operation by creating a lot of switching opportunities along the
way. I use a four-position car card system and way bills, with suf-
ficient switching areas scattered around the layout to keep a train
and its operator busy. In fact, the way freights do most of the
switching in the towns and are most everyone's favorite trains.
The only town that has its own switcher is Eaton and that's a large
industrial complex that can absorb 26 freight cars serving vari-
ous industries. Sometimes it takes two operators just to run the
switchers at Eaton throughout the entire operating session. I also
increase running time by having operators stop to take on fuel,
water, and pick up a new locomotive.
17
17: Overall view of the San Pablo, California. engine
facility with Mount Oberon, Washington. above.
Dispatcher’s desk to the right.
Jim Ferguson’s GN - 1
MRH-Oct 2013
