
Now available in 5ft (1.5m) despatched from Auckland.
15v & NEW 24v Speed Controllers single knob, centre off
lengths, comprising 2 lengths Contact: Graeme Quayle control (control 2 locos at once 1 per “knob”)
of rail, plastic sleepers with P h o n e 0 9 4 1 6 7 6 0 0
two rail joiners, for only gray.quayle@xtra.co.nz Dual function trigger modules for direct wiring to most
$53.00, plus postage, at cost. sound systems
South Island orders will be
Track is in “Kit form”. Very simple wiring + full instructions provided
despatched from Rangiora.
Why pay $80.00 or more for
Contact: Ian C Galbraith NZ Distributor - Chris Drowley 0274 496-907
imported track when you can
Phone 03 551 2142 cdrowley@xtra.co.nz
purchase locally. Postage is
cfgrms@culcreuchfold.org.nz
the most cost efficient methodPage 28
THE GARDEN WHISTLE
LGB G Scale Model Railway Club of Australia
members visit Canterbury
Report : Ian Galbraith, Rangiora
Following receipt of an email and a Anthony and after morning tea we visit was to Dave and Rebecca’s
follow up phone call from Bryan Hufton, travelled out to Motukarara to visit “Dunmovin Railway” After running
President of the LGB G Scale Model Kabita Whale. On the way we were able trains, afternoon tea was provided, after
Railway Club of Australia, arrangements to observe the Port Hills fire and all along which our visitors took their leave.
were made for a number of Australians, the road people were stopped taking Some spent Friday sightseeing in and
attending the Garden Railway photographs. around Christchurch, one couple flew to
Convention in Auckland, to go on tour After lunch it was on to Dennis Lindsay Auckland for a few days sightseeing, one
after the event. and then to Andrew Wilson to see the couple continued on around the South
After visiting garden railways in the Wilson Valley Railway. Island for a week. The rest flew to
North Island they crossed over on the Last visit of the day was back to our Wellington on the Saturday and travelled
ferry to Picton and drove through to home for train running and a BBQ tea to Auckland on Sunday on The Northern
Rangiora where they spent two nights where we were joined by a number of Explorer before returning to Australia on
arriving Tuesday 14 February . CGRG members. Monday 20 February.
Ann and I met the twelve members of the Thursday was much quieter with a visit to I would like to thank all the layout
group at the motel the following day and Ross Fraser for trainA running and owners for making their layouts and
acted as guides for visits to a number of morning tea. Next was to Alf and Lyn homes available for our visitors, with
layouts. where lunch was served while the trains special thanks to Glen and Dave who
First layout visited was that of Glen ran and the garden was viewed. The last took time off work to show their
railways.
Glen Anthony explains a model Photo: Ian GalbraithPage 29
THE GARDEN WHISTLE
Graeme Moar helping out at Ross Fraser’s Photo: Ian Galbraith
The shade was welcome on a very warm day at Dave & Rebecca’s Photo: Hancox familyPage 30
Club Events and Contacts
Auckland:
Saturday 25 March 2017: Robert, David & Louise Graham, 14 Milwaukee Place, Glendene. 2-4pm wet or
fine
Club Contact: Auckland G Scale Society Inc Email: mhilliar@orcon.net.nz
C/- Michael Hilliar, 22 Halver Road, Manurewa, Auckland 2102. Ph 09 266-4745
Waikato:
March: No meeting .
Club Contact: GROW: Garden Railway Operators of Waikato. Email: gscale@clear.net.nz
Grant Alexander, PO Box 1172, Cambridge. Ph 07 823-0059.
Wairarapa:
Sunday 12 March 2017: Jeremy Were, 423 High Street Sth, Carterton from 1:30pm
Club Contact: Wairarapa Garden Railway Group. Email: Lloyd.dickens@wise.net.nz
C/- Lloyd Dickens, 55 Titoki Street, Masterton. Ph 06 370 3790.
Wellington:
Sunday 12 March 2017: Brown’s Bay Railway, Dave Allen, 24 Leeward Dr., Whitby. 1:30pm
Sunday 9 April 2017: Pine Valley Estate Railway, Ben Calcott, 6 Robertson St., Enderslea, Upper Hutt
Club Contact: Wellington Garden Railway Group. Email: cdrowley@xtra.co.nz
Coordinator: Chris Drowley, 47 Chester Road, Tawa 5028, Ph: 0274 496 907
Christchurch:
Sunday 19 March 2017: The Trims, 223 Weston Road, St Albans, Christchurch, 1:00pm
Sunday 23 April 2017
Sunday 21 May 2017
Club Contact: Christchurch Garden Railway Group: Chairperson: Don Ellis
P.O. Box 7145, Christchurch 8240 Email: don@computercables.co.nz, Work Ph: 03 365 6555
The Garden Whistle is published monthly by the Christchurch Garden Railway Group and features news from various
G scale Groups in New Zealand.
Each club is a separate identity and the contact details can be found above.
Contributions of articles and/or photos are always welcome. Photos should be sent as separate jpg attachments.
The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the Editor, Executive, or members of the
Christchurch Garden Railway Group
Editor: Ian C Galbraith, 3 Church Street, RANGIORA 7400.
Email: GW@culcreuchfold.org.nzYou can also read
