Today Shelton and I went to Anthony’s layout – The Border District.
http://borderdistrict.wordpress.com/ This
layout is based on the Victorian and South Australian Border region in around
1976. We were joined by Mark another VR Modeller for the running session. So
today I was the odd man out. I got the job as being the Station Master at
Tatiara Downs. I had to co-ordinate with Train Control for access to the
mainline should a shunt engine need to do that, or to go from one side of the
station to the other, as well as ensure that any crosses that occurred went
smoothly. It was quite common for one or both of the trains in the cross to
also need to drop off and/or pick up loading at the loop as well. The station
is signalled with two position lights. There are also a third aspect that
allows shunt movement, either to the headshunts at either end of the station or
out onto the mainline. I had at least 7 trains through the station while I was
there, as well as one train each leaving from the dock platform or the yard.
There were two locomotive change over jobs as well, with swapping of SAR and VR
motive power occurring. At times it was quite full on and without the help of
Train Control I could not have done it very well. All wagons have wagon cards
that advise where the wagon needs to be placed, or sent to.
During the Operating Session apparently some dodgy loco driver actually let
a light engine movement to the loco get out of control and he collided with a
parked T class and sent the T class careering into the turntable pit. That
person certainly needs to smarten up his act. Later on in the session another
driver went through a set a points that were not set for him and ended up
derailing a GY (I think) wagon. I think this railway needs to ensure that
better qualified drivers are employed for future operating sessions.
It was a great day with great people. Thanks Anthony for the invite. I had a great time. I think I actually learnt something.
Craig,
ReplyDeleteDodgy drivers indeed (nudge, nudge). Thanks for being there and "having a go", I tip my hat to you. A New South Welshman taking on the toughest of roles on the Border District ...