This three part series is a real time video of the coal train operations on the Lyon valley Northern.  In Part 1, the Port Coal Mine empties depart Edmonton Yard for Shelby.  In Part 2, the mine is switched.  Loads are made ready for departure and the empties are put in the vacant mine tracks.  Idler cars also have to be considered in the moves.  In Part three, the loads are taken to Edmonton and new train orders direct the Engineer to take the empties to the Starboard Coal Mine.  In this sequence, the mine work is completed using facing switches.  The loaded cars are returned to Edmonton and the locomotives are taken to CN Fairview for servicing.

This train operates over a two hour period using realistic track speeds during the Friday Night Group Operations.  There are also four other trains doing their work during the same period  making for an interesting dance through the timetable.  In this presentation they are left out to keep the focus on this particular train.  Enjoy.

PART 1: RICHMOND TO SHELBY

PART 2: PORT COAL MINE SWITCHING

PART 3:  COAL TRAIN OPERATIONS: FACING MOVES