I did my first OPs session.

[SpaceMouse]

Well, my club finally decided to run trains. It was pretty limited and and more of a game than the sessions I've read about. To keep the numbers down they paired new guys (I'm the newest) with vets. Each team took out six pieces of rolling stock with color coded dots indicating which track and siding they were to be deposited. When you dropped a car you also had to pick up an empty.

It created some interesting puzzles. The first car I picked up was a 6-car consist of coal cars. I picked them up right behind the engine and they were with me the entire session. It added to the complexity since I had to deal with them through every manuever. Live and learn. Next time I'll make an extra move and put them next to the caboose.

I think there is a rule in our club that old-timers have right of way. No matter who got first to a siding, or what direction I approached from, I had to wait while the other club members figured out how to drop and pick up their cars. That was the painful part. There was no schedule or right of way rules, and the cars were attatched at random.

All in all it was a lot of fun.

I still think I'm becoming a yard goat.

[Jetrock]

Do you have the February '05 MR, SpaceMouse? There's a pretty good little short introduction to operations in that issue...

[SpaceMouse]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Jetrock

Do you have the February '05 MR, SpaceMouse? There's a pretty good little short introduction to operations in that issue...

The first one I ever saw was March 05. I picked up 10 older ones at the trains show, but...

[Anonymous]

Sounds like fun spacemouse! however, the more organized and complex operating sessions are even more fun. I have gone to a few in my are and had such a good time it convinced me to rebuild my layout to an operations-oriented design. I assume you were running on DCC? I was once operating a yard in DCC and at one time we had 4 people switching in the same yard! Two guys were complaining how thier engines couldnt pull the string of cars they were coupled to. Turns out they were coupled to the same string of cars going opposite directions. anyway, lots of fun.

[rexhea]

QUOTE: Originally posted by JPM335

... Two guys were complaining how thier engines couldnt pull the string of cars they were coupled to. Turns out they were coupled to the same string of cars going opposite directions. anyway, lots of fun.

Now that's FUNNY! [(-D][(-D][(-D]

[Bikerdad]

SpaceMouse,

You can probably find lotsa back issues of Model Railroading at your local library.

[SpaceMouse]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Bikerdad

SpaceMouse,

You can probably find lotsa back issues of Model Railroading at your local library.

I thought the story about the guys with the trains was funny, but I nearly bust a gut when I read your suggestion.

There's a saying about my part of the country:

If the world were to suddenly blow-up (to make way for an intergallactic highway or something) it would be 10 years before Western Pennsylvania heard about it.

Women's Liberation is really big here: Now they can smoke.

[Jetrock]

So let's see if I have this straight...your part of the state is ten years behind the times, but the first issue of Model Railroader you have seen was this month's issue?

[Anonymous]

Thats what so cool about MRRing. You can make an OPs session as formal or laidback as you want. I have some order to it. I usually make out a switchlist for a couple of locals to service the industries. Meanwhile, an operator can sort cars in my classification yard. Not to formal, no ones been terminated or drug tested for putting cars on the ground.

[SpaceMouse]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Jetrock

So let's see if I have this straight...your part of the state is ten years behind the times, but the first issue of Model Railroader you have seen was this month's issue?

Give the man a cookie.

[Jetrock]

So, then, assuming that your town is ten years behind the times, but seems to get current issues of Model Railroader, why can't you check your local hobbyshop for last month's issue, or check your local library for last month's issue?

[TurboOne]

Joe that was funny. Still laughing. [:D][:D][:D]

Chip glad you had a great time. Don't know I if want to try an op session, still having too much fun breaking the rules at home. [8D][8D]

Heck you are behind the times, the rest of Indiana move to their own State ! [:D][:D]

Glad you are enjoying trains, how are the kids ? Are they still having fun with their trains?

Tim

[SpaceMouse]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Jetrock

So, then, assuming that your town is ten years behind the times, but seems to get current issues of Model Railroader, why can't you check your local hobbyshop for last month's issue, or check your local library for last month's issue?

My local hobby store is slot car / model related. They have very few magazines and no Model Railroader. I came across a Model Railroader in a mall book store and bought it immediately. Our local library is very small. I admit I haven't looked for MR, but I have so rarely found anything I've looked for that I am pessimistic.

[Anonymous]

Spacemouse: Do you have a subscription to MR? Lots cheaper than buying at a bookstore. If you are looking for old issues. Check train shows and even ebay. People sometimes sell stacks of them for only a few dollars.

[SpaceMouse]

I haven't pulled the trigger yet on a subscription. I did pick-up 10 back issues at a train show. It was interesting reading the ads and prices.

[WSOR 3801]

I think there is a rule in our club that old-timers have right of way. No matter who got first to a siding, or what direction I approached from, I had to wait while the other club members figured out how to drop and pick up their cars. That was the painful part. There was no schedule or right of way rules, and the cars were attatched at random.

All in all it was a lot of fun.

I still think I'm becoming a yard goat.