Crew Instructions

I have been reflecting back on the recent operating session (playing with my trains as my mom says) considering what could be done to assist crews, limit questions of me, etc.  There is a lot of information to convey to crews when a session starts.  It's only compounded by the fact that the ROCK is in a constant state of change.  Crew members joke, what is here today, will be gone tomorrow.  :-)  I like to make things better.

So, instead of my verbal instructions (that are bound to leave some key piece of information out), I have created printed detailed instructions that should answer most questions a crew member would have.  An example can be found below:

#110 Illinois Shorts Silvis Instructions

You’re working the road local from Chicago to Silvis.  You will not switch any industry, but simply swap blocks of cars at the various stations.

@ Joliet – Set off cars marked 113 Joliet Local on Main 1 Storage Track.  If no room, set off overflow cars on the Main 2 Storage Track.  Pickup cars marked Silvis.

@ Ottawa – Work with Ottawa Yardmaster.  Set off cars marked Ottawa.  The yardmaster will determine if you need to set off cars marked 118 LaSalle Local.  Pickup cars marked Silvis.

@ LaSalle – Set off cars marked 118 LaSalle Local in the LaSalle Storage track.  Pickup cars marked Silvis.

@ Bureau – Set off cars marked Peoria.  Pickup cars marked Silvis.

Terminate at Silvis under Yardmaster instruction

* Main (or Main 1) is always the station track

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#111 Illinois Shorts Chicago Instructions

You’re working the road local from Silvis to Chicago.  You will not switch any industry, but simply swap blocks of cars at the various stations.

@ Bureau – Set off cars marked Peoria.  Pickup cars marked Chicago.

@ LaSalle – Set off cars marked 118 LaSalle Local.  Any overflow, take to Ottawa to set off.  Pickup cars marked Chicago. 

@ Ottawa – Work with Ottawa Yardmaster.  Set off cars marked Ottawa.  Pickup cars marked Chicago.

@ Joliet – Set off cars marked 113 Joliet Local on Main 2 Storage Track.  Pickup cars marked Chicago.

Terminate at Chicago under Trainmaster instruction.

* Main (or Main 1) is always the station track

Progress (or lack of):
For the past few days, I haven't done much other than work on re-staging the layout.  I have run a few test trains for simple enjoyment.

This morning I did work on cleaning the wheel sets for one RS2 power set.  That seemed to correct the issues with the power.  They will return to service.  I haven't had time to look at the other RS2 sets yet.