March 6, 5:00 PM Model Trains
I have completed the remaining schedules for Session 2.
The 9:00 PM schedule involved Train #100 (passenger) which completed its mainline run to Coaldale and Train #701 (Local Freight) which did some local switching at Pine Ridge before moving back to the outer mainline. This involved setting out a bulkhead flat car loaded with logs as well as a boxcar containing clothing for the local workers at the mill.
The 10:00 PM schedule involved the setting up of a new consist and then having the new train (#400 - Through Freight) leave Distillery Row heading east on the outer mainline toward Coaldale. The consist was a 5-car train of 1 tank car containing fuel oil and 4 empty boxcars. Once this train left Distillery Row, Train #701 arrived, where it carried out some switching moves involving the picking up of an empty hopper car, and the setting out of 2 empty tank cars and 2 empty hopper cars.
The 11:00 PM schedule was slightly more complex in terms of the mainline routings. First Train #400 continued its eastward run which was straighforward. But Train #701 had to carry out some switching at Black Diamond (setting out an empty hopper car and picking up both an empty hopper plus another loaded with coal, and then leave the outer mainline to travel on the inner mainline and onto the inner reversing loop before returning to the outer mainline where it now travelled west to the Coaldale siding.
The last time frame for session 2 was a simple affair as both trains completed their outer mainline routes to their final destinations - Train #400 in Coaldale and Train #701 in Jasper.
The next step is to continue work on assembling the viaduct structures and building the mountain (and tunnels) near Distillery Row. I would also like to rewire all of the passenger coaches to provide interior lighting. I think that would add a nice touch to the appearance of the train when it is completing its run in the evening.
All of the trains ran smoothly, making the activities pure fun. I really enjoy the switching when a train picks up and drops off a few cars while visiting a small town.
March 5, 5:00 PM Model Trains
I have completed both the 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM schedules for Session 2. The 7:00 PM timetable involved 2 trains: #100 - a passenger, and #701 - a local freight.
The 8:00 PM schedule also involved the same 2 trains: #100 continued its mainline run and Train #701 moved onto the Inner Mainline where it did some local switching at Prairie Dog. This involved picking up a gondola car loaded with sand and dropping off a gondola car loaded with lumber as well as a boxcar loaded with clothing.
All of the trains ran smoothly, making the activities pure fun. I really enjoy the switching when a train picks up and drops off a few cars while visiting a small town.
March 4, 1:30 PM Model Trains
I have completed both the 5:00 PM and 6:00 Pm schedules for Session 2. It has been almost a month since I have been running trains on the layout. The 5:00 PM timetable involved 2 trains: #600 - a local freight, and #100 - a passenger. Both trains are travelling east (note the even number for the train numbers). Train #600 completed its run as it entered the Coaldale yard.
The 6:00 PM schedule also involved 2 trains: #100 continued its mainline run and Train #701 formed its consist in the Coaldale yard and then headed west (note the odd number for this train).
I am still having some derailing problems with the east-bound passenger cars on the corner track behind Coaldale. This is the only place where there is a problem and it involves only the passenger cars.