About Our Wheel & Track Standards
The SLSLS wheel standards were published in July 1966 to
provide a basis for engineering a sound miniature railway system.
Correct dimensioning of point flangeways and checkrails to match
wheel profiles is essential for a derailment free railway. The
SLSLS system is designed from the ground up and does not scale
full size. The concept is that we need to engineer a miniature
railway and while the principles are important, scale sizing does
not follow them. Our standards are based on the use of steel bar
rail of 25mm by 10mm section. (Previous sections were 7/8"
by 3/8"). The wheel width is wider than the rail width to
the extent that the face of the wheel does not come over the rail
head when the opposite wheel is hard up with the flange against
the rail. This ensures that oil on the wheel face (from coupling
rod oiling, etc) is not deposited on the rail top. The flange is
also beefed up for greater strength. This permits the flanges on
intermediate driving wheels to be thinner without significant
loss of strength.
Track is constructed to 5 1/32 " gauge as a standard with
gauge widening on the sharp curves. For a 30 ft radius curve the
gauge is made 5 1/16 ". This has successfully accommodated
all vehicles to date. The Society also recommends building to 1 1/8"
to the foot scale. This has the advantage of being 3/32" to
the inch for a standard gauge (4' 8 1/2"model) which is
relatively easy to work to. It also has the advantage of
producing a slightly larger model. The extra width is from the
outside of the frames over the cylinders and permits use of more
generous bearings and greater clearance with valve gear
components, connecting rods and crank pins.
The SLSLS wheel standards have been adopted as the Australian
Association of Live Steamers 5 inch gauge standards, and there is
a growing number that build to these standards.
SLSLS Wheel Standards
NOTES TO DRAWINGS
A: Clearance of running gear above rail
head under full load to be not less than 0.375 inches; (car
running boards 0.625 inches).
B: For intermediate driving wheels where flanges are not required
the tread diameter shall be machined parallel for the total width
of flange and flange to tread radius. viz 5/32"+1/16"=
7/32".
C: For intermediate driving wheels where thin flanges are
required the flange width shall be 1/8". The reduction of 1/32"
to be effected from the front of the flange.
Click here for the original SLSLS wheel standard
drawing (166KB pdf file).
SLSLS
Elevated Track Standards
SLSLS Signal Indications
The system of signalling follows the New South Wales Railways'
single light system which was introduced into NSW in the 1950's
as a cost saving measure instead of the standard double light
system. The SLSLS signals are one quarter full size and show the
correct aspect sequence. The full size signals have marker lights
fitted, however this is not necessary in our miniature system and
so they are omitted. We also have some full size banner signals
on both the ground level and elevated railways.
Our signal indications shown in the diagram below have the
following meanings:
| Indication | Colour / Form | Meaning |
| Colour Light Signals | ||
| STOP | Red | Stop |
| CAUTION | Yellow | Next signal at stop |
| MEDIUM | Pulsating Yellow | Next signal not at stop |
| CLEAR | Green | Proceed |
| CAUTION TURNOUT | Yellow Band of Lights | Proceed through turnout to the left. Next signal at stop. |
| MEDIUM TURNOUT | Pulsating Yellow Band of Lights | Proceed through turnout to the left. Next signal not at stop. |
| Subsidiary Colour Light Shunting Signals | ||
| SHUNT-(Bracketed to left on main signal post) | Yellow | Proceed through turnout to the left, being prepared to stop short of any obstruction. |
| Shunting Signals | ||
| SHUNT | Yellow | Proceed but be prepared to stop short of any obstruction. |
| WRONG ROAD SHUNT | Yellow | Proceed in the wrong running direction, being prepared to stop short of any obstruction |
| Indicators | ||
| GUARDS INDICATOR | White | Signal at the end of the platform is cleared |
| Banner Signals | ||
| STOP | Horizontal Arm | Stop |
| CAUTION | Horizontal Fish Tailed Arm | Next Signal at Stop |
| CLEAR | Inclined Arm, or Inclined Fish Tailed Arm | Proceed |
| Banner Shunting Signals | ||
| STOP | Horizontal Arm | Stop |
| SHUNT | Inclined Arm | Proceed but be prepared to stop short of any obstruction. |
| WRONG ROAD SHUNT | Inclined Arm Skeletel type | Proceed in the wrong running direction, being prepared to stop short of any obstruction |
| Note: Fish Tailed Arms are provided on Banner Repeaters Only. | ||
Click
here for the SLSLS Signal Indications Diagram (118KB pdf file).
Click
here for the SLSLS Signalling Book 1996 revision (Warning 3.5MB!! pdf file).
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Amended 3 September 2006