Mindheim Track Doubled

[Brakie]

I like your plan and I'm a fan of the runaround operation. I like seeing a locomotive heading the train on the way in to the scene and leaving the scene. To say runarounds aren't prototypical or unrealistic you'd have to know every operation of every railroad in existence. You have opposite facing switches (even if it's only one) that supports the use of a runaround. Your industries and spurs are well spaced out and not squeezed into a small area I think you have a good starting point, but that's just my two cents.

From the ground.

The majority of the conductors I worked with would not make runaround moves unless there was no other options or the crew was going for overtime.

The reason is simple runaround moves requires a lot of time.

1. Stop. Set 2-3 handbrakes,close air valve handles,uncouple engine from train.
2. Pull engine ahead to switch Stop,unlock and open switch.
3. Engine proceeds to the next switch-closed and lock switch.The rear brakeman has the switch lined for your move.
4.Stop..Close and lock switch.
5.Reverse back to your train and couple..Connect air hoses, open air valve handles.
6.Head brakeman releases handbrakes,places red flag in coupler and walks to the engine at the far end of the runaround.

Time consumed around 20-30 minutes and that is with 2 brakeman which was allowed to swing on/off moving equipment.. Today the the train must be stopped before getting off or on.Locals today either use the conductor to do the ground work or a conductor and brakeman is used.

Thankfully the railroads wised up and decided a engine on both ends of the train was a better idea that has all but eliminated runaround moves.

BTW..We was not above using a flying switch for a facing point setout.One brakeman to throw the switch the other brakeman rode the car and operated the handbrake. I suppose today that would get the crew fired-including the poor engineer.