June Update

                         

This month I have a achieved few things that included: New Locos, Control Panel Labels, Base for Building, New Operator, Ops Session, Tasks completed & scheduled.

GP40-2's

Ordered back in January 2023 they finally arrived. 

On the track ready for running in

I ran them on the layout for 45 minutes at speed step 10/28 forwards then reverse. I then turned loco 180 degrees on track and repeated - a total of 3 hours running.

I allowed them to cool before speed matching in the workshop.

The documentation in the box did not contain the details on how to get the number boards illuminated.  I emailed Athearn product support who promptly responded with where to find the function details - they had added a guide to the product page!

Well initially I completely stuffed it up and had the emergency light operating and the gyra lights had gone awol.  Well after three attempts at configuration I reset the decoder and then looking at lighting functions as well as function assignments,

I finally cracked it after the 4th decoder reset and changing settings.

The number boards are always illuminated and the grya lights are back to normal and the rear lights are disabled as they are in consist back-to-back.

They will get their first operational workout when a group of NMRA members come for an ops session on 1st July.

LeMaistre Control Panel

I added loco number labels to tracks on the panel.

Base for building

I have made a base for a building next to Helix Junction. Space is tight so will leave it and the building in place until all sessions have been run to ensure all large locos and cars pass without any issues. The base and building cover a Peco solenoid for an adjacent turnout.

Maintenance

Locos

One of my operators advise that the Huntington Local Passenger Loco was "squealing".  

So, SP E7 6048 was removed and lubricated ready for the next session.

Track

The helix had a couple of areas where trains did not run smoothly so a good application of CRC 2-26 was applied and allowed to dry and the problem has disappeared.

Turn Outs

The Iron Hill Loco area has a cross over and the turn outs were "sticky".  I applied silicon lubricant to the solenoid slugs and the problem disappeared after a few trial operations.

New Operator

I met Graham at a NMRA Meeting at least a year ago and at the May 2025 meeting he showed an interest in coming to operate on the layout.  He lives locally so I invited him around for an induction session, we spent a few hours going through the layout basics. 

Since then, he has attended an ops session and has been concentrating on learning the Flintston Yard.

My website has been updated to show the crew - link

My Ops Session on 2nd June

The first session we ran Session 2 of Version 6.  We welcomed Graham to the group of operators, and he ran the Flintston Local and completed the task in the same time as most operators, then ran a local passenger - well done on completing your first session Graham. On the day I was down two operators due to medical issues occurring one on the day before and on an hour before!  All reserves were unavailable too.  So, I cancelled two locals which I will run between sessions to keep the car turnover movements tracking to plan.

I spent the session mentoring and forgot to get any action photos!

L>R Denis, Graham, Barry & Peter S

Afterwards we enjoyed afternoon tea and a good chat.

Tasks Completed in last 30 days 

Scheduled Tasks for next 90 days

That's it for now so until next time.....

-ooOOOoo-

May Update

                        

This month I have a achieved few things that included: Fitting decoder, changing NCE Throttle settings, Operations Version 6, Retaining Walls, NMRA Meeting, Loco Maintenance, Ops Sessions, Tasks completed & scheduled.

Krauss-Maffei ML4000

Over a year ago I purchased a Piko Krauss-Maffei ML4000 DCC Ready as no Sound versions were left.  I ordered an Sound Kit from a supplier in Canada that I have used many times over the years. Well after 12 months of back order waiting I cancelled the order and corresponded with Trainworld and within a week a solution was found and within two weeks I had a new decoder and speaker delivered from the US to Aus!

I fitted the decoder and speaker, and it works a treat.

I have speed matched to my running standards and all the lighting functions work well using the throttle function keys.  I wanted to set up some automatic options but it is not looking like I can.

The lighting is controlled through an additional light controller via the SUSI bus.  I posted a question on the JMRI forum on Groups.io to discover that it is not possible to differentiate between locomotive stopped / locomotive running so I can't set cab lights to come on when stopped.

NCE Throttle Settings

There has been a number of occasions when operators come to me saying "I don't know what I have done with this throttle I can't control my train....  They have inadvertently pressed the "Program" button and then pressed other buttons!  I have researched how to avoid this and have a solution.  

Find out which Throttle is assigned to Cab02 and label it as Master

1. Using the Master Procab, Enter the SETUP CMD STATION MENU.
2. Press ENTER as many time as you need until you see:  HIGHEST CAB TO PROGRAM ON MAIN.  It about 21 ENTER key presses down.  Be carful for it is easy to miss it.  It is right after the RESTORE MEMORY menu item.
3. Press “02” and then press the ENTER key.
4. You will now see the next item saying HIGHEST CAB TO………..
5. Press “02” and then press the ENTER key
6. Go back to step 6 and repeat until you get past the last one which is HIGHEST CAB TO PROGRAM CONSIST - I did not include "PROGRAM CONSIST" as I have jobs requiring consist changes.

Hopefully this will remove the issues we have had.

Another issue is keeping the Master Throttle used at the control panel to check against despatch and running times alive as it kept turning off if no button pressed.

I found this article:

NCE ProCab Power Off Time

Automatic shutdown: As it comes from the factory, the cab will automatically shut itself off after 10 minutes of inactivity. This time can be changed from 2 to 20 minutes by pressing “EXPN” and selecting option #2 (SETUP RADIO). Press 1 through 9 to select ½ the number of minutes before the cab automatically shuts off. Entering 5 set the shutoff to 10 minutes. If you enter 0 the cab will never automatically shut off and you will have to manually shut it off. Press enter to skip setting/changing the Layout ID. The cab should return to normal operation. Factory default is 10 minutes (value of 5)

The Master stays on now!  - Barry will be Ecstatic!

Operation Version 6

I have completed the paperwork and Job Cards this month.

Details for all sessions can be found here

The first session was run on 21st and we got through most things with only a few minor glitches.

Flintston Retaining Wall

I decided to use a stone wall as featured below

I got it laser printed on 250gsm board by Officeworks 10 x A4 for $9.70.

Printed on card

I will mount it on the foamboard backing

Front

Joining the pieces

Rear

Joining the pieces

After trial fitting the front and rear walls, I commenced gluing the printed card keeping joints horizontal and vertical.

Trial Fitting Front Wall

Trial Fitting Rear Wall

I'm quite happy with the outcome.

NMRA Meeting

I attended my region's monthly meeting which was held at the other end of town. It took me nearly 90 minutes driving to get there.  I enjoyed attending and the associated fellowship, afternoon tea and viewing the layout afterwards.  I took a fellow member home who lives closeby but used public transport.  We had a good chat throughout the journey as we both have a technical background.  He has shown an interest in operating but has family commitments that may limit his availability but that is Ok.

Loco Maintenance

During the last ops session there were three issues Railcar 446 having jerky movements, Loco 5159 front truck derailing and Loco 6127 squeaking.

Railcar 446

Cleaned all wheels with isopropyl alcohol and applied Contact Conditioner to wipers and wheel faces.  Check ran and problems appear to be solved.

Loco 5159

Disassembled front truck and checked all wheel sets and the were all narrow on the standards gauge, adjusted axles on the fixed (tight) side and reassembled.  Tested and operated normally.  If the problem reoccurs then shims on the floating side will be required.

Loco 6127

Dry gears and worms lubricated with Labelle 106 grease on both trucks and oil applied to all bearings. Tested and operated without squealing.

My Ops Sessions

I held two sessions since my last post, and we had some fun see below.

5th May

The ops plan was for five, but it became four due to sickness so the "Ore Trains were cancelled" and a couple of passenger movements introduced to balance the session.

This was the last session using Version 5 of the operating system fittingly it was session 4 which basically ends the full cycle so all trains were in "home locations".

L>R Denis, Peter S, Peter J & Wayne

We finished all the movements within the operating time window and enjoyed afternoon tea afterwards - I forgot to take the photo!

21 May

The crew was Barry (on the control panel) with Operators Denis, Hugh, John, Peter J and Wayne. 

We ran Session 1 of Version 6 the first of five in the new strategy where the Hornertown Yardmaster role has been broken up into various "Yard" jobs so every operator will get a job(s) at Hornertown yard over time.

We did not get through everything this time but better than 90% so not bad for the first time under the new regime! 

I set am alarm to signal "stop & power off" to ensure we have time for afternoon tea, so I complete any outstanding movements later...  The new sessions are 10-15 minutes longer and I forgot to adjust the alarm, so we stopped early. If we went the additional 10 minutes we probably would have finished everything!

L>R John, Wayne, Barry, Peter J, Hugh & Denis

Afterwards we enjoyed afternoon tea and a chat

Picardy Ops Session 19th May

I joined Barry, Peter S & Rosslyn at Ross's and we had some fun running trains through the system, Rearranging consists in the main yards ready for their next run!

Unfortunately, Don took sick at the last minute and so did I about an hour in - We both had an Egg & Bacon Toasted Sandwich earlier in the day and the bacon tasted different to usual - was that the cause? maybe....

Our Host - Ross

Barry

Rosslyn & Peter S

Tasks Completed in last 30 days 

Scheduled Tasks for next 90 days

That's it for now so until next time.....

-ooOOOoo-