COA BLC de-rail

[NKP1]

Help please I continually de-rail at the switch adjacent to BLC_Camp1Spur_Mrkr4. I was finally able to get the empties up to the logging camp but now find it impossible to bring the load down. In these screen shots I uncoupled the log cars and am trying to negotiate the switch with the Shay alone at .2mph. Can't get it past this point. Either the front truck raises or it's the rear truck. Usually the rear. Help please!

[Toripony]

2nd problem that has popped up in this switchback area recently. It used to work ok, but I suspect new track features in TS'12 have uncovered "micro" problems.

I just returned from an unplanned 4 month absence from all things Internet and computer related (long, sad story). Am just getting my system working again and hope to start editing any day now. My first attention will go to that section of track, but I fear it's going to take considerable rework of the grades to smooth out the new problems. That was one tricky piece of track to build; adjusting it is not going to be easy. If/when I make some progress I'll post here, but the actually fix won't be public until I can fix a couple of other things and release a patch. Hang in there a couple/few weeks; I'll do the best I can.

Tori

[NKP1]

Thanks Tori. Welcome back. I realize that in real life these logging routes were precarious installations at best. And subject to frequent washouts, rock slides etc. That coupled with a fairly light gauge track, I'm sure the track crews were kept quite busy. A situation just like this probably occurred all too often. So until the track crew is able to make repairs I suspect we will leave this green Shay up here for now and use the red one to haul logs and empties back and forth from the mill. That way we can continue our logging operation without a disruption of service. Might need to deliver a tank car of water though if the crew is unable to make it for a while. Although they can ptobably draw that from the stream. Also park a 36' reefer with perishables and supplies up at the little dead end spur between camps. The company may consider trying Cowen's smaller Vulcan on this particular section of the route. However it we do that we'll have to get the lumberjacks to stand by with extra sand when we try to back up that switchback grade the first time with our empties. Might be a good idea to place a barrel of sand at the top and bottom of that one.

Also would it be prototypical to run a single telegraph or phone line out to these remote camps? It would probably be roughly installed and tacked onto trees or whatever. But if the company can afford to buy a couple of Shays. Well, I'm just sayin'.







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[JackD]

Hi Tori,

Welcome back

Happy to see you're healing from the various indignities heaped upon you during your trek westward. I can imagine a dramatic/hilarious book emerging from the wreckage of what should have been an enjoyable experience. Now for the Good Times you so richly deserve!

Best regards,
JackD

[LandN]

Ran one set of John McEwen's scenarios with the SW1200 (I think the Shay's were down becaused they were sabotaged by the tree-huggers that were hanging around Anthony). Anyway, didn't have any problems with derailments. His second set of scenarios goes even further up the hollow so I don't know yet how they will work.

Jay

[OldProf]

Ran one set of John McEwen's scenarios with the SW1200 (I think the Shay's were down becaused they were sabotaged by the tree-huggers that were hanging around Anthony). Anyway, didn't have any problems with derailments. His second set of scenarios goes even further up the hollow so I don't know yet how they will work.

Jay

Where can these scenarios be found, please?

[ozinoz]

My

I am wondering whether it is the Shay itself more than the trackwork? It is a long rigid frame and if there is a large gradient transition within its length< one end or other is going to come off the tracks. Try with a different loco _ I think the included 4F might do it and see how that goes. That might at least narrow it down and save too much reworking.

Must a thought...

Cheers

[NKP1]

Right I will try that. However Tori, Mr. Bauer and others went to some effort to have these Shay models in the BLC logo repaint. They are intended for this route. albeit RW2 rather than TS2012. No doubt she'll have her track crews and route engineers out soon.

[XDriver]

I stated somewhere else about this. I reworked the tracks myself with some good luck. What I wanted to say is that I use the USRA 0-6-0 and 0-8-0 switchers and they do real well on that run. Give them a try if you have them.

[NKP1]

I tried the Vulcan. It makes it through the initial switch and curve with out wobbling but it simply does not have enough power to go up the initial grade with 3 empty log cars. I may try them in pair. I do not have the USRA switchers. Cowen's payware right? I already paid for the Vulcan. Might as well try two of those first. I prefer steam power. My era is 1920's.

[ozinoz]

Hi mate...

Understand what you are saying - it was really just trying to narrow down a cause for the derailing. I am like you - "diseasels" simply do not get a run on my system, it is steam or nothing. I am not exactly sure of the timeline, but I think Dick's Shays came before Tori's route and they just released a reskin to take advantage (but wouldn't be the first time I have been wrong ) Hopefully Tori might be able to work some magic and look at the gradient / switch positioning if a tweak is all that is needed, but at least we are narrowing down the cause.

Must try and find some time to fire mine up and give them a run



G

[NKP1]

Right. Just completed the free roam logging scenario I was trying to achieve by using two small 2-4-2 Vulcans. Spotted those down by the red Shay. Hauled up the hollow 4 empties plus Cowen's bobber caboose. Worked quite well. Although I should have had 3 empties as 4 was a bit much. Barely made it up the long grade to the switchback. But the pair negotiated that problem switch area just fine as though there was never any problem at all. Got logs loaded at the camp and then it was "wheee!!!" all the way home. Had brakes on 100% and still exceeded speed limit by 10mph. Was concerned about water since it was quite low by the time I got to camp for the load. But since I really didn't use any water on the roller coaster ride down there was no problem. Delivered all 4 loaded log cars to the sawmill. Then went and got a much needed drink. Water spigot outside engine shed does work. Then put the "little engines that could" to bed. They just sighed nicely as I shut them down for the night. So now I don't know Tori, if we really want to change anything or not. It is a bit realistic running on a rickety old logging track up in the hills. I'm afraid if you smooth things out it won't be quite the interesting challenge it is now. But yes I agree it would be nice to get the designated Shay's running well on the route. Pic shows backing with load toward sawmill. Next I'll try the 3 truck Shay.

[ozinoz]

Excellent - narrowed it down and I do agree with your sentiments about the Shays - this is their home turf. That route looks amazing in 2012 I really must get back to it, but I have been spending what RW time I can testing a new steam route which should be released next week, all things being equal...



G

[NKP1]

Yes well I came down with that heavy log load way too fast. Surprised I didn't wreck on the first curve off the big grade. Those little Vulcans are really too small for that big logging operation. The diameter of each of those logs was about the same as the Vulcan's drivers! I really had a runaway train there. The brakes were ineffective and I really had no control. I must learn proper techniques for controlling a steam train down a grade.

[LandN]

Tom,

They are available on Bob Artim's NERR site.

Jay