A unique op session idea!

[Texas Zepher]

QUOTE: Originally posted by fiatfan

I don't know if any one has tried this but I read in another forum about using real helper service with DCC. No slaving units together, you had to work with the front end power but the engines were controlled separately.

That was actually one of my favorite assignments on our club layout since 1984. Helper duty. I even made a special loco for it. I took the spring out of the front Kadee coupler. Unfortunately we reduced the grade over Summit so helpers aren't needed nearly as much as they used to be.

[fiatfan]

I don't know if any one has tried this but I read in another forum about using real helper service with DCC. No slaving units together, you had to work with the front end power but the engines were controlled separately.

Tom

[n2mopac]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Texas Zepher

QUOTE: Originally posted by n2mopac
Longer runs would receive more money than shorter ones (you could use play money or Monopoly money for this) and bonuses would be paid for completing one's assignment on schedule.

Shouldn't the more complicated runs pay more. A though passenger runs a long way but is nothing to operate compared to a local assigned to the switching puzzle town.

Good point. I'll make a note.

Ron

[Texas Zepher]

QUOTE: Originally posted by n2mopac
Longer runs would receive more money than shorter ones (you could use play money or Monopoly money for this) and bonuses would be paid for completing one's assignment on schedule.

Shouldn't the more complicated runs pay more. A though passenger runs a long way but is nothing to operate compared to a local assigned to the switching puzzle town.

[trainboyH16-44]

Sounds fun, and I would be in the red all evening long! (Rear enders caused by me going too slowly)
Trainboy

[n2mopac]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jrbernier

The part about an MOW gang with a special, temporary speed restriction in an unexpected spot on the layout? The track forman would be fired for not protecting his work crew. A train order or at least a track bulletin would be required to be issued to all trains before they enter an area with a working track crew. Work equipment just does not get 'on the track' without authorization.

Jim Bernier

Jim Bernier

You are certainly correct. When I said "unexpected," I meant at a location where it was not during the previous operating session, not a place where a train would run upon it unexpectedly. Thanks for helping me clarify that.

Ron

[jrbernier]

The part about an MOW gang with a special, temporary speed restriction in an unexpected spot on the layout? The track forman would be fired for not protecting his work crew. A train order or at least a track bulletin would be required to be issued to all trains before they enter an area with a working track crew. Work equipment just does not get 'on the track' without authorization.

Jim Bernier

Jim Bernier

[n2mopac]

I came up with an interesting idea for a different type of operating session last night. I had read about a club layout that actually charges its members a dime each time they break one of the club's operating rules. I love developing my rulebook for operators to follow. I was thinking, what if we held an operating session where each operator got paid for each route they ran. Names would be drawn for the first trains of the night for fairness, and each operator when finished with an assignment would simply receive the next train in order. Longer runs would receive more money than shorter ones (you could use play money or Monopoly money for this) and bonuses would be paid for completing one's assignment on schedule. I use draw card "detectors" in two places on the layout which would through a chance kink into the schedule. Then, to make it more interesting, fines would be assessed for non observance of ops rules (speed restrictions, handling of hazardous materials, observinc propority, proper communication with dispatcher, etc.) Derailments due to mishandling would be assessed too. I would even probably throuw in a MOW gang with a special, temporary speed restriction in an unexpected spot on the layout. The goal would be to see who netted the most fake cash by the end of the evening. I havn't worked all of the kinks out of this idea yet, but I thought ya'all could weight in with your ideas as well. This may turn out to be something many want to try onece in a while to change things up a little.

Ron