Increasing Productivity on a layout..

[jacon12]

You see, every time I go into the trainroom to work on the layout, before I know it I've got my (only 2) locomotives going around what track I have laid, backing into turnouts, picking up cars, running them to other points.... and before you know it I haven't done a thing constructive as far as work goes.
SO, I've hit on the solution! I'll give my two engines to my wife and tell her to hide them from me for a week.
At the rate I'm going better make that a month.

Jarrell

[tommyr]

A sad picture flashed through my mind [:(] I saw You begging your wife for just 5 minutes with your locos then threatening her with all kinds of mean & nasty things. Next we see you sneaking down to the LHS and begging for just 1 loco. When no body is looking you steal one.
You sneak home & hide it in the potted palm & late at night take it out for just one quick fix which turns int o a 4 hour binge. Please reconsider for your own sake!! DON'T LET THIS HAPPEN!!!!!![:O][:O][:O]

[oleirish]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jacon12

You see, every time I go into the trainroom to work on the layout, before I know it I've got my (only 2) locomotives going around what track I have laid, backing into turnouts, picking up cars, running them to other points.... and before you know it I haven't done a thing constructive as far as work goes.
SO, I've hit on the solution! I'll give my two engines to my wife and tell her to hide them from me for a week.
At the rate I'm going better make that a month.

Jarrell

[;)][:D]I do'nt think you are alone on this,When I'am working on a layout There is allways an engine and cars handy "TO TEST THE CONSTRUCTION" progress[:D][^]
JIM

[claycts]

At least you got track, I am in virtual world doing the SAME THING, DUM DUM me. From what i have seen a read you do very well. Enjoy the hobby, it is not work it is a hobby and if the trains just happen to strat running around call it reasearch, that is what i call trips to car shows.

[dragenrider]

Actually, I don't see this as a problem. Frequent train running helps to iron out track problems, find rolling stock needing adjustment, and allows you to see where you really want to lay track or build next. It's perfectly normal and it is a GOOD thing.

There, now do you feel better? [:-^]

[selector]

(Ahem...) I seem to remember prescribing this regimen, Jarrell. What's the problem? Are you questioning my recommendation that you "prove' the track? Perhaps you would like to consult another train doctor?

Signed,

Dr. C. Overton

[tstage]

Jarrell,

Bring the egg timer downstairs with you from the kitchen and allot yourself a 15-min. "choo-choo" break every hour or two. It both allows you to take a needed break and refresher AND the opportunity to test out what you've been working on. In other words, a little reward for your efforts helps make the work go smoother and you'll think more clearly. [:)]

Uh oh, Jarrell. Sounds like Crandell's steamed. I think you'd better make up with him soon. If you don't, he'll start charging you DOUBLE what he's already been charging you. Train doctors don't come cheap these days anymore...

Tom

[Big_Boy_4005]

Gee, I haven't really had that problem since I got my trains running a few months ago. I haven't powered up in almost two weeks now. Been bustin butt, preparing for the next segment of main line.

Just think ahead to what you want it to look like, and say to yourself, "I'm gonna make this sucker happen." Playtime can come later.

[jacon12]

Yes, why didn't I think of that! I'm track testing! Yeah, thats what I'm doing! Dr. Overton, I had just forgotten that you had already prescribed that. Can you ever forgive me..[:(]
Jarrell

[davekelly]

Jarell,

Increasing productivity. Of course. Well, I suggest before hitting the train room, you get a conference together with you yourself and you. Lay out what needs to get done this work session and how it is to be accomplished. A power point presentation probably would make this easier to visualize. You then need to flow chart the work for that session so that major decision points can be recognized and work tracked. Save about an hour at the end of each session to review the work and to make sure all the projected work was done and done correctly. Any that haven't need to be analyized. Assign yourself, or you, to report back to you on why the job wasn't completed and what processes need to be implemented to ensure such work is completed. Of course since you are behind now, you must be more productive next work period to ensure you stay on schedule so make sure that double the initial conference time is allotted and you might want ot beef up the power point to make sure everyone is clear what the assignment is. Wait.......this is starting to sound like work .....................

Hey, you having fun running the trains? Then the heck with productivity . . . run the trains!! Having fun is all that matters in this hobby!!!!!

[selector]

Well...I suppose we can overlook it this time. [:-,]

Once again, you are to devise a to-do list of all conceivable steps necessary to complete your layout...short of the odd bit of tinkering, weathering, adjusting, etc., and to post it near your layout. Once again, as you complete a step, you are to cross it off the master list. This list is your master plan that you second-guess daily to ensure you have all the steps, materials, and implements necessary to effect each step. You run trains while you are doing this second-guessing. It is a grown man's substitute for curling a finger behind his ear and placing his thumb in his mouth. It should happen at LEAST twice a session, and last for as long as it takes to effect the second-guessing.

Got it?

[ukguy]

Good sound advice, although judging by the speed with which you built your layout my friend I dont see that their was much time for second guessing, thumb in mouth or not.[:D]

Jarrell, if your having fun it's productive [:)]

Karl

[pcarrell]

Jarrell,

I personally am having a hard time relating to what you are talking about. I mean I understand "testing" the layout instead of building something and all. I'm just looking at what you've been acomplishing though and I am in awe!

I started way before you on my current layout and you are about to pass me!

Go play with your trains for a while so I can get my lead back, will ya! [(-D]

[tstage]

Jarrell,

FYI: Did you see the new August issue of MR? There is a article in there about logging trains. I just saw it foday for the first time at Barnes & Noble...

Tom

[railroadyoshi]

What I do is run a train in a way that doesnt require handling it(ie. flipping track switches, etc)

this lets me enjoy watching my trains and work at the same time!

[railroadyoshi]

Infact, this was what I did and am doing as i do the sadest thing i have done to my layout,
DISMANTLE IT[:(]

[pcarrell]

TO REBUILD AND EXPAND I HOPE!!! [:D]

Don't say not. [xx(]

[jacon12]

All advice heeded!
I will remember the thumb in corner of mouth thing, it sounds like a great tension reliever to me.
railroadyoshi, are you really dismantling? Must be moving to a bigger and better place!
Jarrell

[leighant]

Don't forget that real railroads measure productivity in terms of ton-miles and passenger-miles of transportation produced.

Happy railroading.