White River Southern

Year in Review

2012-01-08T12:39:00.001-04:00

It was a quiet year for the WRS with only three operating session for the regular crew and another session for a visiting crew, but a few new engineers did get to work on the WRS this year.
With the work on the On30 modules, which requires setting the modules up in the middle of the WRS, and the schedule of shows last year, did not leave too many weekends free for operating sessions.
The Railroad did see a few changes this year. The major one being the swapping of the function of the North and South (MEC) Yards, because of issues with the Classification Yard in the South Yard . The North Yard, which now is the "working" yard, had three new tracks added to complete a five track Classification Yard. The South (MEC) Yard trackage was reworked to be a "Staging Yard", five double ended tracks, a run around track, caboose track and engine terminal.
The change in the Yards also required a few adjustments in the Schedule of the Trains. There are a few more adjustments that maybe required as we have more operating sessions.

That is all for now
Doug

Something Strange Happened

2011-11-21T09:02:00.000-04:00

Yes something strange happened yesterday on the WRS, there was an operating session. Yes it has been almost five months since the last one.

The regular Crew was joined by a new member Gord, who worked with Pierre switching Dogwood and Greenfield.

Pierre and Gord checking their orders at Dogwood

The Paper Mill Job was handled by Glen

Barry was busy at the North Yard Job

Wayne taken a break from running one of the five Main Line Trains, as he waits to enter the North Yard.

I ran my usual train, the MEC Transfer.

Roseton and Bartown were not switched due to a couple of the Crew not being able to attend.

Operations when smoothly, even with the long layoff. There are a couple issues to be addressed before the next session from the long layoff, management forgot to deal with them due the layoff.

Hopefully the next session will not take five months to happen.

Doug

Update Sept 13th

2011-09-13T09:51:00.000-03:00

Yes it has been a long time since my last posting, but there has not been anything to report on the WRS side.

Did rebuild part of the North Yard to deal with the issues from the last operating session. This did help some of the issues, but there is still a few more to address. Having trouble pushing two Genesis box cars thru the switches, added more weight to the cars, which help but there is still issues. One time it works and the next time it does not, need to test more cars in the yard.

I have not been spending time on the layout this summer, in the summer it is On30 construction time, which has been taking most of my model railroading time. But this summer I did get a chance to ride the trains in Windsor on Trecothic Creek Railway. It was a birthday party for one of the WRS engineers.

With a number of things to complete on the On30 side before the Truro Show in October, will likely not getting back to the WRS until after the Truro Show.

thanks

Doug

Ops Session June 26

2011-06-27T19:29:00.001-03:00

Yes after too long period of time, the WRS finally was on the move again. Looking back in the records, this was the first operating session for the regular crew since mid January. Yes there was a special session at the end of March for visiting operators.

The Crew had a chance to see the changes to the Railroad, before the locos came to live. Barry headed to the North Yard and began preparing the south bound trains. Wayne picked up the pair of leased BN C424 and headed with 101S for points south. Pierre headed for the South Yard and picked up the Dogwood Turn, which now departs form the South Yard. And Glen headed for the Mill to do its required switching. Roseton crew did not report to duty today. And I got to run the MEC Transfer.

Operations when well for being shut down this long. The Maintenance Department does have a list of issues to address before the next session. Too much rust in places.

Glen looking over the Orders for White River Paper Co.

Pierre working Dogwood and over seeing Wayne dropping cars from one of Main Line Trains

Barry busy in the North Yard

Wayne getting ready to depart the South Yard with another run.

Management also will have to work on some new paperwork to deal with operations in the North and South Yards. Also a few of the trains may have to be rebalanced.

But the main thing everyone had fun and enjoyed the session. They hope the next one will not be in six months time.

later

Doug

June Update

2011-06-12T13:35:00.002-03:00

May has came and gone and the WRS did not operate. But did get a few projects completed.

Below are a few pictures of the new South / MEC Yard and the revised North Yard.
Note click on the pictures to enlarge.

This is a view from the center of the Yard looking North. On the top left is the new engine service area , waiting for the leased MEC units to arrive and a couple WRS locos.

This the center of the Yard. There are four Arrival / Departure tracks (left side) and two round around tracks and caboose storage in the middle of them (right side)

This is a view of the south end of the Yard. On the right bottom is the round around tracks. On the top right is storage track for more cars if needed.

This is a view of the revised North Yard. Three more tracks have been added to the Yard. The Classification Yard will now be five tracks, an Arrival Track, Run Around Track and two Departure Tracks

This is view from the end of the Yard. On the left is the Classification Yard, Arrival and Run Around Tracks in the middle and the Departure Tracks on the left.

The fascia still needs to be installed in the North Yard as seen in the above picture.

There is still more work to do. With the changing of Yards, new paper work will be required and trains will have to be re-balanced. And then the cleaning begins.

I am hoping to be operating on the WRS by the end of month if no major issues arises.

later

Doug

Update

2011-05-06T14:04:00.003-03:00

It is time for a little update.

Operations on the WRS has been shut down, and no I have not destoried the railroad. Some of the reasons are as follows.

First, I am rebuilding the North Yard. The Yard will have three tracks added to the Classification Yard to allow it to become the "Working" yard. This work is almost completed, just a few adjustments and testing to complete.

Second, with the North Yard becoming the "Working" yard, the South Yard will become a "Staging" yard. This will require some benchwork changes and relaying about half of the track work. Work has not started here yet, except for the tracks being removed.

Third, local shows, have been to the shows at Shearwater, Moncton and next weekend is the Convention.

And Finally the On30 modules. Wayne and I had the modules at the Shearwater Show. The modules were there for over a week, because of they were part of a local morning TV show before the show. The On30 group also had a test setup a couple weeks before Shearwater.
Presently the modules are setup in the WRS space, as a few "little" improvements are completed before the Convention, which is a week away.

I am hoping to get back to the WRS construction in a couple of weeks and having the WRS operational again by the end of May.

thanks

Doug

Grand Performance : Afternoon

2011-03-26T18:02:00.003-03:00

After lunch, Derwin departed the Tour to visit a friend in a local Hospital.

The next stop was Wayne's Nottingham Sub of MEC to run a few trains and for our visitors to see his layout for the first time or to see what Wayne has added since their last visit.

Scott showing Barry how to use the Lenz throttle as Wayne looks on.

I departed early to get the WRS ready for its performance. After the gang arrived from Wayne's and a quick tour of the layout, since there had been major changes since their last visit, it was time to get the trains rolling.

Dave headed for the South Yard, with Scott doing the Papermill, Al chose to do Roseton, Pierre and Barry did the switching in Dogwood and Wayne did the Mainline Trains. I did the North Yard and MEC Transfer. Both Dave and Wayne also ran the RDC. Near the end of the session Derwin re-appeared and operated the Bartown Switcher, people in Bartown did not want to think, since this is the first time in almost a year since this train had ran.

Pierre and Barry switching at Dogwood

Al working Roseton

Dave heading out of the South Yard with the RDC.

Scott working the Papermill

Wayne waiting to enter the Papermill with his Mainline train.

Sorry no picture of Derwin, to see Derwin working Bartown go to Scott's website. (link on the side bar) Derwin has also posted pictures of the Tour at his website.

It was a great time and everyone had fun, which is why we do this.

Doug

FR&E: The Grand Performance

2011-03-20T18:55:00.008-03:00

The day finally arrived, the Grand Performance on the Fall River & Eastern. Your three guests (Scott, Barry and Derwin) arrived from PEI with a New Brunswicker (Al), which they picked up on the way.

After a tour of the railroad, they were soon put to work on the FR&E with four regulars, Dave, Wayne, Pierre and myself. Pierre was joined by Derwin in the River Yard. Dave and Scott headed for the North Yard to run the South Peddler. Al was joined by Wayne to switch the Meat Plant and I was brakeman to Barry on the Bedford Falls Local.

Below are a few pictures from the morning, that management of FR&E supplied .

Derwin working the River Yard as Wayne and Al look on.

Al wondering when the mainline will be clear for him to continue on his travels.

Pierre checking his paperwork to make sure Derwin did his job correctly.

Shoot of Pierre and Derwin (with his back to you) working River Yard, Scott and I in the distance.

Scott watching his train enter the River Yard as Pierre keeps a watchful eye.

Scott preparing this train in the North Yard, while Barry waits to prepare his train.

As the day continued, the yard crew, departed the yard with a loco and a few cars for what they called "loco test". But their trip quickly ended when they came upon both tracks being blocked by a local switching crew. Once the switching crew returned, they were able to continue on their test , but upon returning home, they found the local peddler crew waiting for their train. So back to the Yard work for them.

As crews finished one job they when on another.

Scott ran the new Mine Run on the FR&E.

After all the fun and few pictures taken, it was off to lunch.

In the next posting I will report on events of the afternoon.

Doug

Rehearsal :Fall River & Eastern

2011-02-14T07:49:00.005-04:00

Yesterday, the Crew was busy on the FR&E.

Barry W and Pierre worked River Yard, the main yard for the railroad.

Wayne worked the Meat Plant Switcher and then the Local Peddler, which serves the three local industries near the River Yard, grain terminal, manufacturing plant and coal dealer.

Dave selected the South Peddler, which serves the industries between North Yard and River Yard.

Glen worked the Bedford Falls Switcher, which departs from the North Yard and serves the town of Bedford Falls. The town has three industries, coal mine, Feed and Seed and the Brewery.

Barry R operated the Passenger Train.

I was busy being Freight Agent and Dispatcher.

Other high lights were the new major staging yard Dave added since the last session. Also the visit of Bruce and Andrew.

Dave busy at Bedford Falls

Glen building his train in the North Yard

Barry W and Pierre at River Yard

Wayne busy at the Meat Plant

It was a great time and the new paper work improved operations.

later

Doug

Grand Tour : The Rehearsal

2011-01-17T14:10:00.005-04:00

This all began back in November, when a request came from the Half-Nuts Operating Group from PEI. (see Scott's and Derwin's website links on the side bar) to have the Grand Tour and Operating Session. After a few emails discussing dates, Saturday January 15th was selected for the Grand Tour of Dave's Fall River and Eastern, (sorry no website yet), Wayne's Nottingham Sub of MEC, (website on side bar) and the WRS.

Five days before the event, came the email, that they could not make the trip on the 15th.

Since Dave had not had an operating session on FR&E since the Grand Tour by the Codiac Operating Group from Moncton Area in July and WRS was has been quiet since the end of November, a call when out to the local operating crew to have a rehearsal to work out any rust before the next Grand Tour.

Saturday morning started with the crew reporting to Fall River & Eastern. Barry W did the North/ South Peddlers, which services industries between the North Yard and River Yard. Pierre did the Meat Plant Switcher and Brewery Switcher. Dave and Barry R did the Local Peddler, which services the industries around the River Yard. Doug M ran the main Passenger Train. And I was busy dealing with the paper work and checking for "rust".

After the session on the FR&E, the crew headed to the local Arby's for lunch were Glen joined us.
After lunch, the crew minus Barry R and Doug M, headed off to the WRS, for another operating session. After checking the phone abound arrival, we found out were our missing crew member was, something about not getting an email on the revised schedule. Wayne joined us a few minutes later.

Barry W headed for his home in the South Yard. Dave headed to North Yard to pick up 202 which serves Dogwood, Glen headed to the Mill and Pierre headed to the South Yard to pick up Main Line Run. So I headed to Roseton to start that job, until I was replaced when Wayne arrived. So then, I headed to my normal job of the North Yard Switcher and MEC Transfer.

Dave over looking Wayne has he switched Roseton.

Pierre dropping his caboose so he can drop car off at the Mill. While Glen was checking his paper work to see what cars he is getting from Pierre.

Barry W busy switching in the South Yard.

Glen busy working the Mill.

Many of the crew decided to change jobs for this session, which means I have a few items to adjust in the paperwork.

The main thing we all had fun and are waiting for the next rehearsal. At that time, the crew is hoping the script has been adjusted.

later

Doug

Another Year in the Books

2011-01-09T08:53:00.004-04:00

It hard to believe another year has past for the WRS. There has been a few changes to the WRS this year.

The year started with a change in operations of the WRS, with North and South bound trains. Since there was no South Yard, a "Fast Freight" move was required, where the train would have to make a quick trip from the Yard at the White River Paper Co to the North Yard and back. After a couple of operating sessions, this issue needed to be addressed. A back drop was installed behind Dogwood and an interchange track was installed in Greenfield to connect to MEC. Now the "Fast Freight" was gone.

With the installation of the backdrop, a few industries changed on the layout. The Metal Works left Greenfield to the MEC and was replaced by the Ice Block. Doug's Organ Works moved from Roseton to Dogwood on the former Big Red's property, The Reload Terminal and T&T's switched properties. Later in the year two more companies started to receive cars in the Dogwood Terminal, XYZ and VGA. This is after reading an article about adding industries without adding tracks. In Roseton, Northstar Industries moved into the old DOW property.

Starting in June, the big change happened, the earth moved again. The new MEC Interchange was removed, Greenfield was re-arranged again and the Mill was moved. A double sided backdrop was installed from end of Greenfield to past Dogwood. This allowed the expanded Mill to be installed on the other side of the backdrop. The other part of the project was the start of the South Yard, now just down the line from the Mill.

With this change, two industries changed locations. The Ice Block is now located at Bartown and Green Mountain Limestone is located in Greenfield.

At the end of July, the new arrangement received its first test with the visit of three members from the Codiac Operation Group.

At the end of September, the WRS Crew had their first operating session on the revised layout. At this time a crew was installed at the new South Yard to make up the trains heading North. This had to be revised after the session, not enough tracks yet in the South Yard.
The last operating session of the year, the new operation's plan for the South Yard was tested and the session improved.

Also during the year work on done on the scenery on the layout.

That is all for the review, as I now have to get ready for the first operating session of the new year.

Doug

Season Greetings & Update

2010-12-21T10:40:00.008-04:00

To begin, the Management of the WRS would like to wish everyone the Best of the Season and the wish for another great year ahead.

Now for the Update.

As you can see in the pictures below, there has been a few changes in the White River Paper Company. The "Elves" had a little green paint left over and they painted many of the Mill's buildings. Painting foamcore cause a problem, it curled unless the pieces were correctly braced. A few braces had to be added after the fact on some of the buildings. A few cardboard tubes where wrapped in yellow construction paper and installed around the Mill to represent tanks
.
The WRS track gang was at the Mill also and installed another siding.

This is a long shot of most of the Mill

This the Finishing End of the Mill

This is the center of the Mill

(Note: the airslides are setting on the new siding)

This is the Receiving Warehouse in the center, Chemical Unloading Building on the right and the Boiler Plant on the left.

Some how the main building of the Boiler Plant was turned 90 degrees, this was done after seeing the building on another website . Now a little "land" will have to be installed under the building.

The WRS Track Gang also had another project in the South Yard. They added trackage to the track on the left. Also the crossover between the left track and the center track was moved to the other side of the crossover between the center and right track. This will help the Yard Crew in switching the Yard with the longer pull back track.

Best of the Seasons Everyone

Doug

Ops Session Nov 28

2010-11-30T08:05:00.002-04:00

The WRS finally had another operating session.

Barry headed for the MEC/South Yard to see if the changes Management had made since the last ops session will improve how the Yard operates. Pierre and returning operator Jeff headed to White River Paper to operate the local mill switcher. Glen headed for the North Yard to pick up his train and headed for Dogwood. Dave headed for Roseton to switch the town. And Wayne headed to the South Yard to pick up his first of his five mainline trains. With the return of the MEC GP38's, Wayne had to use a pair of leased BN C424's.

Barry working the MEC/South Yard

Wayne at the South Yard waiting to depart with his next Mainline Train.

Pierre and Jeff at White River Paper

Dave at Roseton

Glen at Dogwood

During the ops session, I have two jobs. One is the North Yard Switcher, which is mostly to move the cars from the Arrival Track to a storage track after the Mainline Train departs. The other job is the MEC Transfer, which runs from the MEC Yard to the Paper Mill and back. That is when the "fun" happened. I was picking up my caboose and I was watching the end of my train and not the front. The engine left the Yard and entered the Mill, almost hitting the Mill Switcher. But the loco did run one of the switches. So when I started backing up to pick up the caboose, the engine and first car in the train "tried" to enter the Boiler Plant.

The revised plan for the operations of the MEC/South Yard was an improvement, but there are a few plant issues that need to be addressed before the next session.

It was a great session and everyone had fun, which is why we do it.

later

Doug

Summer Project

2010-11-23T14:11:00.011-04:00

In July I got a phone call from Wayne asking if I wished to come to the On30 construction night. Since I had used the two modules that was the mini yard for the local UMG shows on the revised Paper Mill, I wanted to see their light way construction methods.

After a few more visits to construction nights, Wayne asked if I wanted to go halves on the modules we have been working on. I answered yes I would and now I am part owner of two On30 modules. Which can be seen below as the basic frame work was completed.

Wayne had planned to install a tipple, which he had required for the project, on one of the modules. But after many hours on Cadrail, I could not get to fit on a standard 15" wide module. So a third module was required and it would not be standard. In On30 everything is four times the footprint that of HO scale. So the tipple, dump truck and siding required almost eleven inches in length to get everything to line up correctly. This required moving the mainline track from the centerline to one side by four inches, install a curve on the siding after the switch and install a "bump" on the standard module to get everything to work correctly.

After the basic module construction was completed, the modules were moved to my basement to start installing the track working and scenery, the construction of the third module had put us behind the group and Truro was coming. This allow us to work on the modules more then one night a week.

Below is a picture on all three modules connected together with the new module with the "bump" in the middle with the cork on it. As you can see in the picture the area where the Paper Mill as and more was taken up by the three modules.

During the next few weeks, foam was added to create the hill and road going up to the top of the tipple on the middle module. The cork and track were installed. Then it came to install plaster to cover the foam. From this time on, Wayne and I were working almost every night to get the module completed in time.

To insure the modules were going to work, the group had a test setup in a local church two weeks before the Truro Show, which moved up Wayne's and my schedule.

After the test setup there were a couple things to adjust and a few more things to get completed before the big show in Truro.

The modules are below.

This is the first module in the set with the road going up the hillside to the tipple.

This is the middle module with unloading area, tipple and siding. Yes many hours were spend in doing the rock work to get it right.

This is the view of the middle module looking at the tipple and siding. Wayne build the tipple and the building on top on the hill.

This is the third module. The river was not planned at first, it was going to be two bodies of water on each side of tracks. One thing lead to another and it ended up the bridge over the river.

I had fun building the bridge one stick at a time. I had got the drawings from the web and cut and weathered the wood to construct the bridge. I even had to hand lay the track.

The second construction project was a little wood shed I build from scale lumber except for the window. I still have a few details to add to it. Here is a picture of it.

These projects were interesting as I had to use different skills then I have been using and working with Wayne and other members of the On30 Group, I learn other ways to doing things.

Wayne and I still have more details to add to the modules over time. But for now the modules are stored under the WRS, as it is time to get back to working and operating on the WRS.

later

Doug

Update

2010-11-02T20:31:00.003-03:00

I was reminded today, that I have not posted in some time.

I have not been working on the WRS of late or have had an operating session.

Have picked a few new pieces of rolling stock at the Truro show and from a couple of people thinning their fleets to fill a few holes I had. Yes, even with the amount of rolling stock I have, there where some how holes. The Paint Shop has a few cars to renumber and/or repair before the next session.

I have been doing projects in the basement of late, which has been causing issues with the layout. With the moving of the Paper Mill and the addition of the new South Yard, the only space I have to work on larger projects is now where the Paper Mill was located. This lead to the layout being used as an area to store objects during these projects.

During the last week, I have been working on trying to "find" the layout again. On a high note, most of the layout has been found :-)

One of the big issues at the last operating sessions was the South Yard. I have started to address some these issues. The paper work is being adjusted and improved. One or two of the trains will be pre staged.

So I fired up the system to stage the trains, well I now have a few more things on my "to do" list.
I am hoping that a cleaning of the track and loco wheels will address most of the issues, if not there will have to be track work done :-(

I am hoping to be able to spend more time on the layout as the weather gets colder and have another operating session soon.

later

Doug

Ops Session Sept 19

2010-09-20T19:42:00.003-03:00

WRS Crew had the first operating session is a few months. Sorry no pictures more on that later.

Since the last operating session the WRS has changed, with the addition of the MEC/South Yard replacing the MEC Interchange at Greenfield.

So the Grand Plan was to have an operator work the new yard and build the out going trains. There are four trains that depart from this yard during the session and three that arrive. In total 43 cars are required in the yard at the start of the operation. The problem is the present stage yard tracks can only hold maybe thirty cars at the most. There were cars parked on the switches and leads to the yard. And of course, the cars for the first train were at the far end of each track. Something was said about dragging the last engineer, who worked the yard, behind the switcher.

About an hour after starting, Barry finally had the yard cleaned up and the first train was about to depart. This time allowed the other members of the Crew a lot of time to catch up on what happened during the summer.

Pierre was busy working the revised Paper Mill. Glen was switching the town of Roseton and Bruce switched Dogwood. Bruce was using a BAR GP38 with sound, which his son Andrew had just finished. Wayne was busy with his pair of GP 40 MEC units on the main line.

Of course there were the usual issues with a layout that has not be operated during the summer and will keep the maintance crew busy for awhile.

Adjustments will be made to the Yard operations before the next session to improve travel flow.

Oh the pictures, by the time we got the first train out of the Yard, I was to busy to take pictures... that is my story ...

later

Doug

A few pictures from PEI

2010-09-07T20:47:00.005-03:00

The last weekend in August, I made a trip to Summerside. It was going to be for "Railfest", the annual setup of the UMG to operate on the layout. But this year it was replaced with us operating on Scott's Bayside & Tidewater and Derwin's Canadisle railroads. Below are a few pictures from the weekend.

Abel and Scott at Chappellton

Derwin getting his train arranged

Allan and Ashton working Stevenville

Looking from the Bridge just past Derwin's Drop towards Stevenville.

Allan checking out Ashtown

We started the day of operating at Derwin's layout with two sessions.

Then it was back to Scott's for supper and then an operating on his layout that night.

Sunday morning a second session was held at Scott's.

I had a great time

Doug

Changes ... Changes

2010-08-15T11:45:00.008-03:00

About a year ago the first phase was started, when the section between Roseton and Dogwood was redone. The area called Junction was removed, along with the Blue Ridge Branch. Work as continued on this phase with the installation of a back drop behind Dogwood and the development of the area between Marc's Printing and the White River Bridge as discussed in past posts.

In June, Phase Two was started. The Paper Mill was disconnected from the layout at Greenfield. The connection with MEC was torn up and the MEC Yard was also disconnected from the layout.

Now it was time to install new benchwork to allow for a 180+ deg corner to connect Dogwood with White River Paper Company. As part of this new benchwork was the completion of the backdrop started in Dogwood.

Now Greenfield is the new home of Green Mountain Limestone's operations.

This is the view from Farmer John's field of Greenfield and Green Mountain Limestone. The town of Greenfield may stay or may not.

Now it was time to install the other side of the backdrop before installing the new framework. One of the issues with the old Paper Mill, was the ground was not even because of the way I build the modules. This time, there is no modules, it is all "L" girder under the Mill. The new Mill is a little longer then the older version.

This is the view from the end of the bench work, on the right is the "hole" connecting to Greenfield.

This view has the dry power unloading track on the left, in the center is the Shipping Building, on the front right is the two tracks for the Mill yard. The main line curves around the Shipping Building to end up as the third track from the right.

This shows the far end of the Paper Mill, with the Receiving Warehouse in the center and the Boiler Plant on the left. The main line (third track from the left) goes between these two building. On the right is the Chemical Unloading building and on the left is other end of the Mill yard.

With the new arrangement, there are a few more spots to unload cars. More on this later.

Now for the main reason for Phase Two, the South Yard.
Below are a couple pictures of the present arrangement of the South Yard/ MEC Yard. Once the area from Dogwood to Roseton has had more scenery added, the Yard will be re-arranged.

That is the update of the changes to date. The revised layout was operated as part of the Grand Tour, which I got notice of the date a week after I started this work.

later

Doug

Fall River & Eastern Derailment

2010-07-31T11:32:00.004-03:00

During the operating session on the Fall River & Eastern last weekend, there was a major derailment. The Local Peddler Crew began a reverse motion on the mainline, however the switch for Golden Flame siding was still set for the siding. The accelerating train derailed the two covered hoppers on the siding, pushing the last covered hopper into the Tower, moving it from its foundation. Photo below is from the Management at Fall River & Eastern.

In the accident report the engineer said he was told by his brakeman to back up the train and the switch for Golden Flame siding had been returned to the Main.

Normally the brakeman would have be been responsible for the accident but he works for Fall River & Eastern and is related of the President of the Railroad and the engineer was visiting from another railroad and has a "history".

Clean up crews have been working on site and have the covered hoppers back on the tracks and have been send to the repair shop for inspection. The engineers will be reviewing the fountion and structure of the tower to see if it can be saved.

later

Doug

Grand Tour

2010-07-25T21:28:00.006-03:00

After two months of trying to find a date which worked for all parties, the chosen date of July 24th finally arrived and three members of the Codiac Operators Group , Jim, John and Milne were on their way for the Grand Tour.

The first stop was Dave's Fall River & Eastern. Joining the tour were the three CEOs of the railroads plus one of regulars of the WRS crew, Glen. This will be only the second formal operating session on the railroad, so we not sure how things were going to happen. The session started with Milne running the morning Passenger Train, Jim took the controls of the North Thru Freight, John and Glen started working the River Yard (the main yard on the FR&E) and Wayne when to the North Yard to work the South Peddler. After completing the passenger run, Milne headed to the Brewery to do a little local switching. Jim and Dave headed out with the Meat Plant Local. Wayne was still working the South Peddler. I was still doing the paper work for the rest of the session.

After Jim and Dave finished the Meat Plant Local, Jim headed out with the South Thru Freight. Milne had arrived at the North Yard with his local, so he took a break and ran the RDC service. Wayne was just finishing up the South Peddler and had arrived at River Yard, which was keeping John and Glen busy.

Wayne departed River Yard with the North Peddler, Milne headed back to North Yard to pick up his local to return to the Brewery and complete its run, and Jim and Dave departed with the Local Peddler.

On the right is Dave and Jim working the Local Peddler

Wayne heading out with North Peddler

Glen and John checking out their handy work in River Yard.

Jim and Wayne talking between runs.

Milne was moving so quickly his pictures did not turn out.

After everyone had completed their work, it was time to head out for lunch.

After lunch, we all headed to Wayne's Maine Central Nottingham Sub. After reviewing the lastest additions to the railroad, it was time to operate a few trains on the Sub. A formal operating plan is still in development. (The link to Wayne's Railroad is on the sidebar) Sorry no pictures, forgot the camera in the car.

Now for the last stop, the White River Southern. We lost one operator when Dave had to leave for another appointment.

John chose to operate the Roseton Switcher, Milne took the Dogwood Switcher and Jim got brave and headed for the Paper Mill. After get things setup in the new MEC Yard, Glen joined Jim at the Mill. Wayne fired up his MEC GP40s to run the Mainline Service.

Milne busy at Dogwood

John at Roseton working with Wayne as he makes his pickups and set outs.

Jim and Glen working at the revised Paper Mill

Six hours after they arrived, it was time for Jim, John and Milne to head back North. Hopefully they enjoyed their visit and will make a return trip in the near future.

later

Doug

Eastern Snagal

2010-06-10T21:54:00.006-03:00

I needed to make a few trees for the hill behind the passenger station in Dogwood. The following is a brief description of how I made them.

These are the materials I used to make these trees. Most for them were found at the local Dollar store. The branches are made from a product call "Sisal Sheets", which is dyed sisal string glued into a mat. You get 3 sheets for a dollar. Each sheet will make three to four trees. The trunk is from BBQ Bamboo Skewers, which are 12 " long 1/4" dowel which has the last 3/4" sharpen to a point and come 36 to a package. Toothpicks, white glue, and scissors round out the material for the first stage.

The sheets are cut into squares of different sizes including, 2"x 2", 1.5" x 1.5" and 1" x 1". Since these squares are too thick, they are divided in half as shown above.

The next step is to shorten the skewers to the height of tree you wish to make. I made mine, five to seven inches tall. Then I drilled a small hole in the base and installed a half of a round toothpick to allow for installation of the tree later.

The next step is put the squares on the shewer, by pushing the square over the point of the skewer. Once the square is in place add a little white glue around the skewer at the square. Keep adding squares about 3/8" apart until the tree is finished. As you get closer to the top of the tree, I downsized the size of the square.

This is a completed tree. Notice how the squares get smaller as you go up the tree.

The next step is to pick and pull at the squares to loosen up the fibres to end up with a tree above. You will have to trim off pieces of fibre to get the general shape you require.

Next the tree is painted. I used grey primer, but others have used green or brown.

For the next step you will need a tub, hair spray and green ground foam. You take the tree from above, spray it with hair spray from all directions and then apply the ground foam to the tree. If you do it in the tub, you can recover the excess foam to be used on the next tree. Remeber to shake the tree over the tub to remove any loose foam.

This is the finished product, an Eastern Snagal ready to plant.

This is the hill behind the station with a few Eastern Snagals installed.

If you wish to make an spruce or evengreen. Just thin your squares to only one or two layers of sisal string before installing them. Then shape the squares as required. The picking and pulling step will not be required for these trees.

Now it is time for me to get back at making a few more Eastern Snagals, I still have a few more areas that need a few trees.

later

Doug

Update

2010-05-28T12:57:00.004-03:00

Last weekend was the annual convention for the local model railroaders in Saint John, NB, which many of the WRS Crew attended. As part of the convention there were clinics presented on many different subjects. I was able to attend a few of them , in which I was able to learn a few new things. Now just need to spend a little more time in the Shop to put this new knowledge to work. Between clinics and other functions, there was also a chance to talk to a few other people about issues in operating a railroad.

Was able to pick up a few items for the WRS on Friday and Saturday.

Sunday was spend visiting five of the local railways. All of these railroads have their roots in New Brunswick. Three are based on real railways, and two are based if another railway operated them. Two of these railways, I had a chance to operate on about a year and half ago. The other three it has been longer since I visited them. All of the railways have had additions and improvements, some major and some you have to look for, since my last visit. Looking forward to getting another chance to operate on three of the layouts soon.

On the WRS, the track gang has finished the maintenance of the ballast on the line from the bridge to Marc's Printing in Dogwood. The site for the new passenger station in Dogwood is almost completed. The crews have also been working in Greenfield on some of the track work that caused a problem in the last operating session.

The WRS will be operating again soon.

later

Doug

Strange Sighting in Dogwood

2010-05-16T20:06:00.002-03:00

AP - Dogwood
A strange sighting this morning in hills behind the Dogwood Passenger Station. All the trees on the hill, turned shades of red, yellow and pink. This would not so unusual in the Fall of the year for this part of the county, but it late spring and the trees are coniferous.

The local Manager for Lands and Forest and a biologist from the local university were photographed in the area behind the Station.

In talking to locals, a few said they heard a helicopter flying low and slow at dusk.

Was this another stunt by local artists, Fredrick J Blankstale III, who in the past have been linked to other "paints" in the area.

Another local said he overheard the Biologist saying something about the "rainbow" virus.

When Manager for Lands and Forest was connected for comments, he replied that the head office will giving an official press release later in the week.

This reporter will follow up later in the week with any updates.

Fall River & Eastern

2010-05-04T07:36:00.003-03:00

On Sunday many of regulars of the WRS headed to the Fall River & Eastern for an operating session. This was the first operating session with the new paperwork.

The Fall River & Eastern is a large twin tracked layout with two freight yards, one has a complete engine serving area, and there is also a passenger yard. A coal mine, meat packing plant, brewery and fish plant are the major industries. There are also number of smaller industries to be switched.

The main yard was switched by Pierre, which kept him busy dealing with the Meat Packer Switcher, North Peddler, South Peddler and Local Peddler. The Way Freights and Thru Freights were not included in this session.

Wayne and I did the South and North Peddlers. These trains operate between the two yards and switches the industries along the line.

Glen and Dave did the Meat Packer Switcher and the Local Peddler. The Local Peddler switches the three local industries near the main yard. The Meat Packer Switcher services the Meat Packers operation, which includes cattle unloading, ice loading, warehouse and coal unloading.

The Crew is looking forward to the next session.

Dave and Glen working the Local Peddler

Pierre working the main yard and Wayne waiting for his next train.

later

Doug

WRS on the Road Again

2010-04-12T14:20:00.003-03:00

The annual Shearwater Hobby Show was held over the weekend and the WRS had six modules in the UMG setup.

This is a view from the upper level of the whole layout. We added another ten feet to the total length from last year's show, with the addition of Dave T's module and WRS farm scene. This year we had to work around two airplane with the museum adding a T-33 (on the right) to their display. The layout was roughly thirty feet end to end.

This is a view of of three of the WRS modules. Wedge, farm scene and Matt's Corner.

This is a view of the layout from Rock Cut, of the main section of the layout. The staging yard was to the right of this shot.

It has been a long week, with the modules being loaded last Monday. On Tuesday morning, the crew met at the Museum to set up the modules. Wednesday I headed back to the Museum to setup the farm scene module, since I could not get into my car on Monday. Also setup the Chief and tested every thing for Thursday. Thursday morning it was back to the Museum for shooting a spot with a local morning TV program to promote the show. Friday, watched the program to see how the spot turned out. It is strange to see and hear oneself on TV. Saturday and Sunday were the Show itself, were we had many visitors to the layout. Some of the younger visitors maded a few trips back. After the Show closed on Sunday, it was time to stuff the car with all the modules. With the help of the Crew, everything found its way inside the car somehow. Today, it was time to unstuff the car and take everything down to the basement.

Now with the Show behind me, it is time to start working on a few small projects on the WRS.

later

Doug

Update

2010-04-08T14:11:00.003-03:00

Just a little update. I have not been working on the main layout lately. The WRS will be on the road again. Most of the time has been spend on completing a module that was built last fall for the November Show. Also Glen and I when to the Moncton Show last Saturday. Picked up a few items required for the WRS to complete a few projects.

The brown section is what the module looked like at last November's Show

This is the view from one end of the module now, the brown is gone and a farm scene has taken it place.

This is a shot from the other end.

As you can be in the background the module is setup for the Shearwater Hobby Show. The layout was setup early for a shooting by the local television show Breakfast TV to promote the Hobby Show.

Next week I hope to have a report from the Show.

later

Doug

March 21 Ops Session

2010-03-22T08:59:00.006-03:00

The WRS had another operating session on Sunday.

Bruce front left, Wayne over Bruce's shoulder, Pierre centre background, on the right Glen in green and Jeff in white.

Glen at Dogwood and Wayne on the left watching his train going thru Roseton

Barry busy at the Mill

Jeff in white and Glen in the background working Dogwood and Wayne heading into Roseton

Pierre at Greenfield Station with the RDC. He is checking on the new Ice Box building.

Pierre started the day operating the two Bartown locals and finished the day with a RDC run. Wayne did the first RDC run plus the five Main Line runs. Bruce, who joined us for the first time in too many months, did the Roseton Switcher. Barry was busy as usual in the Mill. Glen and Jeff did the Dogwood switching. I had the fun jobs of the Yard and MEC Transfer.

We all had a great time.

This will be the last operating session for awhile, with two Shows in the next three weeks. This time will allow the WRS Maintaince Crew some time to work on a few issues in Greenfield with the diamond derailing some cars.

later

Doug

Update March 12th

2010-03-11T10:05:00.005-04:00

Another update. As you can see below the MEC Yard has had a third track added. In this process the first two tracks had two feet plus added to each.

One of the other projects I have been working on is the Town of Greenfield. I have been arranging some of my building to see what the area could be.

In this arrangement, I was looking to where I would place the road to get from one side of the town to the other. Which made me look at my other two towns. Neither one has a road to connect the two sides of the town together. When Dogwood was used as UMG modules, a third module, Crossroads was install beside them to provide the required road. But on the WRS layout, Crossroads is not included. So the picture below shows the crews busy installing a road.

Engineering is still looking at options for Roseton.

The other project I am working on is to use more rail cars from the North East on the layout. After finding two boxes of rolling stock, I which I had packed away about a year ago, I have found more of my rolling stock for the North East. Now some of these cars will have to be renumbered, which is why some of them had been packed away.

later

Doug

Update Feb 28

2010-02-28T12:00:00.004-04:00

An update since the last operating session.
The track work at Greenfield was taken up to deal with the issue of derailments at the new switch for the MEC Interchange. While checking the roadbed a second issue was found. So WRS Engineering Staff had the roadbed rebuilt. This required removing some of the old module benchwork and install new benchwork, which connecting all of the area together. Now with the strong sub roadbed installed, new roadbed was installed. Another switch was installed for the MEC Interchange as the track work was reinstalled.

Another change was the replacement of Metal Works with Ice Box Cold Storage.

This is the new track arrangement looking from the Mill Yard. On the near left is the end of the WRP Shipping Warehouse. Top left is the Ice Box Cold Storage building. On the right is the DOT Complex. Top right is the town of Greenfield

This is the view from the other end of Greenfield. The track on the lower right is the MEC Interchange. Also you can see Max expecting the new area added to the town of Greenfield.

This a view of DOT in the front and Ice Box Cold Storage in the background. Yes the sign say T&T Warehousing. The sign company has not delivered the new sign yet.

The is a shot of the MEC Yard. Presently it is only two tracks. A third track maybe added to handle the traffic from 104 and for 105.

There is still more work to be done in Greenfield, but for now the MEC connection is operational again.

later

Doug

Feb 21 Operating Session

2010-02-23T12:48:00.005-04:00

Another operating session on the WRS is now in the books. Barry headed for his normal job at the Mill, Pierre and Jeff ran the 202/203. This train departs the Yard for Dogwood and then does the local switching before returning to the Yard at the end of the day. Glen did the Roseton Switcher. And as usual Wayne was at the controls of a pair of leased MEC GP38 to handle the mainline trains.

There was a major change in this operating session. The Crews of the WRS and MEC have been busy installing a transfer track between the WRS and MEC. This has changed a few things in the operations. First, no more "fast Freights" back to or from the Yard and second it will allow more cars to be moved. Trains 102S and 103N currently transfer with MEC, hopefully in the future the 104s and 105N will also. Also there was a change in the Mill Operation. Only the 101N and 104S service the Mill now. But the MEC also has a train now servicing the Mill.

When Wayne was not busy running his GP38s, he also did the RDC service between the Yard and Greenfield.

Wayne with his back to us, on his way to the Yard with a pair of leased MEC GP38. Barry on the right is busy switching the Mill.

Jeff on the left, and Pierre in the Centre taking a break from switching Dogwood to watch Glen at the controls of the Roseton Switcher

This is a shot of the newly rearranged town of Greenfield. The RDC is stopped at the Station with the MEC Transfer in the background. The Metal Works have moved to the other side of town.

The addition of the MEC Transfer track has improved operations on the WRS, but there are a few new issues to be addressed. Some of the paperwork still needs to be adjusted. There is an "issue" at the switch to the MEC Transfer causing cars to derail. Crews are looking at everything to see if it is the switch, trackwork, the roadbed or ?????.

later

Doug

Operating Session Feb 7th

2010-02-07T19:34:00.002-04:00

The WRS was rolling again today, with one a largest crew in along time.

One of the visitors was Mr Murphy. He was busy causing problems with the loconet and throttles, which lead to runaway locos. Had to reset the loconet twice. More work for the Maintenance Department.

Wayne did his usual in handling the mainline trains. Pierre and Glen traded towns with Pierre doing Dogwood and Glen doing Roseton. Barry headed for the Mill. David helped Wayne on the Mainline Trains. After Wayne returned with 102 S, he headed out with an RDC for a run. Yes Passenger Service has returned to the WRS. With not one but two RDCs. David also ran a visiting DAR RDC on the layout. Also two other leased units showed up on the railroad, a pair of MEC Geeps. Wayne like to run MEC units.

Doug M dropped in for a visit, the reason for the Passenger Services. Another returning engineer was Barry R, yes we had two Dougs and two Barrys today. With the larger crew, Bartown and Riverside had rail services today.

We all had a great time, even with Mr Murphy, of Murphy's Law fame, showing up and causing problems.

Wayne (far right) passing thru Dogwood with one of the Mainline trains. Glen (background) was busy waiting for Wayne to arrive. And Pierre (on the left) trying to figure out the mistakes the Freight Agent made in the Paperwork for Dogwood.

David (front) and Barry R (back) returning to the Yard after switching Bartown and Riverside

Doug M (far left), Barry R (middle) and Barry W (right) reviewing the action at the Mill

This picture of one of those things when a train wants to be on two track at once. And yes there is no crossover under the Covered Hopper.

later

Doug

Getting Dirty

2010-01-31T16:52:00.002-04:00

I have in the past done a few weathered pieces of rolling stock, but I have not been happy with many of them. This is mainly because I went to far in doing weathering.

Over Christmas I came across an Utube video on weathering when viewing a layout video. So I looked for more. Some were good, some where hard to watch because of the video quality. After reading the article on weathering Canadian Grain hoppers in January issue of RMC, I started working on a few of my older Blue Box pieces of rolling stock.

This is a covered hopper before anything is done to it. The second picture show what it looks like with a couple coats of white wash, some chalk power and dull coat. The trucks and wheels were also weathered. This show a car early in its life.

This shows another car near the end of its life. Rust has started on the body of the car. The car also has had the new owners marking added.

These are a couple of gons I have finished. They are not a shiny red anymore.

The more I do, the better I will get at it. I hope....

The one thing I have learned is to look at pictures of the real car if you can to see how Mother Nature did it. There are many sites one can use to find this information.

Until next time

Doug

Something is going on

2010-01-27T13:23:00.002-04:00

The Train Crews have noticed heavy equipment working on the old Quarry lands between Dogwood and bridge over the White River.

Operating Session Jan 17

2010-01-18T09:58:00.005-04:00

The WRS had it first operating session in 2010 on Sunday afternoon. This change allowed a few operator to attend.

The Train Schedule was changed for this session. The 202/203 now serves Dogwood only, while at Dogwood, it does all the switching during the day. Also 101N now stops at Roseton instead of Dogwood to allow the 202 to arrive at Dogwood and begin switching. The 102 S now stops at Roseton as well as Dogwood. The 103 N now stops at Dogwood as well as Roseton. The 104N only stops at Roseton. Note all 100 series trains stop at White River Paper Company.

For the session, David and Jeff manned the White River Paper Company Switcher, Glenn operated the 202/203 Local serving Dogwood, Pierre operated the Roseton Switcher and Wayne operated the 100 series trains with a pair of MEC RS11. I had Yard duty.

Pierre and Wayne reviewing the new paper work .... Glen busy at Dogwood

David and Jeff at the paper mill .... Wayne waiting for clearance to Dogwood

The new changes improved the train flow, but in the next few weeks I am going to have to operate a few of the jobs and time myself to adjust to the schedule for the 100 series trains.

We all had fun, and that is the most important part.

The WRS maintenance crews will be busy for the next few weeks dealing with a few small issues that raised during the session, which happens when you have not operated in six weeks.

later

Doug

Another Year in the Books

2010-01-13T16:17:00.003-04:00

The White River Southern (WRS) has finished its third year and is about to start Year Four. There were a couple major changes this year. The first was the change between Roseton and Dogwood, where Junction and the Blue Ridge Branch were removed. This will allow for changes in the railroad this year. The second is a change in operations. Up to this year the WRS operated as a branch line from the Yard. Starting in mid year, operations changed into operations between two yards. The South yard has not been connection yet, but operations reflect that it is there. Instead of three locals, there are now two locals and four mainline trains (two in each direction).

Crew members have been added, but also few have left. Also there were a few visiting Engineers this year.

Looking back to the reasons I started the WRS, some of the items have been addressed. I have spend more time understanding my Digitrax and Decoder Pro systems and how to use them. There is still many more things to learn, but for now the basics are covered. Operations have been developing over the years, some of the Crew thinks I change the operating instructions each session. Have found what works and what does not and made adjustments. It is getting closer to the final product.
The one item that has not developed, is the work on the scenery on the layout. This is mainly because, I can not stop changing the layout. And this will not end for another year or two. But I am hoping to this year to spend a little time on working on some of the new buildings that will be required. Also there are a couple areas that will not be changing, so I am hoping to work on these areas.

Now that is the yearly update, it is time to get back to getting the railroad ready for the next session.

thanks

Doug

Season Greetings and Update

2009-12-21T16:16:00.003-04:00

First the Crew and Management of WRS wishes all the Best of the Season.

WRS has picked up a second MEC RS11, number 802. Once the Shop have completed the updates and check of the new unit it will be working with its sister unit 801 on the Mainline Trains, replacing leased the BN 424s.

The Shop has also been busy working on Cabooses, with four now in the fleet. Shown here on a test run over the line. This will address the issue of late with foreign caboose.

Doug

Fall River & Eastern

2009-12-07T21:45:00.005-04:00

Last Sunday Dave had the Operating Group over to the Fall River & Eastern for tour of the layout and operating session. This session was to test the newly installed DCC System and to do a little switching and running of trains. Formal operating sessions are still a few months away. Dave has to name the Towns and Industries first.
Below are a few pictures that Dave supplied for this report.
Yes there was a "Corn Field Meet". Luckily both trains were following the slow orders. See picture at the bottom. One of the issues to be addressed is which track is the East Bound and which is the West Bound.

Coal Drag(left) Coal Drag and Passenger Train Meet (right)

Jeff running the Passenger Train (left) Pierre overlooking the Yard and Engine Terminal (right)

Coal Drag (left) The Corn Field Meeting (right)

This is a very interest railroad to operate on.

later

Doug

Ops Session Nov 23

2009-11-24T19:43:00.002-04:00

WRS had another Ops Session on Monday night. I forgot to check if it was a full moon, but many strange things happened. It all started when cars began derailing on one section of the railroad. Then the train will break in half. Requiring the train had to stop and go back to pick them up. The Control System decided to take a break. Yard crew not lining up switches for incoming trains. And there are two pictures at the bottom.

Pierre waiting for someone to come and pick up the cars he had set on the sidings.

Wayne wondering. Dave in the background working Bartown.

Barry busy switching the Mill

This takes special talents to "park" the van halfway up pole.

The Engineer of the Switcher forgot .....

But we had fun, and that is the most important thing.

Doug

Nov 14 Tour

2009-11-21T08:12:00.003-04:00

After the Show finished on Saturday, the Crew departed for supper at a local resturant which has a train theme. The Crew include David T, David M, and myself from the Show, and Scott and Derwin who made the trip over from PEI to go to the Show and to do the Tour.

After Supper, we all head up the hill to visit Wayne's Nottingham Sub. (Wayne's blog is listed on the side bar). Pierre also joined the Crew at Wayne's. After a tour of the layout, it was time to operate a few trains.
Then Wayne discussed with us his future plans for his Railroad.

Derwin standing in the middle of the Nottingham Sub, wondering where to start.

Now the Crew, with its new additions, departed Wayne's and headed for David M's Fall River and Eastern. Once arriving at FR&E, David have everyone a tour of the Railroad and discussed his plans for it. Then it was time to operate a few trains. Sorry no pictures, too busy.

Now it was time to head to the WRS for an operating session. The two Davids had to bow out do to other committments. Apon arriving, it was time for a quick tour for Derwin and Scott, who had not seen the layout since the last changes. Then it was down to operations. Scott headed for the paper mill, Derwin ran 302L which services Bartown and Riverside, Pierre headed for Dogwood to operate the local switcher and Wayne ran the mainline trains. After Derwin finished the 302L, he departed with the revised 203S/204N train now servicing Roseton and Greenfield. Pierre after finishing in Dogwood, headed for Roseton to operate the local switching jobs there. Around 11pm the Crews began logging off and heading home.

It was a very busy night for all of us and we had to return to the Show the next day.

Derwin passing thru Dogwood with 203S

Scott at the Papermill

Wayne busy with one of the many Mainline trains

Pierre at Roseton

That was the night.

Doug

The WRS on the Road Again

2009-11-18T14:10:00.004-04:00

The WRS was on the Road again on the weekend. With five of the old modules and one new one, headed for the Show in Dartmouth. The new module was a run around siding to improve operations. The layout was roughly 35 feet from end to end, with four other operator adding modules.

Below are a few pictures from the Show

Looking down the mainline from the Woodchip loading.

On the left is the new module with David and Wayne on the left and David T on the right working with a young engineer.

David T filling out the UMG Operator Card for a young Engineer

Young Engineer waiting for the mainline to clear so he can continue with the RDC.

This is the center of the layout, with David T overseeing the young engineer

It was a great weekend.

For more pictures go to http://theumg.ca/2009/11/dartmouth-2009/

Later

Doug

Oct 26 Operating Session

2009-10-27T09:12:00.004-03:00

The WRS was operating again after a short shutdown. Barry started working the White River Paper Company's Paper Mill and Pierre began by checking the paperwork for first of his many mainline trains. After Barry picked up the outbound cars for 101 N, Pierre dropped off the Mill cars from the 101 N and picked up the outbound cars. After departing the Mill, Pierre headed for Dogwood, where David was busy working the Dogwood Switcher. After exchanging cars at Dogwood, Pierre departed for the Yard and David started delivering the new arrivals and picking up the cars for the next train. Glen working the Bartown/Riverside Local had to allow Pierre and 101 N to clear on his way to the Yard. After arriving in the Yard, Pierre parked the 101 N and then departed the Yard with 202S for Roseton after clearing Glen in Bartown. After 202S cleared, Glen when to Riverside to finish his work and then into the Yard.

202S dropped cars at Roseton on the siding and departed to Dogwood. At Dogwood, Pierre set out cars for David to deliver. Then Pierre departed for Greenfield to switch Metal Works. Barry was still busy at the Mill delivering and picking up cars. After exchanging cars at Greenfield, Pierre ran around is train and 202S became 203N. Heading back to Dogwood, Pierre picked up the cars that David had put out for him. After departing Dogwood and heading for Rosetown, the call came in that the Crew for the Roseton Switcher had not arrived yet. So Pierre had to parking 203N at Roseton and take a car back to Yard. Glen how now had finished his job on the Bartown/Riverside Local, headed to Roseton to work the local switcher.

With Pierre now back in the Yard, he headed back for Dogwood with 102S. After exchanging cars in Dogwood, then it was off to the Mill and exchanging cars with Barry.

That this point, 102S is to leave the Mill for points South, but since this connection is not completed yet, 102 S became a "fast" freight back to the Yard and then 103N is another "fast" freight back to the Mill from the Yard.

Now with 103N on Track 1 at the Mill things return back to normal. David has finished at Dogwood and now is helping Glen with the Roseton Switcher. 203N switching has now been completed and I take 203N the rest of the trip from Roseton to the Yard. Yes, I was busy again in the Yard arranging inbound and outbound trains.

With the cars exchanged at the Mill, now Pierre is ready to depart with 103N. The only other stop on route is in Roseton to exchange cars and then on to the Yard. At the Yard the Power from the 103N is transferred to the 104S and Pierre returns to Roseton with their last delivery for the day. After departing Roseton, it is on to the Mill for its last exchange. Once this complete, 104S becomes another "fast" freight to the Yard.

And other day on the WRS is complete.

David at Dogwood checking his paperwork and Pierre heading for Dogwood with the Mainline Freight

Barry at Paper Mill and Glen at Riverside

Glen now at Roseton and David still at Dogwood

Now with another session complete, I have made a list of items to address before the next session. A few are car maintenance, some are a few issues with paper work, different eyes, see different things. Because of the issues again with 203N, there are going to be changes to this train. And other Crews have requested that a lower speed limit be installed on the "fast" freights.

It was another great night of operating.

later

Doug

Oct 13 Update

2009-10-13T07:14:00.002-03:00

The WRS Track and Electrical Crews were again busy working on the Fall River & Eastern. Their work is 95% complete. The Railroad has been converted from Block Control to DCC, but there were a few minor issues to be addressed, which could be just the Railroad has been down for a while.

The Loco Shop has started assisting the Fall River & Eastern Loco Shop in the upgrading of loco's control systems.

The Loco Shop finally finished the repairs on the RS3, which now is on lease to Fall River & Eastern, along with a few other locos.

The Engineering Dept has been busy making adjustments to the revised layout this week. Will update when a few more issues have been addressed.

later

Doug

Oct 5 Update

2009-10-05T09:20:00.003-03:00

With the last operating session a few items that needed to be addressed.

The Car Shop has been busy replacing couplers with Kadees and adjusting them to all the same height. They have also re-numbered a few pieces of rolling stock.

The Track Crew has been busy leveling a few areas of track work to reduce uncoupling.

The Freight Agent has been busy updating and checking a few items in the paperwork, which the Crews pointed out during the operating session.

The Electrical Department has been busy over at Fall River & Eastern. The Fall River & Eastern has been converting the Railroad from Block Control to DCC. About half the Railroad is converted over at present. The Loco Shop will soon be helping with the upgrades to their locos.

And that is this week's Update.

Doug

Sept 28 Operating Session

2009-09-29T07:38:00.003-03:00

The Crews of the WRS were busy again last night.

Wayne, in front, working the Mainline Trains, Glen and Pierre in the background working Dogwood and Roseton.

Dave, in tie, and Wayne are working 203 N at Dogwood, as Glen, Dogwood Operator watches.

Under the new operating session, the Mainline is very busy with six trains. Last night, Wayne ran these trains with the assistance of Dave, later in the session. Because the South Connection has not be completed, it required a few extra movements getting the train from the Yard to South Connection or from South Connection to Yard.

The Mill is serviced by four of these trains plus the In Mill moves, which kept Pierre busy. But he did have time to do a little work in Roseton as well.

Dogwood is service by four of the Mainline Trains, and Rosewood are also serviced by four of the Mainline Trains. Most of the work in these two towns was done by Glen.

I was busy in the Yard staging trains and being Freight Agent.

We had a great time again.

later

Doug

Sept 14 Ops Session

2009-09-15T08:55:00.004-03:00

Yes, after a few months off, the Crews of the WRS began moving freight on the revised WRS. It was a light night for Crew members, with only three. Barry selected to the job at the Mill, which was very busy since it had to deal with four trains, plus the in plant moves. Glen started at Dogwood and finished at Roseton. Pierre was in charge of the five mainline trains.

Glen waiting for Pierre to clear Dogwood with 101N

Sorry no pictures of Barry working, he was just too busy at the Mill to get any pictures that were in focus.

Outside a few issues with the paperwork, the Freight Agent will be hearing about them, everything when very well for the first time on the revised layout and with only the second time with the new paperwork. Another issue was that a few of the industries have relocated and not all the paperwork had been changed.

later

Doug

Hillfest Update

2009-09-05T13:00:00.001-03:00

The UMG has developed a new website to allow pictures to be posted.

So to see more including pictures from Hillfest go to:

http://theumg.ca/posts/

later

Doug

WRS on the Road Again

2009-09-01T06:31:00.003-03:00

Once a year or every second year, the UMG gets together to setup and operate the UMG modular layout. This year's Hillfest was held at the High School in Hillsbrough, NB. On Friday the layout was assembled. When finished, late Friday night, the mainline was roughly one hundred and fifty feet long with a branch of another twenty five feet. Saturday morning the cars were set out at the Industries, there were roughly one hundred spots at the industries, plus the two yards and car float.

Then it was time to operate, the Crews had a choice of six locals, two mainline trains and RDC service. Plus a Dispatcher and Freight Agent. I was the Freight Agent and Junior Dispatcher for the show. Because of the layout size, a Junior Dispatcher was added. As Freight Agent, I helped the Crews with the new operating system and reset the "Industry" Cards between sessions.

After the first session, it was time for pizza. Then it was back to operations. Two more sessions were ran in the afternoon. For supper a few brave souls when out in the rain and barbecued. After supper, it slide show time.

Sunday I woke to a power failure at the motel, but luckily it was only a local outage. Did not want to take down the layout in the dark. After breakfast, we got one more operating session in. Then after cleaning up the leftover pizza from the day before, the layout was taken down and vehicles were packed. After goodbyes were said, it was time to head home. Monday was unloading the car and taking things to the basement.

It was a great time. To see more info on Hillfest visit http://theumg.wordpress.com/posts/

Now that Hillfest is done, it is time to get back to working on WRS. The first operating session will be Sept 14.

later

Doug

All Quiet

2009-08-15T19:32:00.002-03:00

I have not been working on the WRS this month. Or at least on the main layout. The end of August is Hillfest, a gathering of the UMG for a major operating session on the UMG layout. Last count, there are one hundred spots to place cars at industries, plus three yards.

I will be taking four modules and maybe a fifth to the show. Two of them needs only minor repairs, but two of them need to have the tracks reworked. Then there is rolling stock and buildings to check and pack.

Also I am helping with setting up the operations on the layout. We are going to try a system based on "Industry" Cards. Each spot at each Industry has its own Card, which tells what type of car is required at that spot. It should be interesting.

That is all for now, hopefully we will get back to operating on the WRS in September.

later

Doug

The new WRS - Update

2009-08-02T07:24:00.003-03:00

With the sunshine, I have not had much time to get any work done on the layout itself, but did spend a little time working on the new layout plan. After remeasuring the basement, I gained a few important inches.

The industries in Blue Ridge have not been added. At present I have lost nine industries from the old layout and I have to look at which ones of the nine, I want to add to the Blue Ridge area.

The Oxbow Branch will be source for wood chips for the Paper Mill and lumber loads for the world.

Northbrook and Southvale will be staging yards for the layout. The plan is that each yard will have three staged trains of 12-13 cars.

Now with the rough layout design done, it is time to start working on the operations side of things.

Until the next update.

Doug

The New WRS

2009-07-25T09:21:00.005-03:00

The redesign of the WRS, all started after an operating session a few months ago. During that operating session, where was an issue with people movement around the layout. The Mill is the busiest area on the layout with two operators, on the opposite side of the aisle is Riverside. This aisle is only three feet wide. So at one time there was four people in an area three feet wide and eight feet long. Then the brakeman from the train working Dogwood want thru this same aisle so he could get to the other side of layout to assist the engineer in switching a section of Dogwood. This required everyone to stop and find some spot to hide in, while he when thru. Then ten minutes later, it happened again when the brakeman wanted to get back to the Roseton. During this time there was only one person in an area four feet wide and sixteen feet long, the aisle between Roseton and Dogwood.

So the redesign started. First the Mill was going to move completely in its present arrangement, to the area next to the stove. This would increase the length of run by twenty feet from the Yard to the Mill and address the issues of crews being in the same place at once.

this is a early version of the planned changes.

This would require first removing Junction and Blue Ridge area and a two foot section from Roseton and replacing this with a 180 deg corner set. Then adding a balloon section to the end of Dogwood and then a long straight section to collect the Mill in its new location to the layout.

I was planning to add a two track hidden staging yard between the Mill and the new corners connecting Roseton and Dogwood. This would address another issue I had with the present layout of having only one connection to the "outside world".

At the end of June, we had an operating session, where I tried the new operating plans. A Northbound train was staged on Track 1 at the Mill to begin the session. It worked better then planned, except I found that I would need more then two trains heading North from staging. So back to the drawing board. I am still working on the plan, so that is why I have not posted any drawings of the new layout.

Since I am re-using my present modules for most of the new arrangement, it will still be a single level layout and not the double deck that I presented back at Christmas, which is on the back burner until I can address a few issue with the design and the basement. Also the WRS would be out of operations for six month to a year as the layout was being build.

So that is a little history of why the changes are happening. At present, the new connection between Roseton and Dogwood has been done after old connection was removed (see past postings). The layout is back in operating condition. During the next few months, I have to work on a few items in Stage 1 that still needs to be completed, before I start on Stage 2.

later

Doug

Stage One - Update 2

2009-07-14T20:13:00.002-03:00

The connection between Greenfield and White River Paper Company has now been finished and rail service to the Mill has been restored.

Now comes the hard part, finding a new home for the modules that were removed and all the "stuff" that was stored under them.

later

Doug

Stage One - Update

2009-07-13T09:03:00.002-03:00

WRS Inspection Train on its way to Dogwood

WRS is pleased to report that rail service has been restored to Dogwood. Management is hoping to have rail service to White River Paper Company completed before the Mill finishes its yearly shut down.

later

Doug

Stage One

2009-07-09T09:28:00.003-03:00

Stage One of the new WRS has started. This week I have removed the last section of Roseton, Max's Corner, Newtown, Junction and Blue Ridge sections from the old layout. The Newtown section will be reused as well as one on my older corner modules.

This is looking down the line at Roseton at the new sections.

To square up the layout a wedge was added between the end of Roseton 0n the right and the old Newtown module, dark brown corner module. On the far left, between the two corner modules, is where the "river" is going.

That is Roseton on the back right, the edge of Dogwood on front right. The old corner module, is the one with green on it. The gap will be closed when Dogwood is moved and connected to the corner module. The track on the corner modules will have to removed and relocated, since the old corner module was build to Group "X" standards for the first Railfest.

Now back to working away on the layout.

later

Doug

Operating Session June 29

2009-06-30T12:57:00.003-03:00

(left) Wayne and David busy at the Paper Mill and (right) Glen swithing Junction / Blue Ridge

(left) Pierre at Dogwood with Wayne in the background (right)David wondering why he took Mill Switching Job

The freight was rolling again on the WRS. With four crew members and myself, it was time to start the day.
David departed for the Mill to doing that days work. Pierre chose the Dogwood Switcher and Glen took the Junction Switcher. That left Wayne to operate the thru freights.
This was the first operating session with the revised operating session.

Wayne's first train was 101 N, a pair of C424 and 12 cars, which services the Mill, Dogwood and Junction. This required the local switchers to pick up any cars in their areas for the 101 N and set them out on the siding for Wayne to pick up. Wayne also dropped any cars in his train for those area. After Wayne departed, the locals delivered the cars that was just dropped off. Wayne arrived in the Yard with 101 N. His next train was 202 S, a RS11 and 7 cars. After leaving the Yard his first stop was Junction, where Glen had to remove his cars from the train because the switch was not trailing and there was to siding to drop the car off at. Once the train was back together, it was off to Dogwood to drop their cars and then off to the Mill. After running around the train at the Mill, 202 S became the 203 N and headed back to the Yard. With stops at Dogwood and Junction.

After arriving back at the Yard, Wayne switched the RS11 for a pair of C424 and head back to the Mill with 102 S, with stops at Junction, Dogwood and the Mill, before heading south.

Once the work at Dogwood and Junction was finished. Glen and Pierre picked up 300 L, a local out of the Yard which services Riverside and Bartown. Once they finished this train, they headed to Roseton to work the Roseton Switcher.

Wayne now has another pair of C424 for 103 N, with the first stop being at the Mill. After dropping off the cars for the Mill and picking up the northbound cars, Wayne depart for Roseton. After stopping at Roseton, it was off to Bartown and then the Yard. Then it was time for Wayne's last trip of the day, 104 S, with stops at Bartown, Roseton and the Mill.

This operating session kept everyone busy all night.

The changes seemed to work and the Crew was happy with the way it worked. There are a few things I have to work on. There are a few issues with the new paperwork. I did not have all the trains in the right order on their paperwork. Also a few of my instuctions were not as clear to the Crew as they were to me. But everyone had fun, and that is all that matters.

I am not sure if I am going to get to run another session with the new paperwork, before the changes on the layout start. Depends if I can get a Crew together over the summer.

later

Doug

.

Update

2009-06-24T19:05:00.002-03:00

The morning section of the new operating session is complete and working on completing the afternoon section of the new schedule by the first operating session with the new arrangement next week.

Also the Repair Shops are going to be busy with the arrival of the long waited parts to repair a couple of locos that have been in the shops. The new operations will require a few more locos.

Doug

New Paperwork

2009-06-15T17:14:00.004-03:00

While I have not started moving around the modules yet. Still working on a master plan. I have started on the new paperwork.

Gone are the Runs. Now there will train numbers. 101N and 103N will depart the South Yard for the North Yard and 102S and 104S will travel from the North Yard to the South Yard. For now, until the layout is rearranged, the South Yard will be Track 1 at White River Paper Co.. Note the 100 series trains will not be doing any local switching.

The 202S and its return trip 203N will be a local departing the North Yard for Junction, Dogwood and Mill. The 204S and 205N will depart from North Yard serving Riverside and Bartown and maybe Roseton. There will a local switchers for now, at the Mill, Junction and Dogwood.

This will likely be changing as more testing is done by the Crews.

The layout of the paperwork also will be changing for the Locals. Since cars will now be coming in and departing on different trains.

One of the other things that will be changing is the length of trains. 100 series trains will have two loco and 12 to 13 cars, down from the 16 cars of the old Mill Run. 200 series trains will be a single loco with seven cars max, down from 10 cars of old Dog Run.

Now back to working on the new Train Orders, the first operating session with the new arrangement is coming soon.

later

Doug

Update

2009-06-10T14:09:00.002-03:00

Things are going to be changing on the WRS. Before the end of the month, the WRS will become a given shorter short line. The new WRS will include only the areas of the Yard, Riverside, Bartown and Roseton.

later

Doug

June 1 Operating Session

2009-06-02T08:38:00.002-03:00

WRS was busy moving freight again, well almost busy. With only one crew making the Crew Call, Pierre and Glen had their pick of jobs. Pierre headed for the Mill to do the Mill Job and Glen fired up the C424s to take the Mill Run from the Yard to Mill. With sixteen cars in tow, Glen departed the Yard. After arriving at Junction, Ridge Run Switcher, operated by me, removed the last four cars in Glen's train. Once the caboose was added back on the train. Glen departed for the Mill. In the mean time Pierre was busy switching the Receiving and Shipping warehouses. After Glen arrived with the Mill Run, they continued switching the cars at the Mill. After picking up the last outbound car, Glen departed with the C424s for Junction to pick up the cars set out by the Ridge Switcher and then off to the Yard. Pierre finished delivering the last car on his list.

Pierre and Glen at the Mill

View between the Boiler Plant and Receiving Warehouse.

Once Glen returned to the Yard, he picked up the RS11 and the train for the Bar Run. They departed for Riverside and Bartown to deliver their cars. Once they finished their work and returned to the Yard, it was time to call it a day.

Later

Doug

Convention Weekend

2009-05-26T07:19:00.004-03:00

Last weekend I travelled to Summerside, PEI for our annual Convention. It was a great time. Spend some time catching up with old friends and checking out what they have done. Sorry no pictures, forgot the camera at the hotel room.
As part of the Convention, I presented a clinic on different Car Forwarding Systems. This was one of many clinics that were presented for the Delegates.

The WRS Shops have been busy the last few weeks building a transfer caboose.

Shop Foreman has already made a list if items that needs to be addressed on the next one.

A few new cars were purchased on the weekend, along with a few buildings. These will in time find their way onto the WRS.

later

Doug

Operating Session May 11

2009-05-13T12:55:00.002-03:00

Freight was rolling again on the WRS.

The day started with the Yard Crew firing up the leased C424s at the engine terminal. These units will be heading out on the Mill Run once the train was assembled. After picking the cars in the Yard and adding the caboose. The Yard Crew turned the C424s to Pierre for his run. After departing the Yard, Pierre arrived at Junction were Ridge Run S4 being operated by Barry removed the tail four cars in the train, which he will be delivering in Junction / Blue Ridge area. After the caboose was reinstalled on the train, Pierre got the train headed for the Mill. In the meantime, David has been busy at the Mill with the local S4 switching the warehouses before Pierre arrives. After picking up all the departing cars from the Mill, Pierre again fired up the C424s and headed back to Junction. David finished delivering the last few cars. Pierre stopped at Junction and picked up the cars that had been set out for him by Barry. Then it was back to the Yard.

Pierre and David at the Mill

Barry at Blue Ridge

Wayne fired up the MEC RS11 and picked up cars for the Dog Run. After picking up his caboose and Glen, they departed for Whiskey Falls. After switching Whiskey Falls, they depart for Roseton. At Roseton, they switched the trailing industries and sorted out the cars for Dogwood. Leaving the remaining cars on the siding, RS11 with Wayne at the controls depart for Dogwood. Once arriving at Dogwood, local switching started. When completed, the crew returned to Roseton to finish local switching. After all the cars have been delivered, Wayne and Glen reassembled their train and head home to the Yard.

Glen and Wayne at Dogwood

After finishing a few jobs in the Yard, I headed out with the S4 on the Bar Run. The first stop was in Riverside, and then off to Bartown. After running around and delivering the cars in Bartown, it was back to Riverside to complete the switching jobs. Then it was time to return home again and back to the Yard switching job, as the other two crews returned.

The second day started with Wayne doing the switching at the Mill, Barry doing the Mill Run. Glen found his way to Junction and did the Ridge Run. David and Pierre did the Dog Run. There was some interesting discussion on a missing car in the train. It was found later, when they were switching the return trip at Roseton. So they had to return to Dogwood to deliver above mention car. This caused a problem, since Barry had all ready arrived at Junction with the Mill Run. I again was busy doing the Bar Run and Yard Job.

David at Dogwood and Glen in the background busy at Blue Ridge.

It was another great day on the WRS.

later

Doug

April 27 Operating Session

2009-04-28T09:46:00.003-03:00

Freight was moving again on the WRS after a longer then normal shut down. It also was the first Monday night session, since last Fall's move to Sunday afternoons.

The evening started with the checking of Pierre's SD18 unit, which had cause us a few problems at the Shearwater Show. The problem had been with the engineer, who had not operated this type of loco before, aka sound equipped, and did not understand the throttle had to be in the neutal position to restart the loco after it got shut down.

Barry and new crew member Bryan departed the Yard with the Mill Run. One of the newly leased BN C- 424 units began acting up and will have to be shopped again. After arriving at the Mill the crew parked the C424s and picked up the local S4 to do the Mill Job.

Barry on the left and new crew member Bryan on the right working the Mill Job.

Glen and Pierre headed out on the Dog Run with Pierre's SD18. There were some issues with the track work and the six axle loco. Maintenance Department has been advised.

Pierre and Glen at Dogwood

David headed for Junction to operate the Ridge Run. Sorry no picture of David since he was the one taking the pictures again tonight.

I fired up the RS11 and departed the Yard to do the Bar Run. After returning to the Yard, I also did the Yard Switching.

Me busy at Bartown.

After David finished with the pictures, he did the return trip of the Mill Run. This allow Bryan to continue working with Barry at the Mill.

The session ended with some general discussions and then everyone headed off to home.

later

Doug

WRS & Earth Day

2009-04-24T17:15:00.004-03:00

WRS Maintenance as part of Earth Day planted a few trees on the layout.

These trees were "grown" for the modules that when to the Shearwater Show.

After planting the trees, the WRS Maintenance Crew have been busy getting the Railroad ready for another operating session. Tracks and switches were inspected and work was done were required. The Crew also took out a pair of BN C424s which have replaced the Conrail units.

The Freight Agent says all the paperwork will be correct this time, time will see if he can do it for once.

Time to get back to finishing those little things that need to be done before the Crews arrive.

later

Doug

Another Road Trip

2009-04-12T10:40:00.006-03:00

Another weekend and another road trip. This time it was to Moncton for their annual show with WRS operators Bruce and Glen. Below are a few pictures from the UMG layout at the show.

WRS operator David, with Scott in the background, got to operate on a much larger UMG layout then the one last weekend.

Brian operating the Spring Valley Sub.

Town section (left) and Center section(right) of 5th Street with Ryan

View from the other end of 5th Street. Allan and the Appleton Sub

Besides visiting the Show, the crew stop off at the local hobby shop to pick up a few supplies. The WRS management came home empty handed.
It was a nice road trip.

later

Doug

WRS on the Road again

2009-04-06T16:08:00.005-03:00

The WRS started when I setup a few of my modules to create a layout. The modules have been added to over time with periment sections into the layout we know today.

A few of my modules were not included in the present layout, and they saw the light of day again this weekend. Two of my corner modules and part of the old yard, when to the two day All Hobby Show at Shearwater Aviation Museum to be part of a UMG layout with modules of two of the WRS regulars Wayne and David. It has been almost three years since I have shown modules with this group.

This is the complete layout which was roughly 25 feet end to end. The show was interesting that everything had to work around the items in the Museum. We had to work with a Snowbirds jet.

David and Pierre busy at the layout

Pierre in a VIA work jacket with the Snowbirds jet in the background.

Shot down the main line.

This is shot in the other direction.

It was two long days, but it was interesting.

To see more http://theumg.wordpress.com/2009/04/05/shearwater-spring-hobby-show-09/

later

Doug

Update March 27

2009-03-27T12:44:00.002-03:00

Have not been working on the layout, because next weekend I am taking modules to a local hobby show. The WRS started when I setup some of my modules to create the layout. The modules I am taking, have not been unboxed for three years. After the last operating session, it was time to take a look at them to see what work is needed for them to shown again. Time was not kind to them.

One of the major issues was the way which I installed ground foam. Instead of using paint, I used carpenter's glue. It bound the ground foam to the modules, but it did not bond well to the plaster. So I end up a thin hard shell of ground foam & glue, which in time cracked . So I had to redo many areas.

Also, since there was a gap between the two modules while they were being stored under the layout, a few things fell into the gap damaging the plaster work on the modules.

So hopefully in the next week, I will have the work complete. Then I have to start looking for all the items I need to pack to do a show.

What did I do with that List, I once had.

later

Doug

March 15 Operating Session

2009-03-16T09:47:00.003-03:00

The WRS finally got freight moving again, Mother Nature has been causing problems of late. But with sunshine and no snow in the air, there was a larger then normal turnout with a crew of seven.

The first day shift started with Pierre departing the Yard with the Mill Run. Bruce head for WRP to operate the Mill Switcher. Dave headed for Junction to meet with Pierre and to operate the Ridge Run. Barry and Glen departed with the Dog Run for Whiskey Falls. Leaving Wayne and I to do the Bar Run.

Once Dave was finished in Junction, he took toady's pictures.

Pierre at Greenfield with Wayne in the background at Bartown

Glen and Barry at Roseton

Yes, that is me at Bartown and Wayne again in the background.

Bruce at work at the Mill and me in the background

With the large crew, we operated the second day, which we have not done in awhile.

Bruce stayed at the Mill. Pierre and Dave switched jobs with Dave doing the Mill Run and Pierre doing the the Ridge Run. Wayne and I did the Dog Run and Barry and Glen got Bar Run.

This will be the last Sunday Operating Session, as we are moving back to Monday nights.

Since, I was busy working on a Crew, not to many stories. But there was a report of the Mill Switcher being spotted in Dogwood.

One thing that came out of the session, if there is a narrow spot on the layout, every one will be there at the same time. Need more passing sidings for people on the next layout.

That is this operating session report.

Doug

Mar 2 Update

2009-03-02T12:02:00.002-04:00

It has been quiet on the WRS.

I have installed "foam" mats around most of the operator areas. Only Junction / Blue Ridge area is left to be done. Some of the areas were done for the last operating session and the crews enjoyed having them.

Have been working on some of the small issues that have shown up in operating session. Installed fingernail polish on the frogs of the #6 Peco systems since they were causing shorts.

Mother Nature has been causing problems with scheduling operating sessions, hopefully we will get back to a regular schedule after Easter.

that is it for now

Doug

Feb 15 Operating Session

2009-02-18T12:31:00.004-04:00

Freight was moving again on the WRS, with one returning Engineer Jeff and one new engineer Barry, along with regulars Dave,Barry and Pierre providing the Crew for this day.

Jeff headed for Junction / Blue Ridge to do the Ridge Run. Pierre headed for the Mill to do the Mill Job and Barry departed the Yard with the Mill Run. Dave with new engineer Barry, departed the Yard with the Dog Run. I did the Bar Run.

Dave and new engineer Barry studying their work at Roseton

Returning Engineer Jeff busy at Mama's Pasta

Pierre and Barry busy at the Paper Mill

later

Doug

Design Update

2009-02-13T08:40:00.004-04:00

I have been working on the new design. After moving the paper mill to the upper level and designing a platform for the operator, I was in the basement and noticed the beam supporting the floor. The beam would have been located where the operator stands to operate half of the Mill. After measuring the clearance under the beam, it was time to go back to the computer or find operators under five foot six.

So the paper mill is now back on the lower level.

In the re-design, I also increased the mainline radius from 30" to 33". This was to get the ratio of radius to length of longest car (9") over 3.5.

Started to working on the car movements on the layout to see what will be required. Presently looking at seven jobs. Two Yard jobs, South Yard and Paper Mill; four locals, Mill, Oxbow, Hollow and Glenford; and the last job is the North and South Exchanges.

later

Doug

Feb 1 Operating Session

2009-02-01T19:27:00.002-04:00

WRS had it first regular operating session of the new year. Barry and Glen chose or was it chosen to do the Mill Jobs. Barry headed for the Mill and Glen fired up the pair of Conrail C424 for this run to the Mill. After departing the Yard with sixteen cars and a caboose in tow, Glen made is way to Junction to drop off cars for the Ridge Run. Due to crew shortage, Glen had to also run the Ridge Run Switcher. After removing the cars for the Ridge Run and re-installing the caboose, Glen departed for the Mill. Mean while at the Mill, Barry was busy switching the Shipping and Receiving Warehouses. After Glen arrived with the Mill Run, Barry and Glen finished the switching the Mill and putting the return train for Glen.

While Glen and Barry where busy in the Mill, Wayne and I departed the Yard with a GP7 and ten cars in tow. First stop was in Whiskey Falls to switch W&S Fish Products and then on to Roseton. After switching the trailing industries, the cars for Roseton where left on the siding and Wayne headed the GP7 for Dogwood. Since it has been a while since we had operated, specially me, there were a few "interesting" movements in Dogwood getting cars delivered and picked up. After this was completed, it was back to Roseton to finish switching. Somehow a few cars were put on another train and when we when to deliver the switch list these cars were missing. The Brakeman, aka me, should have checked the list before departing the Yard. After the trains was put back together, Wayne headed the GP7 for home.

Since we finished up before the Crew at the Mill did, Wayne and I headed to Junction and did the Ridge Run.

After Barry and Glen returned to the Yard, we changed Jobs. Wayne and I headed for the Mill and Glen and Barry did the Dog Run. Glen and Barry found the cars that were missing from Wayne's and my train.

Cars were delivered, the rust was knocked of the rails and we had fun.

Sorry no pictures, I have to "work" for a change :-)

The Bar Run was done the night before by Allan and myself.

later

Doug

Mill Extra

2009-01-25T10:06:00.002-04:00

On January 24 there was an extra run of the Mill Run and Mill Job to handle extra traffic that had been building up. Visiting Engineer Allan from Moncton, run the Mill Run while Glen did the Mill Job.

Allan (with cap) and Glen working the Mill.

later
Doug

Design Update

2009-01-20T15:42:00.003-04:00

Just before Christmas, I picked up the above book to help answer a few issues I was dealing with on going to a multi deck layout design.

Ok, after reading the book, most of the questions I had were answered, but a dozen new ones, I have to find the answers for. So back to the drawing board.

Some changes have been made in the design. Issues like: lighting the lower level. the 64 feet of track required to go from the lower level to the upper level, how much should be seen and how much can be seen. How wide should the upper valance be. And a few more that will come up as I make changes. Moving the Paper Mill to the upper level will likely cause a platform to be built for the Mill operator.

later

Doug

Jan 12 Update

2009-01-12T12:45:00.003-04:00

I have been busy getting the WRS ready for the next operating session. I finally install the spreadsheet, I use for the paperwork, onto my laptop and took it to the layout to inputted the data. After correcting a small issue on which session I was going to run first. I have an odd and even sets. The Paperwork is already ready now for printing.

I had to change some of the cars on the layout, with new arrivals. Just before Christmas another shipment of hi-cubes for the Paper Mill arrived, the boiler plant at the Mill has converted from oil to wood chips, which required the replacement of the "stand in" tank cars with wood chip gons. Modern propane cars arrived at Christmas, which now replaces the older versions I was using.

Also been working on the new layout design, the Paper Mill has moved twice since I posted the first draft. Also been working on changes to the layout because the Paper Mill is now on the upper deck.

Ok that is this week's update.

later

Doug

Year in Review

2008-12-31T11:55:00.002-04:00

January and February, saw the completion of two major construction projects, the Staging Yard and the Paper Mill.

On the Building side, Ross constructed a copy of the Superior Paper Company in foam core. This provided a start to the White River Paper Company Complex. Since then WRPC Construction Division have added to the buildings at the Mill, with an addition to the Main Building for the second loading track. The Receiving Warehouse and the Chips Unloading have been added. The Foamcore Construction Company has also constructed buildings for T&T Warehousing, VGA Frozen Food Division and the Warehousing Division, and North Star Industries.

Management of the WRS has adjusted the Crews on the Railroad a few times this year to help improve operations. There has also been adjustments made to the Train Orders and Switch Lists to correct for a few issues the Crews were having.

This year seen the return of three of the Company's S4 from the Contractor after they received the Company colours. The Company also was able to pick up a pair of C424, a RS11 and 44 Tonner to help with the increase in traffic on the Railroad.

There were nine operating sessions this year. A couple new guest Crew members help operate the WRS. Two new Crew members have joined the WRS, Barry and Wayne.

WRS Management was also able to be a guest crew member on five other Railroads this year, which has helped improve operations on the Railroad.

Thanks to all the people that have made this another great year on the WRS.

Doug

Design Update

2008-12-29T10:26:00.003-04:00

After some discussions with people over the first design there has been a few changes.

Most major change, is the Paper Mill has moved from the lower level to the upper level. This was required because a couple of the building were over twelve inches tall, which was the different in height between the two levels at the old location. Also, I wanted the buildings to be better seen by operators and visitors. This will require other changes, Roseton is now moved to the lower level where the Paper Mill was to be located. The town of Dogwood will have to be down graded as a switching area because of the Paper Mill being located above it. So it will have more scenery and less industries serviced by rail.

The Southern Yard has been re-arranged moving the Main Line and Arrivial/Departure tracks to the back of scene and the Classification Tracks to the front.

As per Scott's comments, a switch has been added between the Northern Yard and Meadows, which will go to a track in the Northern Interchange (hidden storage). This will allow for a loop on the upper level to break in locos. And it will also allow my great nieces and nephews to operate a train on my layout.

That is it for this update. There will be more changes as each area is developed.

Now back to working on the schedule for trains and people on the WRS.

Doug

Layout Visit

2008-12-23T11:12:00.005-04:00

Our operating session this week was not on the WRS, but we when to visit David's layout. David has a very large layout and as you can see below many very well developed scenes.

PS this is only half the layout. The pictures from the other half did not turn out. Got to learn to hold the camera still and take more pictures.

Season Greetings

Doug

WRS -Southern Sub

2008-12-16T14:35:00.001-04:00

The Southern Sub is the new lower level. With the Main Yard and the Paper Mill. This level will be around 44" as zero. There will a track that is 64 feet long around the wall, which will take you from the Southern Sub to the Northern Sub.

click to enlarge

later

Doug

WRS Northern Sub

2008-12-12T10:58:00.010-04:00

Below is a drawing of the proposed Northern Sub of WRS. (Upper level)

Trains will enter the Northern Sub at Meadows from the rest of WRS. This level will be in the range of 60" from the floor, which will mean most of us will require a stool to operate this level. There will a ductunder (60" +-) just past Meadows to allow Crews to move in and out of the layout.

click to enlarge (I hope)

later

Doug

Update

2008-12-07T10:49:00.004-04:00

WRS Maintenance Department has been working on the railroad improving some of the issues that have a surfaced during the last few operating sessions.

After the issues with the Freight Agent in the last operating session, improvements have been made in how the paperwork is generated. The computer will do more of the work and the Freight Agent will do less.

The Loco Shop is still working with WRS 134, the switcher assigned to the Paper Mill. It has had a mind of its own lately, taking off on its own and not wanting to restart after being put in reverse. Not sure if the issue is with the loco, or the NCE decoder. Since another S4 with the same NCE decoder had the same issues at the Dartmouth Show and would clear itself if one set of wheels were lifted from the tracks.

The Planning Department has been busy working on the addition to the WRS. The Northern Division is also complete, except for a couple passing sidings and if a fourth track is required at the Northern Yard. The report from the Traffic & Operations Division on the requirements for the Northern Division should be competed soon. The work on the Southern Division will continue over the next month.

later

Doug

Nov 30 Operating Session

2008-12-01T19:34:00.003-04:00

Sunday saw another operating session on the WRS, with Bruce, Barry, Pierre and Wayne as the operating crew. So I was required to assist as brakeman. Sorry no pictures, they would not give me any time off.

The first session had Pierre working the Mill Job and Barry doing the Mill Run. Bruce worked the Ridge Run and then the Bar Run. Wayne and I did the Dog Run with newly acquired MEC RS11. (Note: Wayne models the MEC)

Second session had Pierre doing the Ridge Run and Bar Run. Barry and Bruce took the BAR GP-38 (visiting power) to do the Dog Run. Leaving Wayne to do the Mill Job and I to do the Mill Run. By the end of the session Wayne had a better understanding of the double slip switches in the Mill Complex.

The Freight Agent is under review, since he had cars not at the correct location on the Crews paperwork. But cars got picked up and delivered as they should have been.

We all had fun, trains moved and that is all that is important.

later

Doug

Update

2008-11-30T09:32:00.003-04:00

Another Sunday operating session is happening today. Hope everything is ready.

During the show in Dartmouth, I was able to pick up a few used Peco switches and some used track from a layout that was dismantled. I hope this will offset the requirements for the new WRS layout. Also picked up a new 44 tonner to add to the collection.

44 tonner at VGA Frozen Food Division

At the Saint John Show, I picked a MEC RS11 and a dozen more pieces of rolling stock, many in North East roadnames or cars I need for the Industries serviced by the WRS.

MEC RS11 at VGA Riverside Warehouse

Time to get back to getting ready for the Session.

later

Doug

Another weekend , another Train Show

2008-11-17T17:03:00.007-04:00

The weekend and another train show, this time in Dartmouth. With two of WRS operators, Wayne and David, were doing their first UMG Show, and I was asked to assist. ( little do they know) So I showed up on Friday night to help setup. After getting home, I went down to the basement and dugout one of my old modules. Saturday morning, I was back at the Show, setting up my module to allow for the storage of rolling stock on the layout. Sunday, it was back to the Show again.

During the weekend many of the WRS operators came by to the visit the layout at the Show and view the handy work of David and Wayne with their new modules.

The layout provided a few interesting switching issues with three industries facing in one direction and the fourth in the other. A second switcher was put into services, since there was no run around track. At times both switchers were required to move a car from one industry to another, if a run around move was required. To improve the operation a RDC was added to the mix.

I did get to doing a little switching on the layout during the weekend.

The RDC on my module.

Shot down the length of modules. Wayne at the controls.

My fellow operators, Wayne, David, Ric and Zack discussing something.

Later

Doug

Road Trip

2008-11-10T13:48:00.006-04:00

The past weekend Bruce and I made a Road Trip to Saint John for their Show and to visit a couple local railroads.

We left early on Friday hoping to do a little railfanning on route, but Mother Nature had other ideas.

After arriving at the Show site, we helped with setting up for the Show. After helping Steve setting up his new Carleton railway modules, we headed off to Island Central for an operating session. This is the first time I have been to the Island Central in four years. We were joined by Don and Ray from Yarmouth. I was given 102 East a hot shot general freight from MacAdam to Saint John.

102 East on the Island Central

Saturday it was off the Show. After spending the morning shopping. I joined Steve as a brakeman on his Carleton Railway's Monticello, Maine freight yard.

Steve looking over his new modules.

Another shot of Steve's modules, with an operator from the Saint John Group

During the morning one of the members of the Saint John Group handed me the controls for the Mainline. After making many trips around their layout, ( you have to follow your trains because of the reversing loops at the end of their layout), first with Island Central power, and then Carleton Railway C424, it was off to lunch.

Carleton Railway C424 at the Station at Monticello, Maine

After the Show, Bruce and I joined Doug, Don and Ray for supper before heading to Steve's for an operating session on the Carleton Railway.

Sorry, no pictures from Steve's, I have to learn to hold the camera still and take spare batteries.

My train on the Carleton Railway was #44, a General Freight from Avondale to Millville. I was wondering why I had a Trainmaster and two C424 for the seven cars in my train. By the time I arrived in Millville I understood why. My assignment was to pickup any cars for CPR Interchange at Millville and any cars to be delivered along my route on the CLR.

The unplanned meet at Wakefield made things interesting on the CLR. A total of four trains were on route to Wakefield at the same time, two in each direction. For those people who have never seen the CLR there is only a very short siding at Wakefield. The meet had to be moved to South Newbridge, which meant two of the trains had to back down the grade. After a few moments, all four trains were again on their way.

Thanks again Steve for allowing us to operate on CLR.

later

Doug

Nov 2 Operating Session

2008-11-03T17:01:00.004-04:00

The WRS operated again on the afternoon of Sunday November the Second.
The Mill Run departed with Barry at the controls of a pair Conrail C424 with 15 cars in tow heading for Junction to deliver four cars to the Ridge Run . After the Ridge Run removed its cars from the train, Barry continued to the White River Paper Company Mill.
Pierre was busy operating the Mill Switcher, a WRS S3, preparing for the Mill Run to arrive.

Barry and Pierre at White River Paper Company.

The Dog Run with Wayne at the controls of GP9 departed with eleven cars for Roseton. Glen was the brakeman for this trip. After switching the trailing industries in Whiskey Falls and Roseton, the crew depart Roseton with the cars for Dogwood. After switching the industries in Dogwood, the crew returned to Roseton to complete the switch list in Roseton.

Glen and Wayne at Dogwood.

Glen and Wayne working Dogwood with Pierre in the back working Greenfield.

I had the job of working the Ridge Run, Yard Switcher and the Bar Run.

After completing all work assignments all crews returned to the Yard for another day on the WRS.

Then we did a second day on the WRS, with Wayne and Glen doing the Mill Job and Mill Run. Barry and Pierre did the Dog Run. Bruce had arrived to perform the Ridge Run. After completing the Yard Switcher, I joined Bruce in doing the Bar Run.

Bruce working the Ridge Run

Another operating session is now in the books.

later

Doug

First Sunday Operating Session

2008-10-29T20:42:00.002-03:00

The Management and Staff of the WRS has been busy dealing with the issues that arose during the last operating session. Most of those on the List have been addressed.

A revised Train Orders have been completed and printed. The Track Gang have spend time visiting some of the switches on the Railroad, also have reconnected the power feeds to the Exchange Yard.

The Freight Agent has been busy getting all the Paperwork completed for the next Operating Session, which will be on Sunday November 2.

later

Doug

Oct 20 Operating Session

2008-10-22T19:15:00.004-03:00

The WRS is moving freight again. The first train out of the Yard was the Mill Run with Wayne at the throttle. The Mill Run stopped at Junction were the Ridge Switcher operated by Dave, remove the last four cars to be delivered to Junction/Ridge Area. After Dave reinstalled the caboose on the Mill Run, Wayne departed for the Mill.Dave busy operating the Ridge Switcher

Wayne (in the centre) arriving with the Mill Run. Pierre ( on the right) and new operator Barry (on the left) operating the Mill Switcher.

The second train to depart the Yard was the Dog Run which was operated by Doug and Glen. This job now does the towns of Roseton and Dogwood.

Doug and Glen at Dogwood

The third train to depart was the Bar Run, which was operated by Wayne and me. This train services Bartown and Riverside.

There were the usual issues with operating again after being off for the Summer, but everyone had fun. The WRS maintenance crews and management will be busy in the next few weeks making improvements.

The Operating Sessions will be moving to Sunday afternoons starting in November.

Until next time

Doug

Interesting Web Site

2008-10-12T17:51:00.003-03:00

http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/mrh_theater

this is an interesting site that I have been using the last few months. It started with video reports of supplier's new products from the NMRA Convention.

Now they are showing some of the clinics that were presented at the Convention. The first was Digitrax's Users Clinic, then the Layout SIG's and now Joe Fugate's Clinic on his Siskiyou Line. The next clinic should be Decoder Pro for Begineers. Each section is about 15 minutes long and most clinics are in four sections.

Have fun watching and learning.

later

Doug

Operating Session

2008-10-06T09:27:00.003-03:00

It is time to get back to Operating on the WRS. The next operating Session will be Monday Oct 20.

There will be a few changes since the last session. Mainly,in the Train Orders.

The DOG RUN now serves Roseton and Dogwood.

The RIDGE RUN now serves only Junction and Blue Ridge with a local based switcher.

The BAR RUN (a new train) will serve Bartown and Riverside

The MILL RUN will have the cars for the The RIDGE RUN added to its train.

The MILL JOB is unchanged.

later

Doug

New Industry added at Riverside

2008-09-17T16:44:00.005-03:00

WRS is pleased to announce a long time customer, Valley Growers Assocation, has a new siding in Riverside to allow for the loading and unloading of Covered Hoppers to service their local members. This required the WRS crews to install a new switch and trackwork.

Pictured below is WRS S4 130 switching the VGA's Bulk Terminal.

later

Doug

WRS Switchers return Home

2008-08-17T10:14:00.006-03:00

The WRS Switchers have returned home. Many thanks to Ric for all the hard work he put into them.

Here is the pair of S4, WRS 130 and 132 on their way to the Mill.

Another shot of them. Someday I will be able to take a good picture.

This is the third unit, WRS 134, which is a S2. Shown here at the Power Plant at the Mill. This is going to be it new home.

To better show the detail, here is a picture from Ric.

thanks

Doug

July Update

2008-08-02T10:49:00.003-03:00

July has been a quiet month on the WRS. The only major action was the addition of some new rolling stock. During the month eleven hi cube paper box cars have arrived on the WRS. The railroad is looking at purchasing, some the paint shop may have a little painting and numbering to do.

Yesterday was in the local hobby shop and came across three of these jems. Beside the Rio Grande, in the picture, there were two data only grey cars. They are McKean models.

Was hoping to a have Saturday operating session in July, but it did not happen.

later

Doug

Operating Session June 30

2008-07-01T16:22:00.005-03:00

With the warmer weather, the switching crew was smaller then usual. We had a new operator , Wayne, joining us.

To start the session, Pierre took the Mill Job and Wayne was assigned the Mill Run. After arriving at the Mill, Wayne assisted Pierre with the Mill switching.

Wayne (in blue) and Pierre (in white) busy switching the Mill.

Glen head out with the Dog Run. And after a little work in the Yard, I headed out with the Ridge Run. After Pierre and Wayne were finished with their jobs, they helped Glen and I finish our jobs.

Glen working Dogwood.

For the second shift, Wayne and Pierre took the Dog Run and Glen and I took the Ridge Run.

Wayne and Pierre working Dogwood

Glen wondering why I am not doing my brakeman job instead of taking pictures.

It was another fun night on the WRS.

later

Doug

Operating Session

2008-06-25T21:31:00.002-03:00

The WRS will be moving freight again on June 30. I am hoping to have the new paper work done before the session. After visiting the operations on PEI, I have finally added another column to the Switch List, which will now list the cars which are to remain at the Industry. In many cases, most of the cars have to be moved during the session, because the car which you have to pick up is behind the car that has to remain. The new addition will allow the crew to check to see if all the cars were returned to their proper location at the end of the day.

Speaking of Paper Work, it was interesting to see how the same basic paper work, (all from the same computer program) was used on the three different layouts that I visited on the Island. As the requirements of the layout change, so does the supporting paper work.

later

Doug

Decoder Pro

2008-06-24T17:59:00.004-03:00

After having Decoder Pro for a couple of years, I finally set down and started working with it. After a few days I was able to get my main computer working. I forgot that I had replaced my computer since I had installed the drivers that came with LocoBuffer USB. So the hunt for the CD started. A few boxes later, it was found and I had the program working.

Then I got brave and installed it on my laptop. After a little help from Scott, I got it working too. Now I will be able to work on my locos without having to move the Chief from the basement to the computer room and back.

Will update as I have more time to work on improving the locomotive's performance.

later

Doug

BS&T

2008-06-15T07:51:00.012-03:00

The third stop on the Road Trip was Scott's BS&T . Sorry no crew pictures again, left the camera in the car and had to take the pictures Sunday morning.

This is the ferry at Chappellton

This is one end of Chappellton, with Chappellton Seafoods in the background , ferry tracks in the front and the yard in the middle.

This is the middle of Chappellton, Derwin Oil bottom left, Naylor's Nails top right and Fred-Ex in the middle.

This is the other end of Chappellton, with Fixum Car Repairs.

This is Chappellton from the road next to Fixum

This one end of Kenville, with Jay Forest Product

This middle section of Kenville, with FoodTrust

This is the other end of Kenville, with Union Ice on on the left and small yard on the right.

We were joined at Scott's, by Derwin, Greg and Ken. Bruce took the look switching job at Stevenville and Derwin Drop, Doug did railfanning and I took the switching job at Chappelton and Kenville. Scott had Ken join me to keep me out of trouble. Greg took the East Bound Wayfreight and Derwin had the West Bound Wayfreight. Scott ran what ever trains that need to ran.

Ken and I start at Chappellton, by picking up the cars for the East Bound Wayfreight. If I would have spend a few minutes looking at the pickup list, things would have been quicker. The job got done. After doing the pickups, Ken and I headed to Kenville to pickup the cars for today's trains.

Then it was back to Chappellton as Greg was about to arrive with the East Bound Wayfreight, after he dropped off the cars for Chappellton, Ken and I when back to Kenville to switch the cars with the East Bound Wayfreight. I blocked the cars wrong, and a few extra moves were required. Now I see why Scott send Ken to oversee me.

Now with the East Bound out of the way, it was time to deliver the cars it dropped off. After both towns were done, it was time to get ready for Derwin and the West Bound. Derwin arrived at Kenville and the Cars were exchanged and then on to Chappellton to repeat the action. Now it was time to deliver the West Bound cars to their industries.

Thanks Ken for the crewing with me.

And thanks Scott for hosting us.

later

Doug

The Never Done Railway

2008-06-12T19:25:00.006-03:00

The second stop on the Road Trip, was at Brian's the Never Done Railway. Sorry for no crew picutes, was to busy trying to get my work done.

This is one end of Farside, the area which I was switching. The Power Plant is the Blue building, the Grain elevator is the tan building, and the small yellow building is Scott's Fertilizer.

This is the middle of Farside with the Fish Plant in the front and Sue's Oil behind it.

This is the Nyalls Livestock, just off the left side of the picture is the location of the Mine. This the other end of Farside.

After a quick tour of the layout and a few pictures being taken, Brian put us to work. Derwin and Doug to the Island Job. The Island is a separate part of the layout build on the oil tank. The cars are transferred to the Island by barge. Bruce got busy in MacGregor Yard. Scott took the Headache Corner Job and I when to Farside to start my job. The first part of the Job is to do the pickups in Farside. There were many extra moves since I did not completely read my pick up list. Brian's paperwork is arranged by where the car is bound for and not by industry, as my paperwork is. So I had to make a few extra trips back to some industries topick up more cars. After I finished all my pick ups it was time to depart for Headache Corner to drop off a few cars and then off to the Yard. Once in the Yard, I dropped the cars off and then picked up the out bound cars for Farside. I had a couple extra cars for Headache Corner. Not 100% of the story why I had the extra cars, but Iwhat can you do. After stopping at Headache Corner to drop off the cars, then it was time to return to Farside to complete my job. After some time the cars were spoted as requested. Why a Fertilizer plant got reefers, I did not ask. But it was an interesting time.

Thanks Brian for opening your layout to us.

Doug

Canadisle Rail

2008-06-11T20:10:00.008-03:00

The first layout what we visited on the PEI road trip was Derwin's Canadisle Rail.

Our host is the man in Red, with Scott and Bruce in the back ground discussing Derwin's collection of locomotive power.

This is Main Street in Ashtown. One of the two major towns on the layout, the other is Shellville.

Doug is checking out the RDC, which he was operating, that as stopped at the Farm. The Yard is in front with the Engine servicing area to bottom right.

This is a shot from the top of the layout with Ashtown on the left and Shellville on the right.

After a quick viewing of the layout, Bruce, as usual, headed for the Yard to do a little switching. Doug spotted a RDC parked on a siding and had Derwin clear off the cob webs and put it into service. Scott and I took the two Locals. I headed for Shellville and Scott left for Ashtown. After doing my switching duties in Shellville and keeping the mainline cleared for the RDC, I headed to the sidings at Ashtown. After Scott finished his work in Ashtown and headed to Shellville and the RDC cleared the mainline again, I started my duties in Ashtown. Both of Derwin's towns/areas, have many industries/locations for spotting cars, which will keep the crews very busy.

Once I finished my switching duties in Ashtown, it was time to return to the Yard. After dropping my cars on the siding, Bruce placed the cars in the Yard Tracks to be sorted later.

Then it was time for a few photos of the layout and head out.

Thanks Derwin for the Operating Session.

Doug

Road Trip

2008-06-09T15:42:00.002-03:00

On the weekend Bruce, Doug and I made the Trip to PEI to meet with Convention 2009 Committee.

After arriving at Scott Jay's, our host for the weekend, we departed to Derwin's to visit and operate on his layout. (Note: I will post later in the week stories from all the operating sessions).

Then it was off to Brian's to visit his layout and another operating session. Then back to Scott's for supper and main reason for the trip, Convention 2009. After we had bored them to death on Convention 2008, Scott invited us to operate on his layout.

Sunday started with Scott and Kim preparing breakfast for us, Scott need assistance, since his thumb was in a bandage. Power tools should only be used in building Railroads.

After breakfast it was time to visit the local hobby shop. Money was departed with and our new items were packed away.

Then it was time, to return home.

Many thanks to Kim and Scott for hosting us.

later

Doug

Update May 25

2008-05-25T10:20:00.003-03:00

This is just a little update.

This is a picture (thanks Ric) of Green Mountain Limestone Bulk Plant. The picture is from the MFMR's model contest room. Ross Young who build and weathered the building, after a little arm twisting, entered it into the contest and placed 3rd in Reg Stuctures, with it. Ross's other entry won Best in Show.

The WRS has not been busy lately because of the time I have had to spend get ready for the MFMR Convention, I was looking after Registration and gate. I also did a power point presention on adding Operations to your layout, which was interesting to get ready. On top of all of this, I was sick for two weeks.

With this now behind me and once I get some of my house work gone, I will be able to start spending more time on the WRS once again.

later

Doug

May 2 Operating Report

2008-05-03T09:29:00.004-03:00

The WRS had a rare Friday night operating session.

Scott busy in deep thought, as he reviews the instructions for the Mill Job.

Glen, Bruce and visiting operator Curtis at Roseton desiding how to plan the meeting with their three trains.

The Mill Run holding at Roseton for the Dog Run.

It was an interesting night on the WRS, with three visiting operators, Scott and Curtis for PEI and Jeff from Halifax and Regulars Bruce, Glen and Ross. Since the crews have not been on the WRS for a while, things were a little rusty. I have to work on the Train Orders. Something was said about using 16 point bold for some of the instructions. The crews had to do a little more work to complete their jobs, but in the end, all the work got done and I believe everyone enjoyed themselves.

later

Doug