Jonathon with the level crossing lights.
The Tuesday Group at the Roundhouse Museum is made up of innovative and creative people. Not only do they make sure that the Greg Gibson model train layout is kept dusted and on track (our Train Controller, Robert Astley does a fine job in keeping our visitors old and young alike entertained during their visit) the bits and pieces found around the Roundhouse get turned into some very interesting creations.
Some of you will be aware of Spike, our Roundhouse dog created by Jonathan Douglas from dog spikes. We believe Spike left his paw prints in the concrete at the Roundhouse door in 1947. If anyone knows who owned the dog that walked through the wet concrete we would love to know. But of late Jonathan’s focus has been on using up some of those bits and pieces found during a clean up and recycled to make up another interesting exhibit. (Assistance with the clean-up was given by JRW staff who helped locate and sort out “the junk” that had been lying around since 1993. We are grateful for their help and support with Museum activities.)
Perceptive eyes recognised that some of the bits belonged to a crossing signal and if they could be cleaned up they might be able to be put back together. Drawing on the knowledge and experience of the Tuesday volunteers Jonathan got to work and we now have another interactive display item for our visitors to enjoy. When visitors come to the Roundhouse they can set the signals into action by pushing a button which is connected to an original relay (now safely inside the control box) and see and hear the clunking.
The signals are mounted on a cast iron base and add to the other interesting items that line the Roundhouse walls. Discussion about the signals gives volunteer staff an opportunity to reinforce the safety aspect of crossing signals and the importance that they play in keeping motorists and trains safe in our area. Noelene Milliken Junee Roundhouse Museum with thanks to Jonathan Douglas and the Tuesday Team
