This month I have a achieved few things that included: Ops Changes, New Tool, Maintenance, Ops Sessions, Tasks completed & scheduled.

Operations Version 7

Well after running the Version 6 Ops Sessions it was very clear that whilst the new strategy will work the time allowed for shunting activities in Hornertown was way too short. So, I bit the bullet and decided to scrap the new Version 6 and try again....

Here are the changes...

In order to fit all the activities in I had to add a session so we now will have six sessions.

Concept in 5-minute blocks

Here is the overview of the concept used to develop the detailed train graphs to prove the ops plan.

Well, the Tran Graphs have been done, and it only caused a few tweaks to timings. Here are the links if those that may want to dive deeper into the planning.

Session 1 Session2 Session 3 Session 4 Session 5 Session 6

All the paperwork has been completed and the new Job Cards printed ready for the run scheduled for 4 August.

All the paperwork and job cards can be found here

Hopefully I have not made too many mistakes - time will tell and my operators will certainly let me know!

New Tool

I have purchased one of these as my hands are not as steady as they used to be. I am hoping it will assist me with some of my scratch building. Unfortunately, I paid "full tote odds" and a couple of days later they were on special at Ali Express at 65% off!

Maintenance

Four locos needed attention following the 1st July Ops Session.

Loco SW8 1109

The QSI Version 7 decoder just died during use, so it is time to replace it. A new Soundtraxx TSU-2200 Tsunami 2 Sound Decoder with 8-567BC engine sounds has been purchased for installation.

Loco F7B 8215

The QSI Version 7 decoder consistently shorted out (it has done this a few times before) so time to replace the decoder. A new Soundtraxx TSU-2200 Tsunami 2 Sound Decoder with EMD 16-567B engine sounds has been purchased for installation.

The new decoders have arrived - they are still to be installed.

Loco GP40-2 7600

The snowplow is scraping on the rails at a change of grade, so I filed it back to give clearance.

Loco GP40-2 7602

The rear truck derailed more than a few times.

Hornertown Yard Turnout13

During the ops session on 1st the turnout stopped throwing. Upon inspection the solenoid pin was not connected to the throw bar. A couple of days later I was on the floor inspecting the solenoid mounting and found a mounting screw had worked loose and fallen out allowing one end of the mount to drop and the solenoid pin had disengaged. I juggled the pin back into the throw bar and fitted a new mounting screw and that fixed the problem. Tested ok.

My Ops Sessions

I hosted three sessions this month.

1st July

Barry, Don & Peter J assisted to host David O, Geoff M, Reg F, Ron S & Steve W for a session with a difference. We gathered at 10:30 for Morning Tea and commenced operations around 11:00 running for around and hour before a sausage sizzle lunch then recommencing and running until about 2:30.

I was impressed with the quality of the operators, and we all had some fun and an enjoyable run. Of course, we had a few gremlins: two locomotive failures; a few tweaks required on new locos; and, a failed operation of a key turnout solenoid in the main yard.

Lunch Gathering L>R Peter J, Ron, David, Reg, Steve, Don, Geoff & Barry

Afterwards we sat in the crew room and had a chat.

I thought we had a good day and thanks for the positive feedback I have received after the event.

7th July

Barry, Denis, Graham, Peter J and Wayne joined me for the session.

We ran one down due to illness but had a good time and some fun despite Barry not having his best day on the Control Panel and quite a few gremlins. It kept me occupied and I forgot to take some pictures during the session.

In the crew room prior to session L>R Denis, Peter J, Wayne, Graham & Barry

Afterwards we enjoyed a chat and afternoon tea

L>R Graham, Barry, Me, Denis & Wayne

16th July

Denis, Hugh, John, Peter J & Wayne joined me for the session.

I operated the Control Panels for the session with only a few errors! We managed to do the vast majority of scheduled movements and due to the change to Version 7 Operations next session pulled the plug on the final main yard shunt movements.

We had few operator errors, things ran well with a few glitches, and we had fun!