Whew!

[Keith Hayes]

One of the challenges of a new layout is getting everything running. This occurs between laying track and building turnouts, structures and rolling stock.

In spite of my best efforts cleaning track, stalling had been common for my locomotives. Nothing is more frustrating than getting the train moving along, chuff, chuff chuff and STALL. Scoot the locomotive along, and the whole sound sequence starts again and STALL. This was not fun, and made it hard to tes the track and rolling stock.

After our last operating session,  I promised Darel I would install a current keeper in the locos. Not being as mechanically handy as Derrell,  I was anxious to tear into an otherwise fine PBL loco.

After working on the Sound Car install in the caboose,  I decided it was time to install the current keeper in #75. I am pleased to report the install was successful. To celebrate,  I ran the passenger back and forth across the layout,  even traversing track that has not been cleaned in months with nary a stall. It was de-light-ful! #75 ran like the locos on Dave Woodrell's RGS layout.

So, with that success behind me, I can move on to more rigorous track and equipment testing, and more current keeper installs in other locos. (It was a bit disconcerting to turn off the power and have the Loco chuff away for 10 seconds.) Whew!

[Mike Trent]

Keith, one advantage to an addled mind partially caused by advancing age is that it is possible, like music and that "different drumbeat" to hear sound from models that no one else can hear.

So keep on rockin! I don't need no stinkin DCC...

[Tim Schreiner]

AMEN!!!