The Acid Test

 July 17th became the day the GSD was put through her paces by the crowd from the Northern Suburbs. Ray, Ron, Dave, Geoff M and Geoff T gathered for lunch at 12 followed by their introduction to the GSD.

Once the food was digested I reminded the crew that Happiness = Expectation minus Reality, and it was in their control as to whether they would have a happy day.

After a brief introduction to the layout the task was set about to hook up phones to the Command System, I use a YaMoRC YD7001  and Traincontroller to dispatch, although today TC was rested. The crew then oriented themselves to the Operating format, which included Train Orders and Manifests. I use Manifest Creator, a back end product the runs from the Operations Pro element of JMRI. Operators don’t have to carry Car Cards and weighbills as the computer tracks rolling stock movements. It took a little while to get hooked up, but eventually with guidance from the GSD’s technical adviser, Geoff T, all operators were running trains with their phones. Oh,all except Ron, he opted for the DT602 throttle which, whilst it is the same colour as his NCE Throttles, that’s where the similarities stop. 

This was the first time the GSD had three WiFi operators and one Throttle operator working simultaneously. Four trains operating at the same time in different towns. I am pleased to say she held up pretty well. I warned operators that there were some deceased Frenchmen at some points, operators were very kind to point out certain issues that cropped up, but none were show stoppers.

The main comment was not enough Staging…….. Duh! There is never enough staging, Geoff T has 14 staging tracks at each end of his layout, and guess what, it isn’t enough. 

That aside, there were some track work issues that are easily fixed. Locomotives ran relatively smoothly, and people seemed generally happy (expectations did not outweigh the reality) with the day. I think they see more potential to expand the Operations a bit more than I have at present.

Alas I forgot to take pics to include in this report but you can’t have everything.

The session was topped off with Tea and Coffee and a Mandarin cake with Cream (provided by the delightful Helen)

It was agreed next month down south will see the crew put the Wolf Creek and Western put through it paces.

I wish to thank the boys from out north for indulging me and special thank you to Geoff T for his able advice and assistance in troubleshooting.

The Commish

Addendum 

It seems Ron took some pics so here are some from his collection

3 level staging Millicent at the bottom, Heywood in the middle and Adelaide/Mile End on top

The view down to Wirrega

The Up Mixed awaits departure in Blue Lake Yard

David’s edges his train onto the Murray River Bridge

Blue Lake Loco Yard with its Digital 👆🏻 Turntable

Dartmoor VIC with Tantanoola siding at the lower level

Blue Lake Yard looking West