This physical meet I believe was a generally successful physical meet where everything we wanted to do in the context of preparing for the NMRA BR Convention was done. With the usual start time, both scales were well represented, and both were setup and running (in some form) by 11am. One particular bonus with the Laxton end to end setup is how much quicker it is and how simpler it is to get it running. It would be a lie to say I wouldn’t miss such quick setups, but with Chris C’s trollies there is definitely a general improvement to be had for the rest of the layout.
The N Scalers set up with their folded returning L shape, successfully hosting Dennis’ Burlington Zephyr (California I believe) and a British compatriot, Dean’s GWR Class 800! From what we could gather, both trains fared very well savour a few power cuts. Both were recorded by the owners and myself, and with any luck they will see themselves on the social media circuit at some point, which fits us nicely into perhaps the only disappointment of the day; another camera dying. I guess with any kind of used or refurbished equipment, one lends themselves to such risks. It only means new content for the channel will be limited, so I may have to recycle some old footage to bide our time.
There were only a few minor hiccups this time around in relation to the Laxton end-to-end’s power. After some brief troubleshooting and resets, everything seemed to run fine. Paul P located the cloth, much to our dismay after rushing around the Open House event earlier in the year and not locating it, and after a brief panic, we also found the staging yard protectors we needed to ensure no fatal accidents. Beyond that, it was testing the track by re-creating potential operations.
Everyone had a go, particularly Paul P, Tom F, myself and Kian. Mike A had suggested based on the industries, that modern stock would do well and look right for the convention, however only Kian seemed to have any hint of modern stock, so we settled on just trying to represent as best we can and hope at least Mike A and now Alan S, are happy to take point in terms of contributing stock for the convention. The physical meet therefore, was something a little more dated and much to our appreciation, everything, bar one single stretch of track, worked exceedingly well.
I noted some passengers trains coming and going from both Paul P and Tom F, and then general freight again from Paul P. Kian provided a suitable train which (mostly) matched the industries, so we followed a loose plan of arriving, setting out and spotting what was essentially our locomotives and cabeese swapping trains in and out. My Santa Fe GP38u and accompanying caboose brought in the majority ATSF stock, distributing across the industry spots, and then Kian came in and brought his L&N U38 with Milwaukee caboose (loaned of course) with several of his modern cars, taking the whole rake of ATSF stock to staging while the GP38u took Kian’s. And then we did it in reverse, with only enough time for Kian to take back his train before we decided to start packing up.
My new Rapido 44 Tonner did most of the switching work, working in between the others as they came and went. She also served as the main tester following the fix to the problematic track on one of the boards; merely a dropper had come loose and needed soldering. We isolated, tested, fixed and signed-off with the 44 tonner, with the solder job not looking too bad (if I say so myself).
My only objection with Laxton is the lack of under track magnets, however this was very minimal and was easily resolved with the assistance of a Rix Products decoupling tool. Originally thought to have lost my first, I invested in another, but Tom F was kind enough to bring the one I had misplaced, meaning I now have two available, one of which perhaps to loan to convention goers and operators. There was a general sentiment to possibly add electromagnets at a later date, and I did like the sound of that, following an earlier opportunity to try out the operational ones at the Ethanol Boards.
So it seemed after some operating, it seems Laxton is ready for her weekend out. With any luck there will be sufficient interest to keep it running and busy for the public, and for Mike to complete some operating sessions. I myself may join in, provided there is space and need for it, otherwise I’ll be happy to be participating in my first convention.
With breakdown starting at 15:30, we all managed to be out and packed by 16:30, including some time to check if the setup would fit in Paul P’s van, which, by the look of things, just did with a few straggling bits and pieces fitting in other cars where needed. I’m sure that’ll be confirmed during the virtual meet ahead of the convention.
With regards to operations, I have been bitten by the JMRI bug and have been exploring its options, mainly for my own interests and perhaps for other layouts like the EBL and/or Mid Essex’s layouts. It will take some time, but the Laxton branch at the convention is an opportunity to test out some theories and see how for example, a switch list would look, based on what we have been doing during the last few physical meets. I doubt it’ll be ready or usable in time for the convention, but being able to demonstrate it to myself has its own merits, especially in the case of hopefully having my own space for a layout again.
Reading up on it, the use case for passenger operations is there, while understandably there seems to be more functionality and a certain finesse for freight ops. These potential struggles seem like opportunities, and apparently there have been some successful uses with it. Having switch lists for operators unfamiliar with passenger operations, let alone not being aware of the make up of some of the stars of the ATSF such as the Super Chief or the El Capitan, could go a long way to keep a passenger terminus-focused layout interesting. Time, and effort, will tell I suppose.
After the convention, the HO will likely go back to the standard loop configuration. We also hope for some exhibition action for the N Scalers; judging by some of the modules and the progress they have made, they certainly deserve it.
I hope to see you at the convention!
Neal K
– Santa Fe all the way.
Thamesiders MRG 