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Fall Meet Information
The 2018 Fall Open Meet on the Big Creek & Southern is scheduled for Monday, September 19th, through Sunday, September 23rd.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Daily operations get started by 9 a.m. each morning. The railroad is open for operations as long and as late as attendees wish to run into the night. During peak operations, train traffic on the railroad is coordinated by a dispatcher located in HK Tower on the west side of the property. The dispatcher operates the C.T.C. (Centralized Traffic Control) machine which controls signal and switch functions on the main lines. The railroad generally shuts down each evening between 5 and 7 p.m. when most attendees go out to eat as a group at a local restaurant (optional attendance).
OPERATIONS
Due to the high volume of train traffic during meets, a radio is REQUIRED on every train. We use FRS radios (Channel 8, NO privacy codes!) for communications between train crews and the dispatcher. We highly recommend that you purchase an earphone as it may be difficult to hear radio calls to your train in noisy conditions! The BC&S has a limited number of radios on hand which crews may borrow but we encourage everyone to purchase his/her own radio and plenty of extra batteries!
Beginning in 2016, the BC&S will conduct a morning briefing. Participation is expected. During the briefing, the superintendent and chief dispatcher will go over the general operations rules, alert you to special conditions/situations, and answer any questions.
All crews will be provided with a current timetable upon arrival. We ask that you read through this document to familiarize yourself with both the railroad and the special instructions included in it. This will help you get familiar with the railroad as well as alert you to special situations you may encounter as you operate with us. Note that while a "timetable" is included, we do not run trains "on the clock" and the trains listed on the timetable are intended primarily for sequencing rather than set running times.
Since 2015, the BC&S has been gradually adding switching opportunities along the railroad. We encourage you to try running a local switch job train at least once during your time with us! We think you will enjoy the railroading game and that it will add to your enjoyment as well as extend the amount of time it takes to navigate the entire railroad! We offer pre-planned trains ranging from simple passenger trains to unit coal trains and locals, opportunities to take the role of yardmaster and classify cars and build new trains for the next crew and, if you're really ready for a challenger, the opportunity to try your hand at the C.T.C. machine and dispatch the railroad (with assistance from the chief dispatcher!).
NIGHT RUNNING
If you plan to run at night, your engine and caboose (or other final car), must be equipped with an operating headlight and rear marker lights (red lamps to the rear). We prefer that your rear is equipped with a high intensity red flashing lamp in addition to any scale size marker lanterns. Headlights and rear markers are required to be lit from 7:00 p.m. onward each evening.
UNLOADING AND PARKING OF TRAINS
In order to facilitate getting trains out on the railroad quickly and to minimize delays to other trains that may already be running, we ask that you unload "nose first" if at all possible. Steaming bays are provided in the loading area. There is a wye located at Langeston (loading facility) to turn your engine or you may run north to Big Creek and use the reverse loop there.
Due to high train traffic and our desire to get you out and running as quickly as possible, we ask that all initial unloads that do not require turning be unloaded on tracks 1 through 4 (numbered from the north), engine leading outbound. Track 5 (wye track) should not be used for unloading unless you are able to load "nose first" and intend to get out on the railroad immediately. All departures from Track 5 should go uphill toward Big Creek, please!
Starting in 2016, we are asking that overnight parking of trains take place in Sterling (yard or on one of the station tracks), Bethel Park station track, or at Big Creek. Steam engines will always return to Langeston for overnight/parking purposes but we ask that owners of long trains (more than 6 cars) park their cars in one of these locations.
Also this year each train crew departing from Langeston will draw a number at the beginning of each day. That number will be used to route your train over the railroad. When you call the dispatcher to depart Langeston you will be asked what your route number is which will allow the dispatcher to line up the appropriate routing at HK Tower. This process is done to place trains out over the entire railroad up front rather than have delays associated with too many trains following each other "elephant style" out of the same location and having to be held up to allow trains to get spaced out.
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS/DINING/SNACKS
The BC&S is located in an area that features many motels and eating establishments from fast food franchises all the way up to 4-star dining establishments. Reasonably priced motels are located within 15-20 minutes drive time of the railroad in Belton, Lees Summit, and Raymore. We also have a gas grill available at the railroad which you may use for cooking your own meals. The railroad itself does not offer any "dining car service" but will have light snacks (chips, snack crackers, etc.) and canned soda pop or bottled water available. We employ an "honor system" to pay for drinks and snacks. Canned pop and bottled water are $0.75 each, chips/snacks are not priced but we ask for a reasonable "donation" so we can restock as needed during the week.
Battling Snow on the BC&S
LATE WNTER SNOW STORM
9am Call
Saturday morning, February 28, 2009, a late winter snow storm was in the process of leaving about 6+ inches (four 4 scale feet) across the region. This caused the crews of the Big Creek & Southern Railroad to stay at home to the dismay of management. As the storm cleared from the area, the winds picked up and the temperature fell into the single digit with a minus wind chill.
Sunday broke clear and cold, with a very low wind chill. There was some major drifting on the line and Management was anxious to clear the line but since it would be overtime (and very cold) it was scheduled for Monday. On Sunday evening the call went out for a 9am plow train on Monday morning.
A little history is in order to help you understand the importance of this day. Following the completion of the phase II track expansion project, snow drifting into the cut on either side of the tunnel was discussed on several occasions. The operating practice prior to the expansion was to plow the track using an engine(s) and bucking the drifts, but in a cut this seamed impracticable. During a lunch break one day, a VHS tape was being played showing a rotary plow working on Donner Pass. In the course of conversation; it was mentioned that the BC & S needed a snow thrower (rotary plow) to handle the drifting on the new main line.
The mechanical department of the BC & S, consisting of John Stephenson, Jerry Salsbury, Emmett Stephenson and Master Mechanic Pat Mc Carthy scoured the shop for materials and formulated the plan for the BC & S's snow thrower.
Once the plan was finalized, the erecting shop of the BC & S began the construction of the snow thrower under the skillful hand of Pat Mc Carthy with input from John Stephenson. While the erecting shop worked on the frame and body, Jerry Salsbury worked on the power plant to ensure its dependable operation.
Following the completion of the snow thrower now referred to as BC & S Rotary Plow 01(RP01), in December, 2008. It was placed in service during the Frost Bite Run, January 1, 2009.
Management of the BC & S appointed Sam Younger as the operator of this impressive machine. Following Mr. Younger's appointment, an intensive training program was held on a yard track in Langeston Yard. The one-on-one training was conducted by BC & S's Master Mechanic. On completion of this training class, RP01was moved to its assigned operating terminal at the Car Barn. A plow train was assembled and left on the ready track awaiting a call.
At call time the weather was clear with a temperature of 16 degrees and the winds were light and variable. The crew was Bob Miller (Conductor), Sam Younger (RP01 Operator), Pat Mc Carty (Master Mechanic and Relief Operator) and I (Dave Gibson, Engineer).
Plow train is moving toward the Car Barn Yard lead from the tie up track located in the car barn.
Plow train is moving through the Car Barn Yard. RP01 Operator Sam Younger is making sure the plow is operating properly before hitting the high iron.
RP01 Operator Sam Younger is making sure the discharge chute has the proper 180° movement. Conductor Bob Miller is on the rear car looking over the train.
Plow train is on the Car Barn lead bridge over Big Creek approaching the Main line.
The plow train is on the main line heading north toward Big Creek Station.
The plow train is fighting the snow and the ruling grade as it moves north.
Passing Langeston Station on the northbound main.
The plow train is leaving Big Creek Station heading south to Sterling.
Stopped to service RP01, the main drive shaft bearing needed lubrication. Sam Younger and Bob Miller are discussing the possibility of a coffee break.
Relief operator Pat Mc Carthy has relieved Sam Younger for the trip over the southern half of the line to Bethel Park.
The plow train is moving north to the tie up track at the Car Barn. Notice the track to the left side of the speeder shanty, the plow has cleared the snow down to the rail head.
On the return trip back to the tie up track, the plow train encountered a stretch of track on the northbound main at Peculiar that had a snow drift approx. ninety (90') feet long and was estimated to be nine 9 scale feet deep. The rotary handled this drift with ease.
After tying up for the day, everyone on the crew commented on how well RP01 had preformed. It had exceeded all of our expatiations.
Another fun day was had by the crew that received the 9am call on the BC & S RR.
The pictures were taken by Chester Mott, Pat Mc Carthy and Bob Miller.
Submitted by Dave Gibson,
03-09-09
Signal System
In 2013, the Big Creek & Southern management authorized the installation of centralized traffic control through the control limits of HK Tower. The CTC machine is a model of a Union Switch and Signal CTC board and resides in HK Tower where the dispatcher and trainmaster work together to direct traffic on the railroad. The photo above is new Signal Bridge #2 located at the south limits of HK Tower. This special staged photo includes Zach Mikko (St. Louis) on his coal Nickel Plate Mikado (2-8-2), Richard Osborn at the throttle of his CSX MP-15, and Pat McCarthy steaming into the scene on his BC&S #8906 oil-fired Mountain (4-8-2).
Signals in CTC territory are all US&S H2 searchlight signals. The signals were created and assembled by our Chief Dispatcher, Jim Duncan, and are available for purchase through his business, Railway Icons.
HK Tower was recently renamed in recognition of the many and long-term contributions of Harold K. Vollrath to the Big Creek & Southern.
The internal hardware that operates the CTC machine consists of two products - the Signal Man and Tower Man from Dick Bronson and RR Cirkits, Inc. (www.rr-cirkits.com). Each control point on the railroad is also equipped with one or both types of these hardware boards to drive the signals and switches or report track occupancy state back to the CTC machine.
All of the hardware is inter-connected using a variation of the Digitrax LocoNet known as the simple serial bus. Control and logic for signal and switch operation uses the JMRI PanelPro software (jmri.sourceforge.net).
When fully installed, the CTC system can be operated from remote locations via internet connection and will also be "viewable" in real time here on the BC&S website.
Here is a night view taken from the same vantage point showing the high visibility of our new searchlight signals and dwarf signals through the limits of HK Tower.
Last Ride of a Legend...
SAYING FAREWELL TO A LONG-TIME FRIEND...
The Big Creek & Southern has no greater friend than Harold K. Vollrath. As a founding member of the railroad his influence and numerous contributions of equipment, funds, and sage wisdom is without compare. K has relocated to Texas to be near his daughter and grandchildren.
On Tuesday, May 6, 2014 the BC&S crew gathered for an afternoon of fellowship and for K's Last Ride on the railroad. Many well-wishers either dropped by or sent their regards and regrets. Mr. Vollrath was one of the four original founding members of the Big Creek & Southern railroad which include Pat McCarthy, Harold Vollrath, Doyle Herley and Dave Huff. Of these four, only Mr. Vollrath and Pat are still active with the railroad.
From BC&S president, Pat McCarthy: "K and I have traveled many miles together. We used to go on our 'flings' to lots of railroads. I've always enjoyed his railroad stories. He is a true railroader through and through. We went to California and the west coast many times, running on all the railroads out there. In 2000 we did a flying trip to Riverside, California, to pick up his passenger car in Tehachapi and to run on the railroad out there - 5000 miles in 7 days! We've also been to Texas many times together. Mr. Vollrath has always been an interested and loyal member and has made many contributions to the success of the railroad."
Harold Vollrath now resides in Texas near his daughter and grandchildren. We hope that we will still see him from time to time at our operating events here on the BC&S. As a parting gift, Mr. Vollrath has donated his ten-wheeler (pictured above) and his passenger car to the Big Creek & Southern where it will become a treasured part of our history.
From everyone at the Big Creek & Southern, here's to our dear friend, mentor, and colleague! Thanks for the memories!!!
Pictured: (L to R) Pat McCarthy, Harold Vollrath, Jerry Salsbury, Bob Miller (standing), Dale Perry, Barbara Walz, and Jacques. Photo by Jim Duncan (not pictured).
Pat and Harold - a last handshake before saying goodbye.
Mr. Vollrath shares stories and recollections of the BC&S and his work with the Kansas City Southern Railroad with the gang.
Mr. Vollrath riding past the interlocking tower that has been named in his honor.
HK is the telegraph call for our interlocking tower which houses our dispatcher and CTC machine.
It was a beautiful day for a last ride on the BC&S for Harold Vollrath. Pat McCarthy mans the throttle.
Riding along with Pat and K is Bob Miller.
(Below) Backing into the carbarn yard to tie it up at the end of the afternoon Pat, Barbara and Jacques are riding along for the final time with Mr. Vollrath.
