NSWGR Pens

The proposed stations at Goombla and Drill Creek were designed to have a cattle and sheep pen installed. The facilities were a unique design specific to the NSWGR and reused rail for posts as a cost saving measure during construction. 

The layout used to produce the 3D model are available fronm Greg Edwards Data Sheets and for those interested in building a set of pens and the rendered drawing should aid in the interperation of those drawings.

Loading side - Track

Main Pen looking to ramps

Ramps from pens

NSWGR Water Tank

The water tanks used on the NSWGR were unique in that they featured cast iron panels bolted together to form a 20000 gallon storage as shown with a 40000 gallon tank featuring another row of panels. The design required extensive usage of internal tension rods to contain the load generated by the water. Though not shown on the plans it is intended to install one at Goombla and Drill Creek for the visual flavour.

The model shown features a integrated filling spout as shown while others used a US style spout. In other areas line side water cranes were provided and the tank was just a storage reservoir. The design dose not alter with only the spout shown removed.

Lineside water canes are available from Waratah Models.

The layout used to produce the 3D model are available from Greg Edwards Data Sheets  and the rendered drawing should aid in the interpretation of those drawings.

Track side view 20000 gallon tank with timber frame



View on top side of tank


Currently we are investigating producing the tank with a laser cut timber base in 7 mm . The model will proceed on the basis of a assembled product.


Update: 22/2/13

Rob from Laser Rail Bits has created the prototype of the wooden frame for the water tank based on his successful HO version.  We now have to proceed the rapid prototype of the tank. This will proceed once we can select a suitable technique for the manufacture.

The kit is available from the Model RR Craftsman.

Star's

The decision to install day-night lighting from NCE opens the opportunity to add the most noticeable effect in the country sky - star light which is made visible by the lack of artificial light in country area's. As  Spicers Creek stage set [module] is to be modeled in open country the stars would be very clearly seen on the horizon by any viewer

The solution was identified in a product created for business and home - "The Star Ceiling". The problem was to identify a cost effective unit for model railway use and as the intention is to exhibit the modules the use of a single source was not practical as the fibre optics cannot bridge a gap cost effectively

The LED Twinkle Illuminator from  WieDaMark in Dallas Texas USA appears to meet the needs for a model railway.

Specification: The LED light unit has 10 * 5mm White LEDs in a 1" circle with a FTC 21 connector for holding up to 300 * 0.75mm fibers.

The light unit produces a white light with shimmering / twinkle pattern with no steady on feature. LED's produce no heat so it is extremely safe to operate and produces zero running noise. Used in conjunction with any of our fiber optic end glow cables. Operates from 9VDC wall pack and battery powered unit is available upon request.

• Size: 2.75H" x 3.0L" x 2.25W"
• Input Power 120V

The Star Pack 48 provides a single cable of 48 fibers in three different sizes that will be enough for each module at Spicers Creek.  The sizes include in the pack are:  34 * 0.75 mm, 10 * 1.0 mm and 4 * 1.5 mm fibers. 

Installation

The fibre optics are installed at the horizon point of the plastic cove of the modules with the LED light source fitted at the rear of the frame formers. Bend radius can be as tight as 12 mm for the 0.75 mm  and 35 mm for the 1.5 mm fibers allowing fitting into the cavity between the cove and formers of the module. All the fibres are cut approx 1 mm from the surface of the cove allowing repainting of the cove if necessary. These are fixed to the inside face of the cove using a black acrylic sealant blobs and is all shown in detail in a video on the suppliers site.

As outlined in the Philosophy page technology now exist to allow presentation of our models in a totally new way.

Installation photos will follow as the order has been placed......!