Hi There

Well we have been quite busy to say the least, with work continuing to test and refine our automatic colour light signalling installation which is working well with just one or two items to attend to, including the labelling of all the cable boxes and push buttons so we all know what to do to get stock in and out of Laurel Sidings. We have also installed a white LED on some of the signals to confirm that a loco has entered a detection track section, at which time the LED goes out to signify to the driver that the system recognises the presence of a loco/train there .Well done to everyone’s efforts in establishing this system of which we are very pleased!!!!

 

 

Viceroy held at a red signal during a                                   test

 

We have also started work on the construction of our ‘ballast’ wagon which will form a useful addition to our ‘work train’ fleet.

 

          Chassis on the bench

 

 

             Rolling radius check

 

 

All our locos and coaches have undergone their annual maintenance check so all are ‘good to go’.

We are also delighted that Brian B has acquired a lovely ‘Wren’ 0-4-0 loco, ‘Hercules’ which is now based on the EVFR and has been checked , tweaked and put into service, temporarily using ‘Bronwyn’s tender while Brian completes his riding trailer for the loco.The loco runs very well and most of us have had a drive !!, so another pleasing addition the the EVFR fleet.

 

 

Kevin and Thomas are planning on building a tram  loco and we look forward to seeing that in action in the future, but early days yet in the planning of the loco. We shall also be looking to re-installing an additional storage track in the  shed down at Laurel Sidings to accommodate these extra item of rolling stock! (we need to consider renaming that area as there are no Laurels there anymore!!!)

Then on Saturday (30th March) we had a ‘Hot Cross Buns’ specials day when some 20 or so of our members and friends enjoyed a day of trains, food and chat, excellent,. The weather was lovely and we had ‘Chieftain’, ‘Prospero’,’The Shay’, ‘Isabel’ and ‘Hercules’ out and about, at one time all out together so a PIC was needed to maintain order !! Great fun….