2024 Annual Report
The Shepherd Branch hosted seven operating sessions for the Anachronistic Region (a round-robin group).
B&O Locomotive Shops
There were no changes in the roster. For most sessions, an acceptable level of performance was delivered by the following six locomotives: B&O 9416 (Atlas O SW-900); B&O 9501 (All Nation NW-2); B&O 9608 (Atlas O SW-9); B&O GP6469 (Red Caboose GP-9); C&O 5600 (Weaver RS-3); and Washington Terminal 43 (Atlas O RS-1).
B&O Car Shops
No additions were made this year.
B&O Maintenance of Way
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:
Late 19th century firehouse was scratch-built based on plans in Early Wood Frame and Stone Structures by Pat Harriman, MMR.
Newspaper office was scratch-built, once again, based on plans in Early Wood Frame and Stone Structures by Pat Harriman, MMR..
Two-horse freight wagon was assembled from a kit by Model Tech Inc.
OR&W Locomotive Shops
There were no changes to the locomotive roster. Probably due to a decoder malfunction, the headlight on 2-6-0 #12 will not light. 2-6-0 #16 continues to run a bit erratically.
OR&W Car Shops
There were no changes to the car roster. The entire fleet was treated to some light weathering. Four gondolas, two low-side and two high-side, were upgraded by having their plastic sides and ends replaced with weathered wood planks.
OR&W Maintenance of Way
Locomotive #12 continues to stall 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. 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.
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