First Run

Well the tracks are cleaned, the locomotive (#41 at least) has clean wheels and drivers, so it was time to roll out the passenger cars and run a train. Did find a few problems - one with a track end that stuck up too far and caught the "cow catcher" and an electrical operator error. That would be me. Pushed the wrong buttons on the controller and instead of selecting a new whistle for the locomotive I locked up the system. But a quick read of the manual (written by a genius but hard to decipher for a non-Microsoft mind), a reset, and I was on the rails again.

Now I need to clean the other locomotive and Galloping Goose drivers and wheels. Actually #74 would be a better locomotive to pull the passenger cars. Once clean it will. Cleaning is done carefully by running them over a paper towel wet with alcohol and holding the loco so the wheels spin on the towel. This cleans off the gunk. Important as the sound system (PBL Sound System II) comes through the rails to the locomotive and out it's speaker. Dirty rails and wheels makes for a crackling sound - not good. Also have to clean and check the gauge of the rolling stock before it comes onto the railroad from the storage cabinet. So they do not spread gunk again.

However - the new passenger cars that have sat patiently for well over two years in their boxes. They consist of a combination baggage/coach, a coach, and the business car "Edna". Yes - the RGS did not run passenger cars in 1950. And these cars in 1950 were MOW or maintenance of way cars painted grey and in sad shape. Too bad. I like the way they look in 1930 so be it. It is my world. The cars are really beautiful - right down to ornamental rugs in the Edna and correct coach chairs with the fancy filigree handles. Even a sink in the Edna kitchen. And gas lights that flicker. PBL really did an outstanding job on these. It took years to get them from Korea. PBL are perfectionists and we all appreciate them and they kept doing test runs until they were satisfied.