Hi
From those of you who have begun ops groups on your layout what can you tell me about how to go about inviting operators? What are the pitfalls to stay away from?
Thanks Hooty
Wake Forest North Carolina
Presumably we're talking solely about the invitation process, and not about the layout itself, it's not too complicated. First, I'd solicit interest from my friends, and maybe extend it to friends of friends assuming someone you trust can vouch for them. Make sure the people you're inviting have a real interest in the endeavor, and have a desire to learn if they aren't knowledgeable. Some hobbyists equate running in circles at the club with "operating," and don't want any real structure. Such individuals probably won't have a good time at a typical op session, so be up front about what is expected. Maybe you could direct prospective guests to read up from some websites and/or print articles showing what you're aiming for so they can get in the right frame of mind (e.g. selected operations columns from MR).
It may take a number of sessions to get a crew figured out. Some guys will have an interest, but won't be able to meet your schedule, or keep a commitment. Sometimes a great operator will develop from somebody you didn't even know at first. Keep an "extra board" for operators to fill in when the regulars can't make it. I send a group e-mail invitation maybe 10 days in advance, and tell people to RSVP a spot. Be firm about it, letting people know how many slots you have. No response means you can't expect to come, but also avoid overbooking. Too many or too few operators can make for a messy situation. Defer to the extra board in a few days if you have slots remaining. Send a confirmation to the whole crew once you know who's coming. If they can all see the attendee list, they can arrange carpools among themselves.
Don't be afraid of constructive feedback. One thing that helps maintain interest is understanding where your layout, operating scheme, and choice of crew need to be tweaked, but you don't have to accept unfair criticism, or put up with toxic personalities. You may have to consider disinviting someone who makes you or others uncomfortable, so be prepared to use some people management skills. On the other hand, your operators may figure out better ways of doing things, or have good ideas about layout improvements that will increase everyone's enjoyment. If you keep an open mind, you may find that your friends' participation can make your layout better, so be prepared to check your ego. Remember it's supposed to be fun for everybody.
Rob Spangler
Rob\
Thank you for the repiy i think it was informainable I have done a lot of reading on the subject but crews are not covered much. I also know I will need help with operations also.
Any thing that you think may help me I will gladly consider
Hooty:
Rob had good suggestions for a large layout, large group.
My layout will only permit 3 traincrew of two each. You need people who can and will come to almost every session.
People need to know which is eastbound and which is westbound. Then for car spotting, where ACME manufacturing is in Bigtown. Other wise too many answers have to be provided on the fly.
You will occasionally lose an operator, as life goes on, and some people just do not enjoy operations.
Enjoy and have fun.
Dave
large group
HootyI also know I will need help with operations also. I am using JMRI and am a rookie.
You're on your own there, as I don't use JMRI ops. I'd look for separate threads or maybe start one with questions specific to it.
Hooty: Rob has made most of the main points. I would add a couple: At the end of the day, I want to enjoy the time operating the layout, so having a convivial group of guys is critical to me. I'd take a cherry guy (or gal) who has a good attitude and can laugh at themselves, over an uptight, experienced operator, anytime. Operations are a social occaision and they should be fun (in my opinion, and at my railroad, they are). I would also suggest that you figure out a way to get some experience operating on other layouts to see how you want to run yours, if you haven't already. This will also give you a chance to meet operators and view thier attitudes/approaches to operations and to also learn who knows what about JMRI (and other useful stuff) and can be an asset to have on your regular operating crew. I met most of the guys on my regular crew while operating on other guy's layouts. Finally, because things will go wrong during a session and people will screw up, YOU have to remember to try and have a positive upbeat attitude and laugh it off. Hey, it's only playing with trains!
Dave and Owen
Thanks I am looking forward
I'm part of a group that operates on a few layouts. Everyone, for the most part knows one another. I was brought into the group by another guy. There is a degree of trust and most of the guys have known one another for a good 10+ years. Before I attempted to host my first session, I asked two of the guys who I know real well to come over and run the railroad. I wanted to have at least one or both of them know the railroad so when the time came for me to host, these guys could help out as I'm tied up as dispatcher. While I don't use car cards or waybills, we do have a list of jobs that need to be done each session. Once they're assigned, it's off to the session. At the dispatch area is a list of trains, whether or not it's a local or a dedicated train, or a thru train. On my layout, all newcomers must run the thru train so they get a little familiar with the layout. I send them all over the entire railroad, and only then, if they feel they're ready, I'll assign them a local with one of the senior guys to watch them.
Our sessions are informal, everyone enjoys running the layouts and the comradre is what makes our little group enjoyable.
Good luck with your first session!
Neal
Have you gone to any operating sessions in your area?
Not only can you learn what you'd like for your own layout, you can meet people who might want to operate on your layout as well.
Eric
Thanks Neal I will take your imput into consideration
Hooty
I know of no open layouts in my area Ones I know of are long standing closed ops.Not open to outsiders
Is there a National Model Railroad Association chapter in your area?
They might be able to point you in the direction of some open operating sessions.
I'm in CP !3 in Nc I have posted in thier news letter for operators
Our club was formed expressly for the purpose of prototype operations. We started about six years ago with the rebirth of a club that was forced to rebuild (old layout flooded) and have come back to life pretty nicely.
We're doing track warrants with a regular line-up, and using car cards and waybills to govern car movements.
Operations started simply, with the 30x60 layout built in four sections, and ops sessions on each as they came on line.
If there is any way I can help, just ask.
Eric WhiteHave you gone to any operating sessions in your area? Not only can you learn what you'd like for your own layout, you can meet people who might want to operate on your layout as well.
+1
HootyI know of no open layouts in my area Ones I know of are long standing closed ops.Not open to outsiders
In our area, even layouts that have been operating for a long time with a regular crew are open to visitors and having new operators fill vacancies. It wouldn't hurt to ask.
HootyI'm in CP !3 in Nc I have posted in thier news letter for operators
I don't understand what that means. But as Eric pointed out, the local NMRA Region and Division events are good venues to meet others. The NMRA has a low cost trial membership that would let you explore what your local area has to offer.
And one of the best investments you could make would be in the Operations SIG. The have a callboard program to allow operators to find open layouts and for layout owners to offer op session slots. Very inexpensive if you choose on-line delivery for their fine magazine.
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
I joined OPS SIG. last week, just got my password. I will be looking into the call board feature Thanks for your imput
i found a club from a posting at a hobby shop
greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading
I found a great operating group in my area when I posted a thread here about my first operating session at a large club layout. Although I had a great time, I mentioned in my thread that this club's layout was a little too far from me to be convenient. Because my member profile includes where I live, I quickly received an invitation from another forum member to join an operating session much closer to home. I now get to operate on a number of layouts owned by members of this group and also found a great bunch of people! Maybe if other forum members know what town or city you live in, they might be able to invite you to join their group or at least let you know of groups in your area.
Hornblower
Thanks, I added my location to my post good idea
Hooty:When starting an op group do these things: 1. Have an operating plan(i.e. timetable, or sequence with job descriptions, car cards, descrption of operating jobs, a sign up sheet for jobs) 2. Have a handout describing the layout in terms of directions, rules of the road, a track plan, operating tips, problem spots on the layout, and control systems. 3. Pick people you know to start with. 4. Expect a learning curve to occur over time. Even experienced operators need time to figure things out on your layout. 5. Make sure everyone invited has something to do while they are there. 5. Have a post op social session with refreshments as a way of being a gracious host. 6. As a host I seldom run any trains. My job is to make sure that everything flows smoothly, and to help out the crew when asked. 7. A plug: Buy Kalmbach's books on operations by Tony Koester, and also the book on "How To Operate Your Railroad."They are great resources for getting started
Good luck,
Chuck Sable