Model Railway
a. Layout
b. Locomotives
c. Cars
d. Operating
e. Summaries
Railfan
Photos
Daley Train Log
Page 59
I will begin today with a few reflections, then move downstairs to run a few locomotives.
Operating activity: I want to test the reversing loop tracks near the Jasper Yard and verify that they are now working. Before I do this I will replace one of the terminal tracks that seemed to be intermittently shorting out as the locomotive ran over it. I am anxious to get back to where I was a couple of weeks ago when I was confident that the trains ran properly over the entire layout. Thus I will either be at that point or I will be in a trouble-shooting situation.
Cars: I want to install the grab irons on a caboose that I bought recently.
CNR History: I want to do some basic reading on the history of the railways that led to the formation of the CNR.
However job one is to see what happens when I replace the terminal track piece and then try running a locomotive over that area of the layout.
Operating activity: I replaced the terminal track and then ran CN 7847 (an RS-3 diesel) around the Jasper Yard reversing loop in every possible combination of direction and switch setting. At no time was there a short. Thus my earlier idea that if the switch was set for a derailment there would be a short when the locomotive entered that section of the route was incorrect. My conclusion at the moment is that much of the erratic behavior of the locomotive was due to some form of short within the section of terminal track. I am very close to having total confidence that the layout is now operational.
I am back from a quick trip to Model Baron, where I bought 3 magazines: one CN Lines (v 15, no 2) and two Branchline (Mar 2009 & Dec 2009). I am beginning to develop a real interest in both of these magazines, as well as in Canadian Railway Modeler.
The March 2009 issue contains an excellent article on CN's dieselisation program as they switched from steam to diesel. Perfect timing!