Thanks Willis, glad these are enjoyed.
The Cow on Track is a very popular accessory, especially with kids. They sometimes get so excited that shoving matches have occurred in the line to push Bossy's button. (And some say kids don't like trains.)
There is also an interesting spectrum of approaches to "Bossy operating." So far I've been able to identify five distinct patterns:
1. Worry-Wart
This type seems anxious to avoid any possibility of a mishap. If Bossy is over the rails, they will push the button immediately to get her out of the way, even if a train is nowhere close. "Forget FUN, the line must be cleared! NOW!!" The worry-wart can cause much frustration among the other types, who want to see the whole show.
2. By-the-Book
This type is a stickler for procedure. They want all the boxes checked. The sign asks, "Is Bossy blocking the train?" If there is no train stopped on the scene, Bossy is not blocking the train. Therefore the button should not be pushed. Not until Bossy is actually blocking a train should the button be pushed. It's only official procedure, after all. Bossy stands on the track, a train approaches, it stops. THEN the button is pushed. Bossy hops from the track, the train continues on its way, as specified. No problems, no incident reports, no extra paperwork.
3. Skeptic
Like type 2, the skeptic will wait for the planned events to play out. The difference is motivation. Whereas #2 just wants things to go according to plan, #3 wants to verify system integrity. They wish to see if the train REALLY stops in time, and if it does, who's REALLY in control. "I'll bet that guy stopped it!" The skeptic will often demand that my wife and I have both our hands in plain view before they will push Bossy's button. Sometimes they're still not convinced. "Hmmph! I don't know..."
4. Thrill Seeker
The thrill seeker will watch for all events to play out, waiting eagerly to see if the train stops in time to miss Bossy. However, they are visibly disappointed when it actually does. Bored with routine, #4 wants events, incidents, "hard news" and such. Their faces will beam with transcendent joy if the throttle is set a bit too high and the train coasts into the cow, shoving her aside. It doesn't matter to them that they've missed their chance to shoo Bossy away and restart the train at the mere push of a button, they've seen what you don't see every day: Bossy getting diced.
5. Meat-Grinding Thrill Seeker
Closely related to #4, #5 also allows events to occur as per routine, but #5 is sneaky! After pushing the button to restart the train, they will keep their finger in touch with the button, wait for the locomotive to pass Bossy, then lean on the button again in hopes of making the poor cow lunge into the moving consist before the train can clear. Disappointment is inevitable. #5 is the reason that only the "jump off" button is accessible to visitors. The "jump on" button is hidden where only a layout operator can get to it.
While it is doubtful that any "pure" specimens of the types above exist, here we see what could be a classic #2:
The train stopped, the button was pushed on cue, Bossy jumped away and the train resumes its journey with hardly a minute lost. Case study #2 (in Santa Fe T shirt) basks in the wake of a job well done, while absorbing a well-earned "Atta-Boy!" from Mom...