GL5 Gilling 5" Gauge Mainline Rally May 2023 - Ryedale Society of Model Engineers - Steam

The Ryedale Society of Model Engineers (RSME) runs rallies for 5 inch gauge locomotives and stock biannually at the RSME miniature railway Gilling.

In the spring (mid May) and the summer (mid-late August) two day and 3 day events are run where a dawn-to-dusk timetable is operated for trains of differing stock composition. From mainline passenger trains to goods mineral train, local pickup goods and passenger services, participants have the opportunity to see and take part in a re-creation, at approx 1/12th scale, of the golden age of steam railways.

Applications are invited for drivers and crew of scale model locomotives that are capable of pulling at least two Aristocraft style coaches or more. The engines must be reliable as a breakdown on the railway will disrupt the timetable. Breakdowns did happen on the full size railway of course and a failed engine will be returned back to shed using prototypical means (another engine).

The RSME railway is controlled by North Eastern lower quadrant semaphore signals and drivers must observe and strictly keep to the signalling. The trains can be heavy, the stock is often worth more than the locomotives so strict discipline is required to avoid damage to models, or worse, injury to drivers and spectators.