Hi Guys
I was wondering how long your guys op-sessions last whether they be formal or not, and are there other things that you do at sessions such as watch a football game at the end or go out for dinner.hope to hear some feedback
Jeremy
2-4 hours generally.
usually 5-6 hours
Well they generally go 3-4 hours but on my friend’s Hew Haven layout, the longest went just shy of 8! No football games on at 3 am!
I operate on three layouts and 3 hours seems to be the right length of time (7 to 10 pm). This is true whether a fast clock, a timetable, or simple sequence operation is used. The only exception is a very very small layout with just a few switching moves per session. That one we usually operate for 1 1/2 hours and then break for snacks and conversation.
The guys who work need to get up the next day and the retirees do not want to drive while drowsy. Most sessions have sodas / pretzels available but no organized “down time.” I know there are guys who pride themselves on 8 to 12 hour operating sessions … no thanks! Brain fatigue sets in but even worse for me, my eyes get tired reading HO boxcar numbers. These weekend sessions on huge layouts where crews actually check into motels and are called by crew callers … well I have never done it so I cannot sit here and proclaim it is not fun. But I do not instinctively see the fun in it.
Dave Nelson
Some people want the first half hour to be gab fests and yes there have been some nights when we gabbed and never did run a train but for the most part the layout owners keep things in line.
Our every other week sessions last 3 hours. But twice a year, on a Saturday, we have an OPTUD (OP Till U Drop) which will start at 9:00am and run till ? (9:00pm). It makes a long day for the owner. But there are crews coming and going all day. The railroad finally gets run like it was designed!
Bob H Clarion, PA