The exceptional YouTube video above epitomizes the symphony of sound and motion characteristic of railroad switching operations. When you’re done watching ask yourself, do you want your model operating sessions to capture this flavor or that of a slot car race? Model Railroading is unique in that it allows us to build very delicate, highly […]
Category: Operations
The “Bullpen” (Efficient Rolling Stock Management)
Ergonomics, or the human comfort factor, plays a much greater roll on our layout than we realize. It impacts how often we run it, how enjoyable the experience is when we do and, ultimately, whether we keep using the railroad at all. The hidden trap is that ergonomics can be so subtle in some cases […]
Capturing the Essence of Industrial Switching Operations
When prototype practices are fully incorporated, even a simple two car shuttle can make for an interesting mini session. Much has been written about model railroad operations. Typical subjects addressed include rights of trains, timetable and train order operations, and car cards. However, somewhere in all of this discussion of the technical aspects of […]
The First Layout, A Better Example
Model railroading is a lot more fun when we achieve some degree of success early in the process. Having a layout that never reaches critical mass or doesn’t run reliably just isn’t that enjoyable. I believe not having a satisfying first experience is the reason a lot of people leave the hobby in frustration. One […]
Avoiding the Layout Design Death Spiral
In MRP 2010, Jim Lincoln gives an excellent example of having your cake and eating it to. That is, having fascinating operations without needing much track to do so. During the design phase, model railroaders are often terrified that their layout will be boring, that it won’t have enough elements to keep their interest. […]