The Shepherd Branch hosted eight operating sessions for the Anachronistic Region (a round-robin group).
There
were no changes in the roster, but considerable effort was
expended
throughout the year to achieve an acceptable level of
performance
during operating sessions. The railroad wasn't always
successful. The
problem, in most cases, involves electrical contact either
between
wheel and rail or wheel and internal pickup. Rail and wheels
are
cleaned before each operating session, but not all track is
accessible for thorough cleaning. De-Ox-It, a conductive
fluid, has
been used on the wheels of the more problematic locomotives.
Red
Caboose GP-9s B&O 6464 and 6469 were, most often, replaced
during
an op session.
No additions were made this year.
The MOW Department undertakes occasional turnout repairs and conducts frequent track cleaning.
No significant improvements or additions were made this year.
Freight operations on the OR&W were undertaken concurrent with the operations on the Shepherd Branch.
Full-size structures completed during the year:
Store/warehouse built from a Quality Craft kit (#603) acquired nearly 35 years ago.
A pair of scratch-built outhouses based on popular designs and photos.
Single track engine house scratch-built from styrene loosely based on OR&W photos in Hidden Treasures by Edward Case and plans in Early Wood Frame and Stone Structures by Pat Harriman, MMR.
Coal dock scratch-built from wood strips of my own design.
Water tower scratch-built from wood strips and scribed siding, styrene pulleys, chain and thread. The tower is based on photos from Hidden Treasures and BTSRR.com.
One-horse buckboard from a kit.
There were no changes to the locomotive roster. Operating sessions continue to be plagued by unexpected shut downs of 2-6-0s #7, #12, and #16. After sitting over night, the locomotives run fine. Thinking that the 1 amp decoders were overheating, a 2 amp decoder was installed in #12, but the problem recurred. Number 5, a small 4-4-0, on the other hand just keeps chugging along.
There were no changes to the car roster.
Locomotive #12 stalls as it approaches Westfield Station from the west. The other two 2-6-0s are not affected. Of course, this is difficult section of track to access, hindering troubleshooting.
Shepherd Branch management intends to continue regular operating sessions, while refining the roster of locomotives. The damaged tender to P&P #67, a Weaver 0-6-0 switcher, does not appear to be repairable, so management is hoping to find a suitable and affordable replacement. Management also plans to continue to sell excess, unopened, or incomplete locomotives, parts and kits. P&P management will focus on adding more scenery and operating accessories to the three-rail display railroad. OR&W management plans to continue regular operating sessions while trying to determine the source of the problems with the 2-6-0s. More structures and scenery are sure to be added.