• operations photographs

    Since operations is a top priority for the layout, we commenced formal operating sessions in May 2015. Since then, we have hosted many special operating sessions for events such as the local 7th Division PNR/NMRA fall meet; RMMBC (https://railwaymodellersmeetofbc.ca/wp/) , and for the VanRail invitational operating weekend that takes place here in greater Vancouver in September of odd numbered years (http://www.vanrail.ca/), as well as sessions for the local Ops folks over the course of the years.





  • 2023 Railway Modellers Meet of BC; Op Sessions

    The sixth annual RMMBC meet took place May 26/27/28. This year saw a return to the pre-Covid format for the event. Although this years attendance was down, the opportunity to resume live operating sessions throughout Greater Vancouver was enthusiastically supported by the registrants who joined us.
    The Boundary Sub again hosted two op sessions which put the layout through its paces. Once again our intrepid Marc Simpson and Rene Gourley graciously took on the dispatching duties, while home crew members Chuck Laws, Al Lill, Mike Nyiri and Bill Dixon were extremely helpful in assisting the guests.  Having this dedicated group of friends helping me with the layout is what makes the operating sessions such a success and so enjoyable for folks to visit.

    The 2024 RMMBC meet has been replaced by the 7th Division PNR Regional meet from May 22nd to 25th where we hope to host our typical two sessions, and perhaps more.  

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  • Here are some 2023 photos of the two sessions taken by myself;

 

RMMBC Session #1

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  • RMMBC Session #2


    Vanrail 2023 Op Sessions

    The VanRail operations invitational event occurs in Greater Vancouver every odd year in September. Sadly, Covid caused cancellation of the 2021 event, however, we were thrilled to return to hosting VanRail in 2023. The Boundary Sub. hosted guests for its fourth VanRail since layout construction was started. There were two sessions on each of Sept 9, & 10th , 2023 during which 18 guest operators joined us. We were also fortunate to have guest Dispatchers for both sessions.  
    Sessions generally ran between 4 and 5 hours and we averaged about 18 trains for each. The layout and equipment ran reliably, however, op sessions always generate a resultant to-do list of various repairs and things to complete.

    I am once again very grateful for the home road crew assistance in preparing for this VanRail, in particular; Mike Nyiri, Ken Catlin, and Bill Dixon. Also, thanks to my home crew Dispatchers; Rene Gourley and Marc Simpson.

     There were visitors from all over North America, with particular interest again from our friends along the entire west coast. The committee members for the event were; Scott Calvert; Chairman, Rene Gourley & Mike Chandler. Check out the web site here; http://www.vanrail.ca/

    Here is a sampling of photos from both sessions taken by myself, or Ken Catlin:



  • fall 2022 / winter 2023 local op session

    The outcome from the 2022 RMMBC Op sessions in May taught me that I needed to rethink my sessions, both in length and complexity. The most meaningful revelation was just how rushed the sessions have become, and how stressed/anxious the guest crew becomes as a result. Naturally, this creates errors being made, some rough handling of the equipment, miss-spotted cars, misplaced paperwork, and incomplete work. And, worst of all; the FUN factor declines!

    So, I developed a scheme to overhaul several aspects of my sessions. Some of the tasks in the action plan included;

    • Reducing the fast clock speed from 4:1 to about 2.6 to 1.

    • Breaking up the sessions into 8 hour AM and 8 hour PM sessions, each of which would fit in roughly a 3 hour real time slot.

    • Program mods to loco decoders to slow them down.

    • Active encouragement of the crews to take their time and slow down.

    • Encourage crews to practice logical and prototypical procedures, such as stopping the train to throw turnouts, uncoupling cars at appropriate places, read & reread the instructions, completing train registers, OS’ing as necessary, etc.

    • Completely reworking the Timetable, Yard Instructions, Train Instructions and other misc paperwork.  


  • This process took a couple of months after which it was time to test the “new” strategies. To date, three sessions have been hosted, and constructive feedback was received after each of them. This in turn allowed me to make further revisions and implement them at the subsequent sessions. The overall result has been overwhelmingly positive, and we will continue to tweak things in preparation for the upcoming RMMBC 2023 and VanRail 2023 Op sessions.

    Here are a few photos of several of these new sessions;



  • 2022 railway modellers met of bc; op session

    After a three-year hiatus due to the Covid 19 pandemic, the fifth annual RMMBC meet took place May 27/28/29. This year’s meet was a scaled down version of previous events and was a combination of virtual and in person gatherings. A series of virtual clinics and virtual layout tours were also offered in the weeks before the main event. The in-person event included model displays, op sessions and a set of layout tours

    The Boundary Sub again hosted two op sessions which put the layout through its paces, since the layout had been somewhat dormant for a couple of years and several construction projects were done during the down time. Once again Marc Simpson and Rene Gourley graciously took on the dispatching duties, while home crew members Mike Nyiri and Bill Dixon were extremely helpful in assisting the guests.  Having this dedicated group of friends helping me with the layout is what makes the operating sessions such a success and so enjoyable for folks to visit.

    Dates for the 2023 RMMBC meet are May 26th to 28th and we look forward to hosting two sessions.

    Here are some photos of the two sessions taken by myself;
    RMMBC Session #1



    RMMBC Session #2



  • Spring 2022 pre-rmmbc op session

    With the layout in a relatively dormant state for over 18 months, and the prospect of hosting in-person sessions at the upcoming 2022 RAILWAY MODELLERS MEET OF BC, I needed to dust things off – both physically and operationally.

    To ease into hosting modest group op sessions, we decided to convene a couple of Ops Lite sessions and one full test session in the spring of 2022. These were designed to be low key with a limited number of participants. The objective was to create a comfortable environment for the attendees and provide an opportunity to basically play with the layout and determine if there were any major problems.

    The participants all enjoyed themselves and welcomed the opportunity to meet up with old friends in person and not behind a computer screen.

    Here are a few photos of these sessions;



  • August 2020 Solo Ops

    Sadly, due to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, the Boundary Sub, like all operations-based model railroads ceased all operating sessions which would involve folks coming to the layout to participate. I commend those creative and tech savy folks that attempted virtual op sessions and layout tours.

    The Boundary Sub was to celebrate its 5th anniversary of operations by hosting a session in the spring of 2020. Of course, it was necessary to postpone that session as well and defer the celebration.  

    Meanwhile, in order to nominally recognize this milestone, I conducted a one person op session where I was the only participant! It was certainly lonely; however, it was successful in reminding me how fortunate I am to have reached this stage of layout development and operations in a relatively brief period of time. That accomplishment is entirely due to the tremendous help that I have received from many of my friends – both local and far away, for which I want to say THANK YOU!

    Here is the PDF I created to commemorate the occasion:



  • vANRAIL 2019 Op Session

    The VanRail operations invitational event occurs in Greater Vancouver every odd year in September. The Boundary Sub. hosted guests for its third VanRail since layout construction was started. There were 3 sessions on each of Sept 6, 7, & 8th , 2019 during which 31 guest operators joined us. We were also fortunate to have two guest Dispatchers for each of the 3 sessions, so they each did a ½ session “trick”.

    Sessions generally ran between 3.5 and 4 hours and we averaged about 20 trains for each. These sessions debuted the extended mainline that was put in to service in late August. The layout and equipment ran well, however, op sessions always generate a resultant to-do list of various repairs and things to complete.
    I am once again very grateful for the home road crew assistance in preparing for this VanRail, in particular; Ken Catlin, Bill Dixon and John Martin. Also thanks to my home crew Dispatchers; Rene Gourley and Marc Simpson.

    There were visitors from all over North America, with particular interest again from our friends in California. The committee members for the event were; Scott Calvert; Chairman, Brian Clogg, Rene Gourley & Mike Chandler. Check out the web site here; http://www.vanrail.ca/

    Here is a sampling of photos from all three sessions taken by myself or Ken Catlin:


    Session #1 Guest Dispatcher; Rick K working on orders, while home crew Rene G (standing) looks on.
    Jim P is checking the Timetable at west Nelson while the yard crew (background) is busy classifying cars.

    East staging yardmaster; Andy L hosteling some power while staff photographer; Ken C is recording the activities.


    Nelson yardmaster Travers S on the phone with the Dispatcher while Bill S (background) is handling switching duties on the east end of the yard.

    Slocan Turn Train #93 engineer Doug L switching the pole yard spur at Fraine.
    Session #2 Operator; Bryn E taking orders while GN Engineer Mark J is switching in Salmo in the background before departing to the USA.  

    Extra 8554E entering the west end of Nelson yard under the control of engineer; Brian K while the yard crew is busy in the background assembling the next train.
    East staging yardmaster; Ted P (foreground) sorting car cards while Brian K is reviewing his orders in the background.

    Session #2 Dispatcher; John R seems to be having WAY too much fun as he records orders in the log book.
    Mike R; east Nelson yard switcher engineer taking a break from the hectic activities in this divisional yard.





    Session #2 East staging yardmaster; Jarett D is working on classifying cars on terminated trains while several other road engineers are busy a work in the background.



    Session #3 Operator; Norm S on the phone providing the Dispatcher with several OS’s.

    X4104W engineer; Larry R (right) readying his train for departure from the east staging yard now that way freight X8523E has arrived under the control of engineer Brian F (left).
    Session #3 Dispatcher; Al D on the phone with the Operator recording OS’s on the train sheet.

    From left to right; home crew member; John M, engineer; Jarett D, engineer; Larry R, yardmaster; David D, and switcher engineer; Dan T in the Nelson yard.
    Slocan Turn X8523 engineer; Dave H switching industries and the barge apron in the temporary Slocan City area.


    2019 Railway Modellers Meet of BC; Op Session

    The fourth annual RMMBC meet took place May 3/4/5. This year’s meet was again based at the Simon Fraser University campus and offered layout tours, model displays, op sessions and many great clinics. The event offered a great mix of activities with very interesting clinics and many wonderful models to view.

    The Boundary Sub again hosted op sessions which put the layout through its paces, especially since the layout had a lot of construction work immediately preceding the meet. Once again Marc Simpson and Rene Gourley graciously took on the dispatching duties, while home crew members Ken Catlin, John Martin and Bill Dixon were extremely helpful in assisting the guests.  Having this dedicated group of friends helping me with the layout is what makes the operating sessions such a success and so enjoyable for folks to visit.

    Tentative dates for the 2020 RMMBC are May 1st to 3rd and we hope you will consider attending the event and the op sessions. There will be lots to do. Watch the web site for more information over the coming months; http://railwaymodellersmeetofbc.ca/

    Here are some the photos taken by myself and Ken Catlin of the two sessions:
    RMM Session # 1


    East Staging yardmaster Larry R checking the paperwork for a departing train.
    Host member John M (L) assisting guest engineer Tom L as he switches the Kootenay Forest Products mill east of the Nelson yard.

    Road Engineer Kent C preparing to depart the west staging yard with train #46; Kettle Valley Express.
    Dispatcher Marc S preparing the paperwork for the first set of trains to commence the session.

    Layout owner Scott C (L) providing some briefing to some of the guest operators at the beginning of the session.
    GN Road Engineer Gordon H completing some switching at Salmo on the GN 5th Sub branchline.


    RMM Session # 2


    Dispatcher Rene G hard at work preparing a Clearance in the dispatcher's office.
    Road Engineer Doug I running train #83; Westward Ore Freight as it approaches the site of the future Taghum Kootenay River crossing.

    Nelson switching crew members Blair S (L) and Stuart T handling cars at some of the local area industries.

    Host member John M (R) proving some directions to the East staging yardmaster Rob H.

    GN Road Engineer Ken M completing some switching at Salmo on the GN 5th Sub branchline.
    Host member Marc S running a train through Castlegar.



    2018 Railway Modellers Meet of BC; Op Session

    The third annual RMMBC meet took place May 4/5/6. This year’s meet was again based at the Simon Fraser University campus and offered layout tours, model displays, op sessions and many great clinics. The event was a success with attendance exceeding last year’s event.

    The Boundary Sub again hosted op sessions, and welcomed 18 guests over  the days to put the layout through its paces. Marc Simpson and Rene Gourley graciously took on the dispatching duties, while home crew members Ken Catlin, John Martin and Bill Dixon were extremely helpful in assisting the guests. Once again, I need to say that having a group of friends helping me with the layout is what makes it such a success and so enjoyable for folks to visit.

    Tentative dates for the 2019 RMMBC are May 3rd to 5th and we hope you will consider attending the event and the op sessions. There will be lots to do. Watch the web site for more information over the coming months; http://railwaymodellersmeetofbc.ca/

    Here are some the photos taken by myself of the two sessions;


    East Staging yard master, Gordon H classifying cars for the next outbound freight.
    John M; 7th Div. Superintendent, reviewing the Timetable at Castlegar.

    Mark J performing some local switching at Castlegar.
    Road engineer John R checking the timetable while holding at the Nelson west yard limits.

    Marc S took on the Dispatcher role for this session and did great for his first solo effort.
    The Nelson yard is a busy pace. Yardmaster Dwight K and west end switcher engineer Doug I are discussing next moves.

    Host crew member Ken C is seen here assisting visiting crew member Dave T.
    Veteran Dispatcher Rene G preparing the Clearance and Orders for an extra freight train.

    Visitor Matthew B doing some rail fanning at the entry swing gate into the train room.
    Nelson yardmaster Jim L working with his switching crews and road engineers to keep things moving in and through the yard.

    Host crew John M (L) overseeing a meet at South Slocan between the passenger train #45 run by Don W (R)  and a the local Slocan Turn train run by Rick L (C).
    East staging yard master Larry R, a regular guest at the layout, is assembling the Slocan Turn train.


    vanrail 2017 op session

    The VanRail operations invitational event occurs in Greater Vancouver every second odd year. The “new” Boundary Sub. hosted guests for its second VanRail since the layout was started. There were 3 back to back sessions from Sept 8 to 10, 2017 during which 30 guest operators joined us. We were also fortunate to have guest Dispatchers for all 3 sessions.

    Sessions generally ran between 3.5 and 4 hours and averaged 13 to 15 trains each. These sessions are an ongoing opportunity to keep testing the layout, equipment and the operations scheme we have been developing since the layout was initialled designed.

    I am very grateful for the home road crew assistance in preparing for VanRail, in particular Ken Catlin, Bill Dixon and John Martin.

    There were visitors from all over North America, with particular interest from our friends in California. The committee members for the event were; Scott Calvert; Chairman, Brian Clogg, Rene Gourley & Mike Chandler. Here is a sampling of photos from the sessions:


    Rick K volunteered for the Dispatcher’s position during the September 8th session.
    Jim D engineer of extra 4080 west O/S ing the dispatcher to advise his train has terminated in the east staging yard.

    Tom L; engineer of #807 the Slocan Turn is running past the Nelson station on the main under the close eye of Nelson yard crew member Lloyd L.

    Karl L switching the east end staging yard, while Brian S (background) performs a runaround move with extra GN X707 west at Troup Junction.

    Ray D switching the east end staging yard.
    Seth N updating the dispatchers sheet as another train O/Sed in.

    Eric D (right) running #46 Kettle Valley Express downgrade through Bulldog siding while engineer Jim W throws the turnout so extra 8556 westward coal train can depart.
    Bill J engineer of the #45 Kootenay Express just clearing the west switch at Coykendahl siding as the train begins the 2.2% ascent to Bulldog tunnel.

    Joe G, east staging yardmaster has a busy place, but seems to be enjoying himself regardless.

    Dave A performs a runaround move with extra GN X662 west at Troup Junction in preparation for the run to Nelson.

    Engineer Al F (foreground) running #968 eastward through freight as it approaches Nelson while engineer; Ken R holds the Slocan Turn train in the wye behind the station.
    Dispatcher Don M completing some orders for extra 8556; eastward ore/coal train.


    2017 RAILWAY MODELLERS MEET of BC OPERATING SESSIONS

    The second annual RMMBC meet took place May 5/6/7, a mere 6 months from the one last fall. This year’s meet offered a new venue, significantly more lop sessions & layouts, and great clinics.

    The Boundary Sub again hosted op sessions, and welcomed 16 guests over 32 days to put the layout through its paces. Anthony Craig and Rene Gourley graciously took on the dispatching duties, while home crew members Ken Catlin and Bill Dixon were extremely helpful in assisting the guests. Once again, I need to say that having a group of friends helping me with the layout is what makes it such a success and so enjoyable for folks to visit.

    Tentative dates for the 2018 RMMBC are May 4th to 6th and we hope you will consider attending the event and the op sessions. There will be lots to do. Watch the web site for more information over the coming months; http://railwaymodellersmeetofbc.ca/

    Here are some of the photos taken by myself, or John Green of these two sessions.
    RMM Session #1


    Nelson Yardmaster; Ken R reviewing the car cards for the ice house and freight shed.
    East staging yard master; Dave L classifying cars in preparation for the next outbound through freight.

    Road engineer; Rick W setting out some cars in the Castlegar yard.
    Dispatcher; Anthony C receiving an OS from a road crew.

    Train #46; Kettle Valley Express with engineer Raymond W at the throttle slowing as it approaches Fraine siding just west of South Slocan.
    Discussion between road engineer; Rick C (right), Dispatcher; Anthony C (centre) and home crew member; Ken C at the entrance to the room.



    RMM Session #2


  • East staging yard master; Nelson G reviewing the consist of a terminating train
    Nelson Yardmaster Bill S (right) and east end switching crew; Doug W working feverishly in the yard.

    Road engineer Josh G at the throttle of Trains #45; Kootenay Express west of South Slocan.
    Road engineer; John S (right) receiving some mentoring from home road team member; Ken C with Josh G in the background.

    Veteran dispatcher; Rene G preparing a clearance and orders for one of the many trains to run during this op session.
    Road engineer; John S working with some cars in the Fraine siding.


  • 2016 RAILWAY MODELLERS MEET of BC OPERATING SESSIONS

    The first annual Railroad Modellers meet of BC (RMMBC) took place on Nov 3 to 6th this year, and by all accounts was a great success. Operating sessions are rated as one of the top offerings at the annual meet held in the Vancouver lower mainland area each fall.

    This year the Boundary Sub. hosted two evening sessions for registrants to participate in. We had 8 guests for each one. Rene Gourley took care of the Dispatching duties, and Ken Catlin provided critical assistance to the visitors. Having both these guys helping made the sessions flow smoothly.


    The 2017 RMMBC will be held on the May 6 & 7th weekend and we hope you will consider attending the event and the op sessions. There will be lots to do. Watch the web site for more information over the coming months; http://railwaymodellersmeetofbc.ca/


    Ken C assists visitor Dave T work the phone, while Procter yardmaster; Don Y (background) is classifying cars in the yard.
    Bob M is readying the GN power for the eastward GN train heading to Salmo, and eventually the USA.

    Kurt L is clearing a westward train out of the east staging yard.
    Kyle G is on the phone with the dispatcher prior to clearing his train out of the temporary west staging yard while host crew member; Ken C provides assistance.

    Rene G looking very relaxed at eh dispatchers desk during the Friday session.    		  

    2016 extended mainline ops

    During the spring and summer of 2016 we constructed the main peninsula that would house the first leg of the extended mainline from Castlegar up the 2% ascending grade towards Farron.

    After several months of hard work and testing by a dedicated group of the host team, the project was completed sufficiently to permit resumption of operations. Consequently, we hosted op sessions on August 18th & 25th ,and again on October 20th to test this new section and garner constructive feedback from the regular crew that participated.

 

  • October 20, 2016 Session


    East staging yardmaster; Brian C programming new locos into the Lenz throttles while Ken C assists.
    Andrew H performing switching duties in the east end of the divisional yard at Nelson.


    Bill D keeping track of the trains as the dispatcher for this session.


    Enginemen Ken C (R) and Greg M posing as their trains meet at Coykendahl for the first time since the mainline expansion was opened.

    August 25, 2016 Session


    Brian D preparing paperwork for the next extra train as the Dispatcher for this session.
    Nelson yardmaster; John G (foreground) operating the west end switchers while assistant; Doug H classifies cars.

    Engineman; Ken M running #46 Kootenay Express past the water tank at Coykendahl siding on his way to the summit at Farron.
    Engineman Brian P with extra 8523 east approaching the yard limits at Nelson.


    August 18, 2016 Session


    Dispatcher; Bill D preparing a clearance and orders for the next way freight.
    Engineman Marc S preparing to depart the west staging yard with #46 Kettle Valley Express passenger train.

    Engineman Michael B preforming switching duties at Salmo on the GN fifth subdivision line.
    East end Nelson yard switching engineman David M (foreground) classifying cars while yardmaster; Anthony C organizes paperwork for the next train.

  • vancouver train expo op session

    On the evening of Friday Nov 6th, 7 guest operators joined us for the first op session as part of the annual fall meet since 2010! We had a total of 27 guest operators this year and 4 host layouts including the Boundary Sub. The local Ops group uses these sessions as an opportunity for modellers to participate and learn about model railroad operations. There is no requirement for experience at all.


    Ken C did a great job on the Dispatchers duties.

    Rick C checking his orders at Castlegar.


    Dwight K classifying cars in the east staging yard. As a novice operator and first time visitor to the layout, he did a great job.


    Ed M guiding #46; the eastward passenger train into the east staging yard.


    Dave L preforming the complicated caboose drop/runaround move at Troup Jct. where the GN meets the CP mainline.

    Rob K handling the switching for train #807; South Slocan turn.



  • VANRAIL 2015 OP SESSIONS

    After a several year hiatus from hosting formal operating sessions, we were very excited to host 3 back to back sessions as part of the VanRail ops event which occurs in Greater Vancouver every second year.

    We hosted 24 guests and ran 3 four hour sessions which averaged 12 to 14 trains each. These sessions were an opportunity to test the layout, equipment and the operations scheme we have been developing.

    Once again, we had visitors from all over North America, with particular interest from our friends in California. The committee members for the event were; Scott Calvert; Chairman, Brian Clogg, Rene Gourley & Mike Chandler. Here is a sampling of photos from the sessions:


    Nelson yardmaster; Jim P (background) pulling some power off the loco track at the east end while east end switching crew member; Brian S and road engineer Rene G look on.


    Seth N performing the Dispatcher duties.





    Brian K (foreground) talking to the Dispatcher, while road engineer; David M waits for instructions at the west end of the Nelson yard.

    Bob S performing the complicated caboose drop & runaround move for the GN train entering the CPR Nelson Sub.

    Rene G taking on the Dispatching duties.




    Nelson yardmaster; Rich B working with switching crew member; Al F on the west end of Nelson yard.


    Cal S switching the South Slocan/Fraine area.

    Larry A working in Castlegar on the Castlegar turn local freight.

    Norm S assembling eastward through freight #968 in the west staging yard.

    SP prototype Dispatcher performing the dispatcher duties for this session. He kept us all on our feet with his wonderful knowledge.


    Don M working the Slocan turn the day after the VanRail sessions.



    Regular crew member, Marc S blocking a westward train for departure from Proctor staging yard.

    Bryn E (foreground) operating the GN local on the main at Troup Junction while Ken C coaches from the Proctor staging yard.



    Dan T (L) handing the Proctor staging yard duties, while Kent C (R) is performing the complicated caboose drop & runaround move for the GN train entering the CPR Nelson Sub.

    Layout owner Scott C providing some directions while Ken C, Bryn E and Ray D look on. (photo by Marc S)


  • First regular 3rd Thursday Evening Session

    After a several year hiatus, we resumed the regular 3rd Thursday of the month evening op sessions. This session benefited from revisions and updates that came from the feedback of the previous sessions. The session lasted over 3 hours with a crew of 7 people.

    We ran 14 out of a possible 17 trains on the line up. Many thanks to Bill Dixon for taking on the Dispatcher role for the session. Here are a few photos of the session;


    Nelson yardmaster; Brian Clogg switching a cut of reefers into the ice house.

    Regular crew member Rene Gourley assembling eastward through freight #968 in the temporary west staging yard.
    Proctor Yardmaster; John Green (foreground) with road engineer; Mark Dance in the background.
    Guest operator, Ken Rutherford running the Slocan Turn way freight.
    Almost the entire op crew in Nelson yard area.


  • Inaugural Operating Session; May 3, 2015

    Almost 4 years after the last session on the previous Boundary Sub. layout, and 3 years since the construction of this layout commenced, we hosted our first formal structured session on this new layout. The session lasted close to 3 hours and was enjoyed by the 8 people that attended.

    It also served to provide valuable insight and constructive feedback on items needing improvement, or that were not working.

    Thanks to the crew; Margot Calvert, Ken Catlin, Brian Pate, Mark Dance, Anthony Craig, Mike Chandler, Bill Dixon and John Green.

    Here are a few photos of that session;


    Bill performing Proctor/east staging Yardmaster duties


    Ken working hard on the Dispatcher duties.

    Anthony handling the Nelson yardmaster duties.

    Brian guiding Extra 8901 east over the gate – it works like a charm!

    A happy looking group shot
    Enjoying the food and beverages and camaraderie after the session

    Mark switching in Castlegar

     

  • Test operating Sessions; March 28 & April 12, 2015

    In order to make the upcoming formal sessions as enjoyable and problem free as possible, we decided to host 2 initial “test” sessions on the layout with crews drawn from our local pool of operators.

    These were basically “run the trains and see how things go’ kind of sessions. They were intended to see how the layout and equipment performed, and to ferret out any obvious problems. We used a sequential train line up process as neither the fast clocks nor timetable had been implemented.

    Here are a few photos of that session;


  • John (foreground) performing yardmaster duties in the Proctor/East Staging yard, with Bill departs with the freight train to the Rossland Sub staging through Castlegar.


    Mike assembling through freight #968 in the temporary west staging yard. The temporary framing for the upper deck is serving as a handy shelf for the car cards!


    Ken switching the South Slocan/Fraine area where the Slocan Sub connects to the Boundary Sub.

    Anthony performing yard duties in the Nelson yard area. The open area in the lower centre of the photo will be the classification yard tracks.

    Temporary west staging yard looking pretty full at the end of the session.


    Castlegar area – the mainline to the east is in the upper left corner.

    Proctor/East staging yard looking very tidy under the hand of yardmaster John G.

    Nelson yard – west end. A westbound C-Liner led passenger train departing while an SW unit switches one of the few yard tracks.

  •