AFK (Altonian Complementary Railways)

[ianathompson]

2 hours ago, St Enodoc said:

What is the Altonian word for gremlin?

 

2 hours ago, ian said:

I believe it should be gremlino - but the mountain dialects may have something more abusive. ..

 

Esperanto is, by definition, a simple language designed for expressing basic ideas.

It therefore has a limited vocabulary.

Google translate does not appear to translate to anything other than gremlin.

By defintion it should be gremlino, as Ian has pointed out.

(All Esperanto nouns end in "o".)

 

Goblin does throw up an Esperanto word however, as in Koboldo.

The Esperanto dictionary is unfortunately AWOL at the moment.

Having trawled the net the suffix for the diminutive is "et"

Koboldetoj would appear to be the closest that one could get to gremlins.

 

Marrongaco could throw up anything (obviously, as it is a made up language).

How about siogaspraiuila which is the Google translation of the Irish for playful fairies.

There certainly seeem to be plenty of them about!

 

Ian T

[St Enodoc]

11 hours ago, ianathompson said:

 

 

Esperanto is, by definition, a simple language designed for expressing basic ideas.

It therefore has a limited vocabulary.

Google translate does not appear to translate to anything other than gremlin.

By defintion it should be gremlino, as Ian has pointed out.

(All Esperanto nouns end in "o".)

 

Goblin does throw up an Esperanto word however, as in Koboldo.

The Esperanto dictionary is unfortunately AWOL at the moment.

Having trawled the net the suffix for the diminutive is "et"

Koboldetoj would appear to be the closest that one could get to gremlins.

 

Marrongaco could throw up anything (obviously, as it is a made up language).

How about siogaspraiuila which is the Google translation of the Irish for playful fairies.

There certainly seeem to be plenty of them about!

 

Ian T

Thanks Ian for the comprehensive explanation!

[ianathompson]

This is another update on the session which can be found here.

 

 

25. Our hero discovers a slight problem with the points leading into the siding at Boursson. I was unaware of it but they were slightly tight to gauge. A couple of minutes with a soldering iron brought them to the correct tolerances and a lick of paint made them acceptable. This is another justification for running such a session.

 

There is likely to ba a short hiatus as other things railway and non-railway need my attention.

 

Ian T

[ianathompson]

A long but unavoidable delay has taken place during construction due to family commitments.

The latest set of photos is available here.

Before long I hope to be able to run trains rather than upgrade infrastructure.

 

 

26. Upon “firing up” the layout the signals failed to light up. This was quickly traced to a ‘schoolboy error’, as we used to say in my footballing days. The vacuum cleaner had inadvertently been connected rather than the LED transformer! The loco was detached from its train and run over the entry points at Lacono, a traditional source of problems for badly adjusted stock. The point in front of the locomotive was one of a pair replacing a three way point that could never be persuaded to work correctly. The new points have always been absolved from blame in subsequent crash investigations. They are inserted into the 24 inch minimum radius curve which is the source of many of the problems. The 2-8-2T wheel arrangement, with its home made pony trucks reaching far out from the mechanism, is also a source of problems, as is the 2-10-2T for that matter. A couple of derailments were traced to a rough rail joint but, as most other stock passes this way without problems, the loco was taken to the work bench for further slight alterations.

 

Ian T

[Barry O]

some fearsome track formations there Ian!  My narrow gauge locos would probably just fall off(!)

 

Baz

 

 

[ianathompson]

21 minutes ago, Barry O said:

some fearsome track formations there Ian!  My narrow gauge locos would probably just fall off(!)

 

Some of mine seem inclined to follow suit!

That is one of the points of the engineering session: to ensure that the track is properly fettled.

The problem with the shed entry is that it is very tight for rigid wheelbase engines~ too tight in all honesty.

 

I have to accept that certain prima donnas cannot be coaxed along the middle road.

Too many of these and there are problems. 

The two worst offenders are deliberately kept away from diagrams that need to access Aspargo.

 

Re the track formations: there are many more  complex formations than would usually be found on the NG.

As I outlined in the station rebuild this complexity either had to be accepted or the traffic reduced.

 

Ian T

[ianathompson]

The latest missive from Altonia has arrived.As per usual it now takes a little time to load up.

 

 

40. One objective of the session was to run a reduced train service. The new mallet is lined up with the freight train. This will shunt at all stations (as required) to Fenditavalat. The bogie van, three wagons back, is the reason for the train. Cows need milking on Sunday and this is the milk van that runs every day. It is usually carried by the mixto and makes the full journey even though the cattle are either in the highlands or the lowlands. It is easier to do this than remarshall the train along the way. The other wagons are empties needing redistribution for one reason or another.

 

 

47. The loco is sent up to Varden to test the pointwork there. The point giving entry to the siding is laid on a steep gradient, half way up the vulpafaŭkangulo, and leaves the outside of the minimum two foot radius curve. It was also installed after the mainline was completed so it can sometimes give problems. All seems to be okay as the loco leaves the siding. One other reason it was put into here was to check clearances. It was empirically discovered, some time ago, that the 2-10-2T derailed because it hit the retaining wall and that loco is barred from the siding. The engineering maintenance also includes cleaning the lake of dust.

 

Ian T

Edited October 27, 2022 by ianathompson
typo

[ianathompson]

Another week has gone by and slow progress made.

It is documented here.

 

 

56. The socket worked this time around but the engine did not. It had been taken away and given a good dose of lead to help it climb the hills. When replaced on the layout it shorted out. Everything was dismantled and checked. Irritatingly there had previously been problems with this same Bachmann chassis shorting out intermittently, the cause of which which could never be traced. Following a further partial dismantling the cause was pinpointed. The current collector bars, for want of a better term, beneath the keeper plate, have bowed and touch the chassis. Amazingly there is nothing to stop this. The solution was easy enough. Both were covered with slivers cut from self adhesive labels as I could not be bothered to work out which piece was at fault. Ithilarak is another neglected location. It was completed some time ago but the track has never been painted for some unfathomable reason. The track layout was then revised when the old double slip, originally sited where the loco stands, could not be persuaded to operate reliably and was removed. The devastation caused to the level crossing is all too apparent. It would be nice, at least, to paint the sleepers on this visit.

 

Ian T

[Northroader]

I’m totally exhausted following along with the trouble shooting involved in that documented session. Still, it’s a hobby, ain’t it?

[ianathompson]

25 minutes ago, Northroader said:

I’m totally exhausted following along with the trouble shooting involved in that documented session. Still, it’s a hobby, ain’t it?

 As Model Railroader used to say, "Model railroads are fun!"

 

Ian T

[ianathompson]

It has been a while since I last posted but you know how it is.

Football, singing  and a revival of interest in the Donegal three footers account for some of the lost time.

I often wonder what could have been achieved in my space using OOn3 but it is not to be.

 

The Sunday session has now reached its conclusion.

There are almost as many photos in the latest section as there are in the rest of the session.

They can be found here.

 

A small selection is appended.

 

 

65. The 2-8-2T has magically reached the Narnian exclave where it traverses the snow scene. A lot of effort was called for at Ospicio to correct minor issues and to install a replacement socket. The loco is standing beside the home signal for Caladonno, an area that has been vacuumed to remove the evidence left behind by track cleaning blocks. This revealed just how much dust had settled on the “snow” which then also demanded cleaning.  I don’t suppose that many modellers have this particular problem. The snow, incidentally, has a simple plaster base but it is then coated with Woodland Scenics snow mixed with “sparkly silver bits” from the local craft store. These catch the light to suggest ice crystals are forming in the snow.

 

 

76. The scenic excursion stops on Akvalando viaduct, which springs from the vertical mouintain side, to allow passengers a clear view of the Carramassco Gorge. Any similarities with a well known Swiss location, albeit inverted, are not entirely coincidental. The lower parts of the gorge, visible behind the viaduct support, are a good couple of feet below the line. As I have commented before I would not like to speculate upon the crashworthiness of the observation car which was based upon a Swiss vehicle.

 

 

79. The cathedral coach has finally been set up in all its glory for evensong at Ospicio d’Helcaraxë. The dome has been pushed up and the pull out sections which enlarge the nave and give a covered entry with steps are also ready. What is not quite so apparent is that this is counterbalanced by a pull out weight which is blocking the main running line behind the vehicle. The statue of the Aŭkeratuo riding his winged unicorn has also been added to the dome. Don’t ask for a logical explanation of how this is achieved.

 

Ian T

Edited December 2, 2022 by ianathompson
typo

[ian]

What a treat to see the cathedral coach in use. 👍

[ianathompson]

14 hours ago, ian said:

What a treat to see the cathedral coach in use

 

Yes but unfortunately it disgraced itself by rolling over on the exit!

 

I think that this is partly down to the use of six wheel bogies.

These interfere with my usual rudimentary set up for the  three point suspension.

They will receive more attention, as will the vehicle's weighting. 

 

Having said that it seems happy in most places.

I suspect that some of the problems lie in the cant of the track at the northern exit of Ospicio.

 

Ian T

[ianathompson]

 

 

 

What goes on "behind the scenes".

The photo looks like one shown in the recently finished operating session but it isn't.

 

This is a re-run of what proved to be a problematic move. 

The loco stalled for lack of power, the cathedral toppled over and the rear coach also derailed.

Obviously these problems needed addressing and so....

 

The loco has had lead weights added which seemed to have solved the problem. 

In the process it was noted that one of the tender to loco wires had come loose so this was replaced.

The loco seems to run better so I am left wondering how long the pick up wire had been missing.

 

The coupling between the two 'regular' coaches has been replaced by another one. 

The regular centre buffer couplings used to  disengage due to the length of the carriages.

The piece of wire that replaced them needed a longer version.

Even so the rear coach persisted in derailing and needed a lot of fiddly attention on the bench.

It seems to be okay now but I am not holding my breath!

 

The "cathedral" has a weight issue (like a lot of us!)

I finally realised that the two pull out sections were causing it to heel to one side and added an asymmetric weight to counter balance them.

 

The major problem, however, has been the bogie pivots.

I use a crude form of three point suspension.

One bogie is 'floppy'and can move in any direction to allow for track level changes.

The companion bogie is kept rigid "across" the body by acouple of shaped styrene 'stabilisers'.

This maintains the vertical trim and works fine with standard bogies.

 

Unfortunately the middle axle of the six wheel bogies fouls the 'trim stabilisers'.

After much fiddling the thing has been persuaded to run without capsizing.

It still leans alarmingly on certain stretches of track so I think that speed will  have to be restricted when it is in the consist.

 

Next up for attention is the observation car. 

The seating at one end seems to have moved and needs looking at.

 

Ian T

Edited December 7, 2022 by ianathompson
typo

[uax6]

Glad you got to the bottom of the issue... so it wasn't the wrong type of snow then.... ;-)

 

 

Andy G

[ianathompson]

Just a few photos of Fenditavalat, where a little more work has been carried out.

 

 

The backscene shops have now been added behind Steep Street and the back of the Merkatubaxu (Lower Market) has been filled in.

Its the usual story I suppose. I need to spend more time on a pet hate ~ painting figures.

 

 

The AFK "station" has also been added. 

It is difficult to find room for facilities in a crowded Mediaeval city so the AFK makes do with this small waiting room below the Opera House.

The upper tiers of the building hold a concert hall and some of the practice rooms for the Music department.

In actuality this flat screens the wagons hiding just behind the daubing.

As with the other photos this is a cruel enlargement but its shortcomings are not too visible as it lurks in the shadows.

 

 

I think that this view might have been seen before.

Anyway it shows one of the student refectories and a young under grad leaving her lodgings on the upper floors.

The mirrors are positioned so that people can see whether it is safe to step out whenever shunting is taking place.

The plastic ice cream cone is a source of much delight to the more mischievous students as it can easily be placed in the middle of the road!

Bet you never did anything like that when you were a student or on a rugby/cricket tour!

 

The facilities of the Scolari Vallisfissurae (the University) are dotted piecemal about the small city hence the number of refectories.

The institution receives rents from many groundfloor users, such as the railway waiting room and the bakers seen here.

 

Ian T

[Northroader]

Thinking about things like who I should have supported at Qatar, what’s the national flag of Altonia look like? I haven’t spotted it flying from any of the public buildings.

[ianathompson]

 

Altonia is a canton in the province of Marrongaco.

Marrongaco is one of  the six provinces of Thalnia.

The national flag is therefore the Thalnian one.

 

It is flying from the mast head on the VS Spegulalaguno, the train ferry across the lake of the same name.

I have deliberately left the picture at the largest size so that it can be seen.

 

I post on other sites and obviously neglected to post on here.

It is the red white and blue flag.

Red white and blue seems to be a common combination of colours on national flags.

As far as I can tell it does not clash with any other flag.

 

The cantonal flag, below it, is four vertical bands of white, bue, green and brown.

These represent the snow, lakes, forests and soil of Altonia.

 

 

Just as an aside the ferry is now completed and in position.

The right foreground also shows the prototype of the searchlight signals.

This was discussed in the signalling thread.

 

Ian T

[St Enodoc]

9 hours ago, ianathompson said:

Bet you never did anything like that when you were a student or on a rugby/cricket tour!

What do you think?

[ianathompson]

On 06/01/2023 at 22:10, St Enodoc said:

What do you think?

 

Seems relatively mild compared to some of the shenanigans that I saw!

No names, no pack drill!

 

Ian T

[St Enodoc]

1 hour ago, ianathompson said:

 

Seems relatively mild compared to some of the shenanigans that I saw!

No names, no pack drill!

 

Ian T

What goes on tour stays on tour.

[ianathompson]

A new operating session has begun.

The photos can be found here.

There are not too many of them at the moment but that will doubtlessly change with time.

 

 

4. The following train is bound for the cement works at Lyddatyl on the CFS and will be handed off at Fenditavalat. It has to wait for the preceding train to clear the section even though the line is split by an IBS. With a glut of traffic on hand at Relforka this train has also been loaded to the maximum which could see a repeat performance at the cattle arch. Although the loco is ten coupled it is a little light on its feet and is viewed as class I/II. Loading trains over the weight limit was not that an uncommon scenario, at least from the anecdotes that I read in the press about US railroads.

 

 

13. The cement train leaves at 04.15. The goods shed shunt has taken around 90 minutes but the wagons are now roughly blocked to go forward. The goods shed, at the left, is now almost clear for incoming traffic and the local goods stands in the next road with the brake attached. It looks as though it will be short today.

 

Ian T

[ianathompson]

Unfortunately dental issues rather impinged upon operating the railway this week.

The latest photos are here, as the sessiion continues.

 

 

16. Unfortunately I discovered that I had put the Fenditavalat freight out in front of the Urteno freight. I suppose that this might merit a Form 1 on the real thing but I decided to recess the Fenditavalat train at Boursson. It could have gone into the yard at Lacono but this would create as many problems as it solved. The crew were prevented from getting a line clear flag on the block instrument by Lacono and were told to go into the loop. (There are some inconsistencies here, on my Form 1, but that’s my story boss and I am sticking to it!) The Urteno train steams past the home and distant, which have both been cleared, to overtake the errant train. A little more weight seems to be needed over the rear engine (the only one that is powered).

 

 

30. The Fenditavalat pilot pulls a couple of vans from the blanket factory. Quite how this fits into the urban fabric of the ancient city has never been determined but it provides another traffic source for the railway. The market hall is undergoing incremental development.

 

 

41. The FDV-RFK goods train does not often find too much work in the upper reaches of its run. Today is an exception and an empty van is deposited beside the goods landing for the seasonal cattle traffic at Ospicio. It will be prepared by the station mistress to receive its load.  The loco then picks up a wagon of gravel from the quarry siding before reforming the train to continue on its way. The timings are sufficiently slack that the lost time has now been regained.

 

Ian T

[ianathompson]

I seem to have had a poor medical start to the year.

I will spare you the details but little operating has taken place recently, so the next report may have to wait for a while.

Fortunately a nimber of new photos are currently available.

 

 

46. The shunting at Boursson is soon curtailed by the approach of the railcar which sees the distant at the enirasignalo, the yellow diamond, and slows down. The approach signals are (theoretically) interlocked with the points and forirasignalo (starter) and cannot display an unrestricted speed indication as the railcar has to pass through the loop. Oyach, the elderly curate, is still crossing that rickety bridge as he does his rounds every morning. I am not about to ascribe anthropomorphic attributes to these characters (well not too many) but I thought more of them should be named so I consulted a random name generator on the net. The impressionistic, or is it just ‘awful,’ trees mark a point where the backscene painting was restarted after a break. It certainly would not stand comparison with the best examples but it does its job in a low key

way

 

.

 

58. There is little traffic at the moment but that is likely to change when the fishing fleet comes in. The crew leave the engine alongside the water crane and walk across the road to the Steamboat to get their breakfast. The Ancient Mariner is a more popular choice for many of the summer daytrippers. The rickety railway bus provides connections to the Thalnian railways at Partanzo, thereby avoiding any need to board an AFK train.

 

 

66. It is now time to turn attention elsewhere to roughly synchronise the layout. Breĉo de Glissent has fallen behind, as usual, and so the ‘shunter’ is fired up. The shunting here is mostly done by the railcar that lays over between turns on the branch. The running was a little erratic and the wheels were cleaned. This is becoming an evermore frequent occurrence with certain locos because the nickel silver plating has worn through to the brass underneath. As Andy remarked, they were not designed for a layout where they put in such mileages. To be fair to the Fleischmann power unit it was bought second hand in the late 70s, when I was an impecunious Post-Grad, and is formed of the ’entry level’ generic shunter. I don’t suppose that it owes me anything. It has also lasted much longer than the contemporary 2-6-2T chassis which spent most of its time in bits before being replaced by a modern version. The railcar backs down onto a bulk grain wagon in the Co-op siding. This we be discharged at Eromarbordo.

 

Hopefully I should be back before too long!

 

Ian T

Edited February 2, 2023 by ianathompson
typo

[ianathompson]

Another batch of photos is now available.

They take some time to load.

There are around thirty of them.

I actually have more images than this at  the moment but it takes so long to upload them that it impacts on modelling time.

 

As per usual, when I start writing the captions, it feels more and more as though I am writing a novel!

I suppose that it beats having an anodyne model that does not inspire interest!

Anyhow you should meet a few more characters in these photos, even though there are no models of them (yet).

With my well known dislike of figure painting we could be waiting some time for physical manifestations!

 

 

78. The 06.53 from Bitrano which acts as the CFS schools’ train runs into a strangely deserted Merkatubaxu, on time, at 07.48. The AFK equivalent will arrive shortly to tow the train down to Rivabordo so that the electric railcar can avoid running round the trailer and leave for Nordabordo, as the CFS station is colloquially known, although the official name is Orbonakliffo. The locals prefer to refer to it as Norŏourbakki or ‘Bakki in Marranĝaccan.

 

 

82. As the crew reverse the loco back into the spur there is some mystification at the empty van’s priority status. There has been an administrative error somewhere because it is only going to take a load of rabbit skins and these certainly don’t merit priority. The gunsights, meanwhile, which are a priority, are still lost in the maw of the coal sidings. The crew are more concerned at the time eating necessity of shunting this rough, remote twisty siding in the middle of nowhere with their large rigid wheelbase engine. Why couldn’t this have been done by the Urteno pilot? Mutterings, mutterings. There are always mutterings about perceived extra work! What it boils down to is that there is no chance of a nice relaxing coffee and pastry at the station restaurant/bar whilst the engine stands on the mainline!

 

 

100. The local pulls into Boursson having made the climb from Glissent without issues. It accelerated smoothly away from the Sojonno stop and effortlessly rounded wet leaves curve. The additional weights chucked into the tender after the previous travails seem to have done their job. As an aside the typically heterogeneous nature of an AFK secondary service is epitomised here as the train sways over the back road level crossing at the south end of the station.

 

Ian T