Model Railroad Operations: Six tips for better operations

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1

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Model Railroad Operations: Six tips for better operations

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Andy, I’ve also noticed at operating sessions, guys running way to fast. The prototype railroads have safety slogans like “No More Than 4” meaning safe coupling speed is below 4 mph. I know from personal experience, coupling into standing equipment is like running into a brick wall, couple too fast and you can derail the equipment and damage freight. In fact the old head that taught me once said, “the faster you go the more damage you’ll do when something goes wrong”. All great tips Andy, plus a added bonus of using a pencil, the graphite in those pencils helps to lubricate the couplers. I’ve been enjoying your “The Operators” column in MR, I hope to see more of the video version on MR Video Plus.

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Good one Tony… Apprecaite this one…

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Thanks Andy.

Good tips indeed

Cheers
Mark

5

Wow Andy that was a great show. I hope that this turns into a regular piece on MRV in the future. Using these tips makes operating any size layout at any gauge more enjoyable.

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Nice video Andy…when can we see a full video of an operating session on the new MR&T? I remember seeing an old tracks ahead video with Chuck Zainer many years ago which featured a video of an ops session on the old MR&T.

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Great starter tips! I’ve been doing my best to learn more about operations so I cant wait to see more of these videos

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Greatly enjoyed the “Hand Signals” video as well as this one! Always go to the last page of MR when I receive my subscription. We need more videos from Andy!

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Andy, really enjoying your Operations videos. Another good reason for walking with your train is that you are protecting the point. Be on the lookout for obstructions, switches not lined for your move, Manager’s red flags for stop tests, etc. This goes for both ends of the train, especially when you are pushing into a yard track or industry spur. Safe Operation keeps your equipment and reputation intact.

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Very good info - thanks Andy!

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Forgive me for not adding this earlier. Andy is dead on about prototype running in yard limits. Yard Limits are governed by GCOR 6.28, running at Restricted Speed, you must operate at being able to stop within half your range of vision. In other words, if you can see 10 cars, you must be able to stop in 5 cars. Most couplings must be under 4 mph. With remotes, it is 2 mph. Remotes also have a few seconds delay, so you have to count that in as well. Higher speeds can result in damage such as crossed knuckles and worse sometimes. Most model layouts are run as “flat yards (level surface)”. You don’t have grade to deal with. Putting the grade factor (uphill or downhill) adds to the challenge.

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Andy it was good seeing you once again at your best. We need more videos of this nature the dos and the don’ts of operations.

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Great video Andy. Keep them coming. Perhaps an Operators series could be added to MRVP?

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Hey Andy… when will we get to see your ATSF layout on MR Video Plus and in Model Railroader?

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Thank you for the great video, Andy. You’re a natural!

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I enjoyed this episode and would like to see more tips like this. Good ide

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One tool that does 3 jobs–the HB pencil. When will we see more of your ATSF?

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Outstanding tips! Everything is spot on and what I expect from those who come to operate my railroad right up to the point where you put your finger on the train to un-couple the car. It leaves finger prints which often times are not removable with-out ruining the weathering done to the car. I expect better from an “old head”.

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Great tips from a great pro…Thanks Andy!

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Great practical advice. Thanks, Andy!