Operations Scenario

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I’m thinking of hosting some operating sessions and as my layout room is small 10 x 11 I’m limited to 3 or 4 operators

In lieu of a dispatcher I was thinking of typing up a scenario to give to each of the operators which would show the movement of trains

Has anyone done this ?

2

Terry,

I think (in my limited experience and knowledge) what you’re describing is done with Timetable Operations. Every movement is coordinated to the fast clock…

Don Z.

3

Many people start with a sequence timetable. For example, when the local leaves the yard, a through train starts in the opposite direction from staging and the two trains meet at a pre-determined siding somewhere.

You just go through and set up a sequence of events. That way everyone knows that the passenger train runs after # 14 leaves Decaville, for example.

Much simpler than a true timetable operation and no fast clock required. A sequence timetable is a great, low-stress, easy way to get started. I described an example of a simple sequence timetable in this web clinic.

Byron

4

Thanks Don !

Fast Clock ? hummmmmmmmm guess i’ll have to get one of those

5

With your ‘operations’, are you wanting to just run some trains and have fun, or conduct things like the prototype?

Depending on what you want to do, you could get away with something as simple as knowing what cars are going where, and building trains, running them to the destinations, and returning home. No timetable, just simplified operations of Loads-to-destination, Empties-To-Origin…

6

GraniteRailroader makes a very good point here! And…In keeping it simple…You can even take it one or two steps further with a peddler or local switcher and a through train. Could be a “hot-shot” freight, or maybe a mixed, or even a scheduled passenger.

But still no major schedules, or timetable, or fast clock…Just getting the trains out and back and the moves made (pick up and set out) at the industries or yards, and of course, keeping out of each others way.

I’ve done this with three operators. Kept us busy and having fun for over three hours!

7

What you originally described is a sequence-of-operation list, a very good way to start (sort of sticking your toe into the shallow end of Timetable-Train Order operation.)

Adding times to the sequenced events would convert your base document into an Employee Timetable. Back in the day of TTTO operations, every engineer and conductor was required to have one when on duty. (That, plus a fast clock, would get you up to dog paddle speed)

THEN, add Surprise Cards and a dispatcher, speed restrictions, extra trains (not on the timetable) and prototypical handling of real derailments and you’ll be ready for the final exam - reading (and understanding) Peter Josserand’s classic, Rights of Trains.

Unfortunately, the book is copyrighted 1959 - great for transition era modelers but not for those who use track warrants and direct DS/train crew radio communications (not to mention GPS locator links and direct computer communication.)

As for me, I operate by my prototype’s employee timetable - all 30 days of it.

Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - TTTO, 24/30)

8

I like the Simple idea.

I do have a set of car cards made up

Here’s what i have so far

Operations Scenario

8:00 3 Passenger train E-7 {4514} leaves Thurmond Depot via the westbound main and proceeds to Mt Hope

8:05 Two car local {360} leaves Thurmond Depot and proceeds up the Loup Creek Branch to Mt Hope

8:10 Extra T-1 {3004} Leaves Thurmond Via the westbound Main

After picking up Caboose and crew at Thurmond Depot

8:10 Passenger train E-7{4514} leaves Mt hope and returns to Thurmond via the Loup Creek Branch

8:15 Extra T-1 {3004} arrives at Mt Hope with loaded hoppers and cuts off 3 hoppers and caboose then pulls forward to clear the grade crossing

{360} Uncouples it’s 2 passenger cars and accesses the main and picks up the 3 hopper cars and pushes them into the power plant

{3004} Backs up and uncouples 3 more hopper cars then again pulls forward to clear the grade crossing

{360} Pushes these 3 hopper cars into the power plant

{3004} Backs up and uncouples the final 3 hopper cars

{360} Pushes these 3 hopper car into the power plant

Then attaches the caboose to {3004}

8:45{3004} Caboose hops back to Thurmond via the Loup Creek Branch

And proceeds to the coaling tower to take on coal then backs up to clear the westbound main crossovers on to the siding next to Thurmond Depot

9:00{360} recouples to it’s passenger cars and returns to Thurmond via the Loup Creek Branch

9:30 Westbound Mixed freight{2768] backs up fr
9

Nice website you have there. I’ve also got a small 11X7 layout with staging that I will soon begin to operate. All of this is new to me…scheduling, way bills…etc. But it looks like it will add plenty of operational interest.

10

Sounds like a good book !

I’ll check the library

11

Rights of Trains is a good reference for real-life Timetable and Train Order (TT&TO) operation, but it’s a bit too arcane to be a guide for beginning model operation, IMHO.

TT&TO is definitely not the best start for most newcomers to model operation. It’s pretty complex. For good ways to start on the model, check your library for Bruce Chubb’s How to Operate your Model Railroad (Kalmbach 1977, out of print) or buy Tony Koester’s Realistic Model Railroad Operation (Kalmbach 2003).

Starting simply, then adding fun and challenge over time is a formula that seems to work best for most newcomers to operation.

Byron

12

That is precisely why I defined Rights of Trains as a final exam, not a beginner’s primer.[(-D]

Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - and operating in a manner that wouldn’t cause Peter Josserand to flinch)

13

Ok Thanks Byron !