Op Session: May 5th, 2026

I had another great session tonight!  This one had a few firsts with it.

This was the first session held with a newer tweaked version of JMRI that Dave C. has been helping me with.  I was having a few minor issues, basically trying to balance the flow of cars.  I think we're another step closer.

A HUGE thanks out to you Dave!

This was the first session that included the all new track work in DuBach, happy to reply everything ran reliably.  

Another first was a few newcomers to join us this evening.  Dave, Jeff and Mike from Spring Creek Hobbies, Bruce H and Mark H.  This was also a first time in quite a while that Willie B was able to join us again.

This session was also informative as it confirmed to me several things about my layout and my Ops plan.

• I think 6 operators will be the optimal number per session, although I think I could squeeze in as many as 8 and it could still work.
• The trains all ran with no hiccups, my instructions seemed to be clear enough to all with not much explanation needed. 
• I didn't have many of the guys standing around waiting for something to do, with the exception of the Malvern jobs, they got done quickly and proficiently by Mike, but that also gave us a little time to sit and chew the fat while the other crews dropped off cars for Malvern and got out of the way.
• Proved for sure that both Winnfield locals could run at the same time.
• Proved that the second two through trains could traverse the layout while BOTH of the Winnfield locals were working on the layout.
• It seemed to work well having one crew do double duty: being the yard hostler and the crew for the ICG interchange.
• The overall time still stayed at about 2.5 to 3 hrs. 

All in all, a great session.  Sure feels good to get some of these unknowns answered.

Now on to some photos of the crews during the session.

First, lets meet the crew (L to R): Mark, Dave, Jeff, Willie, Mike and Bruce 

Jeff is working the Malvern AM

Mike is holding up with #34, the first SB through train at El Dorado waiting for Dave
to arrive with the #35 NB through train

Mark is working to get the NB Winnfield local ready to go while Bruce is in charge of the SB Winnfield local as he leaves the yard.

Mike is doing a roll by inspection while Dave brings the NB into El Dorado

Willie is trying to explain to Bruce that he is actually doing his work.
But I don't think Mark is buying it?

Both local crews are getting started
Mike and Dave are in Winnfield with the NB
Willie and Bruce are in Haskell with the SB

Finishing up their work in Winnfield

Wrapping up their work in Haskell

After Willie and Bruce move out of Haskell,
Jeff starts working the interchange at Haskell with the Malvern AM turn

Mike and Dave take a break as Mark brings the third through freight north through DuBach

The next three pics show a busy scene as both locals are trying to get their
work done in El Dorado

If you look closely, both locals are still in El Dorado as Mark is waiting just north of town for the tracks to clear up so he can bring the last SB through freight through El Dorado.

Mike is putting the finishing touches on his chores in El Dorado.
Soon he'll head north to his next stop: Fordyce.

Mike and Dave are working Ozark Irrigation in Fordyce, one more town before beans.

Putting the final cars in place in El Dorado

Mike and Dave have reached Little Rock.
Mark is waiting to receive their train on track 2,
while Willie and Bruce continue there journey south, working DuBach. 

 You guys all did a great job,  Ya'll come back now, ya hear!