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Learning:
The Journey of a Lifetime
or
A Cloud Chamber on the Mind

Monday September 15, 2008 7:30 am Lethbridge

It is +8 C with a high forecast of +28 C. Sunrise 7:08 Sunset 19:45 Hours of daylight: 12:37.
See current Lethbridge forecast here. See current Lethbridge news here.

This page last updated on: Tuesday, September 16, 2008 6:29 AM

A. Morning Musings

Today looks like it will be summer all over again.

First item is coffee at Tim's. Then I will give serious thought to some local geocaching. I also would like to get my turnouts working on the model train layout.

Learning Category	Planned Activities for Today	Time
Model Trains	Reprogram both Digitrax DS64 decoders	1 hr
Model Trains	Google sound decoders for model trains	1 hr
Model Trains	Visit Model Barons store	1 hr
Model Trains	Begin operational runs on the layout	1 hr
Geocaching	Henderson Lake area, possibly the east side of the coulee.	1 hr
Literature	Continue reading "Midnight's Children" by Salman Rushdie	1 hr

B. Actual Learning Activities

11:00 am

I have reprogrammed both Digitrax DS64 decoders. This only took a few minutes now that I understand how to do it. I am now ready to begin running trains on the layout. The first step will be a number of test runs to verify that the mainline track is relatively "error free" from derailments. This also depends on the characteristics of the cars as well. Five activity threads are now ready to begin:

• test run trains on mainline
• begin installing decoders on diesel locomotives
• begin setting up an operational timetable for moving goods from one location to another.
• conduct maintenance on all freight cars
• begin assembly of scenery kits.

9:00 PM

I have just had my first operational run in 7 months. I had one derail on the first cyle through the Transcontinental West route (i.e. the outer loop going clockwise) and one derail on the second cycle. The third cycle had no problems. I need to check each car for proper weight before proceeding. I also need a check on coupler height and smoothness of roll on a 2 degree slope. Finally, I need to calibrate my throttle against NMRA speed guidelines.

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