Garden Railway Forum

Guys,
Things seem to be going slightly pear-shaped, with delays and non-responses to PM's.

I appreciate that illness, work, business, holidays, wives, kids, etc, can get in the way of important things like playing trains, but it is important to keep up momentum on this, otherwise we'll be round to winter ( Northern Hemisphere ) or burning summer ( Southern Hemisphere) and outdoor activities will effectively stop.

I have already slightly rejigged the list a couple of times to accomodate some requests, but I would appreciate it if all those who have asked for a visit could look at it again, and confirm to me by PM either that you are happy with your position or that you want to be moved down on the list. Let me know by Sunday next week, please or I may have to remove you.

As it currently stands( 25th May) it is:

ge-rik - Peckforton Light Railway
angr607 - Billington Light Railway
Gralyn - Overdale Valley Light Railway.
Irish Peter - Far End Tramway
Keith S - TBC
Peter Butler - Brockhampton and Umbridge Railway
E.V. - Small Balcony Garden Railway
FWLR - Fairy Wood light Railway
RobRossington - Charlwood Light Railway
CSL - Clatterbach Valley Light Railway
philipy - Elderbury & District light Railway
Big Jim - Pentremogan Mountain Railway
markoteal - The Castle Hill Light Railway
Andrew -The (Windmill Hill) Welsh Highland Railway
jim@NAL - North Avenue Line

Seems like you have forgotten my name mate....

FWLR wrote: ↑Sat May 25, 2019 6:57 am Seems like you have forgotten my name mate....

Unless you've changed it, you appear to be no.8 on the list?

ge-rik - Peckforton Light Railway
angr607 - Billington Light Railway
Gralyn - Overdale Valley Light Railway.
Irish Peter - Far End Tramway
Keith S - TBC
Peter Butler - Brockhampton and Umbridge Railway
E.V. - Small Balcony Garden Railway
FWLR - Fairy Wood light Railway == Rod
RobRossington - Charlwood Light Railway
CSL - Clatterbach Valley Light Railway
philipy - Elderbury & District light Railway
Big Jim - Pentremogan Mountain Railway
markoteal - The Castle Hill Light Railway
Andrew -The (Windmill Hill) Welsh Highland Railway
jim@NAL - North Avenue Line

Not to worry Phillip....No problem with it...

Well the Inspector has been and has packed his trunk in anticipation of a journey across the Atlantic Ocean.

His visit to the Overdale Valley Light Railway caught the staff by surprise and no one was there to greet him
so he had a free reign to go where he liked.

What his final Report will look like we dread to think

Another excellent piece of work by the Inspector. Thanks for the report Graham.

I'm glad the inspector found everyone in the end!

Whatever may not have been to his liking (I can't imagine that he's overly fond on horses on the platform...) he must surely have approved of the wasp-striped gauging vehicle? Something similar's on my to-do list, so I can spot and deal with encroaching vegetation...

Thanks for a great report,

Andrew,

Sounds very much like my railway - some days there are absolutely no inhabitants at all, other days you can't move for people who mostly seem rooted to the spot!

Rik

Message to Irish Peter.

I have attempted twice to send you a PM requesting your full postal address
so that I can send the Inspector to you.

The messages seem to be stuck in my outbox.

Can you send me your postal address by PM and I will get him off to you.

Thanks Graham.

Inspection Report.....
Brockhampton and Umbridge Railway.
02.08 2019.

On arrival at Umbridge Station I was greeted by the Lord of the Manor in his private inspection saloon to transfer me to Brockhampton. This carriage is not available for public use and is most luxurious. On the journey I was treated to some of the best Welsh whisky (several times) as I was told it was a tradition in these parts..... From there I was taken to my accommodation, which was 'Dirty Dick's' hotel/restaurant, and very comfortable it was too!.... While I settled down for the evening I had meetings with the General Manager and senior members of the Preservation Society who operate the line, they are all great company and we were encouraged by the landlord to sample many of his fine ales. Eventually I was able to retire to my bed full of confidence (and ale) that the next day would be reassuringly straightforward.
On arrival at Llareggub Station I first visited the signal box to interview the signalman. He was just beginning his shift and told me all was well with the operation of equipment and that records were available for me to scrutinise.....
Whilst there I took the opportunity of interviewing various passengers to ask their experience of travelling on the line. All reports were positive....

My next inspection was at Brockhampton Station where there are maintenance and storage facilities.... Further interviews with passengers took place... Finally, meeting local people and seeking their opinion of the service provided, I can conclude that this railway is well operated and maintained and is a welcome attraction for tourists.
.
Out-takes...
My first meeting with one of the quayside personnel did not go well.... On the second night at my hotel, following completion of my report, I joined the locals in a traditional drinking game and fell asleep in the bar. When I woke next morning I found myself tucked up in newspaper on the bench outside the hotel.... Oh those locals love a good laugh!.....

Thanks for posting the Inspectors report, Peter.
I think this must be the first time he hasn't found anything to criticise, I'm certainly not looking forward to when he gets around to me!

As the report said, we looked after him very well and kept him 'lubricated' so that his memory and vision were somewhat blurred!
With the out-takes behind us we think he will not be making too much fuss and create me (and my staff) more work when we are running a perfectly adequate service.

Brilliant! Especially enjoyed the morning after the night before shot! Also reminds me of what a picturesque railway you have, Peter.

Rik

That's bloody brilliant peter .Well done

What can I say Peter....Help.....Thats what I am going to need when he comes to me after his excursion to Russia....

You have done a brilliant job on the story telling of all about your line mate. It somehow brings it to life even more. I also agree, the morning after the night before shot is, well flipping, how do you get these ideas in you head. It's amazing how you do that.....

FWLR wrote: ↑Fri Aug 09, 2019 8:36 am

You have done a brilliant job on the story telling of all about your line mate. It somehow brings it to life even more. I also agree, the morning after the night before shot is, well flipping, how do you get these ideas in you head. It's amazing how you do that.....

It's a big empty space in there Rod, not much else going on.

Peter Butler wrote: ↑Fri Aug 09, 2019 10:30 pm

FWLR wrote: ↑Fri Aug 09, 2019 8:36 am

You have done a brilliant job on the story telling of all about your line mate. It somehow brings it to life even more. I also agree, the morning after the night before shot is, well flipping, how do you get these ideas in you head. It's amazing how you do that.....

It's a big empty space in there Rod, not much else going on.

Well for someone with a big empty space, you sure do some magical things with your line Peter...

philipy wrote: ↑Mon Aug 05, 2019 8:57 am Thanks for posting the Inspectors report, Peter.
I think this must be the first time he hasn't found anything to criticise, I'm certainly not looking forward to when he gets around to me!

Ah, well, he's not inspected a "Railway of the Month" before - he's star-struck!

ge_rik wrote: ↑Tue Aug 06, 2019 6:06 am Brilliant! Especially enjoyed the morning after the night before shot!

Me too, most amusing - a great report, thanks Peter!

So, after a long trip, I finally arrived in Russia. There turned out to be warmer than I expected.
The first goal of my inspection was the Balcony Light Railway. This is a very small railway that transports mainly logs.
I arrived at the Scranton station where I met with Mr. Director who told me about the current situation. My surprise was that the station and the railway track are located on the main street of the town. Turnout levers are in good condition and have an indication of position. The turntable also looks good. The track from the turntable to the station limits the unusual signal - the red ball. I had never encountered this before and asked to show how it works. Lower position prohibits movement. As explained to me, the red ball forbids the departure of other locomotives from the engine shed when one is already on the line. Then I examined the unloading track for the logs. There is no any buffer stops only two stop blocks. This is very unsafe and needs to be fixed. The railway administration has given me a special train so that I could inspect the railway. Before departure, I noticed a very small clearance between the car and the buildings that leaves no room for people to pass. I remind that the station is located on the main street (!). A short video about the trip:


When I arrived at the logging camp I saw that the train with logs, ready for departure, was on the another track. This is a gross violation of security! The camp station is not equipped with any signals and has no communication line with the Scranton station. I wanted to find someone from the station administration and went into the nearest building. Inside, I saw three people having fun with playing cards and drinking. These were the train driver, the fireman and the station manager. They kicked me out very rudely. I had no choice but to return to Scranton. In my opinion, the railway needs significant improvements in the safety of train traffic. In addition, I consider it necessary to strengthen supervision of employee discipline.