PORT ELIZABETH MODEL RAILROAD CLUB

Held at 10 Mowbray st, Newton Park on Saturday 4 FEBRUARY 2023 at 10:00.

1. OPENING.

The Chairman, Mike Smout, opened the meeting and thanked all present for their attendance.

2.

Present

The attendance register was signed by 16 members. Apologies were recorded for Carey Muller, Robbie Deacon and Frank Lobe.

3. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS AGM

The minutes of the AGM held on 22 January 2022 were approved.

4. MATTERS ARISING

There were no matters arising from the previous AGM.

5.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

The Chairman thanked all the Committee Members for their efforts on behalf of the Club and thanked Mike Parsons for hosting the AGM. He noted that 2022 had been a rather frustrating year given the various delays in respect of the Clubhouse. Attempts to find temporary space in which Club members could meet and run trains on the layout proved fruitless as landlords demand market related rents even when suitable space is vacant.

The original set of plans for a Clubhouse were for a modular wooden structure the Fire Chief required that all the timber be specially treated. The cost of this process proved prohibitive and a second set of plans, for a more conventional concrete and cement block structure were drawn up and submitted to the Metro. These plans have been approved in principle but building cannot go ahead until the Loco Society brings its lease on the Londt park site up to date. Currently, the Loco Society is waiting for an evaluation of the site.

Discussions are under way with respect to the manner in which the Club will be integrated into the PE Model Locomotive Society.

6. TREASURER’S REPORT

Attie Terblanche presented his report. Income for the year amounted to R19379 from interest, subscriptions and the shop and the closing balance was R233 371.

7.

Shop Report

Mike van Zyl stated that some of the stock was worthless and that he had disposed of it. Currently he has family living with him and access to the remaining stock is very difficult.

Election Of Committee

It was agreed that the current committee would remain in place. Mike Smout (Chairman), Attie Terblanche (Treasurer), J-P Kruger (Clubhouse). Roel van Oudheusden (Editor/newsletter), Mike van Zyl (Shop), Graham Chapman (Layout visits), Pierre van Loggerenberg (Librarian). Mike Smout made it clear that 2023 would be his last year as Chairman

9. SUBSCRIPTIONS

It was agreed that subscriptions would remain at R500 for 2023. Of this, R150 per member will be paid to the Loco Society as a joining/subscription fee for 2023. The R500 does not need to be paid as a lump sum. Other arrangements can be made in discussion with Attie.

10. LAYOUT VISITS

Members were encouraged to put their modelling efforts on show and make arrangements with Graham. Gatherings at a layout are a good place to pick up and discuss new ideas.

11. GENERAL

Following a question from James Kruger, the need for a subscription fee of R500 was explained.

12. CLOSURE

The meeting closed at 11:00 with thanks to Mike Parsons for the use of his garage.

Club House Update

The site of the PEMRC Club House (black rectangle on the Londt Park sketch below) was finally approved by the members of the PEMLS on 26 Feb 2023. However, the renewal of their lease is subject to municipal valuation. The PEMLS hae in the interim complied with all the metro’s other requirements.

Our building plans required amendment as the Fire Chief would not consent to a wooden structure with access by the public; it has to be conventional brick and mortar. The revised plans then were approved but subject to a valid lease. The plans were submitted in the name of the lessee of the Londt Park premises, i.e. the Port Elizabeth Model Locomotive Society, whom the PEMRC members would join as associate members so that each would continue to operate independently.

Redesigned Club House in 2022 viewed from the Locomotive Society (South elevation)

North Elevation

West Elevation as seen from car park and May Way

With this year’s 9F releases we have some interesting additions, one of which is the Westinghouse Pump version or as it may be better known, the Tyne Dock 9F.

This special batch of 9F locomotives were assigned to Tyne Dock and was tasked with hauling the heaviest freight trains from the docks to the Consett Iron Company, some twenty or so miles to the south west. The Consett line on which the trains travelled was sharply inclined which played to the strengths of the 9F, and while some may be mistaken for thinking the Westinghouse pumps were for additional braking power on these heavy trains on a steep line, this was not actually the case. The additional pumps actuated air powered doors on the special hopper wagons used on the train, allowing for the rapid unloading of the cargo when the destination was reached.

Integrated into the running board, these pumps and their associated pipework adorn the side of the die cast boiler. The pumps are not that easy to see on the product image as they are only visible through the distinctive small gap between the running plate and the chassis.

A slice of tradition, the Hornby annual wagon is represented this year by the 6 wheel milk tanker.

Robbie Deacon 082 852 5119 is selling these HO buildings:

Vera Clack is selling tracks, transformers, buildings, figurines etc. Please contact Roel at 082 739 7679 with your offer:

Trains magazine is excited to bring you this DVD featuring over 40 steam engines from across the United States and England. The first release in this all-new series shows regular operation and one-off events such as photographer’s specials with freight trains, mainline, excursions, or themed weeks for many big and small operations.

Nevada Northern 81 Debut

D&RG 168 and 425 to Cumbres

US Sugar 148 Santa +

1st Public Excursion

WMSR 1309 Debut

Durango & Silverton

493

Victorian Iron Horse Roundup

Executing a "hard start". On most railroad photo shoots, run-by’s are initiated out of sight of the photo line from around a curve or behind a stand of trees. This serves two purposes. It gives the locomotive crew time to gently accelerate their train to the proper speed and it allows videographers to shoot the entire pass from the time the train becomes visible until it is past the viewer. In some situations however, there is not enough time to go through this process.

This image, from the November, 2022 photo shoot with Norfolk & Western #611 at the Strasburg Rail Road clearly illustrates such a situation. We are just moments after sunrise in the Fairview section of the line and the rays of the rising sun are casting golden light on the subject and its exhaust plume. This colour light will last only a couple of minutes. Backing the 611 and her train out of sight beyond Esbenshade Crossing will consume more time than we have. Therefore, the Photo Line Coordinator has called for a "hard start", meaning he's asked the locomotive crew to stop where they are and bring the train forward as expeditiously as possible. Just a second or two after the throttle is opened, the locomotive belches a tall, vertical plume, while steam from her cylinder cocks totally obscures the running gear as the big Northern makes a max effort to get underway. One minute later, this train will be running past the photo line and the desired shot will be achieved.

A Northern Pacific survivor in Steilacoom, WA.

This bridge was built by the Strauss Bascule Bridge Co. of Chicago, Illinois between 1913 and 1914 for Northern Pacific Railway. The railroad was seeking a water level route south of Tacoma along Puget Sound, through Steilacoom on its way south to Olympia and Kalama in 1910. At this location there was a small-protected estuary, fed by Chambers Bay and a connecting creek. Despite the diminutive size of the bay and, more so, the creek, the passage was considered "navigable waters" and susceptible for use to transport interstate or foreign commerce. Consequently, a bridge was required. This type of vertical lift bridge is unique in that it avoids the use of traditional towers and cables. It is nationally significant as the only remaining example of its kind in the United States though another example of this type is located in Prince George, British Columbia. Bridge 14, as it is also known, also served the Great Northern Railway, and in its later years, Burlington Northern and today, BNSF and Amtrak, though a project to reroute Amtrak is ongoing.

The Gyermekvasút (Children's Railway) or Line 7 is a narrow gauge railway line in Budapest, which connects Széchenyihegy and Hüvösvölgy and is 11.2 kilometres (7.0 mi) long. The former name of the line was Úttörüvasút (Pioneer Railway, in reference to the communist scouts), and now the official designation is MÁV Zrt. Széchenyi-hegy Gyermekvasút.

Except the train driver, all of the posts are operated by children aged 10–14. under adult supervision

Flag-officer of the Hűvösvölgy station. Steam hauled heritage trains are scheduled at weekends and on public holidays throughout the year.

1. Kathy Millat: Can you 3D Print a Tree Palm Trees with Elegoo Neptune 3 PLUS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RBJC1BHFfs

2. I Built a Complete Model Railway in 8 weeks - Port Dinorwic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_Kx85Epkg8

3. Miniatur Wunderland Spectacular review: the creation of Italy https://youtu.be/mUJh162nE-g

4. Model railway in N scale with Magnorail Car System https://youtu.be/6mEOJsF8r9M http://www.modelbouwwerk.nl/

Model makers Vincent Scholtze and Frodo Weidema are known for building impressive model railway layouts that were specifically made to be displayed at model exhibitions. However, the N-gauge model railway with the name "Gbf Unterhaltung (Freight station Entertainment)" was primarily designed for operation in the attic. Although the N gauge layout can be disassembled due to its modular design, which is why it could be admired at the On TraXS 2022 model railway exhibition, it was not really designed as an exhibition layout, especially since the N gauge model railway layout is not particularly large. The visible part has a length of almost 2.5 m and a depth of about 0.6 m. Behind the layout there is another staging yard, which protrudes another 0.5 m into the depth. The shadow station offers parking space for more than twelve train sets. Vincent Scholtze and Frodo Weidema chose the German Federal Railways in Era III as their theme, more precisely spring 1968. The model layout is said to be located somewhere in the Ruhr area, for example in Wuppertal, Duisburg or Essen.

5. Luke Towan: Paper Kits Have Never Looked So Good https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KL4U_rv0Cf0

DIGITAL COMMUTING – ANALOGUE DRIVING

The railway friends in Göttingen whilst working on the club layout at one of the club evenings, the idea came up to plan a tram to connect two train stations. For reasons of space, only a shuttle route was possible. A tram was bought and a club member who had experience with the two-wire track (i.e. formerly direct current), agreed to carry out digitization. The majority of club members use the point contact track from Göppingen and have experience with it. The tram, like the rest of the layout, was to be controlled with Win-Digipet.

Unfortunately, it turned out that the digitization of the tram was not as easy to accomplish as one had imagined, since there is only little space in the model. In addition, it was feared that the filigree model may be damaged during the conversion. So another solution had to be found.

As a member of the Pukogleissfraction, I made the suggestion to simply place an mLD3 decoder from Göppingen, which has sensor inputs for reed contacts, next to the track.

Since only one tram is running, the motor connections of the decoder can be connected directly to the track. The decoder can then take over the control of the shuttle route at the same time; only the start command has to come from the control panel.

However, I first had to "research" the application of said sensor inputs for reed contacts, because the Göppingen company does not reveal all the functions of their decoders and devices in their instructions and technical information.

The basic structure of the pendulum route is very simple. A reed contact is built into the track at each end and the tram is fitted with a magnet. This should make it possible to stop the tram, wait and then get the direction to change, accelerate in the opposite direction and then carry out the same actions at the other end with the reed contact there. So back and forth. The start should first done manually. That's the idea.

Big Tiddling

I already owned the 60970 decoder tester from Göppingen. With many LEDs and a motor, it is very well suited to understanding the effect of the commands programmed in the decoder and to checking your own programming. It also has three push buttons on the board labelled IN1 through IN3.

The first step was to install the "mDecoderTool mDT3" software. That was easy. It was and is more difficult to use the software. There are some YouTube videos explaining this and articles in the Märklin magazine and information in forums. However, I felt searching for the necessary information as a real diligence task. A unique selling point of the Märklin publications is that the same things (e.g. motors) are named differently. That's why the buttons on the circuit board are called the decoder tester IN1, IN2 and IN3, in contrast, the mDT3 programming software contains the terms Sensor 1 and Sensor 2, but I didn't find any Sensor 3. With that, the wish that had been formulated in the meantime for a possible stopover on the commute was settled for the time being. Unfortunately, the description of the software for many commands also lacks a reference to what exactly they do.

For example, with the command "change journey". The interconnection of the hardware for decoder programming (PC, decoder tester 60970, MS2 and decoder programmer 60971), on the other hand, was simple and could be taken from the accompanying descriptions become.

After completing the programming, I chose the mLD3 with the number 60982 as the final decoder, because sensors 1 and 2 are brought out here by cable, which then have to be connected to a reed contact each. However, any mLD3 or mSD3 decoder will also work for testing, since the IN1 and IN2 buttons for simulating the reed contacts are available on the decoder test board.

Basically, the programming of the decoder is done as follows:

After starting "mDecoderTool3" I select "Read Decoder" and begin as described in the software instructions on page 6 with point 4.5 "Functions". The other tabs for the decoder and motor are left out for the time being. One click on the white open-end wrench and the tab “Functions" opens a window consisting of a left part (called "Function triggers") and a right part "Actions on Fxx".

On the left is always what can trigger an action, e.g. the function keys or a sound or a time switch (timer). In the right part you specify what should happen as an action when the trigger is active on the left (light on, play sound, start timer, etc.).

If you click on F0 on the left (deep blue), "Front light" and "Rear light" are highlighted on the right in the window, i.e. the action that F0 triggers when pressed.

Initially, there were major problems when using the software. At some point I realized that you should click on the open-end wrench on the right-hand side of the action lines, since only then will the pop-up menu open. The plus sign in the Lines with a light blue background provide additional function triggers and actions. However, you have to be careful, pale blue plus signs and open-end wrenches cannot be selected. "Functions" opens a window consisting of a left part (called "Function triggers") and a right part "Actions on Fxx". On the left is always what can trigger an action, e.g. the function keys or a sound or a time switch (timer). In the right part you specify what should happen as an action when the trigger is active on the left (light on, play sound, start timer, etc.).

If you click on F0 on the left (deep blue), "Front light" and "Rear light" are highlighted on the right in the window, i.e. the action that F0 triggers when pressed.

Initially, there were major problems when using the software. At some point I realized that you should click on the open-end wrench on the right-hand side of the action lines, since only then will the pop-up menu open. The plus sign in the Lines with a light blue background provide additional function triggers and actions. However, you have to be careful, pale blue plus signs and open-end wrenches cannot be selected.

THE PROGRAMMING:

I have now assumed that the tram is started with one speed step and now moves forwards from left to right towards reed contact 1 = sensor 1 and also runs over it.

The magnet under the tram will briefly close the contact and thus trigger the decoder's sensor. The tram now brakes with the deceleration set in the decoder at the factory and stops.

Settings In Detail

On the left side, in the line of special functions, select "Sensor 1" with the plus sign and confirm by clicking on the tick. Sensor 1 then appears on the left underneath with a white background. By clicking on it it turns deep blue and appears at the top right: Actions for sensor 1. Then you can add “journey change” on the right-hand side in the “Logical functions” line with “+” and confirm by clicking on the check mark.

If sensor 1 or IN1 is closed for a short time (pos. level), a movement change is triggered as an action. Since it was running before, the tram will now stop with the deceleration set in the decoder. But it should only stop when driving forward, so you have to click the open-end wrench on the right and select "Forward" for direction. This must be confirmed with the green tick. Now the tram is standing still, should wait a bit and drive back towards Reed contact 2. You need a time switch for this, i.e. a timer. It takes some getting used to (at least for me) that the change of route can also trigger an action. On the left you go to the logical functions on the plus sign and select "trip change", which now appears on the left in a white field. If you click on it, it turns dark blue and "Actions for changing journeys" appears at the top right. On the right under "Actions for trip changes" you must now add timer 1 by clicking on the plus sign in the line Timer. By clicking on the spanner in the Timer 1 line, you set the condition “Negative edge” in the small pop-up window “Configure actions for timer 1”. This means that the change of journey action has ended and the tram has stopped. Set “Forward” under Direction and “Stand” under Movement. Timer 1 starts under these conditions. Now don't forget to click on the spanner on the left side in the "Timer" line and set the time for "Timer 1". In addition, Timer 1 must now also be added as a function trigger in the left window of the software, because Timer 1 is supposed to do something. Timer 1 now triggers a change of direction when starting. Nothing happens during the adjustable waiting time. When the time has expired, the journey change is carried out. The Tram is starting. On the left side under the logical functions you can set the final speed for the change of direction (now backwards) by clicking on the open-end wrench.

I did a first test with the connected test setup and manually specified a speed level in the joystick box. If you now press the IN1 button on the test circuit board, the motor slowly stops, stands still and moves in the opposite direction after 5 seconds. This brings the desired effect for the first terminal. Now the whole thing has to be configured for the other end point on reed contact 2. The tram should stop when this is reached. In the left window, sensor 2 be created from the special functions. If sensor 2 is clicked and has a blue background, you can see on the right under "Actions for sensor 2" that no action has yet been entered there. From the logical functions on the right, this must then be the “change of journey”.

The further steps are analogous to the first sensor. It is now important that you configure a timer 2, in which the same steps are carried out as with timer 1. If you did not make a typo, the tram now swings back and forth according to the specification of a speed step when driving forwards in the MS2.

Now you can change the icon for the locomotive type, the decoder name and the speedometer display under the "Decoder" tab. I left the engine settings as is. The CVs for acceleration and braking can also be adjusted. Likewise, F0 and F4 can be deleted. In practical use, complicated technology is no longer required. The decoder is wired to the track and contacts. In addition, of course, it gets power from our digital centre.

In order to separate the shuttle route from the rest of the layout, we use a Mobile Station 2 with the associated track box for the tram shuttle. The tram itself will continue to be operated analogously, even if the current on the track is provided by the decoder. This means that the vehicle can be replaced at any time without reprogramming the decoder.

Harald Görlich

THE MODEL RAILWAY FROM BAD NEUENAHR-AHRWEILER IS RUNNING AGAIN

Heide Schwarzmüller-Quistorp has received help from the model railway association in Göttingen for her nephew's model railway from the Ahr Valley, which was damaged by the flood.

Photo: Heide Schwarzmüller-Quistorp and club member Harald Görlich, who restored two locomotives.

The locomotives are in bad shape: full of dirt and caked mud. The railway enthusiasts have a lot of work ahead of them.

The pictures of the floods in Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia in the summer of 2021 went around the world. More than 180 people lost their lives in the flood disaster. But there are even more startling numbers. The flood disaster in 2021 left behind unprecedented destruction in many affected localities. It was one of the worst natural disasters in Germany: Torrential rainfall on July 14 and 15 last year led to flooding that devastated entire regions. An overview of the disaster in numbers:

150 Liters Of Rain Per Square Meter

Storm low "Bernd" caused persistent heavy rain in southern and western Germany last July. In the flood regions, more precipitation fell in just two days than the average for the entire month of July. According to the German Weather Service, 100 to 150 liters of rain per square meter fell on Rhineland-Palatinate North Rhine-Westphalia over the short time window. Flash flooding and flooding occurred as a result. The level of the Ahr reached a historic record high of over five meters. The small river Erft swelled to a depth of four meters in places and burst its banks. A gravel pit in Erftstadt-Blessem collapsed as a result of the flooding, and numerous houses were torn down.

H Llental In Berlin

At the end of 2018, a big dream came true for the Berlin management consultant

Christian Malorny. He was the successful bidder at the auction of the Roco exhibition layout ”Höllental” .

Christian Malorny has given the facility an all-round makeover and replanted numerous trees and bushes. The Höllental is now inhabited by around 250 Preisser people who can be seen in numerous illuminated Höllental scenes around 1960. The layout is controlled by a Roco Z21. The Train Controller software monitors the 15 route blocks. All trains are equipped with light and sound functions and have a prototypical patina. The class 85 steam locomotives typical of this route are equipped with dynamic steam generators. Photo: Heiko Herholz

(MINIATURE WORLDS – Modeltrainlayoutstodream about)

For almost three decades, the model construction team in Cologne, headed by initiator Hartmut Groll, has been building great new model railway layouts almost every year, which inspire a wide audience at exhibitions. Many of these layouts now have a legendary reputation and meticulously implement specific prototypes and operating processes in the model: the Black Forest Railway near Triberg, for example, the Höllentalbahn with Hirschsprung station or the Mayschoss station on the Ahr Valley Railway. Spectacular Alpine railways such as the Lötschberg north and south ramps, the Arlberg line and Semmering or the RhB station in Wiesen were represented, as were brilliant railway motifs from the USA and Norway.

This 192 page hardcover pulication presents all of these layout masterpieces in 350 fantastic professional photographs. But that's not all: Hartmut Groll and his team have opened their model construction workshop and can be looked over their shoulders while they are working on the layouts. Using practical examples, they show how the impressive model landscapes with their impressive artificial structures are created. What they all have in common is their high level of credibility and the broad base of commercially available products - from blockboard, polystyrene and plaster to grass fibers and trees to building models from the accessory manufacturers. Not all of the model railways presented in this book have what it takes for home layouts - the dimensions of more than seven meters in length and depths of up to six meters stand in the way of this. But the miniature worlds from Cologne always provide plenty of suggestions for the realization of your own layout dreams and subsequent replicas.

Available as hardcover @ reduced price of €14.99 plus postage or can be downloaded for €11.99 here: https://www.vgbahn.shop/miniaturwelten-das-modellbauteam-koeln

Dream trains

No shipping costs for combined orders of R2000 or more. Shop online and fill your cart, even if less than R2000, then contact PEMRC Mike van Zyl, to combine your order with fellow club members and all will save.

A landscape straight out of a picture model, the double-track Allgäu railway, are indeed very idyllic. The region is a popular destination for vacationers looking for relaxation. And it can also be easily reached by train, then as now. A fast train from Augsburg with the 18-537 from Märklin at the head passes a body of water that is used for swimming and sunbathing. Carefree holiday mood with lots of fun and the eve r popular ice cream vendor

Express trains fascinate both in prototype and in model. Who would not like to use such trains on their layout? This volume of the model railway library uses many examples to show you how H0-size cars and locomotives age, can be upgraded and details can be added. And anyone who thinks that the small size of the H0 railway would find it difficult to endure such interventions will be amazed at the handicraft contribution to the 1:160 scale. A size N steam locomotive is going through the beautification program there. Suggestions for the layout of the system are also supplied to you by the numerous scene photos.

Available as hardcover @ €9.99 plus postage or can be downloaded for €9.99 here: https://www.vgbahn.shop/elegante-loks-und-schnelle-zuege

Steam Days In Dunsmuir

This book features fascinating personal stories by Southern Pacific railroaders who worked out of Dunsmuir, California in the heyday of big-time steam railroading. The unique mountain railroad town, established in 1886, was the headquarters for Southern Pacific's Shasta Division and a helper point where locomotives were added to assist trains in the climb out of the canyon of the Sacramento River.

Three sections of the book contain stories written by railroaders that reveal just how it was to work in engine and train crew service. The first is a complete reprint of SP engineer Dick Murdock's 1986 book,” Smoke in the Canyon” that recalls his years of working on the SP and living in Dunsmuir. The second is by Don Olsen, who worked two years out of Dunsmuir before steam operations ended. The third, "Incident at Morley," written by conductor Bill Reid, a brakeman at the time, explains train operating and track occupancy rules and recounts a tragic accident that was a result of rules not strictly followed. Shasta Division history and sections written from interviews of Dunsmuir crewmen by Bob Church complete the book.

The stories are illustrated with historic photos, most never before published, to depict the town, the railroad, the trains and locations on the Shasta Division. Thoroughly researched captions give the reader informative insight about the railroaders and people of Dunsmuir and Siskiyou County up to the mid-1950s when SP dieselization was complete.

Author Bob Church has collected interviews from several people and unpublished historic photos from numerous sources to illustrate the work. Comprising 264 pages, the book contains over 415 photos, along with maps and graphics, and has both a bibliography and an index.

PRICE $60.00 https://kalmbachhobbystore.com/product/book/88131