Well the exhibition season has once again drawn to a close - ending what has been a very hectic year. The layout's last show was in September, where the layout was shown at the National Railway Museum, as part of their 50th anniversary celebrations - what a venue, the museum had two steam loco's in action - 457mm gauge 'Bill' and 2'6" gauge 'Peronne', as well as heritage 'redhen'  diesel railcars 400/321 running shuttles out to the mainline interface at Port Adelaide Junction.  Anyway, below are a few photos of the layout on display.

'Bridgewater' setup in the main hall - ex. Overland sleeping car 'Allambi' forming a fine backdrop.

A HO scale brass model of The Overland, passes through Bridgewater - this consist weighed nearly 15kg (20 coaches), and as a result rolled like a brick. The owner was looking at ways to improve its running characteristics.

457mm gauge loco No.6 "Bill" running around the museum site.

2'6" gauge loco "Peronne", running 'driver experiences'

Redhen's 400/321 running a 'driver experience' out to Port Adelaide Junction

And one for the yanks! Budd RDC-1 CB1 stored at the museum - the Commonwealth Railways imported 3 cars from the US during the 1950's for use between Port Pirie, Port Augusta, Maree and the Woomera Rocket Range. Being built to US loading gauge meant, these cars could only operate north of Adelaide. They were refurbished in the 80's and used primarily between Adelaide and Whyalla and Adelaide to Broken Hill.

The South Australian Railways' equivalent - the 250 class Bluebird Railcar - these cars are too stored, however are operational. They were used between Adelaide and the Barossa Valley on tourist train duties. Their current owner is working toward returning them to service.

These cars operated on both broad and standard gauge, and were the backbone of SA's country passenger services until 1991, when they were withdrawn (along with SA's country passenger services).

Very little has been undertaken on the layout since, as time has been spent on the garden (and its 45mm gauge railway), as well as around the house.

Enjoy the pics!

Pete