Getting Real column - 8
A relatively fast clock (but with a very forgiving timetable) can
be a little stressful for visit-
ing operators who have never
operated before on my layout.
However, I tell everyone they
will have more than enough
time to complete all of their
required work with plenty of
time to sit and wait before
timetable departure times. In
fact, if every single train runs
on time, each operator will
spend 15-20 actual minutes out
of the 2½ to 3 hour-long oper-
ating session waiting for depar-
ture times and meets.
I also tell visiting operators that
not only will they have plenty
of time to get their jobs done
in a prototype manner, but
will also time to wait for the
“brakeman” to throw switches
and make a standing brake test
after making up a train.
Operators of the locals use
switch lists I prepare in
advance. This means no car
card shuffling or moving car
cards from one box to another.
4. To help operators, I’ve added a Car Type column and
deleted the Contents column of the prototype switch
list on my switch lists. Instead of a Remarks column,
I’ve substituted a Track column which indicates where
the car is to be spotted.
4
The format of my switch lists
generally follows the proto-
type YV switch lists. My clear-
ance cards also are replicas
of the actual prototype forms
and list any train orders an
operator needs to have in their
possession before leaving their
departure station. Figures 3,
4, and 5 are of a prototype
YV switch list and the front
and back of my own switch
list. Figure 6 shows one of my
clearance cards.
Operators
It seems there might be a
couple of types of model rail-
road operators. One type, and
possibly the most common for
many layout owners, are mem-
bers of the regular crew. These
are the ones who show up on
a regular basis, maybe once a
month or more often, to oper-
ate a layout. They might have
also been involved in certain
5. The YV used milepost designations on their switch
lists for cars to be switched along the line. Instead, I
use station names and siding names. The siding names
match the prototype ones. The back side of my switch
list includes this graphic to assist a visiting operator.
The two or three letter abbreviations under the station
names are the telegrapher’s abbreviations.
5
MRH-Nov 2014
