My Run8 Journal

[Ezra]

Crickets

Good Night Mojave. . .

[Ezra]

Good Morning Mojave

I can Run8 and manage operations. I heard someone say, “For solo-play, all that is needed to overcome a “busy Barstow” is a pause button.” I agree with the latter when it comes to the former. Managing comes with the “hold” button and the "delete" button, not to mention the "save" button, when it comes to solo-play. For me Busy Barstow can wait as I lower the spawn rate. Besides, half the fun is in designing a manageable operation.

THE MOJAVE INTERCHANGE

After establishing the (UP) CYRMJ evening coal train delivery from Yermo to Mojave, and introducing some of the Locals, I will continue with the morning Mojave Interchange operations. The main “AI” power, at this point, can be on it`s way back to Yermo with empties, or waiting on a siding for loaded Cement cars from Oak Creek. I also need to determine who will deliver the Gypsum to “Oak Creek Branch” via Mojave, and from where?

Tip: If I leave Trains and Locomotives idling on a siding (in HOLD), I will always have the means to jump to the unit through the (Shift-F2) “AI Status” menu. They can wait. . . or be on the merry way.

Note: I will use the 2-Bay Covered Hopper Packs for the Cement cars. They are short for a reason. Furthermore, since I have just acquired the excellent Mixed Freight Pack 2, I will be using these for the Gypsum cars from Searle Valley Minerals because they are the prototypical cars in use.

THE GYPSUM COMMODITY

The Gypsum (which is similar to Sodium Sulfate), can originate from Searles Valley Minerals (SVM) on the “Lone Pine” branch up the road and across the highway. For those who do not have the latter DLC, the spur can be designated as the industry.

With a few clicks in the editor menu, the “Lone Pine Branch” spur can produce loaded Gypsum cars with a new tag “CP” or “OC” for CalPortland or Oak Creek. The tag can be whatever I want, including the processing time. In this case, I will use “OC” for the tag and a forty-eight-hour process time. Again, the tags and process time depends on how I operate in the greater context.

To summarize, Oak Creek, CalPortland Industry receives loaded Gypsum cars tagged (SVM) originating from Lone Pine Branch. Following a designated period of time (48 hours), CalPortland processes these cars into empties with a new outgoing tag (LP), or they can go to Mojave Yard (MJ) Interchange for re-tagging and re-routing.

The local (LOP51), can drop the cars in the yard, or even cross the main and park them on the Lone Pine Branch spur if the tags are (LP). After a set period of time (if I have set up the track editor), the cars will automatically convert to empties (OC) for pickup by the local (LOP51). If I have the correct local indicated in the Industry Editor, when the time comes, notification is automatic for LOP51. Punch (Right Shift-L), the pickups will be listed there.

Note: When the Lone Pine Branch DLC is added, the operation can take on a whole new level. Suddenly the Searles Valley Interchange (30 miles up Lone Pine) becomes the drop point for cars from Mojave. Not the spur. If I pass on the trip, I can “AI” the local to Searle Yard Interchange. A thrown switch against the frog will assure it stops. Finally, what about the Cement cars?

THE CEMENT COMMODITY

The empty Cement cars arrive in Mojave Yard. This could look like (UYRMJ). “U” is the prefix for anything in bulk commodity. Again, “YR” is for Yermo. “MJ” is for Mojave. In this case, the local (LOP51), which is usually parked in and around Mojave, will switch them into blocks ready for delivery to CalPortland.

When the empty Cement cars are loaded in CalPortland, LOP51 picks them up and drags them back to Mojave. Meanwhile, BNSF and UP bridge traffic can be set to run in the background through Mojave. I can dispatch the latter through BNSF Sanborn, and UPRR Ansel, and up the Tehachapi while I am switching the industries. From this point, I will probably send the full loads of Cement to Las Vegas through Yermo Junction via the (Cima Sub) east of Barstow. Therefore, the acronym would look like (UMJLV).

Note: The Cima Sub is a UP north easterly route (which joins Yermo and Las Vegas). This is a good subject for an additional DLC down the road which includes a tough mountain pass. But I digress.

SUMMARY

Conclusively, for single player, there is plenty of switching in and around Mojave Interchange, Oak Creek Branch and Lone Pine Branch. I do not necessarily need the branch line DLC to simulate this particular operation. There are plenty of switching opportunities and some mainline runs in the background as well with bridge traffic passing through Mojave from three directions.

Cheers

[Ezra]

Oak Creek Branch Operation

After installing the Arvin & Oak Creek Branches DLC I was pleased to see this as I came over the hill southwest of Mojave with the LOP51 in the early hours of the morning. It should be mentioned here, The Arvin & Oak Creek branch includes two branches for the price of one. The Arvin Branch is further up the BNSF main south of Bakersfield.

Note: After installing the DLC I have to set up the industries as described in the preceding journal entry.

Prior to my departure, I checked the "Pick-up and Set-out" list (Shift-L) and the pick-ups were listed there for the LOP51. In this case there were coal empties and loaded cement cars for Mojave (MJ), or further south to Yermo (YR). Both the empty coal cars and loaded cement cars go to Yermo. The original CYRMJ consisting of Union Pacific DS70`s are wating on the siding.

[Ezra]

A Relective Interlude

What I am about to write is something I have been thinking about for a lengthy period of time.

It is a type of confession. I would not call it an admission. Admissions are prompted by external third-party demands (when the accused is caught transgressing) based on personal agendas. Confessions, fundamentally, should be solely prompted by the collective convictions of the individual apart from outside influence without excuses. It is a type of inner reflection with a certain accountability within the community one desires to be a part of, for better or for worse.

First then, I would like to apologize for any personal divisive comments, or unfair and biased opinions towards developers, moderators, or followers. I know that I have, at times, written cryptically, in a way to cause unnecessary dissension among the collective community of TrainSim.com in which we all share. I do aplogize and offer no excuse.

Second, I realize this is a Journal within the context of a “screen shot” forum. Traditionally, Journals are private records of an individual and not normally shared publicly. On the other hand, many traditions in which we all hold dear have radically changed in this age of technology and social media. Sometimes journaling can take on a biographical tone and appear to push an agenda or opinion. That was never my intention. . . but then . . . it was . . . thus my confession.

Again, I apologize.

In closing, thank you for all the support and encouragement. TrainSim.com and the readership have made this journal a success and ultimately prompted me to publish my experiences in this wonderful hobby we all share.

May God Bless you and your Families during this difficult time.

Run safe.

Cheers

Ezra

[westerngy]

Out at the plant Ezra I use cruise control set at like .02 mph to load the cars and the same when unloading the coal cars. What I like is if you get tired of that save and come back later and finish it off. Yes between Mojave and out the branches there is enough to keep a person busy and with ( BNSF ) Sanborn and ( UP ) Vincent spawn points you can spawn in customer ordered cars for industries in the local area on trains automatically.

[Ezra]

Out at the plant Ezra I use cruise control set at like .02 mph to load the cars and the same when unloading the coal cars. What I like is if you get tired of that save and come back later and finish it off. Yes between Mojave and out the branches there is enough to keep a person busy and with ( BNSF ) Sanborn and ( UP ) Vincent spawn points you can spawn in customer ordered cars for industries in the local area on trains automatically.

This is a good point. I never thought of the unloading procedure as well. I never realized you could do that in Run8. It appears there are two unloading troughs for coal.

Cheers

[Ezra]

Switching Oak Creek

Some switching and the haul back to Mojave Yard.

Note: The SD-40-2 (FECR) is a long way from home. But then we see these anomilies now and again in the real world.

[Ezra]

Amtrak Through Barstow

Amtrak Train creeping through Barstow. I don`t get alot of chances to run Amtrak. Too busy with frieght operations. But it is nice now and again.

[Ezra]

Cement Haul To Yermo

This is the empty coal car, and full cement drag, back to Yermo from Oak Creek via Mojave. She was heavy and I did break a few couplers on the trip up the summit when I had to stop over to check a hot axle.

I took the appropriate routing through the Cajon (SP/UPRR Palmdale Cutoff) where UP has running rights. It would have been easier and shorter if I went down through the Sanborn/Hinkley rout but BNSF would have nothing of it.

[Brad3816]

Dang Ezra, those are some nice shots!

[dejoh]

Ezra. Have you ever considered producing a few 2-3 min. short videos of some of your runs? You could incorporate the many camera angles provided in Run8, and sound would be an extra plus.

[Ezra]

Ezra. Have you ever considered producing a few 2-3 min. short videos of some of your runs? You could incorporate the many camera angles provided in Run8, and sound would be an extra plus.

dejoh,

This is a great idea. I will consider it. However, at this point I have alot on my plate right now. Random screen shots are convenient. Random video is a whole new ball game. One needs alot of storage, etc. I might consider a slide show video first and see what the results are.

Furthermore, post production and editing takes alot of work. I am finding this out on my YouTube channel which I hope to produce some railroad diorama content first. Having said this, I almost love Run8 as much as the latter. I love the community as well.

Thank You for the encouragement though. I really appreciate your comments.

Cheers.

[Ezra]

Dang Ezra, those are some nice shots!

Hey Brad3816,

Thank You so much for the encouragement and the support. This Screen Shot Journal would be nothing without the likes of you and the entire collective community coupled with the grace of the moderators.

Cheers.

[Ezra]

Hey Brad3816,

Thank You so much for the encouragement and the support. This Screen Shot Journal would be nothing without the likes of you and the entire collective community coupled with the grace of the moderators.

Cheers.

I should also mention none of the screen-shots are "photo-shopped." They are all carefully selected vanilla Run8 @ 4K.

[Ezra]

Coal Drag Through Barstow

UP Coal Drag through Barstow to Mojave.