Shunting layout for G1MRA 75th October 2022

For the G1MRA 75th 2022 I want to try something a little different this time –

   as well as my usual Orion Models trade stand I will bring along an absolutely minimal layout.
The layout is a G1 version of the shunting puzzle Inglenook Sidings – see here if you not familiar with the concept –
            http://www.wymann.info/ShuntingPuzzles/sw-inglenook.html

Inglenook sidings
Inglenook sidings

My version will be the 3-2-2 one measuring 8′ long by 14″ wide spread over 2 of the usual 6′ tables.
This can just hold 3 wagons in one siding and 2 wagons in each of the other two sidings.
The basic principle is simple – place 6 wagons randomly in the sidings. Select the sequence for 4 wagons.
                                                              Then attempt to shunt them into that order.
Note it is impossible to get the loco and 3 wagons beyond the final turnout.
This can be done with scale couplings, but to speed up operations the wagons will be provided with automatic couplings.

I will provide a selection of locos (all radio controlled)

      my battery powered BR 08 Gronk                                                – new simplified version if ready
       my SECR H class – ARM1G fitted with reversible valvegear         – new 1/32 version
       my LMS 3F fitted with reversible valvegear
       my GWR 14XX fitted with an oscillating steam motor – if I can get it completed in time
       my LSWR O415 (Adams Radial Tank) fitted with reversible valvegear
     my LSWR M7 fitted with reversible valvegear
also present –
                                   my LSWR T9
                                    my GWR AEC Railcar
                                   my GWR Collett Goods             – if ready in time
                                   my LMS PI suburban carriage kits for the 3F
                                   my LSWR carriage kits for the T9, M7 & O415 – probably not ready in time
                                  my SECR carriage kits for the H class              – probably not ready in time
various prototype locos –
                              my LSWR T3                                                     – probably not ready in time

A selection of wagons will be provided
The wagons will be fitted with a G1 sized version of the Jackson coupling – see here
         http://mmrs.co.uk/technical-articles/alex-jackson-coupling/

AJ coupling for G1 wagons
AJ coupling for G1 wagons

The locos will all be fitted with radio controlled loops to engage the Jackson couplings (or more likely the wagon hooks)
The only manually operated things will be the 2 turnouts and moveable magnets to operate the Jackson couplings
Note – there will be NO track power.

My RCH wagon chassis + suitable body – SR 12T wagon
PK 9′ wagon chassis (complete with wheels etc) + a suitable resin outer frame & body
LSWR Horse Box 4.7
LSWR Carriage truck 4.26
LSWR 1 plank open wagon
LSWR 8 ton insulated van

Everybody will be invited to “have a go”, so I can just stand back and watch and select the next 4 wagons to be made up into a train.

Everyone is invited to bring along their own locos to try (preferably r/c) –
     locos will need to be fitted with a suitable coupling (at least one end) as follows:-
simple loop coupling –
  a 0.5mm wire loop, 0.5″ wide, 0.95″ above track, projecting 1/8″ beyond buffers
  can be sprung or r/c operated, needs to move at least 0.2″ downwards to disengage from Jackson coupling
  or a longer loop that can be lifted to disengage from a wagon coupling hook
or
 a Jackson coupling – see dimensions above
  the supplied locos will have the r/c operated lifting loop
  a sprung loop can be operated with a fish tail ended rod, stick or bit of wire

Note – this is really NOT suitable for a slip eccentric loco

As usual I will be alone on the stand, so if any members would like to come along and help
                                                (with or without locos and wagons) I will be delighted.
I could really do with help preparing the locos for operation and supervising operations.
This is intended as a participation exercise, so the more that participate the merrier.
The day will probably start with shunting by the BR08 (no preparation required), followed by steam locos as available.
I may not have time to test this all out thoroughly before the event, so it may turn into an interesting debugging exercise.

So come along and have a go (or help, or both).

If you want to discuss any of this call me on 020 8460 4958, or email derek@orion-models.co.uk