After 1 failed attempt in February, we were sure their second attempt to visit would again be foiled by the weather. The forecast for Saturday March 8 did not look good right up to Friday evening. The Moncton guys decided that they’d get up early Saturday morning and if it wasn’t freezing rain outside then they’d head over. They’d watch the weather the rest of the day in case it turned bad.
The weather on Saturday was favourable for the trip. Although it was a little rainy early in the day the temperature was above freezing so it was ful steam ahead for a day of operating.
The first stop was to Derwin’s Canadisle Rail layout. After a brief period of mulling around, general chat and familiarization with the layout we got the operating session underway.
John decided to do some local switching in Ashtown with Allan and his son Mark doing the local work in Shellville. Murray took out the west bound freight and Jim ran the east bound. Ryan decided he’d give the yard job a try.
We ran two sets of train orders at Derwin’s then had lunch and headed into Brian’s. Tomorrow I’ll have a report and pictures from The NeverDone Railway.
Scott
Man, do all you Island guys have such complete-looking railroads ? We don’t see too much of that around Moncton — Well, to be fair, some of the Owner-Ops have made
some well-meant attempts. And, to be fair (2), we the Ops mostly believe that
lots of switching comes way before sprinkling ground foam, but it really does
look nice.
I’m working with Chuck at the HobbyShop, so my Saturdays are full, but if
the lads ever get up a trip on another day, I’ll be there.
Best,
Ian Dryden
Hey Ian! Nice to hear from you.
I haven’t seen many of the Island layouts – I know there are quite a few. Most are not really built for operations, or they don’t operate them for various reasons. Some have a high level of scenery, some don’t. Ours happen to be some that are both operations oriented, operational, and have scenery (to some extent at least). Brian’s is almost 100%, Derwin’s is about 80% – 90%, and mine is about 50%. I hope to have it to the 80% – 90% level before the Convention here in 2009.
I agree that a layout should be worked hard before scenery gets started. You have to get the bugs worked out and be happy ith the track arrangement. The area that John worked, Chappellton, has been changed about 5 times. That’s why it’s the area with so little scenery done. I’m quite happy with it now so will start doing a little bit of work there soon, I think.
I hope you guys decide to come over again soon! Total confusion and chaos on the BS&T was rather fun! Ha! Part 2 of my report from Brian’s layout was posted this morning and part 3 from the BS&T will appear tomorrow morning.
Scott
Nice update Scott,
That layout does look good and complete looking. Looking forward to part 2.
I’ll pass your comment on to Derwin. I know he’ll appreciate it. We’re always bugging him about not having any scenery so he’s taken a spurt lately to get some done. His layout does look quite nice and, I should shoot myself for saying this, operates quite well too! ;^)
Scott
I’m glad the guys from Moncton made it to PEI. I really enjoyed having them here last winter, and hope they are able to return! I’ll watch for more reporting of their trip.
Steve
And remember, everything you read here is the truth! Members of the press must remain impartial and report only the truth (as far they know). Ha!
Scott