Have you ever seen the show “Ed’s Up” with Ed Robertson from the Bare Naked Ladies? Ed flies to GPS coordinates and meets someone that gives him a job to do (sort of like “Dirty Jobs” only not always dirty). Well, we had our own version of that recently while Ed Cooke was back on the Island for a few weeks. Well, almost – he drove and he’s not famous (except perhaps in Fed-Ex circles). We managed to get a couple evenings operating while he was here.
The milk trains waits on The Ridge while the Wayfreight clears the main in Kenville. Ed’s running the Wayfreight and I was waiting with the milk train (so I took photos).
There are two additions to BS&T operations evident in this photo. The first is the milk train. It runs in the morning (start of the session) from Wholinthal to Tidewater and back stopping at stations and milk sheds along the way. It may not become a regular run but it will give someone a job to do when there are enough operators.
The second addition came about by complaints from area residents that the “regular” passenger service was so sporadic they could not count on the train when they wanted to travel. Management decided to make each wayfreight a mixed train by replacing the caboose with a combination car. Crews grumbled considerably, as expected, about the extra work they’d have spotting the car at the train station and having to move it after passengers disembark so they can finish their switching. Rather than taking a hard nosed approach Management offered a 50% pay increase for the extra work required. Crews still grumble but they do get well compensated. Passengers still can’t count on efficient travel but they do have regular passenger service.
Tom’s busy switching the industrial section of Stevenville.
Other changes to operations on the BS&T have resulted in more trains running and more frequent but smaller cuts of cars being left in towns for the local switcher.
The first Wayfreight through only picks up about half the cars they normally would. When it reaches the opposite yard it turns around and becomes the 2nd run picking up cars the 1st run didn’t.
This means that trains are shorter so they have less trouble making it up The Ridge. Helper service over The Ridge is required a lot less.
Derwin runs the Wayfreight into Derwin’s Drop. He’ll first spot the combination car at the station and then start working on his pickups and drop offs. After the passengers have disembarked he’ll move the combination car so he can do his run around moves. When he’s done with those he’ll reposition the combination car at the station so passengers can get on while he finishes his work and gets his train back together.
But, I think the wait at Derwin’s Drop might be longer than usual since it looks like the crew will be on coffee break soon. (note to self: get better drink holders)
The addition of the passenger car certainly adds more work, especially in Derwin’s Drop and Kenville since the station is located on the passing siding. The car must be moved to allow run around maneuvers and then repositioned in front of the station. It cannot be moved with passengers on board due to safety concerns.
Oh oh! Trouble is brewing. Derwin’s trying to help Ed figure out what he has to do in Chappellton! God help us!
Chappellton certainly looks like it is getting built up! The addition of a few buildings from The NeverDone Railway has really made the town grow! It’ll be a shame when it’s time to give them back. But it will mean another layout to operate on so it won’t be a total loss!
Until next time!
Scott