16mm Yorkshire Group  Running Regulations for Public Shows

eg Elsecar, Northern Model Engineering Exhibition, Narrow Gauge North.

 

Running Roster and radio frequency

Please fill in the roster sheet and then go immediately to the Radio Control Desk to check that your frequency [ 27/40 meg ] is available at the time you have booked.  Your frequency may be booked by a runner on another layout. Not needed for 2.4g.

You must have the peg for your frequency when you run on Mount Dowd or Dixon Green.  Please return it to Radio control after you have finished your run.  Other people on other layouts may wish to use it.

 

General safe running

If you are in charge of a steam loco, it’s your responsibility to ensure that it’s both safe and reliable and you are familiar with its operation especially lighting up procedures.  Always run your trains with the utmost consideration for others; breakneck speeds, trains left unsupervised and stationary locos and stock left on running lines can all lead to collisions and damage.

Never put a loco or stock on a main running line unless you intend to run it properly. Short test runs and photocalls are better organised away from main lines

 

Please DO NOT use your own gas canisters.

Gas is supplied for public running on Mount Dowd and Dixon Green. 

 

Lighting up

Before you begin to prepare your loco make sure you know where the layout’s extinguisher/fire blankets are kept and how to use them.

Never gas your loco when another engine is passing. Lighting up a steam loco is potentially a very dangerous activity. Care and consideration for other members is vital. Remember that because of the noise at a show it is hard to hear if the gas burner is lit.


Refuelling

Under no circumstances should a loco be refuelled on the main running lines.

If you have to refuel your loco during a running session always do so as far away from the general public as possible, and with the utmost care. If possible, remove the loco to the steam up area and refuel there.

 

Preparation time

Once you have a running period, it is your responsibility to be ready with your train at the proper time. You should know how long you loco takes to prepare, there is no excuse for not being ready.

At your booked time, check with the track marshal before running. If the layout is being operated with more than one engine in steam in each period, liaise with the other drivers during the run. Good sense and cooperation are necessary if both of you are to enjoy yourselves and also present a good image to the general public.

Speed

Always drive your trains at realistic speeds and in a reasonable manner. 

 

Failures

If your loco gets into major difficulties, remove the entire train and let other drivers continue the show.

 

At the end of a run

At the end of your booked time, check with the “track marshal” / other runners about leaving the running lines. If the next runner isn’t ready you may be asked to fill for a short time. When you have left the track make sure that your loco and stock is stored safely.

Be sensible about where you stow things inside the layout, loco and stock boxes, loose tools and their boxes can easily get in other people way if they are left lying around. Always remember that at a public event you are not primarily running trains for your own amusement. You are giving a show to a paying audience. They have a right to expect the show to be a good one.