OMLET - Sunday June 22, 2003
The 21st annual Ontario Model Locomotive Efficiency Trials was another exciting event which saw a diverse field of entries which provided good fun for everyone and record high scores. After a trial run last year, this year also saw the 7-1/4" ground track officially part of the OMLET for the first time. The small number of entries was offset by the quality and skill demonstrated, as for the first time in many years there were no DNF's with everyone posting an excellent score.


Harry Savile (Left), with the 7-1/4" first place trophy, being congratulated by Ian Kerr-Wilson


First three positions for the elevated track (L to R) Brian Cole (2nd), David Powell (1st), Ian Wynd (3rd)
OMLET Results - Sunday, June 22, 2003
Competitor Club Gauge Type Arrg. Load (lb) Distance (ft) Coal (oz) Score
David Powell TSME 3-1/2" Caribou 0-8-0 1505 8226 11.15 1110
Brian Cole TLS 3-1/2" Caribou 0-8-0 1017 10463 10.95 972
Ian Wynd GHLS 3-1/2" Suburban 2-6-4 612 12360 11.60 652
Aubre Whitehouse GHLS 4-3/4" Simplex 0-6-0 1740 7416 20.7 623
Peter Masefield GHLS 4-3/4" Pacific 4-6-2 2702 9336 42.05 600
Frank Dely GHLS 3-1/2" Pacific 4-6-2 707 13104 16.8 551
Richard Trounce TSME 3-1/2" Jubilee 2-6-4 553 8767 20.65 235
                 
Harry Savile GHLS 7-1/4" Consolidation 2-8-0 4429 19460 78.00 1105
Michael Guy TLS 7-1/4" Romulus 0-4-0 2847 20650 95.15 618
Ron McKinley GHLS 7-1/4" Hercules 0-4-0 1303(1706) 13650 39.40 466
First Steam
Several new and unique locomotives turned a wheel for the first time on the GHLS track this year.

Abe Dietrich has been very busy as he had two new engines built from scratch out to the track this year. He steamed his 4-3/4" Atlantic for the first time this spring and later in the summer his 7-1/4" six-axle battery powered Diesel made its debut. Both engines worked well with only cosmetic details to be completed.

Gord Mortimer had two of his resent purchases out for test runs at the track this summer, a 3-1/2" 0-6-0 switcher and a 4-3/4" Shay. Both are propane powered and only required some new burners with an improved design to get them steaming well.

Steve Moore also had his gas powered Great Western locomotive running under power this summer. This unique engine runs great and will be a welcome addition to the engine roster at public steaming days.

Barry Graham steamed his recently completed Dominion Coal No. 8, a 4-3/4" 2-4-4T Suburban, for the first time. After several test runs to work out the bugs, it's working well and has been giving rides at the public steaming days this fall.

Carol Bristow had her 3-1/2" Atlantic out for a test run. With the help of Harry Savile, Carol made a few laps and after correcting some minor problems she will be ready for the locomotive trials next year.


Carol Bristow getting her 3-1/2" Atlantic ready for it's trial run
Thomas Keefer Day - Tuesday November 4
The Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology will be holding a dinner in honor of Thomas Coltrin Keefer (Nov 4, 1821 - Jan 7 1915) on Tuesday November 4 at 6:30pm to 10pm. This celebration of one of Canada's most prominent engineers will be an evening dinner and lecture in the style of the Mechanic's Institute. The guest of honor and lecturer for the evening will be Dr. Shelly McKellar, a historian of medicine and technology, who is interested in the interaction of medicine, technology and society. The catered dinner will be a Victorian Theme Buffet prepared by the Dundurn Castle Coach House Restaurant. The evening will begin with a special tour of the pump house followed by dinner and lecture.

Space is limited so contact the Museum office (905-546-4797) to reserve a seat for this special evening. Cost is $65 per person, which must be paid in advance.
Live Steam For Those Cold Winter Nights
The following has been excerpted from the web site of Hornby, a leading English model railroad manufacturer.

“What could be better than Live Steam in your own home? The sights, the smells and the action of a real steam locomotive. That dream has just become reality, thanks to Hornby.”

“No smoke units or special effects – this is real live steam, brought to you for the first time commercially in ‘OO’ gauge (about the same scale as HO – ed.) by Hornby. Such a revolutionary model has never been seen in so much detail, but thanks to the latest technology from Hornby, those nostalgic memories of real steam engines can be replicated with your own model.”
“The locomotive is powered by a mini immersion heater, located in the tender, and is heated by a safe low voltage current passed along the track by a remote regulator, located on the Live Steam control box. This voltage boils the water which in turn creates steam, causing the pistons to move and the wheels to turn. Speed is dictated by another regulator on the control box, and with a few quick nudges, the locomotive can be sped up or slowed down, and even reversed.”

For more information, please visit their website.
Art and the GHLS
Visitors and GHLS members who attended the last few steaming days were delighted by the appearance of nostalgic railway posters at selected trackside locations. Rumor has it that our intrepid artist and cartoonist, Steve Moore, is responsible for these fine additions to the atmosphere of our facilities. We reproduce them below for those of you who have not had the chance to admire them as yet.
 
Safety First - A Switching Story
On a recent track day, one of our members was casually running his 7 ¼” loco down the track but with his foot dragging just a bit. To make a long story short, his foot flicked the switch as he was half way through and the loco derailed.

Our intrepid VP, Tom Stewart, realized that engineering changes were required. He then diligently rebuilt the switches in no time at all, reworking the mechanisms to bury them and then covered them with safety plates. See Tom’s handiwork below!
A Mystery?
During the summer, two new vehicles appeared at the track. It is rumored that one belongs to Harry Savile, our intrepid Railroad Superintendent and Carol Bristow. Can you tell which belongs to which member?
Upcoming Events
  • Club Day - Saturday Oct 18
  • Public Steaming Day - Sunday Oct 19
  • Business Meeting - Friday October 24
  • Thomas Keefer Day (Museum Dinner & Lecture) Tuesday Nov 4
  • Hobby Show (International Center) - Fri/Sat/Sun Nov 7/8/9
  • Christmas Train Show (International Center) - Sat/Sun Nov 22/23
  • Business Meeting - Friday Nov 28
Russ Milland will be Acting Editor ably assisted by our Secretary, Barry Graham, until a permanent replacement can be found. If you are interested, please call (905-469-3373) or e-mail Russ
© Golden Horseshoe Live Steamers and Aurora Design Group