D&S Media Release 28th August 2023
Operators:
Dispatcher: Ron
Charde: Rowan
Marabost: Ray
Watchit: Reg
Tawnton West: Craig
Tawnton East: David
This edition of the D&S ramblings is a ‘condensed’ version due to the Media Manager’s work commitments.
A barmy 'Almost' Spring evening greeted the operators at Evanston Gardens. The usual cuppa and chin-wag was ever present and it was pick night so that added to the entertainment around the kitchen table. Charde was off limits as Rowan had ownership for a little while yet. Ray filled in for Paul and did a sterling job of picking Marabost, much to someone else’s disgust.
Charde:
Rowan is getting used to the operations. He is carefully reading instructions and getting to understand the difference between a standard goods train and an Express Goods Train. Even though Charde is a ‘laid-back’ little English branchline there still some complexities and Rowan is getting used to some of these. Practice makes perfect, however, those on the D&S roster, no-one is perfect although there are a couple of gentlemen that are getting close.
Keep up the good work Rowan.
Watchit:
Reg was a 1st timer at Watchit and certainly it appeared he was grasping the complexities of the 2nd largest operation of the D&S. There were a number of times whereby the phrase ‘extremely efficient’ was heard from the Watchit operator (at least 5 times). Interestingly, this may have been to remind others of how inefficient others were. It is valuable when one can back up their claims of ‘extreme efficiency’, however, in this case the term may have been overused somewhat……particularly when the Watchit operator was the only one on the night that didn’t (yes, didn’t) complete their train sequence. (Dispatcher note - I think he was prepared to do the last train but I did say – “leave it” as I think I may have not allowed enough time to finish the main goods shunting before close of the session to allow for another lot of shunting).
Extremely efficient, possibly not! Efficient….possibly at times. In the Watchit operator’s defence (force), there was certainly not much request of assistance so one presumes that it was smooth and timely operations.
Marabost:
Ray continues to manage the small but busy hamlet of Marabost. Certainly it appeared that most trains left Marabost on time and went to their correct destinations with the right wagons. Ray was also efficient on the night, and even though instructions may not have been read or observed, there did not appear to be any serious consequences because of this. Thanks for filling in Ray.
Tawnton West:
This was Craig’s 1st official time at Tawnton West. Even though this station is not on his ‘Favourites’ list, it was still manageable and workable. The Tawnton West operator continued to get use to the new tracks and changes since last time and he tried to work cohesively with the Tawnton East operator. This occurred most of the time and as a pairing the 2 Tawnton operations were ‘Extremely Efficient’. Yes, there were a couple of shorts because points weren’t changed over and 1 train left 2 minutes late but other then that, it was operational awesomeness. It certainly will be beneficial for the Tawnton operators to have consistency in the LEDs in the panel (Green or Red) and no doubt the D&S owner has put this on his ‘to do’ list, along with the 23 other jobs Ray has suggested he do and obviously all D&S operators are waiting for that elusive HELIX to be constructed.
Tawnton East:
Interestingly this operating session was a straight swap for the Tawnton operators with David doing East and Craig doing West. On the last roster it was the other way around, and to be honest both David and Craig would prefer it that way. Both operators are developing an understanding of how the other thinks D&S wise, so it is a team effort. The East operator did a lot of the point changing on the panel for the roster, which worked fine. All wagons were shunted where they were supposed to be and trains were made up and departed in a very timely fashion….except one, whereby there was some confusion on the nature of 10 or 11 wagons and double bogie wagons counting as 2. This issue (challenge) was discussed and some alternations may be made.
Overall, the Tawnton team continue to make money for the D&S and cover loses incurred by the other stations on the layout.
In Summary:
The operating session was enjoyable. Even though the ‘Dispatcher’ hasn’t got a mention before now, he continues to guide and facilitate and in this particular session, it was observed on occasions that he was walking around with a pencil and his beloved running sequence folder…………… more regularly then normal one must say. A greater emphasis at times was focused on the pencil and it was noted that it was used 6 times at various different locations. This usage was predominantly for making changes to T/Os, just minor changes that liquid paper wouldn’t fix.
It was great to see Ron’s progression with the Tiverton extension and it is certainly coming along at ‘Ron’ pace. It will be finished by the next operating session. (Dispatcher note - dunno about that :-P )
It will be another very workable addition to the D&S operations.
Unfortunately, there are no photos for this report. Operating at Tawnton West meant the Media Manager didn’t have time to take any photos. Apologies. The evening ended with some general chit chat and banter plus the usual cuppa and biscuits.
