Rain Rain Rain and an Op Session

For the last three days, it has been raining incessantly.  We must have received about 100mm+ over that period.  Unfortunately, a visit to the shed today revealed the ply at some sections of the layout had absorbed water and buckled.  Spent most of the day fixing those sections.  Don't know why I layed down 3mm ply. It seems to absorb the moisture like a sponge.  Good thing is I had the time to fix most of it.

Also spent the last two days decaling some wagons.  Still have a few GYs to do and the cattle and sheep stock.

Friday 18th Jan, I had my first operating session with another VR modeller.  We had approximately four hours to run to a schedule.  We didn't have time to complete all movements, but did have alot of fun!

A few enhancements and ideas came out of the session.  Some photos (in no particular order)
We did run the Dimmy pass and since we don't have a Walker Rail motor, ran a T Class loco hauled pass for the branch line service.

Thanks to Anthony for provding the extra motive power and rolling-stock.  Looking forward to the next one.

Dear Diary

Dear Diary,

Wednesday Dec 4 1974

Decided to spend the afternoon train-spotting and photographing near the station.

The first observation was the Fast Goods ex Melbourne, usually with BMX and BP vans, was seen arriving at Dimboola with VLX vans at about 13:30 hours.  This train usually conveys Newsprint.

No. 142 Goods from Dimboola to Ararat was seen departing late, headed by a B Class.  This train left from what they call "siding A"

At approximately 15:00 hrs No. 36, which is the Fast Goods ex Dimboola, was seen departing.

About a hour later, a single T Class loco was seen running No. 164 Goods, ex Serviceton to Ararat with shunting at Dimboola.  The resident Y class shunter had an engine failure and a T was seen on shunting duties.

An ad-hoc movement, but not surprising to see in December, was a wheat train with shiny new wheat wagons.  The wagons were shunted to the silo road. 16:20 hours.

At about 17:00 hours, the RoadSide Goods No. 61 ex Ararat and terminating at Dimboola, was seen arriving headed by a solo T Class loco.  This train took road 4.  A loaded cattle train was waiting patiently on road 3.

The cattle train was seen leaving, climbing the small grade out of Dimboola. at about 17:10 hours.

Had to then leave for home.

SD