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The <strong>Garden</strong> <strong>Whistle</strong> - <strong>Apr</strong>il <strong>2012</strong><br />
run the layout. Thanks Jenny.<br />
The layout control system has an “if only I’d<br />
known” history. We tried an automatic signalled<br />
train control system which hinged on tracing<br />
locomotives on and off the sections of single<br />
track, to avoid head-on smashes. We could not<br />
buy dependable reed switches in NZ, and as they<br />
failed, so did the whole system. So we chopped<br />
the heart out of it and ended with a simple but<br />
not prototypical signal system which indicated<br />
when a single track section was occupied. That<br />
meant that the engine driver had to wait at the<br />
junction until he sighted the opposing train moving<br />
through the turnout. Thereafter, as he inched<br />
forward he switched the turnout before him<br />
AND the signal turned to green.<br />
Pretty sneaky!<br />
But it looks good, and it works - after a fashion.<br />
We will have to find big fat reed switches somewhere.<br />
The track plan does not show indoor storage sidings<br />
The very relaxed 'pot luck dinner' captured<br />
twenty members who stayed on to share and<br />
keep us entertained until after 9pm that night<br />
with a great deal of discussion about the Christchurch<br />
convention with its different structure.<br />
Though people seemed to see value in it Brenda<br />
and Glen set it up only because a hall was so<br />
difficult to find in shattered Christchurch.<br />
An enjoyable day.<br />
The indoor storage yard.<br />
Brian scratch built this Mid West Quarry building.<br />
Left Top: Michael Hilliar & John Reinecke<br />
Left Bottom: Crossing the diamond crossing under the house<br />
Page 13
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