Members running Dixon Green and SYP and Fare to Middlin’ need to be aware of a number of regulations, which keep our ourselves and members of the public safe.
Introduction
Running trains on Fare to Middlin’, Dixon Green and Saed-y-Parc is essentially public entertainment, showing the magic of 16mm garden railways and the fun we have in running them. Safety is paramount and every runner has to take responsibility for their actions and the safety of themselves, fellow runners, and, importantly, members of the watching public. This is why we have the Regulations and Guidance for the operation of the layouts at public exhibitions.
To run on Fare to Middlin’ or Dixon Green/Saed-y-Parc you need to be a current 16mm Association member in order to be insured. Junior members need to be supervised by adult members at all times.
We always ask that members let us know in advance that they are coming to steam.
If you are new to running on the layouts let Chris Cooper [for Fare to Middlin’] or Phil Thompson [for Dixon Green] know so that they can arrange an introduction to the procedures outlined below on the day.
It is important to understand and follow the Regulations and Guidance for each layout noting the different particular practices for preparation, running and disposal of trains.
Remember that at a public event you are not primarily running trains for your own benefit. You are giving a show to a paying audience.
They have a right to expect the show to be as good and as safe as possible.
Safe Running
If you are in charge of a steam loco, it is 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. Drive at realistic slow speed and in a reasonable manner.
You should not bring a loco to test on either layout [ including ones just purchased ].
If your loco gets into major difficulties, remove the entire train and let other drivers continue the show.
At the end of your booked time, check with the other runners about leaving the running lines. If the next runner isn’t ready you may be asked to fill in for a short time.
When you have left the track remove your stock immediately from the tracks so that it does not obstruct those assembling trains.
Locos cooling down can be left at the end of the sidings, then put away.
Be sensible about where you stow things inside the layout. Loco boxes, stock boxes and loose tools can easily get in other people’s way if they are left lying around.
Lighting-up a steam loco is potentially a dangerous activity. Remember that because of the noise at a show it is hard to hear if the gas burner is lit. Butane is heavier than air and sinks. Make sure that you are especially vigilant when other members are fuelling with gas or lighting their loco.
See special advice for each layout.
Gas Tanks.
No locomotive may run on the layouts unless they have a current certificate of test.
For commercially made boilers and gas tanks
These must have the certificates of test or conformity provided by the locomotive manufacturer or manufacturer of the boiler or gas tank.
For home made boilers and gas tanks.
These must have certificate of test provided by an approved Association of 16mm Narrow Gauge Modellers Tester.
For any boiler manufactured from brass.
These boilers must have a current certificate of test provided by an approved Association of 16mm Narrow Gauge Modellers Tester. Please note – brass boilers require a test every three years in accordance with Boiler Test Code 2018.
Radio Control
Please ensure before commencing your run on the layouts you have proven the radio control link and you have full control of your locomotive. If you are operating on 27 or 40 mHz please ensure no other runner is on the same frequency.
- No meths or spirit fired locos
- No coal fired locos
Fare to Middlin’ has 2 running tracks, INNER and OUTER, and access tracks and sidings to make up and dispose of trains. Two trains can be run on each of the running lines in any 30 minute slot.
It also has a roster for SHUNTING.
Running Roster
Enter your full name in the roster slot. Make sure you meet and know the name of the other person who is running with you in that booked slot.
Please make sure that you turn up to run on time. You should know how long you loco takes to prepare. Run for the full 30 minutes so that there are not big gaps in the schedule. Fare to Middlin’ has no gradients so gas can be turned down very low ensuring a longer running time.
If you become unable to make your booked slot, please cross out your name as early as possible to enable another member to run in that vacated slot.
The INNER and OUTER tracks share a loop which can be used for water top -up.
Take care when leaving the loop that the points are set for the correct running line.
Try to maintain a gap of half a circuit from the person on the same track as you. Please do not tailgate!
There is an access door in one end of the layout. Please watch out for people entering and leaving the layout.
Manual locos need close supervision on Fare to Middlin’, especially if someone opens the access door!
When not steaming or preparing a train, please leave the centre of the layout.
Gas/fuel your loco on the tables in the centre of the layout. Light your loco on the track well away from the gassing up table.
You can top up the gas on your loco on the steaming up lines once steam has been raised.
You can top up gas on the outside line in the headshunts.
Do not top up the gas when other locos are passing.
- No meths or spirit fired locos
- No coal fired locos
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 Gas,Oil, Water 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.
