Do you operate?

[friscomike]

Howdy,

Do you participate in model operating sessions at a club or home layout? Do you use swtichlist or other software to operate the railroad? Do you operate on a prototype railroad :-p...

Best regards,
mike

[bob_wintle]

This poll needs another catagory. I operate at friends and home using car cards and or switch lists.
Bob Wintle

[Iantha_Branch]

There isn't enough options. I operate at home, no car cards. I guess I don't have those because my layout is undersized. But that just might change late summer or fall.

[friscomike]

Howdy,

Perhaps I should have said paper switchlists instead of car cars. I guess you probably fall in the category of operate at home with car cars.

You can also vote twice to cover all the scenarios that apply to you.

Best,
mike

[Ozarktraveler]

"Do not operate" Well, in my dreams...

I've posted previously as to the details...

It does remind me of when we were kids, the friendly Frisco depot agent gave us a stack of Orders complete with the green carbon copies. We would fill them out, roll them up and stick them on the rear of the caboose, send the train into the next room where the next person would take them out, read them and make the appropriate switches. Not entirely prototypical, but for us kids it was great fun.

[friscobob]

I use a simple switch list for each train on my layout. I also use a switch list for the paper mill switcher. I have to deal with enough paperwork at my job that I don't care to get into the timetable&train order mess that Koester & company trumpet.

[w3hodoug]

I don't care to get into the timetable & train order mess that Koester & company trumpet.

Try it, you might like it. I had a chance to operate the Wabash Operations Road Show layout last Sunday prior to them packing it up for Hartford. I honestly prefer switching, but it was interesting to run main line. I had a hard time getting the concept of "no train radio" and pretending to be the station operator for OS ing at each open train order station I passed. I called in "Engineer and Conductor of Extra 714 East OS at Logansport" to which the conductor replied "Why are you in the station rather than running your train?"

The docents going to Hartford with the layout were giving a test run to us novices. They were very patient. I made the OS mistake above and forgot to reset a mainline turnout, but otherwise did great.

Most home and club layouts have very little mainline to operate. The ORS has 400 feet!

Doug

[John Markl]

I use a simple switch list for each train on my layout. I also use a switch list for the paper mill switcher. I have to deal with enough paperwork at my job that I don't care to get into the timetable&train order mess that Koester & company trumpet.

Micro Mark car cards and waybills work for me. You can stop whenever you want, and restart whenever.......and if something gets goofed up, it will work itself out by the end of the next session.

[friscomike]

Try it, you might like it. I had a chance to operate the Wabash Operations Road Show layout last Sunday prior to them packing it up for Hartford. I honestly prefer switching, but it was interesting to run main line. I had a hard time getting the concept of "no train radio" and pretending to be the station operator for OS ing at each open train order station I passed. I called in "Engineer and Conductor of Extra 714 East OS at Logansport" to which the conductor replied "Why are you in the station rather than running your train?"

The docents going to Hartford with the layout were giving a test run to us novices. They were very patient. I made the OS mistake above and forgot to reset a mainline turnout, but otherwise did great.

Most home and club layouts have very little mainline to operate. The ORS has 400 feet!

Doug

Howdy Doug,

You raise some interesting points. Our club is just getting ready to start OSing as the station agent when the caboose passes a station or interlocking tower. It has always been a dilemma knowing exactly where the trains were and that should help in the future. We wanted to follow prototype practice, so we're going to try it. I am sure there are going to be a lot calls saying, "why are you in the station and not in your train" LOL.

Operating adds an entirely new dimension to model railroading. I find myself researching how the Frisco did this or that, and it makes trains more fun. The Frisco Train Radio movie is required viewing in our club (much to the chagrin of the ATSF crowd). Chris Abernathy has some interesting input for operations in the FRISCO.org Operations section, too.

Have fun,
mike

[yardmaster]

Interesting poll, Mike.

In my rather limited and ignorant opinion, I personally can't imagine *not* operating a layout.

Even though track is not down yet on our layout, I have shown Ben some of the Frisco specific forms I've printed from this very site and explained their purpose and how we could use them in practice on our embryonic "Northern Division/KC Terminal" layout.

Consequently, Ben immediately made the connect that it's like a garage-sized board game with its own set of rules and end goal. He's also starting to learn what types of cars would be appropriate for what types of shipments. The bottom line: he is quite eager to get things up and running!

Oh, and back to the topic at hand: we'll likely use switch lists drawn up by a yard clerk or yardmaster for our operations. There's quite the interesting article on creating prototypical jobs for your layout in the '09 issue of Model Railroad Planning. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in operations.

[JamesP]

Other than Passenger runs and informal operations to move equipment or materials around the railroad, I don't currently "operate". I am interested in hosting operating sessions once in a while if I can find enough people who would like to participate. Is there anyone in the Springfield, Missouri area that would like to get together at my railroad sometime for a session? I think it would take myself and a minimum of four others to properly run the railroad. That would be one dispatcher and two train crews each with an engineer and conductor. Take a look at www.nfrailroad.com (http://www.nfrailroad.com) to see if you are interested and let me know.

Thank you!
- James

[bob_wintle]

I have never operated on a railroad like yours before but I would be tickled to death to get the opportunity. In my opinion tis would be a fantastic opportunity for an FMIG get together. If you get enough interest please count me in. I am sure I can get Katyslug to come also.
Bob Wintle
Parsons, Ks.

[Rick McClellan]

I use a simple switch list for each train on my layout. I also use a switch list for the paper mill switcher. I have to deal with enough paperwork at my job that I don't care to get into the timetable&train order mess that Koester & company trumpet.


Bob I am with you on the TTTO method of operation. TTTO, to me, is more about the paper work than running trains and switching cars. I have done it before but my preference are simple train orders, a dispatcher and car cards.

Too old to change now or fix something that isn't broken.

Ship IT on the Frisco!

Rick

[klrwhizkid]

I would be interested in the diversion of operating "on a larger scale" on the Northview & Frisco. I miss the Kansas City Live Steamers.... I would join with Bob & Mike from Parsons, KS.

[FRISCO4503]

Hey Mike, How would I do this. I operate but I'm not quite that advanced yet in my operations. I run a regular passenger train in each direction twice a day so to speak, and I switch yard and industry every operating session based on what I remember about how we did things when I worked on the old FRISCO R.O.W. from Neodesha to Fredonia. So I would have to say I operate on a home layout but dont have switch cards are computer switch lists yet.
Will

[FriscoFriend]

Will:

I am in the final design phase of my new RR and it will replicate the Frisco from Neodesha to probably just east of Severy. I was excited to see that you are already modeling the same area and would love to see some photos, a trackplan, etc. Also how large is your layout currently?

Thanks in advance.

Bob Hoover
FriscoFriend

[JamesP]

If anyone else within driving distance of Springfield, MO is interested, we have an operating session on the Northview & Frisco RR scheduled for Saturday, July 25, starting around 9 am. Send me a pm for directions and details.

Thank you!

- James

[FRISCO4503]

Bob, MY layout is 12 foot by 24 foot rectangle shape. I seen a picture of the old Ft. Scott Depot and so I figured I would go from Ft. Scott to Neodesha. I am working on getting some pictures as my time will allow. I am currently learning my lines for a new movie I am doing. PLus, I am writing my new comedy show and making arrangements for it to be filmed as well. We will be shooting the film starting July 6th with plans to shoot the entire feature length film in 16 days. After things wind down a bit (currently too many irons in the fire) I will be getting back on the layout. Unfortunately, I dont have an accurate model of the Cherryvale Depot, so I am using a small one that isn't even close to the prototype. My railyard will be somewhat based on what was in Neodesha. Except that is also where my turntable and roundhouse will be. I wish I had more room to build what I had planned in my head but this one will do for now.
Will
Will:

I am in the final design phase of my new RR and it will replicate the Frisco from Neodesha to probably just east of Severy. I was excited to see that you are already modeling the same area and would love to see some photos, a trackplan, etc. Also how large is your layout currently?

Thanks in advance.

Bob Hoover
FriscoFriend

[U-3-b]

I would love to have a layout or even be able to operate someone else’s. I have to approval of the wife to build a small one, mostly a switching layout, in our last house but getting transferred; losing more than one thousand sq feet in the move to the new house has put those plans on hold once again. Living in rural Montana also has limited the opportunities to operate on an existing layout too. Next move will hopefully give me space or a group to operate with like I had in Arkansas.

Steve

[w3hodoug]

Bob I am with you on the TTTO method of operation. TTTO, to me, is more about the paper work than running trains and switching cars. I have done it before but my preference are simple train orders, a dispatcher and car cards.

Too old to change now or fix something that isn't broken.

Ship IT on the Frisco!

Rick

Rick, the Operations Road Show had all three - simple train orders, a dispatcher, and car cards. The major differences I saw were less switching, more running, and the concept of open/closed train order stations.

Again, it's rare to have that much main line to run - even on most club layouts. Read the details in the February SCALE RAILS and sign up at Hartford for a session.

That thing will take a semi to move, but they had it in Toronto a few years ago.

Doug

[Bradley A. Scott]

I answered "I operate on a friends layout using car cards or paper", although technically I operate only occasionally on the layouts of several different people in the area, most of whom I've made contact with through the local NMRA group.

Like Doug, I visited the Operations Road Show layout recently. If you have a chance, check it out. It's definitely a learning experience.

[w3hodoug]

Like Doug, I visited the Operations Road Show layout recently. If you have a chance, check it out. It's definitely a learning experience.

Photos of both Bradley and me operating the ORS are on page three of the attached newsletter. Doug

[John Markl]

Photos of both Bradley and me operating the ORS are on page three of the attached newsletter. Doug

Boy! Dig that Wabash Geep !! Where'd they get that ?

[w3hodoug]

Boy! Dig that Wabash Geep !! Where'd they get that ?

According to the February SCALE RAILS article, they have had to paint a lot of the models for Wabash. Almost makes them honorary Frisco modelers. I saw one of the ORS guys at a local show going from dealer to dealer looking for GP-7s.

"Back Home Again In Indiana" is a great tune and should be their theme song.

[Bradley A. Scott]

I was having more fun that I appeared to be having in that photo. Seems they caught me scowling at the clock, or something....

[friscobob]

Try it, you might like it. I had a chance to operate the Wabash Operations Road Show layout last Sunday prior to them packing it up for Hartford. I honestly prefer switching, but it was interesting to run main line. I had a hard time getting the concept of "no train radio" and pretending to be the station operator for OS ing at each open train order station I passed. I called in "Engineer and Conductor of Extra 714 East OS at Logansport" to which the conductor replied "Why are you in the station rather than running your train?"

The docents going to Hartford with the layout were giving a test run to us novices. They were very patient. I made the OS mistake above and forgot to reset a mainline turnout, but otherwise did great.

Most home and club layouts have very little mainline to operate. The ORS has 400 feet!

Doug

On a large layout I can see this working, but I run an N scale hollow-core door layout with semi-hidden staging (for the one daily local to hide in). A switch list for the local and one for the mill switcher is pretty much all the paperwork I need.

To this end, I have a small pile of ready-made switch lists (with the Frisco logo, natch) for each train.

I probably need to have some sort of building for a local agent somewhere.....perhaps a metal shed, since there's no room for a depot.

FTR, I have operated on layouts that were equipped with CTC panels and full signaling, and that was pretty neat.