June Update

June has been pretty busy with the Grand Opening immediately followed by the death of Pam a day later, holiday with Peter from Traralgon, dealing with some family matter then a nice finish to the month when some old workmates came for a BBQ and look at the layout.  This left some time to start the concept design for using TI LaunchPad's for signal controls.

Grand Opening

The day went a treat, everybody who came were either early or on time. Thanks again to the Operators Chris, Barry, Rossco (Ros from Oz), Pierre, Bob, Des, Wayne, Andre, Ross, Dave G, Andrew, Dave P & Peter. Thanks to the support team Don (video), Dave W (Camera) Catering team Kaye, Dave W, John & Carol.

2 1/2 hours of running running 15 of the available 18 mainline train movements despite a few unexpected happenings.  The video has been delayed as Don lost his Mother so production has been unavoidably delayed.  All being well it may be available for next months update.

Group Photo at commencement

Ribbon cutting ceremony

Open for business!

Despite commencing at 09:00 celebrations continued into the evning

BBQ Round 2 as the evening progresses!

In summary a great day and the "pressure" is now Off!

Vale Pamela Jane Shields 

The day after the Grand Opening Pam collapsed at home and could not be revived.  She was 71 years of age and was part of our modelling community and will be sadly missed.

Model Rail Radio Host Tom Barbelet had this to say on the MRR Facebook Group:

Tom Barbalet

4 June at 23:38

It is with sadness that I announce the passing of Pam Shields. As part of Jim Gifford's crew, Pam featured in the South Australian Take-Over show, called in to Show 55 and was part of many Jim Gifford updates. Pam and Ros planned on coming to the US shortly and discussion associated with their trip featured heavily in the show I am about to put out. I am going to dedicate the show to Pam and leave the sections of trip discussion in as a testament to Pam's love of the the hobby. My condolences to Ros Flint, Jim Gifford and the rest of their crew.

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Holiday with Peter

National Railway Museum

Peter, Dave from Sydney & I spent some time at the museum.

Dave, Peter & I have a ride...

Trip to Pt Augusta - Stop-over at Clare

Well first a wind down with a couple of days visiting the delightful wineries and restaurants in the Clare Valley.

Our "Peace with Love" guide - Garry
Enjoying Lunch at Mintaro (Peter's wallet took a hammering at Mintaro Wines)

Morning starters Light Ale, Dark Ale, Light Stout & Cider!

Trip to Pt Augusta

Afghan Express

I surprised Peter with a trip on the Pichi Richi Afghan Express from Pt Augusta to Quorn via Woolshed Flat. Unknowingly it was a special day as we had a combined train with double headed steam from Woolshed flat to Quorn.

Here is a link to a video that runs for about 9 1/4 minutes.

Rail-fanning at Pt Augusta

Old workmates visit

We had a lovely BBQ with a number of "Old Reds" Thanks Steve for bring my favorite Shiraz "Henschke Mt Edelstone" it was a pity the 1980 bottle had seen better days - oh well.

Thanks for the visit guys!

Signaling concept design

I have started documenting the design parameters and ideas for the use of microprocessors utilised by the TI LaunchPad.  I have a pilot project to allow the development of the building blocks.

Here is a link for those inclined to look at the details.

That's it for this month.


Thanks again to those that continue to help me achieve my ambitions and hello again to all my followers!


Till the end of July.

-ooOOOoo-