Sunday, June 30, 2024

Garden Railway Specialists open day 2024

A couple of days last week were spent at GRS's annual open day. Aimed mainly at LGB enthusiasts, we were joined by Sinisa Stanisic from the firm, who helpfully gave a short talk on his role and the company history. After that, he was around all the time to chat to those there, and answer all their questions. I've also interviewed him for September's Garden Rail so you don't miss out.

At the front of the shop, there were two circuits, one pure LGB and the other for people who wanted to learn how to steam a loco, an opportunity several took up. It also provided entertainment for some passers by, including a couple who live-streamed it to friends in the USA. 

The LGB circuit was operated using their CS3 DCC system, and on Sunday, I sneaked in and had a go with it. There is a large touch-screen with plenty of icons, and even without tuition, I managed to make a train move. OK, it the slowly crashed into another train because I couldn't see the emergency stop button, but at least I made it move, and worked the points. By the time Andy got back to the stand to see what chaos I was causing, I'd got the basics mastered. 

He then showed me a few more menus, how to change locos etc. and it all seemed reaonably simple. I was also impressed that one of the sounds in his diesel was an ice cream van...


Foodwise, there was cake. GRS are always very generous when it comes to the catering. Even more exciting though, buckets of Markin jelly steam engines. We all ate several of those!

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