Detailsof the convention can be found at http://mrnsw.blogspot.com.au/
Have a look and pass it on !
8.2.12
Welcome 2012....shall we try that again !
Yeah I know, New Years was last month, but everything else has been running on a late table lately....
Even though the dust from 2011 has not quite settled yet I have forced myself back to the workbench in an effort to do something that does not involve solicitors, probate and certified copies of just about any document you care to name. It's not over yet, but the end is in sight at last.
So what's been happening? The Cave has ground to a resounding halt, this is particularly depressing as the one thing I didn't want to happen has, I have been forced by circumstance to partially fill it with "stuff". The wiring has been roughed in, this insulation is now finished but unfortunately there is not enough space for the gyprockers' to do there thing. I hope to rectify this over the coming months. Stay tuned.
I am trying to finish off a number of partly completed projects at the moment, all of which are for other people, I appreciate their patience. This is a strange collection of projects which includes a DJH OO scale LNER A3 Pacific, usually referred to (incorrectly I'm told) as a 'Scottsman'. Although built with a coat of green I am applying decals and other decorations. Also finishing off a partly rebuilt Lima 42 class, this will include detail items and paint work. Why you ask ?, because this model has particular sentimental value to the owner that a new 42 cannot replace.
The other project is an Antons Trains double boiler house which will eventually reside at Kankool on Werris Ck. This model forms part of the "Adopt a Station" programme amongst the Friday night Ramblers. I have built a few small structures over the years but this is by far the most ambitious.
Another fairly significant point I believe that I have reached is deciding on what 'format' my layout will take and maybe even a name for it. I have agonised for so long and changed my mind so may times that getting to a point where I have stopped changing my mind is even significant !
In short, it will be a single line, double deck layout with two opposing peninsulas.
The two levels will be connected by single long gradient which, at the halfway point, will have a crossing facility based on Dombarton, found on the Unanderra - Moss Vale line on the NSW Sth Coast. This is significant to me because I ran over this line for may years and even sat my Class 1 Enginemans exam whilst waiting to cross a train there. It will also provide a basis for bank engine working as well.
I use the term 'based on' because the location of the layout will be fictitious whilst trying to capture different aspects of various areas I worked trains over.
A major station on the layout will include features found at Thirroul over the years, but not exactly. A station, loco depot, yard and colliery in close proximity with a signal box at each end.
The lower level will have a coastal feel while the upper level will be more arid or western. The only feature I have decided on up there is that a terminus station based on Gwabegar will feature.
As for a name, Cambewarra Range.... at this stage. What if the link to the south west was a right turn at Bomaderry instead of Unanderra?? This area has some great locality names and a mine or two, it's also a favorite holiday destination of ours as well. I like the idea of having a connection to the area of choice when modelling.
Looking forward to some progress this year and whatever challenges it throws up. Glad to see the back of 2011 and hoping to be able to put most of it behind me. Thanks again to those of you who supported me through it. I look forward to following your progress as well this year.
Even though the dust from 2011 has not quite settled yet I have forced myself back to the workbench in an effort to do something that does not involve solicitors, probate and certified copies of just about any document you care to name. It's not over yet, but the end is in sight at last.
So what's been happening? The Cave has ground to a resounding halt, this is particularly depressing as the one thing I didn't want to happen has, I have been forced by circumstance to partially fill it with "stuff". The wiring has been roughed in, this insulation is now finished but unfortunately there is not enough space for the gyprockers' to do there thing. I hope to rectify this over the coming months. Stay tuned.
I am trying to finish off a number of partly completed projects at the moment, all of which are for other people, I appreciate their patience. This is a strange collection of projects which includes a DJH OO scale LNER A3 Pacific, usually referred to (incorrectly I'm told) as a 'Scottsman'. Although built with a coat of green I am applying decals and other decorations. Also finishing off a partly rebuilt Lima 42 class, this will include detail items and paint work. Why you ask ?, because this model has particular sentimental value to the owner that a new 42 cannot replace.
The other project is an Antons Trains double boiler house which will eventually reside at Kankool on Werris Ck. This model forms part of the "Adopt a Station" programme amongst the Friday night Ramblers. I have built a few small structures over the years but this is by far the most ambitious.
Another fairly significant point I believe that I have reached is deciding on what 'format' my layout will take and maybe even a name for it. I have agonised for so long and changed my mind so may times that getting to a point where I have stopped changing my mind is even significant !
In short, it will be a single line, double deck layout with two opposing peninsulas.
The two levels will be connected by single long gradient which, at the halfway point, will have a crossing facility based on Dombarton, found on the Unanderra - Moss Vale line on the NSW Sth Coast. This is significant to me because I ran over this line for may years and even sat my Class 1 Enginemans exam whilst waiting to cross a train there. It will also provide a basis for bank engine working as well.
I use the term 'based on' because the location of the layout will be fictitious whilst trying to capture different aspects of various areas I worked trains over.
A major station on the layout will include features found at Thirroul over the years, but not exactly. A station, loco depot, yard and colliery in close proximity with a signal box at each end.
The lower level will have a coastal feel while the upper level will be more arid or western. The only feature I have decided on up there is that a terminus station based on Gwabegar will feature.
As for a name, Cambewarra Range.... at this stage. What if the link to the south west was a right turn at Bomaderry instead of Unanderra?? This area has some great locality names and a mine or two, it's also a favorite holiday destination of ours as well. I like the idea of having a connection to the area of choice when modelling.
Looking forward to some progress this year and whatever challenges it throws up. Glad to see the back of 2011 and hoping to be able to put most of it behind me. Thanks again to those of you who supported me through it. I look forward to following your progress as well this year.
1.11.11
Life can be like that.....
Not the title for my first post I had been expecting after a holiday, nor the content.
After three wonderful weeks away with my wife, visiting some fantastic places, quite a few significant railway locations, collecting a bunch of images and walking the entire perway of Gwabegar with my mate Bob (Coolah Branch blog), I thought that these things, and a few others, would be shared. Instead I will share that last Friday, just 5 months and one day after fare-welling my Dad, my family and I said our farewells to my Mum.
In the same chapel, at the same time, in another beautiful service, led by the same minister to almost the same people, we went through the same painful experience again.
In stark contrast to Dads 8 year battle, Mum suffered a stroke in the early hours of the morning and passed away at 9pm the same night, never regaining consciousness. Francine and I were by her side till the end.
And as a precursor to a wonderful week, last Monday, whilst driving to the funeral directors to make arrangements, we were involved in a 'hit 'n run' accident. A car traveling in the opposite direction, hit a truck, then us and just kept going. Whilst I am thankful no one was hurt I was left speechless and suffering from an acute dose of what-else-can-go-wrong-ittis ! He, or she, never missed a panel down the drivers side of our six month old car, our first new one in 17 years.
I received an email from a friend a few days after Mum passed away and he said "I guess they just wanted to be together on their journey", now this friend never knew Mum, or Dad, so I replied with a grin "if they are indeed continuing their journey, it's a safe bet that they will be arguing about which way to go".
There is one farewell I am definitely looking forward to....2011.
I will miss you Mum.
Mum with my son Andrew. Christmas 2010
Patricia Mary Laker 28/3/1924 - 22/10/2011
Pat and Roy, together 62 years, apart just 4 months and 28 days.
After three wonderful weeks away with my wife, visiting some fantastic places, quite a few significant railway locations, collecting a bunch of images and walking the entire perway of Gwabegar with my mate Bob (Coolah Branch blog), I thought that these things, and a few others, would be shared. Instead I will share that last Friday, just 5 months and one day after fare-welling my Dad, my family and I said our farewells to my Mum.
In the same chapel, at the same time, in another beautiful service, led by the same minister to almost the same people, we went through the same painful experience again.
In stark contrast to Dads 8 year battle, Mum suffered a stroke in the early hours of the morning and passed away at 9pm the same night, never regaining consciousness. Francine and I were by her side till the end.
And as a precursor to a wonderful week, last Monday, whilst driving to the funeral directors to make arrangements, we were involved in a 'hit 'n run' accident. A car traveling in the opposite direction, hit a truck, then us and just kept going. Whilst I am thankful no one was hurt I was left speechless and suffering from an acute dose of what-else-can-go-wrong-ittis ! He, or she, never missed a panel down the drivers side of our six month old car, our first new one in 17 years.
I received an email from a friend a few days after Mum passed away and he said "I guess they just wanted to be together on their journey", now this friend never knew Mum, or Dad, so I replied with a grin "if they are indeed continuing their journey, it's a safe bet that they will be arguing about which way to go".
There is one farewell I am definitely looking forward to....2011.
I will miss you Mum.
Mum with my son Andrew. Christmas 2010
Patricia Mary Laker 28/3/1924 - 22/10/2011
Pat and Roy, together 62 years, apart just 4 months and 28 days.
31.8.11
Heading North
Whilst the work bench and progress on the cave have been somewhere in between 'quiet' and 'non existent' lately I have made plans to be at the next "Our Town Model Show" at Newcastle.
The last time I was at this show it was manning the Gunning exhibition layout nearly 10 years ago ! I think it was at the basket ball stadium ?
Whilst I have managed to maintain some sanity lately, with regular visits to Bylong and Werris Ck and now that the convention is over for another year, Newcastle will be the clincher beacause it also marks the start of what seems like a long overdue holiday. Just on three weeks of touring the countryside with my wife beside me and camper behind me.
Visits will include the 'real' Werris Ck and railway museum and as many other of our fast disappearing rail infrastructure sites as I can find along the way and ending up at Lightning Ridge. This was one of my Dad's favorite places and we will be scattering some of his ashes over the opal fields.
With still and video cameras along for the ride I hope to have a fair collection of images when I return.
So if you plan on attending Newcastle do stop by the Eureka stand and say G'day !
13.6.11
Thornleigh and our shrinking planet
This probably should have been two separate posts as they are completely unrelated.
Spent Saturday and Sunday at Thornleigh (Epping) exhibition, did some buying, some selling and some browsing. Saturday was a fairly short visit as travel plans were thwarted by the total absence of trains on the north, you would think I would have checked first...der! but Sunday was a little more relaxed leaving more time for chatting and buying!
Lending a hand on the Eureka stand, that was the selling part, it was interesting to note the similarities between exhibitions and the differences between the days.
Saturday - Arrive about 11, no parking left, long queue at the front door waiting for the starters gun, credit cards warping from the heat generated from being swiped so many times per hour (a certain retailer is reported to having two cc machines going at once while another's failed in the first hour !) and my personal favorite, watching the expression on wives/partners faces when they hear the total of the other halves purchases...priceless, the almost tidal stampede to the 'pre-loved' area, next year the club may have to consider providing shopping trollies, it's wonderful to watch and so much a part of the hobby.
Saturday is modellers day. So many familiar faces, the core of the NSW modelling fraternity and the reason that most of the exhibitions exist, IMHO of course !
Sunday - Arrived about 5 past 10, park six steps from the front door, no queue? (but BBQ smells good), must be inside already. Move inside, six or eight people waiting to buy tickets and half of them are pushing strollers or hanging onto little'uns, this must be family day ?! Move inside, look around, was there a bomb threat or something ?? It is a bit cold (this years understatement !) Traders looking way too relaxed...or is that a bit anxious?!, cc machines starting to accumulate dust, it's a tragic sight!
This is the day when, hopefully, exhibitors and traders alike will introduce someone new to the hobby, the day that first spark ignites and a life long passion, no matter how long or short, begins.
No matter the location of the exhibition I have seen this pattern on many occasions. The only variable is the numbers through the door. Whether Liverpool or Healsville (lovely place) the pattern remains the same.
I came away somewhat poorer, with a layout now on the horizon I have a great reason (excuse) to start acquiring layout type stuff, like structure kits ! I have a feeling Anton and John may start sending me Christmas cards.
As for Monday........that's a special day reserved for those "gee I wish I had of bought......" or " what do you mean I was allowed to buy......." situations.
I always enjoy the smaller exhibitions in the 'burbs. They're a nice balance between the sometimes mayhem of the big exhibitions and the occasional "is anyone coming" feeling of some country town exhibitions. This is of course from a retailers and exhibitors perspective, nothing I like better that spending time in a country town but when an entire day can pass and you answer 3 questions it can have you wondering if the long drive was worth it, but it's rare.
Now the shrinking planet part. A feature that I recently discovered on 'Blog spot' is the 'stats' section that the blog owner can access. It's really quite amazing the info that can be gleaned from this section. I have 52 public followers and approaching 5000 hits. The bulk are from Oz, no surprise there, but it's the other places that I find fascinating. US/Canada comes in second but third was a surprise - France !?, followed by England, Germany and several other European countries. What I also found was quite a large number of hits from Russia, Ukraine and Thailand.
Fairly quickly the penny dropped, as they say, I realised these folk probably aren't interested in my prowess as a modeller but are probably what is referred to as 'fishers' or 'phishers'. Prowling the internet for information to use in scams and the like. I hope I am wrong but I doubt it, it's a sad aspect of the world we live in that someone on the other side of it can sit at a computer with no other intent other than to work out a way to relieve me of some hard earned funds. Be careful of how much personal info is on your blog for, quite literally, the whole world to see.
Spent Saturday and Sunday at Thornleigh (Epping) exhibition, did some buying, some selling and some browsing. Saturday was a fairly short visit as travel plans were thwarted by the total absence of trains on the north, you would think I would have checked first...der! but Sunday was a little more relaxed leaving more time for chatting and buying!
Lending a hand on the Eureka stand, that was the selling part, it was interesting to note the similarities between exhibitions and the differences between the days.
Saturday - Arrive about 11, no parking left, long queue at the front door waiting for the starters gun, credit cards warping from the heat generated from being swiped so many times per hour (a certain retailer is reported to having two cc machines going at once while another's failed in the first hour !) and my personal favorite, watching the expression on wives/partners faces when they hear the total of the other halves purchases...priceless, the almost tidal stampede to the 'pre-loved' area, next year the club may have to consider providing shopping trollies, it's wonderful to watch and so much a part of the hobby.
Saturday is modellers day. So many familiar faces, the core of the NSW modelling fraternity and the reason that most of the exhibitions exist, IMHO of course !
Sunday - Arrived about 5 past 10, park six steps from the front door, no queue? (but BBQ smells good), must be inside already. Move inside, six or eight people waiting to buy tickets and half of them are pushing strollers or hanging onto little'uns, this must be family day ?! Move inside, look around, was there a bomb threat or something ?? It is a bit cold (this years understatement !) Traders looking way too relaxed...or is that a bit anxious?!, cc machines starting to accumulate dust, it's a tragic sight!
This is the day when, hopefully, exhibitors and traders alike will introduce someone new to the hobby, the day that first spark ignites and a life long passion, no matter how long or short, begins.
No matter the location of the exhibition I have seen this pattern on many occasions. The only variable is the numbers through the door. Whether Liverpool or Healsville (lovely place) the pattern remains the same.
I came away somewhat poorer, with a layout now on the horizon I have a great reason (excuse) to start acquiring layout type stuff, like structure kits ! I have a feeling Anton and John may start sending me Christmas cards.
As for Monday........that's a special day reserved for those "gee I wish I had of bought......" or " what do you mean I was allowed to buy......." situations.
I always enjoy the smaller exhibitions in the 'burbs. They're a nice balance between the sometimes mayhem of the big exhibitions and the occasional "is anyone coming" feeling of some country town exhibitions. This is of course from a retailers and exhibitors perspective, nothing I like better that spending time in a country town but when an entire day can pass and you answer 3 questions it can have you wondering if the long drive was worth it, but it's rare.
Now the shrinking planet part. A feature that I recently discovered on 'Blog spot' is the 'stats' section that the blog owner can access. It's really quite amazing the info that can be gleaned from this section. I have 52 public followers and approaching 5000 hits. The bulk are from Oz, no surprise there, but it's the other places that I find fascinating. US/Canada comes in second but third was a surprise - France !?, followed by England, Germany and several other European countries. What I also found was quite a large number of hits from Russia, Ukraine and Thailand.
Fairly quickly the penny dropped, as they say, I realised these folk probably aren't interested in my prowess as a modeller but are probably what is referred to as 'fishers' or 'phishers'. Prowling the internet for information to use in scams and the like. I hope I am wrong but I doubt it, it's a sad aspect of the world we live in that someone on the other side of it can sit at a computer with no other intent other than to work out a way to relieve me of some hard earned funds. Be careful of how much personal info is on your blog for, quite literally, the whole world to see.
6.6.11
Forms for Convention 28 - 2011
I have just posted all the forms and information for Convention 28 on the blog site .
My apologies for it being a little late but a certain 'Telco' let me down and internet access has only just been restored with home phone intermittent at best !
By the number of hits the blog had today I would say a fair few people have been looking for the forms as there availability was being released on other model railway related sites.
My apologies once again.
My apologies for it being a little late but a certain 'Telco' let me down and internet access has only just been restored with home phone intermittent at best !
By the number of hits the blog had today I would say a fair few people have been looking for the forms as there availability was being released on other model railway related sites.
My apologies once again.
27.5.11
Goodbye Dad
In the early hours of last Tuesday morning my Dad's 8 year battle with cancer came to a peaceful end.
Today my family and I, along with a few friends, said our last goodbyes.
In a beautiful service, which was led by our pastor, we celebrated the life of a quiet achiever who had packed a lot of living into one lifetime.
I was able to get through a eulogy, although it was a struggle towards the end. It highlighted a truly Australian story of someone growing up during the depression years. In one of the proudest moments of my life, my two children spoke of the fond memories they had and the influence that their Pop had had on their lives. A musical and vocal tribute of "What a Wonderful World" was delivered by a family friend over a slide show of images from the 1940's to Christmas last year. There were not too may dry eyes in the chapel.
Another railway man has clocked off for the last time. I will miss you Dad.
Roy Laker 24/7/1924 - 24/5/2011 (86)
(Eveleigh Locomotive Workshops 1961 - 1989)
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