Operating a 4x8 layout - Loads-In/Loads-Out

[hminky]

I have a web article on my first operating session on my 4x8 layout. It involves working the Quarry Spur as a Loads-In/Loads-Out operation.

http://www.pacificcoastairlinerr.com/4x8/operation/lilo/

Thank you if you visit
Harold

 

[CBCNSfan]

Hi harold, nice track plan. Just one little question to confirm the operation. I take it the rock crusher and the spur are located around the center of the layout. Am I right or wrong?
Cheers Willis

 

[hminky]

Yes the rock crusher will be on the other side of the scenic divider. The operation concerns the track running across the middle of the layout.
Harold

 

[CBCNSfan]

Ah! I thought it might be that, as it looked likely. There was one shot where the switching looked like it was close to the end of the scenic divider so I thought I would check to be sure. It's going to be a nifty layout when its finished, keep us posted on the progress.
Cheers Willis

 

[chrismoore93]

Hi hminky,
Great layout plan along with some good scenery! Switching all those cars every where sounds like a pain, is it?
Keep up the good work,
Chris Moore

 

[hminky]

Switching all those cars every where sounds like a pain

That is why I am building a layout. I like to operate. A layout should be more than a diorama with a moving train. It should be a railroad. Running trains is the fun part about trains. Contrary to the current thinking, the railroad doesn't need an acre of staging and a huge layout for operation. There seems to be a "larger is better" mentality in operation .

Just my thought
Harold

 

[chrismoore93]

I guess you're right operating a railroad is very fun. I think I'd rather do some fun stuff on the layout instead of just having a moving train around the layout (but that could be fun watching it going around a layout you built). Thats why I love trains!
Thanks,
Chris Moore

P.S. It is fun pretending it's a real railroad.

 

[HaggisKennedy]

Roundy-rounds do get old after awhile. I've discovered that! It's a lot more fun to have a purpose, even on a 4x8.

I used to run a 'local' operation. Easy way to kill 60-90min an evening. 4-5 industries, 9-10 cars to switch. Run laps to go from "A" to "B" and back. Sure, you have to suspend some beliefs (roundy-round), but once you get back to "A", you've accomplished something and the time flies.

Other folks like building scenery; me, I like running trains, so that part of the empire goes a-wanting....

Kennedy