Monday, December 18, 2023

Looking back on a very good year

2023 has been an amazing year for the Carleton Railway.  Monthly operating sessions resumed in January with an average of 7-8 people at each session during the winter months.  The "Fundy Rail Fest 2023" convention in May meant that I did a lot of work to get the railway ready.  24 people attended the two operating sessions, and another 25 or so came for the open house.  During the summer and early fall I made major changes to the timetable and to the train orders, and I worked to improve the ways the two major yards work.  The results have made a big difference.  The last two operating sessions (November and December) have been the most enjoyable so far, with 14 crew members in November and 15 in December.  The train crews are also becoming more familiar with the railway.  I am looking forward to a good year in 2024.  The next operating sessions will be January 16, February 20, and March 19.


Saturday, November 4, 2023

Operations!

Since January, the Carleton Railway has been hosting a monthly crew to operate the railway.  The monthly operations have helped me to identify problems so I can adjust/improve the schedule, fix troublesome freight car problems, and make the railway operate more prototypically.  Thanks to the many people who have been part of the crew so far in 2023.  I am hoping more will be able to join us in the coming months!

The next operating sessions are schedule for November 21, December 12, January 16, February 20, and March 19.  Please email me for more information -- new crew members are very welcome.














Monday, July 3, 2023

New logo!

The Carleton Railway's paint shop has been busy lately, adding a new logo to some of the reefer fleet so the reconditioned cars will be ready for the potato harvest this fall. Here is a string of the freshly painted and lettered reefers in the Millville yard.


Saturday, June 10, 2023

Fundy Rail Fest 2023 -- Operations on the Carleton Railway

Fundy Rail Fest 2023 in May brought people from NB, NS, ME, NH, MA, NY, QC, ON, and AB to participate as crew members for the two operating sessions on the Carleton Railway.  I thoroughly enjoyed having so many guests making the railway come alive for those two evenings, as well as even more people who showed up on Sunday for a tour of the layout.  Thanks everyone for making it a great model railroad convention weekend here in Saint John. 

The South Newbridge Yardmaster hard at work:



Delivering freight in Silverdale:

The westbound passenger train arrives in South Newbridge

Working in the Rosedale yard:

Some switching in Nortondale:

A group photo of the crew members on Friday evening:


Tuesday, April 11, 2023

Carleton Railway Video Tour


In March 2023, the Carleton Railway was featured as part of NERx -- the video tour is a quick (20 minute) look at the Carleton Railway from end to end:


Operating Sessions -- Winter 2023

It has been wonderful to host regular operating sessions once again--at last!  I am grateful for the many people who have been part of the crew each time.  The railway layout has seen a lot of change in the past few months as I have identified needed improvements.