A journal following the history, design, construction and operation of Bernard Kempinski's O Scale model railroad depicting the U. S. Military Railroad (USMRR) Aquia-Falmouth line in 1863, and other model railroad projects.
©Bernard Kempinski All text and images, except as noted, on this blog are copyrighted by the author and may not be used without permission.
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September 21, 2017

Updated operations concept


In preparation for the first operations session Saturday, I've been thinking about how the layout should operate. I want to avoid using car cards and way bills. I do plan to use switch lists and train orders.  I have come up with an idea for a random pick up of cars, which is detailed below. The latest versions of these instructions  can be found on the page of instructions and bulletins. Visitors should always check that page before operating to learn of the latest developments and bulletins.

The idea for layout operation involves a random process to determine if cars are empty. The random concept is based onto fact that this is essentially a one-way railroad. Most cars leave Aquia Landing loaded and return empty. Cars that move loads in the opposite direction are special cases and will be covered by specific train orders. Haupt also insisted that cars be unloaded promptly. If you study the conductors' reports, you see that most cars went out and returned on the same day, though some did stay overnight.

I haven't decided if we need to have a third crew work at Aquia Landing. It would just act as a station switcher. We'll see how the first test op session goes.


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