The Elsecar Garden Railway Show
The Elsecar 16mm Garden Railway Show takes place every year at the Elsecar Heritage Centre in Barnsley and is organised and run by the Yorkshire Group of 16mm Narrow Gauge Modellers Ltd.
To see pictures of the 2011 Show click here
Click here to ..Watch the video of the 2011 Show [ © David Hill ]
In 2012 the Elsecar Garden Railway Show will be on Saturday 29 September and Sunday 30 September.
Admission Price:
£4 for adults : no charge for those under 16 accompanied by an adult.
16mm Yorkshire Group Running Regulations for Public Shows
eg Elsecar, Northern Model Engineering Exhibition, Narrow Gauge North.
Gas is supplied for public running on Mount Dowd and Dixon Green.
Please do not use your own gas canisters.
Dixon Green
- No coal fired or meths fired locos allowed (because of the scenery).
- Gassing up and steaming up on the layout is encouraged, since it allows operators to talk to the viewing public at the same time. Just follow the GOW sequence so that any gas overflow is dissipated. Also use one of the designated sidings to gas and steam up.
- Running roster generally not used - operators requested to keep something moving at all times.
- Try to use any rolling stock already on the layout, rather than your own. If you use your own, remove it immediately after your run.
- Shunt rolling stock into a siding after a run - do not leave in any of the run-round loops.
- At the end of a run, either leave your loco in a siding to cool down, before removing it - or remove it immediately. Any loco left in a siding for a while will be moved off the line.
Mount Dowd
Running Roster
Mount Dowd has 3 running tracks. two trains can be run on each of the running lines in any 30 minute slot.
Radio frequency
It is assumed that everyone is now running on 2.4g.
Anyone not on 2.4 should take the relevant 40/27mhz “peg” from Mount Dowd before they run.
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
Fuelling and Re-fuelling
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.
Gas your loco on the table in the centre of the layout.
Under no circumstances should a loco be refuelled on any of the running lines or steaming-up 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. Remove the loco to the table in the middle of the layout and refuel there.
Lighting-up a steam loco is potentially a very dangerous activity. Remember that because of the noise at a show it is hard to hear if the gas burner is lit.
The INSIDE steaming up lines are ideal for this.
It is recommended that you light the gas burner away from the gassing-up table.
Do not attempt to light up while an engine is passing by.
Coal-firing
Disposal – always dispose of the ash/fire safely. This will include bringing something e.g. a piece of tinfoil to place under the engine so that the plastic track is not damaged.
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 boxes, stock boxes and loose tools 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 as safe as possible.