Comment:This is a continuation of my Session 1 activities. The consist for Train 601 was complete and Train 601 left the Coaldale Yard on time, heading West to Jasper.

Session 1b: Train #601 leaves Coaldale Yard heading West.

Locomotive CN 7846 (Alco RS-3) pulling

• CN 520502 boxcar
• CN 428453 boxcar
• PNR 1986 boxcar
• CN 475822 boxcar
• CN 475822 boxcar
• CN 485338 boxcar
• CN 74009 caboose.

The Train made 2 complete loops on the outer mainline with a cab speed of 8.

Train 601 local freight on mainline between Coaldale and Queenston

 

CN 7847 pulled into Queenston (Switch #4 set to open) and then carried out the following actions:

• dropped all cars on siding #1
• picked up ONT 90075 (boxcar - loaded with clothing for the Prairie Dog Station) and CN 473966 (boxcar - loaded with office supplies for the 36 St Warehouse in Jasper) from Queenston Cartage
• picked up CN 219948 (reefer - loaded with meat for Prairie Meats in Prairie Dog)
• set out CN 520502 (boxcar - empty at Queenston Cartage)

CN 7847 picking up reefer & 2 boxcars

CN 7847 left Queenston with a consist of 8 cars + caboose. It then completed 4 loops on the inner mainline with a cab speed of 6. The next stop will be Prairie Dog.

Train 601 leaving Queenston

Comment:

The track between Queenston and Prarie Dog needs some cleaning.The engine stalls were minor but this should still be corrected.

The switching maneuvers were more complicated than I anticipated, but I was able to carry everything out as planned.

I was not sure which activity (pickup or setout) should be performed first but found a website that recommended doing pick-ups before setous as a general principle. It also recommended blocking the cars with the town1 setouts first, then town 2, etc. I will pay more attention to this when I create the consist for the next train.

I am pleased with the idea of a certain number of circuits around either the inner or outer mainline loops to simulate the travelling between towns.

I didn't spend as much time with this today as I expected, but hopefully the next session will complete the run to Jasper.