The model S&NY hosted its 7th op session on May 8th, 2015. A good time was had by all, and the railroad behaved very well. Only one slightly sticky set of turnout points, and slight episodic hesitation of one locomotive late in the session. I believe this proves the old adage that the way to have a smooth-running model railroad is to run it. Running the railroad, especially with visitors present, is a sure way to flush out any gremlins. Glitch by glitch, the numerous little hiccups inherent to any newly constructed layout will make themselves apparent and can be fixed between sessions.
That, and have clean track. I did spend a bit of effort prior to the previous session cleaning every inch of track with a scrap block of homasote soaked with laquer thinner, and the previous issues with electrical continuity have significantly improved.
Sorting out moves at Bradford Storage.
Extra #1908 East heads around Masten Loop curve en route to Towanda.
I also tried to adhere a little closer to the timetable and issue written orders as necessary to both get the trains over the road, and add some authenticity. I have some continuing concerns that the loaded and empty extra coal train ping-ponging back and forth during the session might not be the most desirable train to run, and it is usually not the first job the crews bid on for a session. However, one crew member expressed the opinion that running the extra, with a helper on the rear, against the other scheduled timetable trains was actually an interesting challenge. It was gratifying to hear this, as a design goal was to provide a variety of trains that would each be engaging to run in their own way. I think it it telling though, that this individual is probably the most “into” timetable and train order ops.
Lastly, I doctored up a little cell phone video made by one of the fellows to provide a little “historical” footnote to the session:
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