Visiting other clubs

Hi out there. I would like to visit a few tracks this year if possible. What do clubs now ask visitors to their track before they can have a ride around it. I have an battery loco, so no need for boiler tests. Thanks. Michael

[This posting has been removed]

Clubs mostly have a specific event day each year for inviting other clubs and individuals to keep such engine owners separate from regular public running days. Otherwise there is a problem in them getting access to the track. However it is generally possible to also just turn up if things aren't busy. If you haven't been able to let them know in advance (which may be necessary for insurance reasons) be sure on arrival to seek out a committee member or officer of the day who can sign you in and maybe assign someone to guide you around. I find that being able to introduce myself as a committee member of a couple of other clubs helps them to understand how to relate to me.

Thanks

Many clubs now insist on seeing a copy of your insurance certificate before they will allow you to run. If you are a member of a club then you should be able to get a copy from your club secretary and take that with you.

John

In Australia, clubs affiliated with the Australian Association of Live Steamers are covered by a common insurance policy. Any member of an AALS-affiliated club can therefore visit any other AALS-affiliated club with confidence that they are fully covered. AALS provides clubs with suitable membership cards for all members registered with the club, which through normal courtesy should be shown to any club visited to verify membership.

Many clubs also have some operating requirements which need to be attended to before you can run your own loco (safety briefing, signalling system orientation, club protocols etc). Like others have said, turning up on a public running day may not provide an opportunity to run your own loco unless you have previously been in contact. Some clubs will allow visiting locos from other clubs to assist in hauling passengers, some don't.

If in doubt, a phone call is the best idea.