In a nutshell, what are these, and what do they do ? I need something to add some interest to our layout, and wondering if this may be it.
It is a great way to keep you interested in your layout because it gives the trains something to do. I did a search and found many similar posts, most would be very helpful. try this one http://www.trains.com/TRC/CS/forums/506483/ShowPost.aspx
it is a good start.
Also, “Realistic Model Railroad Operation” by Tony Koester is a great reference.
In a nutshell they indicate what is loaded into a car and what its destination is. Usually a in a system where waybills are represented on cards there are basically four destinations on each card. When the car reaches that destination the card is flipped to the next, so the next train that services that industry has a new “waybill” for that car.
How are you operating the layout now? A card system is often the next step after a tab or thumbtack system. One big advantage of a card system is that it is easy to fix when something gets messed up. Either move the card to the car or the car to the card. No computer required. The disadvantage of a card system is the logistics of train crew having to carry cards, and needing a location by the industry to hold the cards on their siding.
Thanks for the info guys !
We’re (son and I) aren’t doing anything right now in this area. Just plain 'ole running the train, switching, etc. and are ready to move on from just doing that.
In most systems, the card stays with the car; in the conductor’s hands when the car is in a moving train, or in a holder when the car is in a yard, at an industry or parked in staging.
The simplest waybill has EMPTY CAR on one side, with a description of car type required (i.e. rock gondola, clean box car with grain doors, carbon black hopper…) It identifies the industry which requested the car. On the other side, the waybill specifies the load, destination (another on-line industry, a specific interchange or off-layout staging) and special operating conditions based on the nature of the shipment.
Waybills can get more complex! I personally use four-sided (folded) waybills, where the loaded car is “captured” by the industry to take a load away after the original shipment is unloaded. I also use “staging to staging” waybills for car types that don’t have a logical destination on the modeled part of the railroad. The car might run straight through, or it might be switched out of a terminating local at the modeled yard and blocked into a cut to be added to the next through freight.
One frequently overlooked use of a car card is historical. My car cards identify manufacturer, year of purchase, original price and repair/modification history. When the car is removed to the workbench, the card goes with it - and the waybill (if present) is moved to another car of appropriate type. Having repair data makes it possible to identify cars or components that are prone to problems - key to successful troubleshooting and long-lasting repair actions.
Chuck (who started using car cards and waybills shortly after Doug Smith first described them)
Thanks !
A card system should add a lot of fun to your layout. Micro Mark sells a complete system that’s fairly inexpensive. Here’s a link to them:
Enjoy!
Roger
Try this link for an excel spreadsheet already formated for 4 cycle waybills and car cards.
http://www.westportterminal.de/operation.html
Mike in Tulsa
BNSF Cherokee Sub