Today we ran the fourth Schedule in the Timetables drawn up by CEO of the BDR. Tuesday afternoon.
After coffee and listening to 1PM1 blasting along the rails through Blackwood we entered the Tardis to run the first half of the session. Seventeen Trains were scheduled to keep the troops out of The Commish's hair. The Team was as follows:
Dispatcher : Geoff T
Blue Lake Yardmaster: Steve
Operators: Ron, Dave and Geoff M
The sky was clear the sun shining and its was all go at 1400hr with the Roadside Goods from Heywood VR89, the empty grain from Dry Creek Train 333 and Train 390 from Blue Lake a loaded grain train to start proceedings. 390 was a bit late getting away due to a technical hitch with the drivers phone connection. Once sorted there was no stopping, except for the pickup in Wirrega of course. 390 was the crash test dummy for my recently painted 3D printed OBf cars on their first tour of duty.
The day went without any significant mishaps, although a range of challenges that only pop up when the layout is under full pressure have been set for the maintenance crews before next session. The most significant event though was the CEO of the BDR ( an avid steam train critic) seemingly enjoying running Train 793/858 the regional passenger from Adelaide to Murray Bridge and return; hauled by an SAR F Class with sound. The shrill of the Guards whistle was heard at every stop and the blast of the steam whistle echoed through the room prior to each departure. I did note a broad grin at one point.
The Commissioner has had a formal complaint from the Blue Lake Yardmaster, something about the task being too busy to have trains ready to run due to overwork, poor instructions and insufficient trackwork. Taking a leaf from the Donald Trump School of Management I understand the former Yardmaster is now Station Porter at Tantanoola. problem solved.
A few Pics of the days events.
