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!