The ROCK 3.0: Ready to ROCK!

Well, the layout is staged and ready.  Locos are speed matched.  Track cleaned, room cleaned.  We're ret to go!

Here is the schedule for the shift on Saturday.  I'm running as second shift from 3pm until 11pm on a 4:1 fast clock.  We will have five crew members and operate ten trains.

The ROCK 3.0: Speed Matching Locomotives Part II

This evening, for about an hour, I worked on speed matching locomotives with Decoder Pro.  Many of the locomotives are already paired and work well together.  I left those alone.  I did speed match the two Chicago & Illinois Midland SD9s and the Illinois Central Gulf GP30s.  Both sets are running much better.

Regarding the RI SD40-2 #4797 that was squealing like a pig, that unit needs some lubrication.  I swapped the shell with another chassis (since the shell is custom).  The RI SD40-2 #4785 now is in the shop to be lubricated.  I will work on that at a later date.  I speed matched the RI #4797 and Soo Line SD40-2 #783 for now.

I checked the Atlas Soo Line GP35 #722.  I attempted to reset the decoder, but no such luck.  I ordered a replacement Digitrax decoder (it had a NCE decoder installed).  I most likely won't receive the replacement in time.  So, that locomotive will be shopped for this coming op session.

So, overall better luck tonight (as long as none of the locomotives get amnesia with their programming come operating day).

The ROCK 3.0: Speed Matching Locomotives

Some days, you wonder why you are even in the hobby.  I try to have nice stuff, but end up having issues with new locomotives right out of the box.  It can be very frustrating.

I'm having issues with a brand new Atlas GP30.  For some reason, it looses power for no reason.  It occurred for the first time tonight.  I just don't get it.

My Soo Line Kato SD40-2 has decided it doesn't want to negotiate the turns on the test track.  It seems to run well, but unsure what has changed.

Atlas Soo Line GP35 looses power, but headlight stays on (but can't turn it on or off).  It was running good and then BAM!  Nothing!  WTH?

The Bachmann locomotives run well, but I can't adjust the speed tables on the factory installed decoder.  We have been unable to find any other decoders that would work for it.

I noted which locomotives are paired already.  Most run pretty good (that are already paired).  For these random locomotive issues, I don't know what to do.

See the chart below where I documented speeds.

In other news, I have been cleaning the layout room, cleaning track and working on the locomotives as I operate again on Saturday.  Everything is ready to go.  I didn't accomplish near what I wanted to as I have been quite busy.

The ROCK 3.0: Various News

Railfanning Peoria
I headed over to Iowa Junction after dinner to see what was shaking down in Peoria today.  I see the newly acquired ICG unit have already received quite a coat of grime and dirt working hard.  I like it!  A guy I know (Mike in New Mexico) weathered the locomotives for me.  Now, the ICG units look "normal" to me.

Bureau Operator Article
I came across this article by a Bureau Operator today.  Good reading.  You can download the PDF here.  No need to create a DropBox account, just click on No and it will continue to the file.

Rock in the News
In other news, I was interviewed by a reporter from the Charlotte Observer this morning regarding my hobby of model trains.  It is due to an article they are working on for the upcoming Lionel 115th Anniversary.  Lionel's office is nearby in Harrisburg, North Carolina (next to the Charlotte Motor Speedway).  I'll post links once the article comes out.

No other progress lately.  This weekend, I plan on working on cleaning locomotives, test run and ensure properly speed matched.

The ROCK 3.0: Pedestrian Crossing at Utica Passenger Station

I mentioned a few weeks back, I wanted to add a pedestrian crossing for passengers to unload from the north track at Utica.  So, tonight, I quickly added one.  No need to add a walkway between the rails.  The videos I have seen from back in the day, people walked all over the tracks.  I'm just trying to keep the RI patrons out of the ditch between the two mainlines.

Prototype Photo

Well, that was exciting.  So, let's show a quick video I put together of the Peoria Rocket between Ottawa and Utica.  

In other news, I have been working on a few things, but nothing to really show for it.  I've been too lazy, but in reality have been busy with family in town, and life in general. 

The ROCK 3.0: Various Progress Report

Well, it was decided and acted upon to add the Chicago & Illinois Midland coal train out of Peoria.  The train will operate this next session to Libbey-Owens Ford to deliver coal to the power plant.  Speaking of donuts, small individual loads of coal will also be delivered to Ottawa Silica Track #7 (the dynamite/supplies track) for the small power plant there as well.

Looks like there is a loaded coal train sitting up in the CNW yard waiting for delivery by the

Chicago & Illinois Midland

The Peoria Terminal was a wholly owned subsidiary of the ROCK.  It usually utilizes RI GP7s for power, but today, there is a set of ICG GP30s.  Although way too clean!  These units need to be dirtied up!  This will be the motive power for the next Peoria job.

Created some new tabs to reflect the increase of business at Ottawa Silica and LOF.

Project list update:

• Repair North Ottawa Silica Turnout
• Repair turnout at PQ plus any others with broken points
• Adjust scale sensor at Ottawa Silica
• Check programming on locomotives (speed matching) and clean wheels.
• Install Sand Dump Track
• Ballast Peoria
• Install roof on Westclox

The ROCK 3.0: New E8 Powering the Rocket Trains

Management is pleased to show off their newly received custom painted Kato E8 to operate on the Rocket trains.  It looks and runs great.

The E8 is powering the eastbound Peoria Rocket past Mill Street in Utica.

Video of the E8 powering the Peoria Rocket returning west later in the day.