That's not a model train set, this is a model train set!
Our November 2017 club run was to Blackbutt to visit Chris and Christine Roberts, but first we stopped in town for morning tea. Some members visited the famed Pie shop, with others content to shelter under facilities provided and enjoy their bikkies, tea and coffee. Up from the Pie shop was parked an Austin truck, not one belonging to a club member, but appeared to be a prized possession of a local and St George Dragons Rugby League Club supporter (it had St George Dragons seat covers).
We were welcomed by Chris and Christine to their shed, that is the envy of many a car and model train enthusiast. We enjoyed viewing Chris's collection of Triumph 2500s - I counted about 18 of them, along with a few Austins. We all enjoyed lunch in the shed, well out of the inclement weather.
Chris then let us drive his train on the 5" railway, which was a lot of fun - see the photos! Below is some information provided by Chris about the model train.
This is a 422 NSW class outline loco. An “Outline” loco does not have the intricate detail of a scale model. It was bought in 2005 from Box Hill in Victoria and moved to Gladstone. It has a Honda petrol engine with a centrifugal clutch driving all 6 axles through a chain drive gearbox. The track is 5” gauge, ie the rails are 5” apart (125mm to the younger generation) and was bought from Wamuran and delivered to Gladstone in 2005. In 2016 the track was again removed and taken to Blackbutt where it was re laid. Distance around the track is approx. 800m.
After all who wanted to ride took a ride the weather turned grim, but everyone got home safely. The Ausitns attending included an A40 Somerset, A70 Hereford, A90 Atlantic and A30 Countryman, all representing the Flying A contingent and these were joined by an A110 Westminster, Series 1 Lancer and Mk II 1800.
