Operations via Fast Clock

[RobertInOntario]

Rob: At Lostock, we run a timetable but we really ignore the times. We find that just getting the trains to arrive in about the correct sequence is challenge enough. We usually manage to compress a day into a 3 1/2 hour session. The goods yard operator can usually make up one train in the morning and another in the afternoon.

The timetable is only run for the terminal station. The rest of the gang is busy just trying to keep the trains separated and not colliding at the junction, while we ask them for a particular train every so often.

To ease the operations, each train plays many parts. We have 7 designated trains --- main line expresses and locals. A train may be the express from London the first time, but leave for Liverpool and come back as one from Carlisle. Our job is to provide an appropriate loco for the front of the train to take it out.

Mike keeps threatening to institute a proper fast clock. They really need to be restricted to cases where stations are notionally 50 miles apart but really not much more than a train length.

David, that sounds like fun! I could see how you might forego the actual timetable & just have the trains arrive in order.