D&S Report #1 26 Apr 23

 

D&S Report #1 26 Apr 23

 Hello All, 

This is a D&S media release based on the most recent operating session at Ron Solly's Evanston Gardens D&S layout. Monday the 24th of April. This was the last session based on the operation of the 'Old Sequence' - Sequence # 105. This sequence has now been 'retired' off and a new operational sequence will commence in May. 

The 1st photo represents the operational team for the evening:

David = Tawnton West 

Geoff = Tawnton East

Reg = Charde

Brian = Wachit

Craig = Marabost

and Ron was the dispatcher, Chief poncho / organiser, Signal changer and adviser of operational delays / mishaps / faults (of which there were none, except when a newish DMU unit operated by the Charde layout had an incident whereby the bogie just fell away from the rest of the unit). This was not in any way, shape or form the fault of the Charde operator or layout owner. Manufacturer incompetence. 

Here is the team, completely focused of course, each with their very special section of railway. 

This next photo is a similar view but it is showing a more focused Charde operator and you can see the dispatcher admiring his new handiwork - the 'updated new beaut Dispatch panel'. 

Thanks to Reg for helping out and giving the 'sleepy hollow' of Charde a go. It was appreciated that you could be part of the evening. 

And by the way, the new Dispatch panel does look really good and appears very functional. 

Tawton was it's usual 'Hustle and Bustle' and at times it was certainly getting crowded with trains, however, in most circumstances the trains were shunted and wagons were allocated to other trains or shunted into their appropriate sidings, and this mostly happened within a timeframe. Sometimes the timeframe didn't match the times on the Train Order card but as the Tawnton East operator rightly stated, 'it happens in real life, trains are often late, sometimes even days late'. This is true and certainly the Tawton East operator was the most knowledgeable in the room on 'real live train operation'.

This next photo shows a time when Tawnton operators didn't look too busy - this must have been before the operating session started. 

The next shot shows Tawnton operators working out their next move or deciding on who does what!

Wachit was busy and as usual the operator had to listen out for the request or command that 'train X was coming through Wachit in 5 minutes'. Once this was heard a quick check and possible shuffle of wagons occurred in Wachit to ensure there was a clear line available. This may have caused some stress for the Wachit operator but he looked calm most of the evening and appeared relieved to be away from Tawton after a recent 12 month stint at either West or East. 

As usual the D&S owner has been very busy working on various aspects of his layout, which has included adding a loop track at Marabost (see next photo). Even though the Marabost chief operator baulked at this suggestion by the 'Wildcreek' man, the change is impressive and makes a positive contribution to the operational capabilities of Marabost. The finished trackwork is visible in this next photo. Great suggestion by Ray and very neat and efficient work by Ron to have it installed so quickly. The Marabost chief operator looks forward to operating there for an extended period in the near future to ensure all works well. 

Thanks to everyone for your participation at the D&S Monday night. It was of great value and the railway did not lose too much money. Great work team. 

Cheers

Craig 

(Newly promoted D&S Media consultant)