I had a couple of buddies over (separately) to run the lst operations scenarios I’ve developed for the Black River Transfer & Terminal Railroad.
It was a red letter day as I felt like all that track, lumber, wire, plaster, resin, was FINALLY nearing it’s intended purpose-to be a transportation system that ships goods and picks 'em up. 5 years in.
I’m new to Ops and although I operate on several layouts, it was a whole different bowl of wax being sure the scenarios I figure out are prototypical and make sense and are fun for experienced operators. Got 2 thumbs up so far.
I never post just to blow my own trumpet, but this was such a fulfilling day after SO much work (and being an Island dwelling lone wolf most of the time I just had to share it with my “online buddies”.[Y]
Lots more work to do but finally I can mostly do scenicking (my favorite part) from here on out.
Also, finally feeling like I can take the time away from building to learn more CV programming and how
to get out of trouble when DCC does mysterious/glitchy things.
Wouldn’t have gotten here without all of you guys n’ gals, so thanks. Off to run the Mail/Express and
It’s a feeling like no other to bring a railroad alive. Few people have done it. Most of them are actually modelers, when you think about it – and fewer of them than there are that actually aspire to it. Some find it too intimidating or just not a worthwhile goal for their approach to the hobby. If they felt what you’re feeling right now, it might change some minds.
The best thing is you’ll likely get much the same feeling when you comeplete any major project on the layout in the future. It’s something that builds on its own efforts.
Thanks guys. One of the things that I like about Ops is that the island hermit gets a social life once in awhile!
Maybe someday on some regular basis… I’m jazzed. Can’t wait to get some other runs planned out.
Like most (future) Ops hosts, by bringing my layout to life, I hope to inspire others to explore at least some ops/switching on their purely running 'round layouts. It IS intimidating to learn without access to ops layouts and an invitation (more importantly getting invited back!) to operate with a tutor/guide. I’ve got a buddy who lives just behind me who has lots of opportunity to switch on his own layout (he’s a new model railroader) but feels it’s beyond him. I hope to get him over to try running a local-turn and see if he gets the bug.
Oh I plan on doing this some day. But I’m busy reworking and laying track, and scenery still. And I need to finish the staging yard in the extension room. Then I can start finally running some ops sessions.
I’m 3.5 years in now building my layout. So I don’t feel so bad it does take a long time before layouts are ready for ops.
Yes, it sure is a lot of work and does take a lot of time. I’m a slow builder as this is my lst “grown up” layout and with Ops as a goal, it took me a long time to get my track reasonably “bullet proof”. It still isn’t perfect but everyone’s engines/locos are running fine now so it’s time to figure out how this RR’s gonna work.
I also like to be at least partially scenicked in each “area or quadrant” of the layout so that operators will get to know the lay of the land easier and to show what I’m currently capable of and what to (hopefully!) look forward to seeing what’s new next time.
It’s a bit more challenging to make artistically satisfying (or real looking) scenes when structures, trackside details, etc. have to be back from the aisle side of most scenes in order to reach ground throws and use skewers, etc. This slows me down, building as I seem to have to make compromises every step of the way.
I prefer Ops layouts that are also display layouts with scenery and a realistic/prototype look and feel to them. Everyone operates some before completing scenery and placing all structures, but a lot of people seem to never get beyond the plywood pacific and placard (naming industries) stage.
I’m taking a break form scenicking in order to develop my car card/switch list system and runs, but then I want to get going on structures and rock casting again to replace those placards.
i’m an OpSig member. They’re coming out with a book that’s "all about’ Ops. I have their time table and train order book and it’s excellent. It’s too “heavy” for most beginners though. Looking forward to the 2nd book. I bet it’ll be a great way to learn and see if Ops is for “you”.
Capt.Grimek, I’m glad your finding operations fun! I’ve only operated alone, which I’m finding less than I’d hoped. It stands to reason that doing it with other folks involved would add to it substantially.
I’m jazzed. Can’t wait to get some other runs planned out.