05-23-2011, 11:03 AM
Hey Andrew:
That's a great (and unexpected) realistic problem that would be EASY to model on any pike. I've used a simple Atlas wayside signal relay box as my "hot box/dragger" detector. Placed nearby a siding, you can "simulate" a hotbox or dragger alarm for your crew to set off (or pick up) cars.
Railroads always make "unusal" moves from time to time. The trick is to pay attention to WHAT their doing, not just what equipment you need to photograph. Train crews are always "shuffling" cars back and forth for one reason or another. That's why I love yard operations. There is so much you can do, without going anywhere!
The best part of this is that there is no right or wrong way to do a switching move, only the most efficient way. What I mean by this is that, you can give 10 different operators (conductors in real life), the same work to be done and you will get 10 different answers on how to get it done. If you don't believe me, try it at your next "op session". Make up some sort of move and then ask a few "operators" what moves they would make to get it done. You will be surprised at the different answers you get.
Railroad conductor's play out this ritual daily. The quickest (and safest) moves get you home faster. It's how you beat the rain, or make your terminal, get home in time to catch the game, or clear the main ahead of the approaching TV train coming at you. The last thing you need is the dispatcher asking you if "your going to be much longer - TV-99 is 10 minutes away." Or worse yet, having the engineer ask you "how much longer is this gonna take". The engineer hates going back and forth all day long too. He (or she) wants to get home as well.
There are many ways to "operate" a model railroad without servicing a customer. Am I taking this option too seriously? Perhaps, but what fun is it to just watch a train go around a loop of track? Sorry guys, that may have came out the wrong way. I hope you can see where I am coming from with that.
That's a great (and unexpected) realistic problem that would be EASY to model on any pike. I've used a simple Atlas wayside signal relay box as my "hot box/dragger" detector. Placed nearby a siding, you can "simulate" a hotbox or dragger alarm for your crew to set off (or pick up) cars.
Railroads always make "unusal" moves from time to time. The trick is to pay attention to WHAT their doing, not just what equipment you need to photograph. Train crews are always "shuffling" cars back and forth for one reason or another. That's why I love yard operations. There is so much you can do, without going anywhere!
The best part of this is that there is no right or wrong way to do a switching move, only the most efficient way. What I mean by this is that, you can give 10 different operators (conductors in real life), the same work to be done and you will get 10 different answers on how to get it done. If you don't believe me, try it at your next "op session". Make up some sort of move and then ask a few "operators" what moves they would make to get it done. You will be surprised at the different answers you get.
Railroad conductor's play out this ritual daily. The quickest (and safest) moves get you home faster. It's how you beat the rain, or make your terminal, get home in time to catch the game, or clear the main ahead of the approaching TV train coming at you. The last thing you need is the dispatcher asking you if "your going to be much longer - TV-99 is 10 minutes away." Or worse yet, having the engineer ask you "how much longer is this gonna take". The engineer hates going back and forth all day long too. He (or she) wants to get home as well.
There are many ways to "operate" a model railroad without servicing a customer. Am I taking this option too seriously? Perhaps, but what fun is it to just watch a train go around a loop of track? Sorry guys, that may have came out the wrong way. I hope you can see where I am coming from with that.
Doing my best to stay on track and to live each day to it's fullest, trying not to upset people along the way. I have no enemies.....just friends who don't understand my point of view.
Steve
Let's go Devils!
Steve
Let's go Devils!