Progress Report 02.15.11

Before work, I finished soldering the feeder wires to the rail. 

This evening, I soldered all the new feeder wire sets to the bus wire.

Performed some motive power tests this evening with the ex-Peconic RS2s.  The performance of these Kato models is remarkable!  They have tremendous pulling power up the ovalix grade.  We're excited about our recent acquisitions continuing our quest to find quality motive power and rolling stock for operating.

We did have a major derailment this evening.  When testing a heavy freight up Chambersburg Hill (the ovalix grade) a coupler five cars back broke loose as the train crested the third revolution.  The remaining 11 cars rocketed down the hill backwards.  The train derailed in a spectacular fashion on the second revolution.  Cars were accordioned in a pretty inaccessible area.  Management is happy to report no damage to any cars due to the cardboard safety strips installed a while back.

Progress Report 02.14.11

Over the weekend, I worked on cleaning up the layout room thoroughly.  Five hours later, I'm almost complete.  At least everything is nice and organized now.

Today before work, I cut and stripped 8 sets of feeder wires.  I had enough time to install two pairs before time to leave.

Progress Report 02.10.11

Crews worked on the Davenport yard ladder slide switches this evening.  Many of the slide switches had a solid throw in one direction, but not the other..  The turnout points would float underneath the cars as they rolled by.  I adjusted all and replaced a few that had broken during previous adjustments.  All turnouts make a good solid connection no matter which direction thrown.  Testing proved that the crews' efforts were successful.

Installed the three remaining slide switches are Carrie Ave Shops. 

I will test more in the morning.  If all is well, I believe this wraps up majority of the projects before the pending op session.  Oh, I do have to drop some feeders on the N&W Meredosia Branch.  That will be quick though. 

Now, time for a major cleaning and organization of the room.  I will be working on that this weekend. 

Progress Report 02.09.11

No progress before work other than a review of pending projects.  This evening, I squeezed in a little bit of time to complete the preliminary construction of the Walthers Medusa Cement kit.  I will leave off the details for now as the kit will need to be painted.

Progress Report 02.08.11

This morning before work, I installed seven of the fourteen slide switches on the layout. 

This evening, I installed four more including one complicated one completing the N&W Meredosia Branch, changes in Stockdale and the wye at Bureau.  I started on the three at Carrie Ave Shops, but it didn't go well.  After breaking one slide switch and damaging another switch's throw bar it was time to put down the tools and walk away.   

I will try again tomorrow.

Progress Report 02.07.11

Progress continues on the layout. This morning before work I installed and tested the tortoise turnout control at the west leg of Bureau wye.

This evening, I borrowed a drill from my boss and drilled the holes for the remaining slide switches.  There are about 8 or 9 that need to be installed.  I will start on that mode tomorrow.  Once I get into my groove, I can knock them out pretty quick.

Super Bowl Progress Report 02.06.11

During pre-game coverage, soldered feeder wires to 14 slide switches, wire leads to the tortoise for the west Bureau wye turnout, and wired the slide switch for the tortoise control. 

Constructed the Bader Ag office building and two fertilizer/seeds storage bins in Stockdale.