The Passing Track

June-July, 2009

Newsletter of the Rogue Valley Model Railroad Club

PO Box 1362—Medford, OR 97501

Operation Sessions Begin

The Rogue Valley Model Railroad Club launched a new era with the first operation session across the entire permanent layout. On Saturday, August 8, fifteen club members took on their respective roles from dispatcher to Yard Masters to engineers to make the P&E come alive! The economy served by the P&E is seemingly unbothered by the current economic slowdown plaguing the rest of the country. Dave Spakousky and E. Don Petit spent an enormous amount of preparation to set up the draw, place the cars and provide car cards so the operation session could begin. The strategy is to have about three or four “practice” sessions to iron out the unforeseen errors and have a smooth plan for operating sessions in the future, particularly as we invite other clubs to our sessions.

This first session consisted of twelve positions: four yard masters (Crater, BN, SP, and P&E), two haulers (one east and one west), the Butte Falls Turn, the Mill (adjacent to the helix), Medco, White City, Siskiyou, and a dispatcher. Several members observed the operation, as well, while E. Don assisted as needed.

Other than creating a double draw, which led to the Crater Yard filling up unexpectedly and requiring a second unscheduled East Hauler to relieve the situation somewhat, the remaining issues uncovered in this first round were rather minor. One of the best surprises that many of the operators discovered is the utility of the drawers for holding the car cards. (It is so unbecoming to have the cards scattered about on the layout, itself). Larry Tuttle has been busy with his carpentry talents and created drawer organizers for a few of the drawers that will be duplicated for the rest. Even the plain, flat drawers were a huge help to keep cards separated and organized. As the organization of one’s trains via the cards is so key to a successful operation, the use of the card drawers was a real bonus.

The following photos show the various tasks being worked. Approximately 300 cars were involved in the operation session. Thank goodness there were the high number of “employees” present.

Jay Mudge is not really laughing; he is merely marveling at the number of cars that need attention in the Pelican Yard (P&E). It’s OK Jay, just eat the elephant one bite at a time. Not pictured is a smiling Dave Carr who was blissfully aboard the West Hauler and content with simply watching the beautiful scenery of the Cascades go by.

On the other hand, Brad Fawcett is hoping with some determination and concentration that the White City area will not become congested with in and out bound carloads. By the looks of his mostly empty tracks, Brad has mastered the movement of trains (or is it simply that the next wave of carloads have simply not arrived?)

Meanwhile, Carlos Furcal is busy with cars of loaded lumber trying to be ready in time for the Butte Falls turn by having service tracks cleared for the next batch of empty cars. Good thing he runs his yard different than his driving (remember the I-5 pileup on the layout?).

Yes, that is Larry Tuttle with a puzzled look. Just how many railroad cars are there? Little did he know the exceptional number of cars to move in and out of Crater Yard was the result of an accidental double draw of cars for that yard. When dispatcher Dave Spakousky stepped out of the office for lunch, Larry solved his crisis by sending a second East Hauler out of Crater, much to the delight of the crew on standby headed up by engineer John Gerritsma.

Tim Jamin not only has to contend with moving cars around the soon to be built lumber mill, but must also give way for the various Haulers and other assortment of trains coming through.

Meanwhile, over at the SP and BN Yards, Tom Baldwin and Ed Kleinman manage their yards. The entire operations session moved about 350 cars, though these two yard masters seemed to have things well under control (unlike Crater Yard).

When the dispatcher (Dave) returned from lunch, he was surprised to learn a second East Hauler had been sent from Crater Yard. While the second East Hauler was on its way to the summit, Dave was astounded that there were still so many cars in the yard. He was heard to say that Larry was quite the magician for making so many cars disappear!

MANY THANKS TO E. DON AND DAVE SPAKOUSKY FOR THE PRE-WORK IN SETTING UP THIS OPERATIONS SESSION. THE GANG HAD FUN!!!!!!!!!!!

June Board Meeting Notes

The Board met on June 10, 2009 with four board members and eight club members present. Budget-wise, the good news is that the total expenditures exceeded expenses for the previous 30-day period. The club’s finances remain in good order. Jerry also reported that three members are in arrears and have not submitted their memberships for the current year.

Jim reminded folks to fill out an “out/in” card when taking a book, a magazine or other publication from the Club’s library. Upcoming programs for the summer membership meetings include weathering, DCC operations and layout operations.

E. Don reports the club needs about 20 more chip gondolas and a couple of tank cars for diesel fuel, “company use”. Dave requested that passenger trains be staged on designated tracks. He also recommended a rotation system for rolling stock scheduled for Club operating sessions that will prevent the same car (or cars) from appearing on trains and at industries at too frequent basis.

Jay has adjusted the PM-42 “trip” voltage to decrease the Boosters being shut down. In addition, another Booster was installed and Command Stations were separated.

New paper towel dispensers have been installed in the bathrooms and the broom closet. The Club needs to install a “No Smoking Within 10 Feet of the Building” sign at the front entrance to the Clubhouse.

Jerry Hellinga prepared a “video” presentation of a proposed budget worksheet, approved by the Board, which will be updated from time to time.

Larry Tuttle proposed the following agenda format for future Board Meetings. The board is looking for input from club members.

To be prepared by the President or other officer 1-5 days in advance of the scheduled meeting and posted on the web site and/or emailed to club members.

1. Call To Order

2. Roll Call

3. Consent of the Agenda. Any member may add an agenda item at this time with motions to approve agenda for the evening.

4. Approval of the Minutes (previously posted and/or emailed to the members).

5. Treasurer’s Report.

6. Committee Reports.

7. Communications (written and/or verbal communications and announcements not requiring a vote).

8. Old Business (important business requiring a vote)

9. New Business (ditto)

10. Good of the Order. A final chance for anyone in attendance to add something that does not require a vote.

New Board is Seated

The Club elected its board member slate for the upcoming June 2009-May 2010 period. Dave Carr is President; Larry Tuttle was voted in as Vice-president; Jerry Hellinga as Treasurer; and Jim Dougall as Secretary. (Note: There being no votable position of Editor, yours truly continues at that post, but I would be willing to talk with any willing suitor!). Tom Baldwin and Wil Cleveland were selected as at-large board members.

The Passing Track

PO Box 1362—Medford, OR 97501

September 2009 Calendar of Events