Operational Matters

The HO layout currently runs under the control of a dispatcher using a JMRI panel, with two way radios and car cards and waybills.

Avidio of a typical scession can be found here.  With the New Layout the branch will be dark territory controlled by TWC and the main station will be under CTC.

The N Gauge layout has not developed far enough for a remote panel to be used.

Western Union Division, NMRA (BR)

Rules and Guidance for Operators participating in Club Prototypical Operation or at a Model Railway Exhibition

With the introduction of radio headsets and the ongoing development with regard to prototypical operations, the following rules will be in effect when Prototypical Running is taking place, either at club meets or on exhibition.

At an exhibition, it is particularly relevant to be aware that every individual will be giving their free time to participate in the event over the course of three whole days, and it is the aim of the club to exhibit the layout in a disciplined manner which will be a credit to us all – from the opening minute of Day 1 to the last half hour of Day 2. This means no short cuts, no funny stuff, and a mature outlook – THIS IS HOW THE REAL THING OPERATES TOO. 

It is still possible to have lots of fun with this in mind! This principle also applies to Prototypical Operation Sessions at monthly meets.

At exhibitions, an Operations Manager will be appointed, and given overall control of the layout and all people operating on it, including the Dispatcher. The OM will have the power to oversee all pertinent matters, being guided by the rules below, and to make final decisions which everyone has to adhere to.  His decision will be final, and club members are expected to accept the decision of the OM with good grace.

At monthly meets, when Prototypical Running is taking place, the following rules will also apply, but with full acceptance by all participants that these things take time and patience to learn, and that mistakes will happen.

Do NOT place drinks, waybills, tools or other impedimenta on ANY part of the layout, especially the scenic boards.  Additionally, you are required to refrain from leaning your hands on ANY part of the scenic boards – a lot of hard work has gone into them.  If you made them yourself, YOU would be annoyed at any lack of respect for your hard work too.

1.Each Operator must be fully accepting of these terms and be willing to abide by them.

2.Each Operator must always wear a radio headset and ensure that he operates in full contact with the Dispatcher

3.Each Operator must be fully aware of how the Lenz 100 handheld controller functions, how to control locomotives and other relevant facilities, and be able to demonstrate this; for example, each Operator must NOT use the red button on the Lenz controller unless there is an imminent danger of a major collision.  It should NEVER be used to stop a locomotive if it is about to over-run – there are other methods to do this. Experienced operators will be happy to pass on their knowledge.

4.No-one will be allowed to place and/or operate their own or any other trains onto either the scenic or storage side of the layout at any time (either at Exhibitions or when Prototypical Running is taking place at monthly meets), or run them “because it’s quiet”, or “no-one will mind”. Permission must be obtained from the OM or Dispatcher.

5.Remember that people will mind that you purposefully make infractions and ignore these rules, even if they do not say so. 

Do not therefore take advantage of other operators’ politeness – please stick to the agreed rules. 

6.Each Operator must work with full permission of the Dispatcher. He must NEVER change points or signals without the Dispatcher’s permission, unless he has been given a specific task which allows him to do so, eg switching the yard. Each Operator must never go beyond “yard limits” without the permission of the Dispatcher and Yard Master.

7.All Operators must fully obey instructions and colour signals at all times, and be constantly vigilant of signals – a train may even be continuously circling the layout but it must always be under your control, as other operations may be taking place that require it to stop. For further information, refer to Anson Running Rulebook.

8.All Operators are required to tell the Dispatcher when the rear of their train has cleared any powered switch(es) under Dispatcher control, so that they may be set back to their original position.

9.If, for any reason, a main line or storage yard switch, or a signal, has to be changed by the Operator, this can only be done following the gaining of permission from the Dispatcher. The Operator should ALWAYS ensure that a switch is returned to its correct setting, and/or be fully aware of the potential to cause problems for following trains. Think ahead, and think of others.

10.Scale speeds will be adhered to at all times – this is usually rather slower than many people realise; eg a main line train would never be able to stop prototypically in the length of the layout if it is travelling at line speed as it enters the scenic section.  If a stop is to be made, then the train should be travelling at a very reduced speed as it enters the scenic section, and NOT at full-tilt.

11.When switching and/or coupling cars, a brief 4-5 second pause should be made to represent the fact that the car must have its hoses connected and air pumped.  If a locomotive is coupling up to a train, a period of at least 20 or so seconds should represent the time it takes for the air to travel the length of the train. Anything less is toy-like.  Trains must never simply couple up and move off – it’s NOT prototypical.

12.Prototypical horn signals should be used at all times (eg grade crossings, moving off etc, also locomotive bells.  Bells should ALWAYS be turned off when the locomotive is stationary for more than a few moments. For further information, refer to Anson Running Rulebook.

Be aware that bells are prototypically NOT used at all times when switching in the yard or elsewhere.

13.No locomotive or other item of stock should be replaced on the layout at any time, by any person or Operator, without full permission of the Operations Manager and/or Dispatcher.

14.Each locomotive placed on the layout will be accompanied by a card which states all relevant information, including owner and  DCC function numbers.  These will be held by the Dispatcher and given to the Operator for his use when running a locomotive or locomotives. Following completion of a task with a locomotive or consist, the card(s) will be returned to the Dispatcher.

15.Any individual car placed on the layout which is to be used actively in operations will always have an allocated Waybill; this will contain details of the car and instructions on its various destinations.

16.Prior to moving a locomotive or consist, each operator must ensure that correct lights (if fitted) are lit, and that other, non-leading locomotives in the consist have their lights OFF, other than the trailing light of the last locomotive if this is appropriate (eg helper set etc).

17.An Operator must never “do his own thing”, and depart from the specific task he has been given: if in doubt, ask for clarification. He must operate according to the rules and instructions at all times.

 Remember that we are attempting to replicate the real thing.

18.If an Operator maliciously fails to abide by these rules during Exhibitions or Active Club Operations, or continually fails to take them seriously enough, he will be removed from duty.

19. An intelligent instructor once said: Rules are for the blind obedience of fools and the guidance of wise men.  Fair enough.

20. Be fully aware that Rule 19 does NOT mean you can become Admiral Nelson.  He was the one that was fully in charge of everything.  You are not, and anyway, no one likes a smart-arse.

You are part of an inter-dependent team. If you can’t abide by all of the above, Rule 18 will apply.                       Happy Railroading!

BM  February 2009                                                                                                                   Version 1


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