Garden Railway Forum

Trevor suggested the two WLLR wagons would look good behind the Pickering coaches. Friends came round for a play this afternoon so such a train was run. Apologies for the variable light conditions.

Phil

Another running session with the WLLR gala train, this time with Anna in control:-



I then shunted the train to go in the other direction. I guess because there was plenty of steam pressure it was not easy to stop the movement under good control at times, she had a tendency to overshoot. However once the train was assembled she did some reverse direction circuits:-



following which I shunted the train back into the original order.
Anna was running very well this afternoon, calm conditions, slightly erratic speeds on the video at times, it's difficult filming at the same time as controlling the train.

Phil

For me there's something about mixed trains. And the W&L stock. Thanks for posting.

Yes, you need three if not four hands to drive and film at the same time! In idle moments I've been thinking about possible solutions/mechanical 'helping hands'. I think someone on this forum (though another thread) suggested taking the spring out of the reverser of a RC unit to free up a hand. I have a couple of other ideas which may turn out to be cunning plans ... or total hogswill. If the former, they'll get snapped and posted!

I have a remote with the spring taken out and it does make for better control when videoing. But I still have to make sure that I am running my R/H “Billy” slow enough get around the tight curves that I need because of restrictions on space.

I had both hands free when I filmed Russell as my friend was on the controls. His controller does not have the springs anyway. With Anna both levers are sprung but I have programmed a switch to control the reverser and another for the simulated drain cocks so I can just about manage to control her with one hand and hold the phone with the other - for a short while!

Phil

A new arrival has joined the MPD:-
Phil

Looks really smart. My concern would be how much the rear of the loco swings out on sharp curves. I don't think your line's curves are as tight as mine, though.

Rik

Thanks Rik,

I pushed the loco round the layout cold to check clearances and found three places where I needed to adjust the fence posts. The curves should all be greater than 4’ 6” radius on the main circuit. If the scenic boards were in place there are tighter curves but this locomotive is too big to go onto those areas anyway.

I was considering getting an Accucraft Joan which would need radio control fitting and would be a fairly elderly loco, then I saw this six year old Roundhouse Leek and Manifold with r/c factory installed and remembered seeing one running at one of the shows where I had admired it!

Until the regulator servo stuck fully open it was running beautifully and very controllably. I’m sure with the help of some of my friends that will be sorted quickly. It’s got an Exmitter EX7 transmitter which needs both hands to operate at present so no filming was possible on its very first run here. I have not been able to find out how to program the transmitter to use a three position switch for the reverser yet, as I do on my Silver Lady, which makes things easier in my view but there’s plenty of time to investigate. I could alter the connection of the servo to a different channel on the receiver or I might bind the locomotive to the transmitter I use for Silver Lady which can control multiple models.

Phil

I don't think you will be able to bind the existing receiver to your multi-model transmitter.
The Exmiter uses FHSS and I do not think the two will 'talk' to each other.

Phil.P

Thanks Phil,

that is helpful.

I have run the loco again today, having opened her up and re plugged the servo for the reverser into the channel operated by the switch and it works. Much easier to control with one hand and I did take some video which needs tidying before posting. The regulator servo was working properly today after Trevor loosened the gland a little yesterday. Running time was impressive being towards 30 mins,

Phil

Now (nearly) able to control running with one hand I managed some video of the Leek and Manifold running yesterday afternoon:-





This live steam lark is much more interesting and involving than I originally thought! It's really quite difficult to maintain a constant speed.

Phil

gilfachphil wrote: ↑Mon May 19, 2025 11:11 am Now (nearly) able to control running with one hand I managed some video of the Leek and Manifold running yesterday afternoon:-

Now that's what I was looking forward to! Lovely stuff and a very pleasant chuff too.

This live steam lark is much more interesting and involving than I originally thought!

You're not kidding. 0 to 3 steam locos in under 12 months! You've really caught the bug

It's really quite difficult to maintain a constant speed.

Did you see A's half built Jack with the slo-mo running on Saturday? I was once again impressed by how much difference it made. I don't know about the L&M but when Wilson brings out the 0-6-0 version I believe it should be possible to fit it to Russell and/or Anna. Or would that spoil the fun of trying to keep the speed constant?

Simon,

Yes, I did see A's Jack and very impressive it is too. Magnificent chuff.

I think I'll stick with my locos as they are, no need to make them easier to drive - that might spoil the fun a bit as you say.

Phil

A most enjoyable outing to Llangollen at the weekend for the garden railway show.

Spending was really restrained but I did come home with two additions to the Derwen Fawr station site:-
The coaches were used for clearance testing. I moved the two sidings at this end of the station to create a bit more space for the signal box. The thunder box needs painting.

Phil

A whole new-meaning to 'rail-dirt'!

I'll get my coat..

Phil.P

The springing in the Cliff Barker points I have has not been wholly satisfactory with the blades sometimes not being held properly against the running rail such that on Monday my latest steamer derailed completely whilst travelling over one in the station loop.

I have a selection of small magnets and wondered if I could devise a way of using them to effect a different solution to point levers of some sort.

Yesterday I lifted and modified a pair of points.

Here is one:-
on the other I have placed the magnets under the black plasticard where the pull is a bit less as there is less steel in line. The tie bar was drilled to 3mm through the existing holes and an M3 cheesehead bolt put through from underneath with washers either side of the tie bar and a nylok nut to hold all in place.

Time will tell whether these work reliably,

Phil

Another use for a small magnet.

The Leek and Manifold buffer, though quite a good representation of that on the prototype is very prone to throwing off a three link coupling.

A solution that seems to work well:-
A magnet glued to the inside face of the buffer
Holds a 'brass' coupling whilst allowing some flexing.

Phil

Hi Phil
Your use of magnets is interesting. Sorry to hear your point springs are failing. What is it three years since you laid the circuit? I was pondering with using Omega springs, similar setup to the GEM products of yesteryear. I must have miss read your post magnetic brass that's a new one on me.

Brass magnets, are usually next to the striped paint..
The long-weights, are at the end of the aisle..

Phil.P

Neat (almost invisible) solution

Rik