Micro Layout Ops

[FCIN]

If it takes 20 min to do a simple switching task on the prototype, imagine how long it would take to operate a switching layout with "timekilling" applied.

I find that too much "time killing" can really get boring. Guess it reminds me too much of actually doing the job on the prototype. When I worked on the F&C, we always felt good if we could get Schenley switched in 4 hours and Old Grandad in 3 hours!

Usually just operating at scale speeds (maximum of 10mph on the "main" and coupling speed of less than 4mph), then waiting a couple of seconds between moves is more than enough for me. It's typical for it to take 10 minutes or more to pull and place a car or two from just one of my industries; longer if the cars must be placed in between cars that must be re-spotted. Spending an hour or slightly more switching the layout and I'm ready for a break.

Keep in mind that time does not scale. It takes your Z, N, HO, S, O scale locomotive just as long to cover a given distance as it would the prototype at the same speed. Same goes for your scale sized brakeman. It would take him the same amount of time to walk a given distance as it would you. Add the amount of time for him to set/release handbrakes, walk from one switch to another or several car lengths to make a cut and it adds up pretty quick. If you throw in things like having to unlock and open gates, take off derails, pull wheel chocks, make sure that there is nothing in the way (especially personnel), etc., you can see where it can easily take 20 minutes to spot a couple of cars for a customer.

No need to try and fool yourself with a fast clock on a prototypically operated switching layout.