A ballast train visits.......

My Commercial Street layout has had a tremendous reception in recent times and many hours have been spent shunting the layout by friends and colleagues. Some less than usual trains have visited and a couple of specials were on the roster.

One sunny afternoon a SAR 500 Class deisel is spotted bringing in a rake of Z hoppers.

The train eases into the main yard past the Cold Stores

On another day, a special historical society tour special arrived...! This 500 Class model locomotive No.504 was scratchbuilt from a myriad of materials, has a brass chassis and driven via a pair of universals through the cab from the tender. The motor has two flywheels on it, and provides for nice smooth running capabilities.

South Australian Railways 500B Class number 504 "Tom Barr Smith" arrives with  Dining Car "Adelaide"

The big 4-8-4 pulls over the crossing to run around the train. The guard stands his
ground with a stop  sign. This was a common occurrence up until
the 1980s on the railways here.

Some assistance was needed as the train was too long
for the run around loop. So diesel shunter No.500 pushed
the consist up to allow the 504 to back on to its train.

504 is ready to leave. An ex Overland wooden "E" Class car
and a 500 Class steel car make up the consist.