Scalpers Bridge

 Sol badgered me to report on what’s happening to the scalping bridge. I have reviewed many styles, had advice from a wide range of ‘advisors’ and tried different approaches. ChatGPT came up with a couple of 

I have tried cabinet hardware, heavy duty drawer slides and piano hinges. All failed. The one major oversight of my ‘advisers’ is that, well it’s like this, my carpentry skills are less than optimal, indeed I can’t even cut firewood straight, so to create an engineering marvel that would make a visitor say ‘wow, that’s neat’ is, well just plain impossible. 

So we have at the moment a swing up bridge that drops into place and is held up by a short piece of chain. The top of the structure collides with the curtain rod and pelmet, but it works, kinda. I am thinking I might be able to slice it in half so the top half folds down onto the bottom half when raised so it folds back to 90 degrees rather than the 75 it currently comes back to. 

Operations Session 17 December 2025 - Thursday AM

 The faithful gathered for coffee and Christmas cake at 10:30 on Wednesday last to participate in the inaugural Thursday AM Operating Session of the GSD. I had installed the bridge across the door to save a bit of time, I figured the bright red and white safety tape would be enough warning to 🦆. But, before the kettle had boiled, Ray did a George Custer and tried to scalp himself by not ducking long enough. After first aid was administered and suitable PPE provided, the session  commenced.

Crew for the day was:

Dispatcher : Geoff Tynan

Operations Director: Geoff Mathias

Blue Lake Yardmaster: Steve Weedon aka the Tantanoola Porter

Operators : Ron Solly, Ray Brownbill, David Orr

After a few teething issues trains began rolling and generally ran on time throughout the day.  Steve seemed happy with his instructions on activities required for Blue Lake Yard, although I did hear one train, I believe 214, departed with two incorrect cars on it. Ron had 185/186, the Apcel Switch, for the third time and despite confusing instructions regarding warehouse door numbers managed to spot most cars on the correct tracks.  Geoff M kept his keen eye on the integrity of the timetable  and clarified a few prototype loading matters that I had wrong. Overall I think the day was very enjoyable. 

Ray cradles 161 over the mighty Murray River and it’s flood plain heading to Wirrega for shunting

Geoff T managing business

Ray shunting 161 at WIRREGA while Steve marshals 214 at Blue Lake

Dave shunts 87 in Murray Bridge

Ray coaxes 240, the Overland past 87 in Murray Bridge

853 sits at Snuggery loading passengers for Blue Lake

214 enters the yard at Murray Bridge

Bluebird stopped at Upper Sturt heading to Blue Lake

Nearing the end of the session local passenger trains for Millicent and HEYWOOD await the arrival of the Adelaide train before departing

Ray brings 240, the westbound Overland into its scheduled stop at Bridgewater