Getting Real column - 8
front and back of my own switch list. Figure 6 shows one of my
clearance cards.
Operators
It seems that there might be a couple of types of model rail-
road operators. One type, and possibly the most common
for many layout owners, are members of the regular crew.
These are the ones who show up on a regular basis, maybe
once a month or more often, to operate a layout. They might
have also been involved in certain aspects of its construc-
tion. Regardless, they are intimately familiar with operations
on it, the owner’s vision for its operation, and all of the jobs
on the railroad.
I’ve never had a dedicated crew who operate my YV on a regu-
lar basis, although there are many modelers here in the San
6: This clearance card uses the same format as the
prototype.
6
Francisco Bay area who have operated on it a number of times.
I don’t personally operate trains during these operating ses-
sions. Instead, I am the dispatcher as needed and trouble-
shooter. Keep in mind that operations are not my main interest
(which is research and model building). But I still enjoy sharing
my layout with those whose primary focus is operations. It is
entertaining.
But accommodating visiting operators, especially those who
have never previously visited my layout, means incorporating
easy-to-understand controls and logical operating practices. As
part of this goal, I use two non-prototype forms. The first is a
very basic but authentic-looking assignment card (Figure 7).
7: This assignment card provides each operator with
information on the train number and name of the train
they will be running, the numbers of their locomotive
and caboose, and where and when they are to report
for duty.
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MRH-Jul 2013
