Operating night on the C&DR

[tedp]

Yesterday we had an operating night on the C&DR, with three Dutch Group members visiting, Bert van Rhijn, Marco Balk and Rob Reinders. Bert brought a new kitbashed train consisting of a heavily modified Peco Jeanette, three open wagons on Parkside T&D chassis, and a brake van made from Ratio coach sides:







The operating session with four operators was a steep learning curve, most of all for my guests who had to learn the controls, but also for me as I had to combine the roles of a dispatcher and back-up for the inevitable switchboard problems.

Here Marco is the engine driver and Bert operates the Dunalistair switchboard:



Rob Reinders was banished outside the 'theater' to drive the second train - space inside the layout was too limited for three operators. I had to duck inside and outside when necessary...



Despite the restricted space it was great fun - especially when I set off a laugh box on the computer to divert attention (remembering a similar device described on John Allen's G&D!).

[MickT]

Looks like an excellent fun session! Relieved to see that Dunalistair survived the trip home from Sparsholt and has been reunited with the rest of the railway!

Mick

[gtmspyder]

The loco and wagon set looks very nice Ted, well done to the maker.

It looks as though a thoroughly good time was had by all your visitors.

Kind regards,

BrianT.

[tedp]

Thanks, Brian & Mick. It was a good night's operating indeed.

Here are some photos taken by Rob Reinders.

The train made by Bert van Rhijn leaving Dunalistair:



Coal traffic at Inverlochan:



Bert and Marco operating the layout, with yours truly looking on:



The goods yard at Rae Bridge waiting for the next train:

[Roland Hames]

This is the first layout I have seen as I have just managed to gain access to the forum and  it is  inspirational. Well done everybody.

[Hugh Norwood]

This is the first layout I have seen as I have just managed to gain access to the forum and  it is  inspirational. Well done everybody.

Welcome to the forum... Yes, it's a brilliant layout, isn't it? And Ted is a master at the craft.