Well a good part of August passed me by owing to illness. I was confined to the house and shuffled between rooms sleeping, drinking, watching TV and surfing the web.
A while back, a good friend of mine, let's call him Jason, had an operating night for us with switch lists to use. Well it was interesting and provided a fun night. There was lots of discussion on how to operate a railway in the model form.
I have always believed that no matter what, us as unique individuals, we do the same thing. That is we follow the same pathway. I look back at my model railway life and it can be abbreviated to; Clockwork, Electric, Trainset, N Scale, Layout 1, Layout 2, Layout 2.1, Girls, Layout 3, Layout 4, Dedicated Train Room, Layout 6, DCC, Operation, Layout 6.1 and Sound.
During the span of time I have been a member of some six groups. So I have been educated and molded by those around me. And yes I turned into one of them. There was a time I earnestly believed that DCC was not for me. That operations were not for me. That sound was not for me. However, I have rolled over on all three fronts.
So whilst I was recovering, my mind wandered to the different types of operations available to the modeller. Everyone has their own version of what they believe is best for them and their railway. None of the operation strategies are wrong, certainly none are more correct than another. They are what they are for the owner of the railway.
Normally when you mention Operations, modellers normally think of fast clocks, way bills and timetables. Well I decided to follow my friend and try a Switchlist approach to an operating night with my other good friend Dennis. So last Tuesday night we did just that.
My research concluded that you do not need a lot of 'moves' to make the night fun. It does not matter how much rolling stock you have (you just put it away) and it does not need to be complicated.
The night went well. It did remind us both, that; cutting cars with a rixpick you need to be able to reach the car, see the coupling, be within the focal distance of your glasses, make sure there were no overhead canopies on the line side buildings obstructing the cut, that tall buildings/scenery items should not be placed at the front of the layout and lighting valances should allow you to get your head in to achieve all of the afore mentioned items.
Humans learn from mistakes. From the time of attempting to rollover as a baby, through to learning a new skill. The problems noted can be circum navigated by some lateral thinking during the setup of the layout for the session and the planning of the Switchlist.
If all this fails, well I (we) can just let the trains run and discuss the problems of the first world with my friends.
Until next time.
Noel
Saturday 17 September 2016
Saturday 16 April 2016
Operation
I have been a bit busy with things of late, however I have had another crack at producing a running timetable. Taken a different approach compared to last time I tackled this. Broke the timeline down into 5 min increments to a max of 120 ie 2 hours, included the extra staging, included the automated 'Gina' train at regular symmetrical intervals for the computer operation and allowed enough time to load/dump trains and switching of the freights in each yard.
Well Tuesday night is train night, so Dennis and I put the running plan into operation. With stopwatch in hand and Dennis in the drivers seat he set off with Ore Train 1 running empty to Mine 1 via Mulga Loop. Some loco issues soon made the train departure late, then a derailed car at Wombat Junction, soon made for late running.
At first anxiety set in as we were not keeping up with the schedule. Then it dawned on me that this is a good thing. These "situations" instead of being fabricated were real. Just like real life, delays are incurred due to things happening that you had no control over. So we embraced the issue and dealt with them and recorded them on the train sheet to reflect what went on.
Dennis then loaded the ore train, taking over 15 minutes to fill the 20 ore cars and do appropriate loco changes etc. So all in all a great night. We both agreed that to see the layout performing as it should is a great experience, one that sometimes is not realized for many years due to the work to get to that point.
My layout is over 26 years old in its current format. There are many old ideas and concepts embedded in it ie curves that are 12", which at the time were considered large. My loading loop has this as well as a reverse curve, so the strain on the train, combined with the added weight as the train is loaded is challenging to keep the train at a consistent speed whilst loading.
Many years ago, pre DCC, to help with reliable running a put in a check rail on the curve which was electrically bonded to its neighbouring rail, to assist the 6 wheel trucks of the locos to have continual electrical contact. It certainly helped, however the purchasing of 4 wheel truck locos for switching was another great step forward. Finally the introduction of DCC produced a semi reliable loading process. Dirty track, espically using live loads of iron ore, meant the track cleanliness can be an issue.
For many years now I have read and reread other modellers thoughts, beliefs on how to clean track, what you should use to clean track, all to produce the best running outcome. Well for this Tuesday night session as noted above, I tried a 4B graphite lead pencil on the main and check rails. It worked a treat! No loss of contact was experienced. My friends I have found the secret for my layouts loading process after 26 years. So onwards and upwards as I prepare for a formal operating session with my train operating group.
Well Tuesday night is train night, so Dennis and I put the running plan into operation. With stopwatch in hand and Dennis in the drivers seat he set off with Ore Train 1 running empty to Mine 1 via Mulga Loop. Some loco issues soon made the train departure late, then a derailed car at Wombat Junction, soon made for late running.
At first anxiety set in as we were not keeping up with the schedule. Then it dawned on me that this is a good thing. These "situations" instead of being fabricated were real. Just like real life, delays are incurred due to things happening that you had no control over. So we embraced the issue and dealt with them and recorded them on the train sheet to reflect what went on.
Dennis then loaded the ore train, taking over 15 minutes to fill the 20 ore cars and do appropriate loco changes etc. So all in all a great night. We both agreed that to see the layout performing as it should is a great experience, one that sometimes is not realized for many years due to the work to get to that point.
My layout is over 26 years old in its current format. There are many old ideas and concepts embedded in it ie curves that are 12", which at the time were considered large. My loading loop has this as well as a reverse curve, so the strain on the train, combined with the added weight as the train is loaded is challenging to keep the train at a consistent speed whilst loading.
Many years ago, pre DCC, to help with reliable running a put in a check rail on the curve which was electrically bonded to its neighbouring rail, to assist the 6 wheel trucks of the locos to have continual electrical contact. It certainly helped, however the purchasing of 4 wheel truck locos for switching was another great step forward. Finally the introduction of DCC produced a semi reliable loading process. Dirty track, espically using live loads of iron ore, meant the track cleanliness can be an issue.
For many years now I have read and reread other modellers thoughts, beliefs on how to clean track, what you should use to clean track, all to produce the best running outcome. Well for this Tuesday night session as noted above, I tried a 4B graphite lead pencil on the main and check rails. It worked a treat! No loss of contact was experienced. My friends I have found the secret for my layouts loading process after 26 years. So onwards and upwards as I prepare for a formal operating session with my train operating group.
Saturday 2 January 2016
This weekend activity was to build a model airbrushing paint booth.
I have many things to paint currently and I felt it would be good to have a booth for safety and convenience. As the overspray has always concerned me, even though I wear a respirator.
So a bit of online research revealed a cheap plastic storage container, a bathroom exhaust fan and a filter was all that was need to make something that worked. I found a Bunnings $10 voucher in my wallet, so off shopping I went one lunchtime. Mancave heaven! The box was the most expensive item, and finding one that was deep and the right size was a breeze.
It literally is 5 pieces of timber, box, fan, a/c filter, few scores and a couple of cable ties.
I have many things to paint currently and I felt it would be good to have a booth for safety and convenience. As the overspray has always concerned me, even though I wear a respirator.
So a bit of online research revealed a cheap plastic storage container, a bathroom exhaust fan and a filter was all that was need to make something that worked. I found a Bunnings $10 voucher in my wallet, so off shopping I went one lunchtime. Mancave heaven! The box was the most expensive item, and finding one that was deep and the right size was a breeze.
It literally is 5 pieces of timber, box, fan, a/c filter, few scores and a couple of cable ties.
Monday 28 December 2015
Well the Model Maritime Union will be happy and sad with what has transpired at Port Ronsard.
The Port Authority have been busy installing safety walkways out to the mooring points as well as a caged access ladder. So that is the good news.
Unfortunately the caged ladder has not been installed to Australian Standards. The angle is too low. It is 58 degrees instead of the minimum 60 degrees.
Management were heard to mutter "Whatever"! Given the limited access requirement, the issue is closed and will not be discussed any further. So wharf i.e. Clyde Arrow (known by his mates as Bowen) will just have to live with it.
The Port Authority have been busy installing safety walkways out to the mooring points as well as a caged access ladder. So that is the good news.
Unfortunately the caged ladder has not been installed to Australian Standards. The angle is too low. It is 58 degrees instead of the minimum 60 degrees.
Management were heard to mutter "Whatever"! Given the limited access requirement, the issue is closed and will not be discussed any further. So wharf i.e. Clyde Arrow (known by his mates as Bowen) will just have to live with it.
Wednesday 18 November 2015
The Journey or Destination? What is you love for the hobby?
There has been recent discussion in the magazines (and also amoungst my fellow modellers) as to which answer is correct from our own point of view.
I must say outright, that for me it is the Journey.
The problem solving along the way, the long term plan that I had when I started this latest version of my current layout, means I love the journey. The Destination will come naturally. Whether it is the layout being finished, or indeed me being finished. The Destination will come.
Over the 26ish years I have been building the layout, I have indicated to my learned friends that "Yes, I can finish it for an exhibition". Only to see those deadlines come and go and a no show from me and my layout. I'm sure this has been disappointing to all concerned. I know it has been for me. However a wise modelling fiend of many years said to me once, "A Model Railways is a hobby, not a living thing". Poignant words. Especially when recently a number of layouts I have known have disappeared (for many different reasons)and the heartfelt sadness we all collectively felt as we ran on those systems for the last time.
If we recall our favourite moments in life, they are generally the memories of journeys and what happened along the way getting to the destination. For me personally, as much as I would love to exhibit my layout (and it was built to be exhibited) if it happens it happens. If it does not, then obviously I have not reached my destination.
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Lao-tzu, The Way of Lao-tzu
Chinese philosopher (604 BC - 531 BC)
There has been recent discussion in the magazines (and also amoungst my fellow modellers) as to which answer is correct from our own point of view.
I must say outright, that for me it is the Journey.
The problem solving along the way, the long term plan that I had when I started this latest version of my current layout, means I love the journey. The Destination will come naturally. Whether it is the layout being finished, or indeed me being finished. The Destination will come.
Over the 26ish years I have been building the layout, I have indicated to my learned friends that "Yes, I can finish it for an exhibition". Only to see those deadlines come and go and a no show from me and my layout. I'm sure this has been disappointing to all concerned. I know it has been for me. However a wise modelling fiend of many years said to me once, "A Model Railways is a hobby, not a living thing". Poignant words. Especially when recently a number of layouts I have known have disappeared (for many different reasons)and the heartfelt sadness we all collectively felt as we ran on those systems for the last time.
If we recall our favourite moments in life, they are generally the memories of journeys and what happened along the way getting to the destination. For me personally, as much as I would love to exhibit my layout (and it was built to be exhibited) if it happens it happens. If it does not, then obviously I have not reached my destination.
Chinese philosopher (604 BC - 531 BC)
Sunday 15 November 2015
Paying it forward
It has been a cold winter. On a wet Sunday afternoon I felt it was time to share some of my Pilbara Railway knowledge, gleaned over some 40 years as I attempted to model my version of the Pilbara.
I have always believed that we all travel the same path, it just that some of us do it a little differently at times. Along our journey we are taught, learn, share and we teach others who interact with us. This is very much the same for our endeavors in modelling railways.
It was this reckoning that lead me to create the 'Pilbara Modelling Group' on Facebook. Now many people believe Facebook is evil and yes it is to those who are not wary of the dark individuals that can be present behind innocent posts. However, in my opinion it does have a good side, allowing information exchanging between interested persons on similar interesting subjects. The Groups l have joined at my discretion, have been rewarding, interesting and informative.
I earnestly believed that there must be others like me who model the Pilbara. So create the group, find a suitable photo header, a brief narrative on the Groups objectives and away it went. Some 69 members later and yes that includes my two sons, the Group bubbles along.
Now even though I have been modelling this area I'm certainly no expert, however I feel I have a lot of information to share. Not that I at the end of my time or anything like that, I want to repay for all those people who through the years taught me, encouraged me and rewarded me. So I'm repaying the debt to all.
I have always believed that we all travel the same path, it just that some of us do it a little differently at times. Along our journey we are taught, learn, share and we teach others who interact with us. This is very much the same for our endeavors in modelling railways.
It was this reckoning that lead me to create the 'Pilbara Modelling Group' on Facebook. Now many people believe Facebook is evil and yes it is to those who are not wary of the dark individuals that can be present behind innocent posts. However, in my opinion it does have a good side, allowing information exchanging between interested persons on similar interesting subjects. The Groups l have joined at my discretion, have been rewarding, interesting and informative.
I earnestly believed that there must be others like me who model the Pilbara. So create the group, find a suitable photo header, a brief narrative on the Groups objectives and away it went. Some 69 members later and yes that includes my two sons, the Group bubbles along.
Now even though I have been modelling this area I'm certainly no expert, however I feel I have a lot of information to share. Not that I at the end of my time or anything like that, I want to repay for all those people who through the years taught me, encouraged me and rewarded me. So I'm repaying the debt to all.
Pay it forward is an expression for describing the beneficiary of a good deed repaying it to others instead of to the original benefactor.
Monday 9 March 2015
Sandown Exhibition
Well here we are, post Sandown Exhibition.
My friend Dennis and I attended the exhibition and had a thoroughly enjoyable time. Good crowds, good layouts, lots o diverse things to see and people to talk to.
I felt that the best layouts were Strathburn, Gordon, Time and Patience and Cardinia, as they each had very memorable elements whic represented the hobby well.
It was pleasing to see that some of the retailers were put against the glass, as the glare from outside is always detracting, as I have found in the past. The venue certainly does present well when compared to Caulfield Racecourse.
Until next time.....
My friend Dennis and I attended the exhibition and had a thoroughly enjoyable time. Good crowds, good layouts, lots o diverse things to see and people to talk to.
I felt that the best layouts were Strathburn, Gordon, Time and Patience and Cardinia, as they each had very memorable elements whic represented the hobby well.
It was pleasing to see that some of the retailers were put against the glass, as the glare from outside is always detracting, as I have found in the past. The venue certainly does present well when compared to Caulfield Racecourse.
Until next time.....
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