I have discovered one of the best ways to test your layout. Invite someone over to operate it with you. I made up car cards and thought I had the layout even better off than the last visit, but no, there was plenty more items that need attention. Cars that need to be brought up to standard, this was the main problem. Underwieght and non micro trains couplers that constantly give problems. One track issue. One of the bigger issues was that I should have given a more thorough brief on best practices for operating the layout. Such as uncoupling with the cars close to the edge and setting the couplers for delay. Even though I explained what the drill track is for I found the main on the other side of the yard was fouled from time to time.
Even with all these glitches it was a blast and we ran from 6:00 to a bit past 10:00.
The car cards really helped keep things interesting. The fact that I built some card holders helped imensily also.
All I need now is one more operator. The layout could keep four busy for maybe 2 hours but three would take about 4. I don't run a schedule yet but when a train gets into the continuoues staging yard I simply change the waybills and train order and it becomes a different train for a little while later. This way the scenarios may change from time to time and keep the layout interesting.
John
John, I have to agree with you. One the early things I read about model RR'ng was to get track down and start running trains. This of course does not necessarily mean without some plan.
When my yard was done and the bare mainline connected to either end, I had Don Z over and we ran two trains - he made one up as I brought one into the yard and took the one out he built up.
We were amazed at the amount of time it took for just that simple of an operation, and it pointed out some of the same issues you had.
Regards,
Tom
One of the best ways to test your track work is to run a long train backwards. Pushing all those cars will find every little track problem.
Bob Hayes
I've heard that if you can run passenger trains backwards at a moderate speed
without derailments your track work is good !
My test was letting 5 kids under 14 years of age run for 3 hours during my open house
No Wrecks ! No derails !
TerryinTexas
See my Web Site Here
http://conewriversubdivision.yolasite.com/