I know I’m a week late, but… better late than never!
Last Saturday a group from the Codiac Operators made the trek across the bridge for a day of operating. Our first stop was Derwin’s Canadisle Rail. We had a great time there, and a great lunch – thanks Derwin and Shelley!
We arrived at the Bayside & Tidewater about mid-afternoon to round out the day. I was looking forward to having a full crew, but a couple of the Moncton guys decided not to come due to the weather. We had a snowstorm on Friday and the forecast wasn’t too bad, but they didn’t want to take a chance. The weather can be a very unpredictable thing.
There were enough guys on hand that I was able to have a yard operator in Tidewater for the first time. I think things went a little smoother there because of it. Too bad for Jim I didn’t have a yard operator in Bayside. He would have gotten out of there with the Wayfreight a lot sooner. The poor guy didn’t understand the instructions and was going to put every car leaving the yard onto one train. Hmmm… I seem to remember someone doing that on another layout. Who was that? Oh yeah! It was me on Steve’s layout in Saint John just last year. I guess I can’t be too hard on Jim!
Other than that there were no horrific stories – like what happened to Derwin with the CN Interchange to Wholinthall last time. But I won’t dwell on the past, just point you to the story in case you missed it – Derwin’s ill fated run to Wholinthall.
Milne took this photo of Derwin derailing a freight car (or is he breaking something?) while John is checking out his instructions. Using switch lists is a little new to these guys since they are very used to car card systems. Either way, you still have to find the car at the industry and sometimes they aren’t where they are supposed to be. Good switch crews are hard to find! HA!
Jim finally did make it out of Bayside and is pulling into Chappellton to drop off cars and pick up a cut heading for Tidewater. Mike has things under control and is very glad I suggested he take the Chappellton job. There is definitely a height advantage working on the lower side of the room.
Milne took this photo as well. It’s great to have someone else on hand to take pictures since I’m usually too busy. It begs the question, though… Why did he have so much free time?!
Milne took this shot as well. It’s a different perspective of just how crowded things can get when there are lots of operators on the same side of the room. Fortunately I didn’t get really greedy for layout space and make the aisles any narrower. People can still get by one another.
I guess I should clean the light fixtures in the ceiling. Those lights never get used.
I didn’t run a train so I guess I’m just observing – making sure folks understand how the layout works. It looks like Derwin is waiting with the CN Interchange (Yes, he’s running that one again! You’d think I’d learn!) for Jim to finish in Chappellton so he can get into the yard in Tidewater. Derwin’s glad he won’t have to do the switching for the Interchange and Transfer trains for a change. It can get a little confusing (and we know how easy it is to confuse Derwin). Dave has things in Tidewater under control.
Derwin took this shot of Milne running the East Bound Wayfreight into Kenville. John took the task of doing the local switching in both Kenville and Derwin’s Drop, and providing helper service over “The Ridge”. It’s not one of the busiest jobs on the layout, but it does keep a person occupied and provides a bit of variety.
All in all the visit went really well. All the freight cars went to the right places and everyone had a great time. We are now looking forward to out trip to Saint John on the 20th to operate on a couple layouts there. It will be a joint trip with some Half Nutters and some of the Codiac guys. I hope Steve and Doug are prepared for the havoc we can bring!
Later!
Scott