The convention (here in Brisbane) starts tomorrow and I'll be attending all 3 days. It's not going to be as big as at it's US cousin but should be enjoyable all the same. I'll post some info and pics over the weekend. I think nscale steve will be coming over from the land of sheep (NZ) so hopefully we will get to meet. [ September 11, 2005, 12:07 AM: Message edited by: UP_Phill ]
There are some wonderful club modules at these conventions. IIRC, each club has a different layout and a theme. Very interesting and great modeling! Hope we do get some pictures.
Thanks for letting us know and how about a weather report while you are at it. What is Spring like down under?
Wig-Wag! I'm glad you asked me that! It is a lot like it is up north except the further south you go, the colder it gets. Hope this helps.
I just got back from the first day. As I said in my initial post - the convention was small but very enjoyable. I spent some time doing the rounds of the layouts and modules on display and even sat in some of the clinics. Steve W (NscaleStveve) Mark G (Mark4design) and Gary R (Gats) where all there, and we got to swap many a story througout the day. Anyway here's a few module/layout pics, I'll be posting more soon. [ September 09, 2005, 07:14 AM: Message edited by: UP_Phill ]
George, the weather was warm and sunny.....about 25deg c. Brisbane is approximately half way up the east coast of Aus and stays relatively mild most of the year. Temperatures usually range from 9 to 23deg C in winter and from 23 to 40deg C in summer. Definitely no snow here.
UP Phil: Nice pictures. That last one really looks like the Australian countryside, to me. Also on the weather, Sydney (a little further south) is the same south latitude as Los Angeles is north latitude (34 degrees or so). Also a port city, so the weather is about the same in both locations.
Um, But aren't the seasons between LA and Sydney "reversed"? I spent a month in Sydney during August and it was wet, cold and kind of miserable alot of the time? I was told that it was their winter which lends credence to their local initiative for 'Christmas in July' which I took to mean that's when they might get snow and have a 'white Christmas'???? The only thing I'm sure of is that air flight across the Pacific sure is good for a long nap! BTW: I wished I'd have been able to stay in Oz.- what a wonderful country with great folks! Don
WCD: You are correct. I should have said that the seasons are the same but reversed. We will have to go to the Cattle Car to tell all those north hemisphere - south hemisphere jokes. It is amazing the ideas that some people have about that.
Well the convention is over. I had a fantastic time and have met some really great people. Here's a heap of photo's from the last 2 days. Kyogel Layout Australian outline Another shot of the Kyogel layout Scratchbuilt BN centre beam Detailed SP GP60 Barry Schillers BN layout Another Shot of Barry's layout Queensland Rail Work Shops Museum Queensland Rail Work Shops Museum Entry
More Photo's: Looking down the the transfer table area Garret inside the working area of the museum Class BB steamer English Electric Diesel Cutaway of the English Electric 1650hp V12 Bogie with traction motors At dinner from left to right - Gary (GATS), me, Steve (nscalesteve) and Mark (mark4design) [ September 11, 2005, 07:16 AM: Message edited by: UP_Phill ]
I'm Sorry I missed this one; being just over the Ditch and all. Work and Finances got in the way But I consoled myself by liberating a Dash-8 40BW from the LHS instead. Will definately have to look at the next one. Wonder if we have enough people to have one of these in New Zealand. Come to beautiful New Zealand. Enjoy the mild weather and the lovely scenery. Railfan the 3'6" prototype. It just might work.
Great shots!!! The Workshops Museum, has been said to be the best in the country. A far side better than our Rusty Train Museum located in the middle of nowhere.
C'mon Jason, nice trip on the Indian to Adelaide. and for Tassie, the Spirit (boat) was offering something like $90 return if you took your car with you
With fuel at $1.50 p/ltr,my car not going anywhere!Bad time to buy a big V8 Although if you guys chip in for fuel,it would be a nice drive to Adelaide Hows the trip going man,how about an update?
I know, I know It's so annoying to hear the yanks go on and on about expensive petrol SHUTUP!!!! When it hits $4.50 a gallon then you can start. Anyways why would you drive to Adelaide?? just drive to Central and chuck it on the Autorack and then let Pacific National do the driving for you I'll put the trip update in Railfan discussions
