Quintessential Bush Tram:

16 ton 0-4-2ST Fowler of 1889 on the Warburton Steam Tramway in Victoria Au. She arrived pretty well worn out, but made enough impression for the WST to buy two more Fowler 0-4-2Ts over the years. All three would make capable outdoor models.

The Bush Trams (timber railways, logging railroads) of Australia and New Zealand have a distinctive appeal, reflecting the pioneer spirit of resourceful men half-a-world from anywhere.

There are already groups for Australian trams and groups for New Zealand ones. There are groups for tiny model trams, and groups for full-sized ones. This group aims squarely in the middle: a group for medium-sized "garden gauge" models of bush tram from both countries. For many of us that will mean 45mm gauge, but any model capable of running out of doors is welcome.

How big?
- Big enough to run in the rain in the garden.
- Big enough to include live steam and live diesel.
- Big enough to try out wooden rails on split-log sleepers.
- Big enough to have real trees as a backdrop, and birds do the soundtrack.
- Say between 1/32 scale and 1/12 scale? Any bigger, and you'd be able to ride the logs!



I'd like us to focus on models and the particular issues that go with this turf: steam oil, termites, fuels, sprockets, soldering, batteries, radio control. Some inspirational prototypes are welcome, but we don't need to duplicate masses of prototype material from other groups. Quite apart from Intellectual Property issues, we can readily Link to that material.

If you'd like to join, please indicate what your particular interests are. Thanks, David

PS This group is not enabled for Grouply.