Curved turnouts

They say when laying model railway track, to stay away from double slips, (mainly because they are difficult to wire up), but this also applies to curved turnouts. We look for ways to have maximum length in our yards, and to put in a curved point can save almost a foot (30cm) in space.
Curved points may have a place, but not in spacing saving, as we try yo obtain geometry that usually pushes them out of gauge.

This is relay number 2. When originally laid, all worked fine, then my Auscision A class, with its finer tolerances started to derail. Relay number one, to change some of the turnout positions and straights in between. All worked fine, then it started again, same locos, always on the curved turnout. Frustration and it led to ripping it up again; only to have the PECO code 83 number 7 curve point fall to pieces.
A new number 6 straight, left hand was purchased and the yard result being a bit shorter. Yet to connect up the all the track, power and test.

SCT Trains - 2

The Railmotormodels, PBGY, hit the shops during October. Eight numbers, two different versions. The broken stripe being the first batch, 82 wagons introduced in 2005 and built by QR Redbank workshops. Wagons there after have a full length black stripe, though there is a slight variation, with some having some white around the door locking mechanism.

PBGY 148. note the black stripe is almost inline with Auscision Containers on a VQDW flat.

SCT Trains

With the release of Railmotor Models PBGY Multifreighter vans, here are some SCT photos through the Adelaide Hills.

The SCT service from Melbourne usually passes through Mount Barker Junction too early to see in daylight, but sometimes it is running late.

Passing through Belair loop, again running late on a wet August morning. The Overland can be seen sitting awaiting the main line to clear.

These two vans photographed on the departing Perth bound service.

Reach Stackers

The terminal at Horsham currently operated by Wimmera Container Line uses several different types of reach stacker for loading and unloading of containers. Several of these are Fantuzzi and Ferrari models.

Fantuzzi Model RS60

The only HO scale model available is from Kibri No:11751 , of the fork lift type, or Kibri No:11752, which is similar to the above, but with the cab further forward, but does not have the container handling frame. For 1/160 and 1/50 scale there are a few diecast models available, but not in 1/87.

This reach stacker is seen loading a Powerline VQCX flat (one of the Indian produced models, with Steam Era bogies, modified for Kadee No 5s and the container brackets removed, as in Freight Australia livery they have twist locks). PS, this Kibri model does not fit to Auscision containers. Do do so the brackets that hold the containers would need to be modified.

Forklift type. Sorry heavily cropped.

NR18 Indian Pacific

With inside info, a trip to Keswick to see NR18 in the new yellow livery. Scheduled to haul the IP for a while, instead of been rostered on freights. So might not be seen in the Adelaide to Melbourne route for while. Have to wait for the Overland livery NR to appear from the paint shop.

Bordertown

Originally part of the South East narrow gauge system, though was never classed as a break of gauge station. The station building is the third for Bordertown. The first, built in 1883, burnt down in 1889 and was replaced with another wooden class 2 structure. But the town folks of Bordertown thought that their town deserved better, being an important agricultural centre; so a new, Art Nouveau style stone building was constructed between 1914-15.

"A modern, substantial and attractive building was seen as an indication of the prosperity and future of the town. The station was also handling much more traffic and needed a larger, more extensive building. Contractors began work in 1914, using stone from Jim Watson’s Cannawigara property and stone railed in from Keith."  Sources: Tatiara, The First 140 Years, Alan Jones, 1985.

On opening, the new signal box inside the station replaced two others in the yards. The narrow gauge track also reduced, eventually going altogether, when the South East was converted to broad gauge by 1954.

Station maybe closed and slowly falling down, though the building was repainted a few years ago, and the Overland still stops; passengers using the bus style shelter. Still an important grain loading centre. Bordertown has a 2180m crossing loop.

Two VHGF/Y models

Two models, same series of grain hopper. Auscision's to the left, has finer detail, slightly higher top rail, but the V/Line logo has to be said is terrible. Powerlines, to the right has finer pipe work at the base, not so shiny wheels and much better logo printing.