Today On Ruritanian Railways

[3Valve]

Very nice... I am sure if the Royal Family need more space in the future a triple header would do the trick on the Pootank!

Mind you, I did check that more weight could be tagged on the previous train before bidding on EBay. I just couldn't have faced Gareth if the extended train had come to a grinding halt on Pootank Pass!

I can see that I'll never be allowed to forget my double Pootank Pass failure. Nice pics through Peter

 

[stockers]

A great train, lovely pictures. Nice.

 

[whatlep]

Ruritanian Railways regrets that all services are subject to delay or cancellation due to leaves on the line.....

I wonder where I put the rake...

 

[peterbunce]

Hi Peter,

I think it time for the crew to check the snow blower is in working order, of course it will need a good run to verify all it correct and leaves will be just perfect for a quick trail run?

The rake will be quite capable of getting the track as well - NOT what is intended, but that fella 'Murphy' is always lurking somewhere.

 

[whatlep]

Hi Peter,

I think it time for the crew to check the snow blower is in working order, of course it will need a good run to verify all it correct and leaves will be just perfect for a quick trail run?

The rake will be quite capable of getting the track as well - NOT what is intended, but that fella 'Murphy' is always lurking somewhere.

Raked it. Got away with it!
Asked Mrs Whatlep to pick the leaves off the ballast as she's closer to ground level. Didn't get away with that.... :crying:

 

[whatlep]

Gales caused major problems today in Ruritania. One venerable structure was blown off its supports - again... :impatient:

Fortunately no injuries were sustained as all traffic had prudently been halted. Rebuilding work will commence almost immediately so that exports of Ruritania's celebrated invisible ballast can be maintained. Invisible ballast - the perfect Xmas present for your family!

 

[beavercreek]

Invisible ballast - the perfect Xmas present for your family!

Yes a good idea except that I keep tripping over a pile of it.

In fact after the rain and gales today i went out to a have a quick dekko at the layout and it seems thatan area of the line has obviously had a shipment of 'invisible ballast'...never mind, at least it is there

 

[yb281]

Oh dear! Still, could have been worse, it could have fallen in the oggin............ eh Hamish????

 

[Westcott]

Oh dear! Still, could have been worse, it could have fallen in the oggin............ eh Hamish????

Mel, thanks for that gratuitous reminder!

Back on topic, I somehow think there is a link between ballast and entropy.
Perhaps Steven Hawking or Terry Pratchett could elaborate?

Hamish

 

[whatlep]

Over the past week, Ruritania has been in winter's icy grip. Transport across our small (but perfectly formed) nation has been at a standstill. At the remote border station, supplies of Currywurst and beer had run dangerously low, so today an emergency train was formed to try to break through.

Two locos were drafted into service, live steamie Billy and a venerable Stainz type which has recently been Barkerised.

The two locos await departure from Zenda while points are unfrozen. Billy will be used as a pilot loco to clear ice from the rails. The Stainz will then follow with the vital van of sausages and brown medicine.

Mission accomplished! The two locos rest at the border station before attempting a return up Pootank Pass. This was only just achieved, even with both locos at work. Ice on the rail was reforming as fast as it was cleared.

Ruritania may be hibernating for a while....

 

[yb281]

Reminds me of Red Dwarf when they were lost in space and running dengerously low of Shake N Vac .


I'm sure the residents of Ruritania appreciate your efforts. I understand they'll do anything for a good sausage .

 

[beavercreek]

mmmmmmmmmm .....sausages......brown sauce........mmmmmmm

 

[CoggesRailway]

charming photos.... barkerisation? not familiar with that term...

 

[Rhinochugger]

charming photos.... barkerisation? not familiar with that term...

I think we may be referring to battery control via the accompanying van

 

[whatlep]

charming photos.... barkerisation? not familiar with that term...

Fitted for radio control via a Cliff Barker system (no track power required, so good in leafy/ icy conditions!). Clever stuff!

How is your leg, Ian?

 

[CoggesRailway]

it's doing well thanks peter. I am at home on bedrest and the pain has subsided. Boredom is now the real enemy- thank god for the internet!

 

[whatlep]

Ruritanian Railways regrets that all services are cancelled..... :thinking:

Thank goodness supplies were taken down to the border yesterday!

There must be a 22.5:1 scale cat prowling Zenda station in the night hours....

 

[Gizzy]

There must be a 22.5:1 scale cat prowling Zenda station in the night hours....

TIGGER....

 

[whatlep]

Ruritanian Railways ran a limited passenger service today, after sterling efforts by our brave servicemen to clear the line:

The rather reduced train awaits departure from Zenda while supplies of black pudding, pork scratchings and mustard (our national dish) are loaded. Plus beer, of course.

There were still drifts around Pootank Pass, though not on the scale of February 2010.

Some ploughing was still required by the venerable Stainz class locomotives....

However, there are some hazards that a snowplough just won't work on....

Fortunately, after trials and tribulations, our little train reached the border station, ready to offload its precious cargo.

Ruritanian Railways: we go the extra mile for you!

 

[CoggesRailway]

Love it running in the snow is the best. And yours is the right scale too!