I added a new page (under "Espee Oregon Division Pages" on the right column) titled, "Insight on Operations". Here's a quick link: Insight on operations
This page is designed to give outsiders a look at how the railroad operates, as well as preparing new crews for what awaits them when they get their first crew call.
This is still a work in progress, and I am actively looking for better ways to do the paperwork as well as improving how the railroad runs, but it's a start. The railroad was originally designed to operate with three road crews and a yard crew on DC throttles. Today we are running with as many as 11 participants to make it all come together, so the layout has endured some growing pains along the way to say the least. Eugene Yard is the main yard on the layout and has only been in full service for about six months now, but ironing out the bugs more and more with each ops session... so improvements are taking place at a pretty good rate. The completion of the staging yard is expected to add still more diversity to the layout and its operations soon. If you have any suggestions how to improve what we have going so far, open to suggestions, but so far this seems to work pretty good!
Friday, August 19, 2011
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Peninsula Addition Breaks Ground
The new peninsula will connect to the Helix, and preliminary drawings have it all configured with a built in workbench underneath a staging yard, and two sidings incorporated above the staging yard. The two sidings are not yet completed in the drawing phase, but will be located between current layout deck levels. Staging will be a 10 track double ended yard, with through track design. The layout's termination points will be at opposing ends of staging with Klamath Falls on the West, and Portland on the East.
Over the weekend got the first phase of this project under way with the workbench getting built, and placed in approximate position. This being the starting point, I will follow up with basic open grid framework to connect the workbench to the existing layout for the additional levels. The work surface is about the same size as my old workbench on saw horses was (2' X 4'), but now I have an additional 1' of storage space in the rear for material organizers / storage (3' X 4').
The workbench slides back in for ops sessions to clear the isle. Pics show it in both positions. The framework pictured above the workbench is a part of what the staging horseshoe will sit on. The main focus here is to get staging in to open up operations more. Existing parts of the layout are crying for more scenery, so see how this all plays out once staging appears. I'll try to update the trackplan here soon to help show what is taking place. Special thanks to Ray and Craig for helping on this project!
Over the weekend got the first phase of this project under way with the workbench getting built, and placed in approximate position. This being the starting point, I will follow up with basic open grid framework to connect the workbench to the existing layout for the additional levels. The work surface is about the same size as my old workbench on saw horses was (2' X 4'), but now I have an additional 1' of storage space in the rear for material organizers / storage (3' X 4').
The workbench slides back in for ops sessions to clear the isle. Pics show it in both positions. The framework pictured above the workbench is a part of what the staging horseshoe will sit on. The main focus here is to get staging in to open up operations more. Existing parts of the layout are crying for more scenery, so see how this all plays out once staging appears. I'll try to update the trackplan here soon to help show what is taking place. Special thanks to Ray and Craig for helping on this project!
Monday, July 18, 2011
Switchlocks Completed!
Not anywhere as intimidating as one might first think...
Below is a pic of typical location used by the switch crews.
It's only the turnout connecting to the main with the protection, all others are conventional configuration.
In a location like this the proto uses a timed circuit with the key activation to protect the mainline, but here it seemed more prudent to eliminate that element so as not to be too much of an impediment.
So that project is done and off to the multiple of others... finishing sleeper ties, working on signals, building the last three turnouts for Pope and Talbot lumber mill, or maybe the expansion project.... it's going to be hard to decide which project while I trip over the pile of douglas fir and cabinet grade ply that suddenly appeared in the layout room over the weekend....
Below is a pic of typical location used by the switch crews.
It's only the turnout connecting to the main with the protection, all others are conventional configuration.
In a location like this the proto uses a timed circuit with the key activation to protect the mainline, but here it seemed more prudent to eliminate that element so as not to be too much of an impediment.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Upper Deck Switchlocks Almost Complete
Slow progress as of late with other business getting in the way of the layout, but been pushing forward slowly with the Sleeper Tie Project in Eugene Yd since I can put in a few minutes here and there...
Expansion / Staging project has not broken ground yet, but the next open weekend I get where I can dedicate a block of time to it and blow through uninterrupted, it will commence. We have a plan to where construction can progress and each phase will get cut in at the end of completion, thereby allowing the railroad to still stay in operation as I move forward.
The Switchlocks are in at Oakridge, Oakridge Yd, and Summit (one last install and all will be completed on the upper level). This upgrade pulls us a bit closer to prototype operations, but won't change anything for our operators that handle the thru freights. The only crews that will typically interface with them are the helper crews and switch crews. We have already been calling the dispatcher to make special movements in CTC (so only minor changes there), but now we actually have locks that control the power to the turnouts in CTC sections. I will edit existing procedures in the General Rules and on related Train Orders to reflect the upgrades regarding the handling of turnouts for our next ops.
...and a pic of one of the completed OS sections with key in lock:
Expansion / Staging project has not broken ground yet, but the next open weekend I get where I can dedicate a block of time to it and blow through uninterrupted, it will commence. We have a plan to where construction can progress and each phase will get cut in at the end of completion, thereby allowing the railroad to still stay in operation as I move forward.
The Switchlocks are in at Oakridge, Oakridge Yd, and Summit (one last install and all will be completed on the upper level). This upgrade pulls us a bit closer to prototype operations, but won't change anything for our operators that handle the thru freights. The only crews that will typically interface with them are the helper crews and switch crews. We have already been calling the dispatcher to make special movements in CTC (so only minor changes there), but now we actually have locks that control the power to the turnouts in CTC sections. I will edit existing procedures in the General Rules and on related Train Orders to reflect the upgrades regarding the handling of turnouts for our next ops.
...and a pic of one of the completed OS sections with key in lock:
Typically a dual controlled switch as above is only controlled by the DS as has always been. Crews will not need to interface with these out on the road. It will only be the switch crews using spurs and industrial track leads (that are connected to the main) where any changes are noticed.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Post Ops 6-18 Review
Well, the track cleaning train worked really well with the Centerline cars in the lead, followed by one of my custom cars, the power, and another five masonite pads. Thanks for the suggestion Ron! Quite pleased with this new train's performance and how it will preserve on-line scenery details, as well as spare me some of the extra Ops prep work.
First time trying a drawing from a coffee can so operators could pick what jobs they wanted to start with... but I didn't realize we were missing one operator until he came back and pulled #1 out of the can half way through the job bidding... My bad. :(
We broke new ground with 11 participants this session. A good turnout of crews with Michael dispatching from the comforts of his home, John worked the new position of West Eugene Yd Switcher / Hostler / Herder, which needs some refining, but special thanks to him forging the way through uncharted territory. Kel worked the East End / Yd Master reducing the usual overload of multitasking for me... and even looked like he might have enjoyed it. Danny bagged two of the local jobs somehow (Weyerhauser and Springfield jobs), but was a smoooth operator. Steven ran the Oakridge Turn, and Marc handled the first call for mid-train helpers on a lumber drag from Oakridge up to Summit. Road jobs were shared by most of the crews including Arnold, Mike, and Hans. Special thanks to Ray as usual for his expertise in the Signal / Comm dept, and a pat on the back to the host for putting up with them all. lol I was worried it might be overcrowded, but seems to have been comfortable enough where the upcoming expansion might not force me to reduce crew sizes from where they are supposed to be...
Had a few problem children that derailed. Only car to lay on it's side was an LPG tanker on the Springfield Job that appears to be due to an old NWSL wheel set (Call Hazmat!). I'm assuming a few other bad wheel sets still out there, but all documented with the few cars that had "pulled knuckles". Only scarey moment for me was the first time in recent memory that the beet train had a couple cars derail on the head end.... but saved before the dreaded domino effect dumped out all the live loads.
Thanks to all who showed up and participated. I had a blast as usual, and already looking forward to the next run! Watch for the next crew announcement as we will try for around mid August so I can actually get some work done to the RR before then.
Good Times no doubt!
First time trying a drawing from a coffee can so operators could pick what jobs they wanted to start with... but I didn't realize we were missing one operator until he came back and pulled #1 out of the can half way through the job bidding... My bad. :(
We broke new ground with 11 participants this session. A good turnout of crews with Michael dispatching from the comforts of his home, John worked the new position of West Eugene Yd Switcher / Hostler / Herder, which needs some refining, but special thanks to him forging the way through uncharted territory. Kel worked the East End / Yd Master reducing the usual overload of multitasking for me... and even looked like he might have enjoyed it. Danny bagged two of the local jobs somehow (Weyerhauser and Springfield jobs), but was a smoooth operator. Steven ran the Oakridge Turn, and Marc handled the first call for mid-train helpers on a lumber drag from Oakridge up to Summit. Road jobs were shared by most of the crews including Arnold, Mike, and Hans. Special thanks to Ray as usual for his expertise in the Signal / Comm dept, and a pat on the back to the host for putting up with them all. lol I was worried it might be overcrowded, but seems to have been comfortable enough where the upcoming expansion might not force me to reduce crew sizes from where they are supposed to be...
Had a few problem children that derailed. Only car to lay on it's side was an LPG tanker on the Springfield Job that appears to be due to an old NWSL wheel set (Call Hazmat!). I'm assuming a few other bad wheel sets still out there, but all documented with the few cars that had "pulled knuckles". Only scarey moment for me was the first time in recent memory that the beet train had a couple cars derail on the head end.... but saved before the dreaded domino effect dumped out all the live loads.
Thanks to all who showed up and participated. I had a blast as usual, and already looking forward to the next run! Watch for the next crew announcement as we will try for around mid August so I can actually get some work done to the RR before then.
Good Times no doubt!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Update on the Track Cleaner Train
So there is good, but it comes with the bad.
The good is that all six of my custom cars are done. They all track exceptionally well, even being pushed as one whole block through the yard ladders! ... kind of blew my mind they performed with talgos so well, as expected having to body mount the couplers. The bad is the Centerline cars can't handle more than 2 of my custom cars in tow without derailing. Have to do more experimenting, but looks like I will just pull the 2 Centerline cars (one wet followed by one dry) alone, then a second section train with the 6 cleaning cars not too far behind. I was thinking maybe the 6 cars were overkill, but the last car in the string still gets dirt on it's pad after just a few laps on the layout. Overall the track appears to be pretty clean, and the units don't stumble following behind the first pass of the cleaner train. After track, its typically the Trix wheel cleaner to all the power, but more testing needed before I change anything there.
The good is that all six of my custom cars are done. They all track exceptionally well, even being pushed as one whole block through the yard ladders! ... kind of blew my mind they performed with talgos so well, as expected having to body mount the couplers. The bad is the Centerline cars can't handle more than 2 of my custom cars in tow without derailing. Have to do more experimenting, but looks like I will just pull the 2 Centerline cars (one wet followed by one dry) alone, then a second section train with the 6 cleaning cars not too far behind. I was thinking maybe the 6 cars were overkill, but the last car in the string still gets dirt on it's pad after just a few laps on the layout. Overall the track appears to be pretty clean, and the units don't stumble following behind the first pass of the cleaner train. After track, its typically the Trix wheel cleaner to all the power, but more testing needed before I change anything there.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Track Cleaning Train
Been working on a train to do the work ahead of ops sessions since it has really been wearing on me lately. Here is a shot of what I have going...
I'm using two Centerline track cleaning cars, and six modified MDC 50' boxcars with masonite pads following up the rear. The first Centerline car gets alcohol, the second is dry, then the remaining cars will complete the cleaning. Finally got all the pieces together and most of the prefabbing of materials is done. I finished the first car today, so the rest will now go quickly. Here's a shot of the materials:
...and the first completed car to hit the rails:
This set of cars will blend in well with the rest of the fleet during ops so that I don't have to remove all the cars every time. They will hide on a back track in the yard during ops sessions so I can pull them out if we need a quick rebuff of the rails. It is just the 2 Centerline cars that will get pulled after initial cleaning is done. Looking forward to putting the brightboys in a box for the most part... but I'll still drag one out for spur tracks where the cleaning train can't roll through easily. :)
I'm using two Centerline track cleaning cars, and six modified MDC 50' boxcars with masonite pads following up the rear. The first Centerline car gets alcohol, the second is dry, then the remaining cars will complete the cleaning. Finally got all the pieces together and most of the prefabbing of materials is done. I finished the first car today, so the rest will now go quickly. Here's a shot of the materials:
I am using 1 ounce tungsten weights (thanks Ray!) for extra down force on the cleaning pad, then to keep the car tracking well (since I use low profile wheels), I upped the overall weight of the car itself to over 3 ounces. So far it has tracked flawlessly over turnouts and around the layout a couple times... we'll see as I add the rest regarding performance. If I have to add more weigh I don't anticipate any issues. Here's a shot of the components assembled together.
...and the first completed car to hit the rails:
This set of cars will blend in well with the rest of the fleet during ops so that I don't have to remove all the cars every time. They will hide on a back track in the yard during ops sessions so I can pull them out if we need a quick rebuff of the rails. It is just the 2 Centerline cars that will get pulled after initial cleaning is done. Looking forward to putting the brightboys in a box for the most part... but I'll still drag one out for spur tracks where the cleaning train can't roll through easily. :)
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