JR Hosts the Wellington Group May 2018

[Gavin Sowry]

For the May 2018 Running Day of the Wellington Garden Railway Group, we accepted JR's invitation at his H&M Railway.
Weather forecast was a bit iffy, but the promised showers came overnight, and the day dawned fine and dry.

The members and guests assembled. Note the live steam department in the distance, is bereft of participants... the food was at the track power end. But, we put an end to this anomily in post #3 below.



First up, best dressed, as they say. I got first running rights on the track powered loops with my Feldbahn stock. JR had prepared the track beforehand, and track powered trains ran flawlessly.



Next up, was Marty, with his RhB Croc and luxury cars that he has just picked up.

 

[Gavin Sowry]

...and a blast from the past, the Dubs 'A' appeared, just to keep the old timers happy.



It even ventured forth onto the main line.



Meanwhile, my Feldbahn managed to keep circulating, avoiding other traffic, and the Autumnal deposits.



The H&M Railway wish to advise, that due to leaves on the track, trains will NOT be delayed.

 

[Gavin Sowry]

To top the afternoon off, Chris D premiered his Sandy River #24 live steam. Drool.... it ran perfectly, a sight to behold.



..except there was a unanimous 'whoa', as it crossed the bridge. The photo opportunity was just too good to try this in motion.

 

[JRinTawa]

Indeed host I did, along with SWMBO providing the catering.
While Gav was keeping the track power department under control I was drawn to that lovely smell of steam oil. Mixed with meths in the first instance as Chris D fired, for the first time, his recently aquired (previously loved) Aster Shay.

Running first on rollers. Here's Chris deep in concentration with John S as the wheels start to turn.

From t'other end.

 

[JRinTawa]

It was a day of test running new acquisitions. Here's Marty's Crocodile and accompanying coaches...

Nice isn't it

Track power ruled at Kakariki Station.

But live steam was beginning to make in roads (my Otto)

 

[JRinTawa]

Meanwhile after sorting out an extra bit of track isolation John S and his Lady Anne and Chris with his Sandy River No.24 could steam away around the steaming bay and return loop (they have non-insulated wheels you see).

Oh ah

Otto having insulated wheels had free reign.

Over Puddle Pond...

...and through Punga Cliffs Otto steamed.

 

[JRinTawa]

Meanwhile Colin's "blue train" waved the flag for the good old LGB Stainz

Chris W's blue tooth controlled loco in the sun, we had lots of sun

And dappled light too

 

[JRinTawa]

Marty got some of the action on film, opps umm, well you know

Otto got in the action too.

Last one from me. John's Lady Anne emerging into the sun from under the avairy deck.

Thanks to all who came to the running day, I enjoyed the day, I hope you did too.

 

[stockers]

Great pictures guys. Looks like a most excellent day.

 

[Rhinochugger]

To top the afternoon off, Chris D premiered his Sandy River #24 live steam. Drool.... it ran perfectly, a sight to behold.

View attachment 236929

..except there was a unanimous 'whoa', as it crossed the bridge. The photo opportunity was just too good to try this in motion.

Oh, ho ho, I hate to be picky, but that looks like a staged shot, with the front pony truck wheels 'off'

But a cracker of a train

 

[G-force1]

JR's railway a delight as always, whether in photo, or for real!

 

[Gavin Sowry]

Oh, ho ho, I hate to be picky, but that looks like a staged shot, with the front pony truck wheels 'off'

But a cracker of a train

Picky picky pic....... had me worried. Zoomed in, and, no, the pony truck is not off the rail. Optical delusion here, part of the pony truck frame cuts across the lower part of the wheel. The wheel tread is just visible, on the rail, below this frame bar. This train was driven onto the bridge, and yes, staged as a static photostop, as opposed to a run by.

 

[Rhinochugger]

Picky picky pic....... had me worried. Zoomed in, and, no, the pony truck is not off the rail. Optical delusion here, part of the pony truck frame cuts across the lower part of the wheel. The wheel tread is just visible, on the rail, below this frame bar. This train was driven onto the bridge, and yes, staged as a static photostop, as opposed to a run by.

I grovel

 

[Gavin Sowry]

I grovel

Would you like fries with that?

 

[Rhinochugger]

Would you like fries with that?

Just had some with the BBQ steaks

 

[Martino]

Looks like a superb day. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Gavin Sowry]

Just had some with the BBQ steaks

BBQ, yum. Just had a full BBQ tea for GS1's 15th birthday. That can only mean one thing..... Grandad is getting older.

 

[dunnyrail]

What a great day, if only I could get an invitation and cope with the long orrible flight I would be over for the next one like a shot.

My pond is in the thros of being done up. Not quite so close to the action as yours but it makes a nice view of trains when running and is infested with Newts. They already are back swimming around after just rewatering last Saturday so I am please to say that they have not been too disturbed.

 

[Gavin Sowry]

What a great day, if only I could get an invitation and cope with the long orrible flight I would be over for the next one like a shot.

You, are invited. Sorry, no flight subsidies available.

No long orrible flight, break it down into short(ish) legs, with stop overs. We get used to 12 hour segments such that when you get a 4 to 6 hour leg, you sort of feel cheated (only one meal, and all that). Last trip to Home Country (as we call it, politely, even though here is home) was 3 hour hop to Sydney Australia, connecting with a SYD-LAX A380 flight, a few days in Hollywood and Disneyland, then an awful (even in an A380) BA flight to LHR. Only highlight of that last leg, was the Tube to Kings Cross! Why the Aussie backtrack? ... it was cheaper that way.

 

[LGeoB]

You, are invited. Sorry, no flight subsidies available.

No long orrible flight, break it down into short(ish) legs, with stop overs. We get used to 12 hour segments such that when you get a 4 to 6 hour leg, you sort of feel cheated (only one meal, and all that). Last trip to Home Country (as we call it, politely, even though here is home) was 3 hour hop to Sydney Australia, connecting with a SYD-LAX A380 flight, a few days in Hollywood and Disneyland, then an awful (even in an A380) BA flight to LHR. Only highlight of that last leg, was the Tube to Kings Cross! Why the Aussie backtrack? ... it was cheaper that way.