Yes, some will remark, “but that sounds like work, and this
is supposed to be a hobby!” Sure, it does take some think-
ing, but then so does a challenging game of cards. For me, my
favorite part of operation is that it can be a team sport.
I thoroughly enjoy having the guys over for an op session
every so often and watching my model railroad come to life!
Yes, I can operate all by myself (and I have sometimes) just
like I’ve played solitaire once in a while. But like cards, I find
realistic operation is a lot more fun with several operators.
So what will you learn by watching an Ops Live video? First,
you get to be a “bug on the wall” at a realistic operating ses-
sion, so you can see for yourself if it’s fun or just a pain. If
you’ll take a look, you’ll find that like any good card game,
there’s some strategy involved. And you’ll find you can play
off each other as well.
You’ll also find there’s some good natured fun involved!
Situations can develop (similar to the real thing) that can take
some teamwork to resolve. The other thing you’ll see by look-
ing at Ops Live videos from different layouts (we have three
different layouts) that there’s quite a difference in how the op
sessions unfold. Ops Live 1 and 2 are two different operating
sessions on my Siskiyou Line, and Ops Live 3 and 4 are two dif-
ferent operating sessions on Charlie Comstock’s Bear Creek &
South Jackson. Even the op sessions on the same layouts vary!
The most recent Ops Live is volume 5 on Mike Confalone’s
Allagash Railway. You will find Mike’s layout op session has its
own unique feel to it, and some of the situations that arise
will surprise you.
So yes, there’s a lot to be gained by watching someone else
run trains on video. I think it’s model railroading reality TV at
it’s best!
