O.M.L.E.T.
Ontario Model Locomotive Efficiency Trials
When: Sunday, September 16th, 2007
What is an efficiency trial? A competition to see which locomotive and driver can run most efficiently, a balance of speed, pulling power and fuel efficiency.
Who are the competitors? The competitors are hobbyists who build and operate coal-burning, steam-powered locomotive models. Competitors come from all over Ontario.
How big are the locomotive models? Steam-powered models come in a wide range of sizes and scales but, in this competition, the models weigh between 50 and 250 pounds.
How are the scores calculated? Each competitor runs on the track for 20 minutes. The engine can pull as much or as little weight as desired. At the end of the run, the total distance traveled is multiplied by the total weight carried (including passengers and cars) and divided by the weight of coal burned. The highest score wins.
Application: Contact us at info@ghls.org
Rules:
  1. The trial competition will be limited to a total of 14 locomotives
  2. Locomotives are limited to 3 1/2" or 4 3/4" gauge and must be coal fired.  Running time will be 20 minutes.
  3. Competitors must complete a minimum of 3 laps within the 20 minute time frame or the locomotive will be disqualified.
  4. An owner may nominate a driver for a locomotive.  Prizes will be awarded to owners.
  5. All contestants are required to use standard coal which will be supplied by the Golden Horseshoe Live Steamers (GHLS) in 2 lb lots.
  6. Only designated drivers and helpers will be permitted to enter the steaming bay area one hour prior to their scheduled run time. Designated drivers will have priority access to all facilities and resources in that area for the five minute period preceding their scheduled start time.
  7. The use of a hand pump is strictly prohibited while running.  Those using their hand pump must stop and remain stopped while they are using the hand pump.
  8. Wood or charcoal necessary to raise steam prior to the start of the run will, if required, be supplied by GHLS.  Once the pressure of the contesting locomotive reaches a boiler pressure of 50 psi, the designated driver must begin using the allotted coal.  Coal remaining at the end of the run must be returned to GHLS officials for weighing.
  9. The contestant must have the locomotive ready to run at the designated time. Once the driver's time has begun, the allotted coal must be used as fuel regardless of what the boiler pressure gauge indicates. 
  10. The weight of the designated driver will be recorded and used in the calculation of the locomotive efficiency.
  11. The use of an auxiliary blower is prohibited after the official commencement of a contestant's run.
  12. All contestants are required to use the designated riding cars supplied by the GHLS.
  13. Competitors will be asked to state the maximum load they wish to pull.  The total load will consist of the competitor, official riding cars, and designated passengers whose weight will be recorded prior to the commencement of the run.
  14. Following the commencement of a run, the contestant will not be permitted to increase the load.  In the event of unforeseen difficulties, the driver may reduce the load.  However, this reduced load will be recorded and used in the efficiency calculation for the entire run.
  15. Each run will be of 20 minutes duration commencing at the designated starting point.  However the run must end at the starting point.
  16. Train speed will be limited to 8 mph for safety reasons.  Speed will be monitored by an observer riding the train.  Drivers who violate the speed limit will be cautioned once about their speed by the observer. A further speeding violation will result in immediate disqualification. 
  17. Each run will be measured at the end of 20 minutes.  However, the locomotive must return to the starting point under steam.  Failure to do so will result in the loss of the distance covered since the end of the previous lap.
  18. The clock will commence running at the contestants assigned time whether the contestant is ready or not.
  19. GHLS club members will not be permitted to enter the competition until after the closing date for entries.
  20. Potential contestants are required to pay a $10 registration fee when submitting their official entry forms. A full refund will be given to those participants whose applications are received after the limit of 12 locomotives has been reached or after the official closing date for registrations.
  21. The first 12 official entry forms with the registration fee received or postmarked on or prior to the closing date for registrations will be registered as contestants.
  22. Contestants will be notified of their scheduled run time following a random drawn which will be conducted by OMLET officials immediately following the closing date.
  23. The length of the GHLS track (1236 feet) together with the time constraints will not permit the running of a warm up lap.  However, contestants will be allowed to reverse their train for a short distance and return to their starting position prior to their scheduled start time.  Attention is drawn to rule 16.
  24. First, second and third prizes will be awarded for efficiency based on the calculation of load pulled in pounds, longest distance traveled in feet in the allocated time and the amount of coal consumed in ounces at the completion of the run.
  25. The first place (winning) locomotive will not be permitted to run in the following year's competition.
  26. The referee's rulings will be final.
 
© Golden Horseshoe Live Steamers and Aurora Design Group