Run Train #500 East from Coaldale to Queenston. Switch Queenston.
I picked up caboose CN 74009 in the Queenston Yard and then pulled out, heading east on the Mainline. (The idea is to have one loop on the outer mainline before pulling into Queenston. But at the moment the double track bridge is out and the mainline route goes by Black Diamond and then onto the reversing loop around Jasper, past Black Diamond again and then over to the reversing loop by The Channon and onto the mainline track by Prairie Dog.).
Train #500 leaving Coaldale Yard
Train #500 on the mainline, heading for Queenston
I had a definite short circuit when I entered the reversing loop at Jasper. This is a surprise as this has not caused any problems in the past. The only obvious difference is that the double track bridge is out at the moment. I am going to assume, at least for the moment, that when I replace the bridge this will solve the problem of the short.
I backed #500 into Queenston and dropped the caboose off on the passing siding. I then moved CN 6700 forward on to the outer mainline in front of Prairie Dog. Then CN 6700 reversed onto the Swift Meat siding.
CN 6700 reversing by caboose CN 74009
At this point CN 6700 derailed on the switch leading into the Swift Meat siding. It took some time and a number of repeated trials to finally determine that the problem was not the switch but a section of curved 18" track in front of the switch. The locomotive had no difficulty negotiating the curve in a forward direction, but it could not handle the curve in the opposite direction. I relaid some track, replacing the 18" curve with a 22" curve. This solved the problem. While working near the Swift Meat packing plant I also made a few minor repairs to the building. I assume there may be a few more surprises of a similar nature before I have the layout fully operational.
I then reversed CN 6700 onto the Swift Meat siding, picked up CN 210048 - which was a refrigerator car loaded with meat from the Swift Meat packing plant. This load is to be set out at Prairie Meats in the town of Prairie Dog. CN 6700 and CN 210048 then moved forward onto the mainline track, reversed onto the passing siding, and picked up caboose CN 74009.
Picking up refrigerator car CN 210048 at Swift Meats
CN 6700 leaving Queenston
Given the difficulties encountered on this first leg of the journey, I decided to give the crew a rest.
I still have switching activities for PrairieDog, Black Diamond and Jasper. One of the nice aspects of the Ship It! schedule is that I can suspend operations at any point and then continue from that point the next time I want to have a running session.
