This month I had my first Ops session after nearly two years but we had significant problems resulting in a new control system has been ordered. Changes to my operating strategy are proposed. I have been helping Rosslyn on the Sandgate & Southern and attended an Ops Session at Wayne's.
Hallett Cove Southern Ops Session
Control System Replacement
I have decided on a NCE Procab Radio System with hammerhead throttles. I will need four boosters, seven throttles a computer interface.
I will replace the separate MRC system which I use for accessories by adding a EB 1 Circuit Breaker to the command station for those accessories.
There are supply issues worldwide at the moment so I will just have to wait my turn to get the components.
Future Ops Session Stragegy
- what you think an ideal session
length would be,
- the % of time you would like to
be fully engaged in the session Vs downtime,
- do you think I have the right
number of operators currently? Current crews are: Hornertown (2) and 4
running trains (1 or 2 per train),
- any other things you think I
should consider.
- What you think an ideal session length would be.
Overwhelmingly a maximum of 2½ hrs with a preference towards 2 hrs.
- The % of time you would like to be fully engaged in the session V’s downtime.
Everyone wants to be kept fairly busy 70% - 100% engagement whole session – most want 90%.
- Do you think I have the right number of operators currently? Current crews are: Hornertown (2) and 4 running trains (1 or 2 per train).
Most thought the current arrangement works ok, however, there was a definite recommendation that any shunting job should have an engineer and guard to reduce pressure on the operator and achieve “more fun” as two heads are better than one with shunting puzzles. Conversely some thought a maximum of six people.
The availability of operators will probably limit the number of crews – so I will probably drop one crew so minimum number of operators would be seven plus controller – total of 8.
- Any other things you think I should consider.
Perhaps move to a system of job cards similar to Wayne’s where all jobs apart from Yardmaster and local goods taking most/all of the session such as the “Jimtown Turn,” are done by the next available crew.
Train others to work the panel to allow me to wander and assist like Wayne does – for those that remember like when Derek was around….
Pull the plug based on maximum operating time – same as Wayne’s.
Don’t like using JMRI tablets – prefer throttles.
Stations have labels showing what stations are East or West.
Turn outs in Hornertown yard be
numbered on the panel and ground – similar to Wayne’s.
So my grand plan will be massaged to suit on-going needs and I will be making the following changes:
- I will
aim for a session length close to 2¼ hrs so like Wayne’s arrive after 1:00
and commence running no later that 1:30 and conclude by 4:00.
- All
shunting jobs will have two operators.
- Reduce
number of crews from five to four.
- The
“efficiency factor” used in calculating mainline running times will be
increased from 50% to 75% to reduce downtime.
- Yardmaster
and local goods such as “Jimtown Turn” ill be predetermined and the
remainder will be take the next job system – like Wayne’s.
- Realtime
clock will remain to keep to schedule which maintains order on the system.
Sandgate & Southern
Ops Session at Wayne's
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| Don at Valley Junction |
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| John at Lowood Crossing |
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| Don and Des at Dunkleigh Towers |
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| Ross, Don & Wayne discussing boggie movement issues |
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| Ross at Red Rock |
