Operating

[Anonymous]

Are there any books out there that describe how to operate a model layout in prototype fashion. Things such as card systems, timetable operations etc. I have Track Planning for Realistic Operating but that deals with laying out track, more than than operating.
Thanks.
Wayne Block

[Anonymous]

Hey Wayne,
Yes there are several books available on operation - John Armstrong's Track planning for realistic operation - Bruce Chubb's How to operate your model railroad are two of the best -
if your local hobby shop doesnt have them in stock you can order from Kalmbach books at 1-800-533-6644. Also you can check out "enhanced car forwarding on the Midland Road" by Tony Koester in March 1993 Model railroader magazine also "improved handling for empty freight cars" by Tony Koester in March 1994 Model Railroader magazine - You can call the same telephone number to order back usses of MR and photocopies of
articles and drawings from out of print issues.
I'am also in the process of learning all I can about operation as finally after all the years of building and fine tuning my layout it is now time to start operating it properly. Good luck and keep on trackin.
Rudy Montreal Canada

[Sperandeo]

To save Wayne a little disappointment, Bruce Chubb's "How to Operate Your Model Railroad" has been out of print for years and there are no plans to reprint it. Our books department has an author under contract for a new book on operation, but so far no publication date has been announced. You may find an old copy of Bruce's book at a train show, but it's not available from Kalmbach.

On the other hand, the Tony Koester articles that Rudy mentioned are scheduled to be posted on this Web site soon.

Best wishes,

Andy Sperandeo
MODEL RAILROADER Magazine

[Anonymous]

Wayne,
I would also suggest looking into the Operations SIG at 14 Summit Drive, Dune Acres, IN 46304-1024.
They offer a quarterly publication filled with info on prototypical operations on model railroads. There is information on commodities carried by various railroads and how the railroads handled them. You can also find information on the types of paperwork and forms that can be used during operating sessions to make operations more prototypical - as well as computer generated switch lists and the like.
They also ofer a packet of car cards of the type I have seen most commonly used in operating sessions.
I beleive the current dues are $15. You do not have to be an NMRA member to join the SIG.
Jim