[SEL] Scouts Iron Horse 2009 (Victoria, Australia)

[Paul Pavlinovich]

Hi everyone,
Every few years Scouts run an event called Iron Horse. Basically it is a 
Scout camp with steam and other vintage machinery involved. I'm a Leader 
with 1st Emerald and have contact with Knox District who run the event 
(only came back from their opposite of the technology spectrum called 
Deep Space a couple of weeks ago). The last effort to run this event 
folded because of lack of steam involvement and insurance problems 
(remember those years?).

Because of my modelling, steam and vintage machinery contacts I've been 
asked if I would like to help organise activities for the next one.

The camp will probably be based around Gilwell Park in Gembrook - 
probably in mid to late 2009. The camp would likely be popular as it is 
in a pre Jamboree year and the longer camps are always popular as all 
the kids must have four straight nights under canvas before Jamboree. 
Deep Space had around 600 attendees, so somewhere between 600 and 1000 
is likely.

My initial thoughts would be to ride a steam hauled train from the city 
to Belgrave, then Puff from Belgrave to Gembrook (2 trains at least) and 
hike the kids down to Gilwell Park with their baggage carried by steam 
truck or other vintage truck and trailer.

Usually one of the days is away from the camp, so probably a trip to a 
miniature railway (Cambeltown? (Lysterfield) and DVR are probably the 
closest that could handle a huge group of kids). Melbourne Steam Centre 
in Wantirna is another good location. Puffing Billy Museum could handle 
small groups at a time. To reduce the load on the destination - the camp 
would be divided into two or three groups - each group would visit all 
available destinations but always only one group at each place.

On the camp itself there would be activities centred around steam and 
other machinery. Local engine clubs have already shown some interest in 
putting on a private show for the Scouts.

Now what am I chasing you guys for? Ideas! Programming ideas around the 
theme. Perhaps ideas of a simple steam engine to build that kids with 
zero machining ability could put together and have it actually run on 
air. Something that a company or club could be paid to machine a large 
number of kits for - perhaps a commercial kit?

There is potential for club members to become involved in helping kids 
learn and build things - a current Victorian Working With Children card 
is mandatory.

For those unfamiliar with Scouts - this is an event for 10.5 to 14.5 
year old girls and boys divided into troops of 30 and sub-divided into 
patrols of 10 - 12.

Regards
Paul