Lee, you've got my vote!
Unfortunately, when I built my present Yuba River Sub, I was not thinking of 'operations' per se, as it was modeled after a trans-mountain through route through small California towns that really wouldn't have a lot of 'local' traffic, and I now realize that I've missed the boat, so to speak.
However, I have instigated a loco change-over point at the largest yard (Deer Creek) where I can change from "Valley" to "Mountain" power, or add helpers for the grades. It isn't much, but it does afford me some actual 'operating' time when a freight comes in for a changeover, or drops off of Yuba Summit to have the Articulateds taken off and lighter power substituted.
And I have found that I can run a 'turn' or two of seasonal cattle shipments from lower elevation pasture to high mountain pasture, so there are times when I can do that, also.
But if I had my 'druthers, I'd have designed the layout for more 'operational' possibilities and not just running trains. Looking at it now, I can see some spots where I can incorporate a few more 'operational' possibilities without having to tear up and re-build too much. And the more I think about it, the more I think I just might.
I like 'running' trains, but I'm finding that--within my limitations--'operating' them is really satisfying.
Glad you posted this thread. It's real food for thought..
Tom
Tom View my layout photos! http://s299.photobucket.com/albums/mm310/TWhite-014/Rio%20Grande%20Yuba%20River%20Sub One can NEVER have too many Articulateds!
Pastor Bob, that's exactly what I'm driving at. Including even the most rudimentary operation scheme to your layout helps provide some "purpose" to running the layout, and even to other modeling projects.
I've got a few projects on the workbench now that are all related to the operating system. I need to build a load of plate steel, I'm working on scenicking a scrap yard, and I have to clean the wheels on my yard switcher!
I also like the fact that at any given moment, there's a train on the layout that I can turn on to run if all I want to do is railfan. And even this is enhanced by operations, because there's always a different train and consist to watch, after it's been switched around in the yard.
Lee
Route of the Alpha Jets www.wmrywesternlines.net
Welcome to the wonderful world of operations. My Santa Fe, three decks, 33ft by 28 ft has been in operations mode (state) for several years, and I enjoy it very much. Yes I have the standard yellow cards containing all the information, I have the white waybill cards plus ones I do myself based on the years I was with Santa Fe, I have the obligatory holders secured to the fascia board on the layout, I have a "schedule of operations" on a laptop dedicated to the railroad, I even have separate loco cards, and I use fixed consists (dcc), so I even have consist cards.
Life is good. My work doesn't let me schedule a lot of group sessions, but I have an operating session going all the time using a cycle of movements. I can work on a sermon for a couple of hours in my office, then go down to the railroad room (basement) and run trains following the timetable and sequence of events for 30 minutes, or an hour, or even longer, then go out and make hospital calls, membership calls, stop by the church office, then come home and drift down to the basement again while my wife does her things.
I am very lucky since the scenery is done, the structures are in place, and the DCC works reasonably well, electronics are my short suit.
Bob
Lee, your description of the steps involved in, for many of us, the ultimate goal of our model rr, operation, is right on the money. You've put into words and images many of my own thoughts and aspirations, lately. Almost all the construction, wiring, scenery, weathering, etc. is pretty much done. My next big project is making a few more card boxes and filling out the car cards and way bills. I totally agree with your recommendation. Thanks for a great post!
Lately I've been spending the evening up in the train room, enjoying one of my favorite aspects of the hobby... Operations.I can hear some of you diving under your computer desk now, fearful that you'll be harshly criticized for secretly keeping a circle of Lionel Track, resplendent with log unloaders, smoke pills, and talking station. But rest easy, I'm not here to belittle anyone. I just want to share with you some of my discoveries.When I designed my layout, I made sure it included a couple of "must haves" in the track plan. These included: