Operating Session Jan 18, 2025

Our latest operating session occurred last Saturday afternoon. We had 4 crews of 2 trainmen each, a yard master in Chattanooga and a new role, yard master for Atlanta. When preparing for an op session the key is to ensure the railroad is ready. I created a punch list that includes the obvious, cleaning and lubricating all the locomotives, cleaning track, creating the train orders, stagging the trains and organizing the way bills. A key component is to inform the operators both prior to the day and just prior to the session of the the operating intricacies. Here's where I took somethings for granted, that they all know the nuances of switches, the TO and "Random Events". The latter is simply a card that is pulled off the the TO clip board that is labeled as such. These could include "Car number 5 has a broken axel. Uncouple from the train". Bottom line, my orientation absolutely needs to repeat all the nuances so operators are familiar.

Here is Jim and Dave after Dave and his conductor completed their run to Chattanooga where Jim is the yard master.

Below we have George in foreground as conductor while the tall fella, Greg, throttles the train into Dalton for a switching operation. Corey, engineer of his train, is at the end of the peninsula while his conductor, Heath, confers with George as to when he and Corey can move ahead. In many cases, especially during 1863, there were train delays due to a variety of reasons, mostly due to the number of trains in motion carrying military supplies in addition to regular civilian traffic.

Next you see Heath and Corey admiring their train on the return run over Chickamauga Creek, just south of Chattanooga.

A very unusual occurrence, alien invasion! Greg and Jim, as Ed looks on, spot a small spider on the signal flag upon Rocky Face Ridge. An unexpected enjoyment

Bill and Mike on their run, adjusting a derailment. This was due to my error in the prep stage. Although I had "check the switches" on my punch list, and I did check, but only one! Turns-out (pun intended) I did not check them all. 5 switches experienced expansion. fly rails were getting hung up and caused all kinds of shorts. Another, though annoying, learning. CHECK THEM ALL!

The good news is that these fellas enjoy the running, and their friendships, whether reconnecting or making new ones.