Today On Ruritanian Railways

[whatlep]

Today started with a "round tuit" job. For longer than I care to remember, all the electrics for Ruritanian Railways have been at floor level in my cellar, probably the coldest place in the entire house. Being rudely awoken by our cats today at "Jings it's early" o'clock, I decided to use the extra time wisely.

Tada! It's a new board (actually a spare shelf from an Argos bookcase) with all the electrickery neatly screwed onto it. Two LGB transformers and an MTS central station plus booster. Wires are all UK 5 amp cable, tacked down to keep them neat, with rubberised, weatherproof cable to the outside world. The switch controls separate circuits for the main circuit, the booster's and the inside test track. At the front is a programming track which, when needed, uses DC from the left-hand transformer via the socket visible far left and a corresponding plug on the 55005 programming head.

Finally, everything in one place and easily traceable. When not needed, the whole caboodle simply gets pushed out of sight under the OO gauge layout. I know it's not earth-shattering, but it can only make life easier in the future!

 

[yb281]

Hmmm, neat electrics? A whole new concept for me. :admire:

The cat obviously decided you needed a Father's Day treat .

 

[whatlep]

Hmmm, neat electrics? A whole new concept for me. :admire:

The cat obviously decided you needed a Father's Day treat .

Indeedy! However, boring but necessary stuff done, it was time to test...

Today was "Plandampf" day in Ruritania, with all diesels off duty and replaced by steam. "The Ruritanian" express featured double Mallet power and is seen pausing for customs clearance at our nation's border:

Yes, Ruritania, where the phrase "I've got a big black Mallet and I'm not afraid to use it" takes on a wholly different meaning.

 

[Gizzy]

Tada! It's a new board (actually a spare shelf from an Argos bookcase) with all the electrickery neatly screwed onto it. Two LGB transformers and an MTS central station plus booster. Wires are all UK 5 amp cable, tacked down to keep them neat, with rubberised, weatherproof cable to the outside world. The switch controls separate circuits for the main circuit, the booster's and the inside test track. At the front is a programming track which, when needed, uses DC from the left-hand transformer via the socket visible far left and a corresponding plug on the 55005 programming head.

Nice, neat job, though one suspects it's far too tidy for a Tigger....

 

[mikka]

"i have a big black mallet and im not afraid to use it".......

oh i wish i could use that statement:admire:

ah well with me job i'll be looking for one soon XD

 

[whatlep]

Another job today of the "it would look a lot nicer if" variety, courtesy of a "suggestion" from Mrs Whatlep. Loathe though I am to admit it, she was right. Adding some log roll edging to the new extension does tidy it up nicely.

The former Vivarais (CFV) Mallet spreads some invisible ballast on the newly garnished extension.

 

[dunnyrail]

If my Big Brown mallet is anything to go by, 2 of em on 6 Bogies is probably overkill. Unless your gradients are more then 1:25 that is. But it does make a nice picture though.
JonD

 

[Steve]

Brilliant

 

[whatlep]

If my Big Brown mallet is anything to go by, 2 of em on 6 Bogies is probably overkill. Unless your gradients are more then 1:25 that is. But it does make a nice picture though.
JonD

As documented in various places, Ruritanian Railways' prevailing gradient is 1 in 20 (5%). In perfect conditions, one Mallet can do the business - and haul 14 wagons up the hill if needed. In the real world with plant goo or dew on the rails, two Mallets make the difference between straining up the gradient and getting there easily.

 

[whatlep]

Ruritanian Railways is pleased to announce the acquisition of a new restaurant car for the VIP Train. The vehicle has been acquired from a Swiss railway and has yet to be repainted. It is seen below with the rest of the VIP Train at Zenda station.

Regular travellers in Ruritania will be aware that up to now, all catering has been outsourced and food reheated onboard, airline-style. HRH Prince Rudolf instructed RR's General Manager to acquire a "silver service" facility after the embarrassing incident in which the French ambassador fainted on being presented with a double cheeseburger.

 

[whatlep]

A VIP test train was run today, but encountered an unexpected problem on returning to Zenda from the national border. A camera team from Ruritanian TV was on hand:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXMTb9EMHX0

Fortunately, Ruritania is well-known as the "land of a thousand Mallets". Only one was needed to resolve the issue:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qc4uPDKsks


After this minor embarrassment, the train loco and restaurant car are pictured below at Zenda. Happily, the catering was a roaring success. Our national dish of black pudding, mustard and pork scratchings was enjoyed by all on board. The French ambassador unfortunately had to decline his invitation due to his nation's period of mourning for the death of their ability to play football.

 

[NigelP]

Great pictures
Great menu

 

[yb281]

Our national dish of black pudding, mustard and pork scratchings was enjoyed by all on board. The French ambassador unfortunately had to decline his invitation due to his nation's period of national mourning for the death of their ability to play football.

Would it be taken as a national insult if this was covered in curry sauce? If not, I think I may be emigrating?????

I seem to be hearing laughing coming from a westerly direction .......... may be from the Telford area??

 

[coyote97]

This blue train is THAT damn good looking!!!!

What the hell how many mallets do you have?????


Greetings

Frank

 

[whatlep]

This blue train is THAT damn good looking!!!!

What the hell how many mallets do you have?????

Well, the real number is six, but that's not the number Mrs Whatlep has seen around the layout, if you get my meaning.

 

[whatlep]

Our national dish of black pudding, mustard and pork scratchings was enjoyed by all on board. The French ambassador unfortunately had to decline his invitation due to his nation's period of national mourning for the death of their ability to play football.

Would it be taken as a national insult if this was covered in curry sauce?

Yes - and an admission that you are a Mongoose.

 

[Dtsteam]

So was this unfortunate slippage caused by a revenge attack of cheap french mustard, or a mongoose bearing curry sauce ? We have to know....

 

[CoggesRailway]

Really really nice train... suprised at the slipping even on a 1.20 with only three coaches- although I guess very heavy... love the little stories about Ruritania too it's brilliant.

 

[whatlep]

So was this unfortunate slippage caused by a revenge attack of cheap french mustard, or a mongoose bearing curry sauce ? We have to know....

I blame the French. Mind you, that's more of a generic reaction.

It could be the "revenge of 3Valve".... after the last Open Day when his 2091 diesel had some issues with haulage power. Not having any, for example... :crying:

 

[whatlep]

Today has been a red-letter day in Ruritania as Prince Rudolf's eldest daughter has returned from her finishing school in Switzerland. Ruritanian Railways felt it prudent to acquire a dedicated baggage van for the VIP train to accommodate Princess Katarina's acquisitions:

Ruritania is profoundly grateful to Mr RH Prague for brokering the sale of this vehicle. Now fitted with metal wheels, it forms a valuable addition to the nation's premier train, the whole of which was captured on film "somewhere in Ruritania".