Rails in the Garden Incorporated (INC9877394) is a partner inclusive Australian group that enjoys operating live steam models in a garden environment on 32mm and 45mm gauge track. We meet throughout the year by way of Layout Days, Running Days and Exhibitions.
- Layout Days
- Are days on which our portable running track is erected for operation and maintenance.
- Running Days
- Are hosted by member's at various times throughout the year.
- Exhibitions
- A small number of Exhibitions are attended each year to display and run the group's portable running track with a view to promoting garden railways.
History
The formative years date from 1994 when a loose knit group mounted their first public display at a model railway exhibition. Early on the name Rails in the Garden was used. Later, it was changed to Rails in the Garden Operations Group to differentiate the operating group from the growing band of subscribers to the group's newsletter - also called Rails in the Garden. Upon incorporation in 2001, the name was changed to Rails in the Garden Incorporated.Membership
RitG Inc is open for new members. If you are interested in participating in running days in the greater Sydney area (predominantly Suburban Sydney and the Southern Highlands) and assisting with the maintenance and showing of the group's portable running track, then consider becoming a member.Interested people are expected to attend a meeting or two before applying for membership. Contact the Secretary for details. Benefits of membership include the Rails in the Garden magazine and a discount on the back issue CD, Running and Layout Days, boiler testing, liability insurance cover at RitG events, groups.io "ritg-aus" membership and the camaraderie of like minded souls.
Operating Procedures & the RitG Boiler Code
All running at an RitG event is required to be in accordance with the RitG Operating Procedures. These have been developed to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all at any RitG meeting.All boilers in use at an RitG event must have a current boiler certificate compliant with either the RitG Boiler Code or the AMBSC Boiler Code Part 3 - Sub-Miniature Boilers. The latest RitG Boiler Code, Issue 8.0 - 2019, came into effect on 25th November 2019.
AMBSC Boiler Code
RitG worked with other Australian garden railway groups and the AMBSC to develop an AMBSC Sub-Miniature Boiler Code. This was finalised and adopted by the AALS at their 2007 Easter Convention. During 2019 the AMBSC lost focus on whom the Sub-Miniature Boiler Code was intended to serve and RitG did not renew it's membership of the AALS at the end of 2019.An interesting 2004 paper outlining the work undertaken to support the then proposed AMBSC code by the destructive testing of common small boiler end plate joints is available here. (Note 600kb download)
