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Two things to keep in mind 1) mainline running and "switching" run at different time lengths 2) the impact of the need to access the main for switching operations can greatly hinder by timetable mainline runs. 1) The time required to perform switching moves does not really change between prototype and model all that much, unless you run your switcher at 160 mph in the yard to move cars around , and still the "time" required to uncouple a car and move it to a siding for spotting would take three minutes real time but 15 minutes fast clock. The question then is how far does the mainline train go in that 3 minute interval. More complicating is the timetable mainline train that has some switch moves (set out a diner, an express reefer, or pickup a Pullman car along the way, all prototype possiblities on a passenger timetable) could become one hour station stops on the fast clock. Not too prototypical. 2) The day to day switching tedium of an industrial area can be thrown into turmoil with constant interuptions of "timetable" access to the mainline that is part of "the switch lead" of that industrial area. Careful planning of the trackwork in the area and DCC can over come these problems to a large extent if concidered at the appropriate time. Before your son comes barreling through with a hotshot freight, because his sister is hot on his heals with the premier varnish on the "schedule". The easy part of scheduling and fast clock is the realization that somethings don't happen at that fast clock speed, which takes a lot more "planning" of the track plan to "get the job done". DC was far more difficult to work around limitations of the track plan. Your time era was very much a "schedule" time period when passenger traffic had a higher priority than it has had since the 1970/80's onward. To do it without frustration on most of the other operators, the head guy has to have planned the work space on the layout to provide the right environment for both the fast clock and the timetable. Just a few thoughts on the subject. Will
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