Comment: This was my first attempt at trying to create a consist according to the information created by Ship It! software.

Switchlist for Session 1: The idea was to create a consist of 4 boxcars:

Session 1d: The 4 boxcar consist is:

• CN 520502
• ONT 90075
• CN 461010
• CN 445531.

Comment: There were a few problems during this session.

Two boxcars that were in the Coaldale Yard, but which had not yet been checked for maintenance, gave me problems. One was boxcar CN 493528 which had a problem with the trucks and had a tendency to tilt to the side. The other was boxcar CN 242705 whose couplers were too low and thus tended to uncouple in the middle of an activity. Both cars have been removed from the layout until they have undergone maintenance.

There was also a problem with the diesel locomotive (CN 7985), an Alco S-4 switcher. It would often short out while moving at slow speeds over the switches in the Yard. Part of the problem was due to dirty track, but I also think that it may be necessary to rewire the power connection in the yard to every track connection. This would, I think, ensure that the locomotive is getting a clear signal at every stage in the movement.

I will approach this slowly and note the effect of each adjustment and change to the track. The goal is to have total, error-free, operation. Anything less ruins the overall feel of the operation.

But it was very satisfying to actually create a consist using motive power and magnets for uncoupling. I now have a consist ready for the running of Train #500 from Coaldale to Jasper.