Friday, June 28, 2024

June Update

This month's activities have included: Freight Cars, Yardmaster's Aid, Mainenance, AML Parcel, Ops Sessions, Tasks Completed in last 30 days & Scheduled Tasks for next 90 days.

Freight Cars

I had noticed that some areas of the layout were devoid of cars, so I have "topped up" the coal train consists and added a few more box cars and reefers. I have made new car cards, and the new waybills promote local industry use and do not include express freight locations.

All cars have been weighted, have new boogies and/or wheel sets, coupler pockets secured by screws and couplers serviced or replaced.

I found a gondola, but it was so light it got the lead shot treatment.

Yardmaster's Aid

Wayne has finished the addition - storage for items not in use...

I am yet to install it permanently.

Recurring Problem

Not the first time I have had an issue with Peco above board mechanism failing. The connecting rod between the solenoid base and the point disengaged at the point end. I implemented an proven solution "to hold the throw rod down" so it cannot "pop off!"

The fix...

AML Tee's & Swag

Thanks to Lionel aka "The Evil Overlord" and Nigel in Queensland for distributing the Australian packages. Two new Tee Shirts and lots of Swag this year!

If you have not listened to the "A Modelers Life Podcast" here is a link to get started!

My Ops Session

3rd June

I was sick and we had to cancel the session.

19th June

Five members of my Wednesday group Alex, Don, John, Peter S and Wayne came and we ran session 1. I am pleased to report apart from the usual few glitches (maintenance

required on a few points and a dead loco) things went pretty well and at afternoon tea the feedback was positive.

I only got a few pics today, so some missed out (Don & John) on their operating prowess being captured.

L>R Wayne, Peter S, Don, John & Alex

Afterwards we enjoyed friendship and a nice nibble...

Wayne's Ops Sessions

Wednesday 12th

Information and photos provided by Don: The Wednesday Group (that I can't attend anymore) included Don, John, Murray and Ross. Wayne had a few gremlins emerge during the session but otherwise a good run.

Thursday 27th

Darren, Peter S and I joined Wayne, unfortunately Barry was sick and didn't make it. We ran all but 1 of the scheduled trains and finished pretty well on time. I was so busy I didn't get time to take video or lots of photos.

In an email I received from Wayne after the session he said "checked all the station card boxes and there was not one item in the wrong place – this is definitely a ‘first’" - Yes we finally did it!