Comment: This was my second effort at following the switchlist created by Ship It! software.

Switchlist for Session 1:

Session 1b: Train 500 Local

Run Train #500 East from Queenston to Prairie Dog. Switch Prairie Dog.

I left Queenston on time and headed out on to the outer mainline. After one complete loop I headed in toward Prairie Dog. The first step in the switching was to drop of the caboose on an available siding.

Train #500 headed east on the outer mainline

Train #500 crossing over the recently maintained bridge

Train #500 switching in Prairie Dog: note the set out caboose in the foreground

The switching at Prairie Dog involved pushing a boxcar onto a siding then pushing the grey reefer car to the desired location and setting it out.

The boxcar has just been pushed onto a siding and the loco is now moving forward

The reefer has been setout and the loco is now moving out to pick up the caboose

CN 6700 and caboose leave Prairie Dog, heading for Black Diamond

CN 6700 backs into the Black Diamond and sets out the caboose on a siding track.

The caboose has been setout and the loco is moving forward

CN 6700 picks up 2 hopper cars loaded with coal.

CN 6700 moving forward with 2 hopper cars

The last maneuver is to connect the caboose and get ready to head out onto the mainline toward Jasper.

Train #500 ready to leave Black Diamond

Comment: There was only one small hiccup during this session. One section of mainline track near The Channon was nailed down too firmly and as a result the track dipped and the cars uncoupled when passing over the dip. This was easily fixed by simply raising the fastening nail a small amount.

There were a few places where the locomotive stalled due to dirty track. I am going to have to clean it soon.

I am pleased with how smoothly the session went. Cars and track are both performing well.