A narrow gauge railway between the mines, the sawmill and the explosives factory

Fascinating bit of history Claus 



Ed
 

Yes - Burke and Wills were new to me too although I knew there must be a historical connection somewhere.

As Ed said, a very interesting bit of history then I went on to have a look for "Gumnut Gully" - not really sure if it's a toy manufacturer, a furniture retailer or a kindergarten - whatever, they're soon to have a railway connection to a gunpowder store - should make for interesting reading ……………………………

Petermac said

Yes - Burke and Wills were new to me too although I knew there must be a historical connection somewhere.

As Ed said, a very interesting bit of history then I went on to have a look for "Gumnut Gully" - not really sure if it's a toy manufacturer, a furniture retailer or a kindergarten - whatever, they're soon to have a railway connection to a gunpowder store - should make for interesting reading ……………………………

From “Post #290,807”, 1st January 2025, 5:01 pm

First of all, I try as much as possibble to make some links between features and names in Wombat Creek to real world features and names. Often with a bit of word play and 'tongue in cheek'.

Secondly, Gumnut Gully will be another mining town. Unlike Wombat Creek with its vertical mine shaft, Gumnut Gully will have a horizontal mine shaft. Quite like Walhalla, but unlike the real rail line between Moe and Walhalla, the railway to Gumnut Gully will go downhill and not uphill.

Are you telling me that Wombat creek isn't a real place, Claus.

peterm said

Are you telling me that Wombat creek isn't a real place, Claus.

From “Post #290,815”, 1st January 2025, 11:50 pm

Of course, it is real. It is just downstairs 😉

Interesting history lessons Claus, many thanks 




Ed

Bird's-eye view of Gumnut Gully


Occasionally I find a little time to work on the extension of the Mining Railway. The photo shows the progress as of late January 2025. The pencil lines to the left show the course of an unnamed (so far) creek.

Looks interesting Claus, how far will the line go after the passing loops, is it just a loco length?


Ed

Ed said

Looks interesting Claus, how far will the line go after the passing loops, is it just a loco length?


Ed

From “Post #291,276”, 1st February 2025, 9:39 am

Hi Ed,
The loops will be joined by the old turntable from the railway yards in Wombat Creek (Wombat Creek Consolidated Mines Pty Ltd - Your Model Railway)

That's some gulley - should make for some very interesting scenic work.  Will the creek have water or is it dried up ?

Hi Claus, this looks like it will be a lot of fun! I am excited to see the progress. 

Petermac said

That's some gulley - should make for some very interesting scenic work.  Will the creek have water or is it dried up ?

From “Post #291,328”, 3rd February 2025, 3:51 pm

The creek (still unnamed) will have a trickle of water.

Cheers,
Claus

D_Will said

Hi Claus, this looks like it will be a lot of fun! I am excited to see the progress. 

From “Post #291,333”, 4th February 2025, 1:06 am

Hi Will,

So far I have enjoyed working on Gumnut Gully. Currently I am shaping the contour of the landscape along the edges of the base. More to reveal soon.

Cheers,
Claus

The track bed in place



The elevated track bed is in place and the outline of the landscape is along the edges.

Is that level Claus or is there a gradient ?  Looks good.

Petermac said

Is that level Claus or is there a gradient ?  Looks good.

From “Post #291,377”, 6th February 2025, 2:37 pm

Thank you. There is a 3 % gradient.

Cheers,
Claus

Claus Ellef said

The track bed in place



The elevated track bed is in place and the outline of the landscape is along the edges.

From “Post #291,358”, 6th February 2025, 7:01 am

I'm  liking the Contoured  backscene/ landscape edge Claus, I can see that 'Setting the scene' so to speak for this part of the layout. Looking forward to seeing how/ what you do with it 🤔

Cheers

Matt

What are the chances?



As you may know from some of my previous posts, my wife and I have recently moved to our new house. A couple of weeks ago our neighbours came in to introduce themselves. They got quite excited then the discovered Wombat Creek. Geoff next door has his own model railway. What are the chances?



Geoff is modelling broad gauge Victorian Railways and by mistake bought an American narrow gauge locomotive kit. With no use for it, Geoff gave my the kit to be used on the Mining Railway. The locomotive is too big for the Mines, but I will give it a go.

It's often surprising who is a modeller and who isn't ………………..

I read somewhere that railway modelling, whilst not talked about in public too much, is the second most popular hobby in UK - after fishing !!

Return to sender

The kit from my neighbour is very nice with all major part being diecast metal. Unfortunately the gauge is 12 mm and not 9 mm . I'll hand the kit back!