These videos are great to re-focus when your own layout seems to lack direction. I often refer to these to get me back on track and answer questions I may have.
Hi Gary. It is 25ft by 27ft. I decided not to use electrical switches for a couple of reasons. I wanted to keep the layout wiring simple as I had over 50 turnouts. There is an expense associated with this as well. But most Important. I wanted the operators to physically throw the switch and the link between the eye and physical action is direct. Electric systems would be needing panels in throats and folks would have to match the panel to the trackwork then throw the right switch. .
Thank you, this is a very helpful video. I always put turnouts in random places just to make a layout a bit interesting. But this video completely changed that. Understanding the process of lifting and dropping cars, while keeping the train length in mind, and routing a train over a side track, is key to understanding where to put turnouts in the layout. Thank you very much!
first rule of railroading: "Always put off spots back in the yard" the LVN at 17:52 and the two hoppers at 18:40 are off spots. Never take an off spot out of the yard because when you have to make a drop you won't know where they came from and you could lift the wrong cars in the cut so always put off spots back where they belong and take the cars that are on your list.
I can't tell you how many times I've re-watched this series, just an invaluable learning tool for me, and so many others, thank you so much! I was wondering if you could do something similar explaining how to make a "flow of traffic" plan or a switch list. I've seen your time table videos and they are great, but for those of us who plan on using a switch list your video would be yet another invaluable tool! Either way thank you for your contribution to the community!
Glad you are getting so much out of the videos Matt. I guess the traffic plan centres around the number of trains, where they will be on the layout at any given time and if they will cause a traffic jam. To orchestrate things you have to really look at time and distance where the meets will happen and keep it entertaining for everyone. The switch list is really a story for the train. It says where to start from, the stops along the way and the drop offs pickups and local moves that have to be made at each location. I will try and produce something that shows the different forms it can take.
Very useful especially to me in the UK modelling US rail roads. Wish I could get over there more often to see some real switching, We call it shunting but most of our traffic now is bulk point to point which is why I model US trains.
Indeed. This is happening more and more in the US as most commodities are moved by containers. Of course other unit trains with oil, ore, grain etc are there as well. I see lots of mixed trains still and I guess they still deliver to many cities with local industries or go to truck terminals.
Yes we do no the whistle rules. We just had trouble walking and chewing gum. One take only. In large railroads where there is a dispatcher panel and communications, the operater would call dispatch and give clearance. He would control mainline turnouts. However in my layouts we are not always on the ground so we give control to those occupying the yard. Other engineers can request changes to status from the yard operator. Thanks for the coments guys. They are excellent.,
Just having fun. No real rules. The ideas of the videos were to let folks know you can have fun operating the railroad. The hints are there to get folks started. Lots of our ideas come from observations in Canada and operating layouts in the Ottawa Area.
Great video, are you using code 100 track? I like the tie detail. Also, the layout height you employ is very helpful in my decision for my new layout. Thanks for the video!
Hi Jim,My name is Gary ,and I'm just starting my layout 6x8x6-U is pretty much as yours in this video,If you don't mind I have a couple of ??'s, 1st- what is the width and lenth of this layout and 2nd- is there a reason you dont use electrical switches,as I notice you useing manuel switches,Like I said I'mjust starting and I really appreicate the video's that you guys put out as I learn alot of things I wouldn't even consider thinking about,Gary Timberlake(BBTIMS)PS waiting responce thanks again
I found your ops videos today; great source of education for someone at design phase. Is your trackplan available anywhere? And what size is your space? Thanks Chris!
If I may add one more tip before starting a train: memorize the last car of your train soyou knowyou always have the end of your train. Especially when the end of the train is not capped by something obvious like a caboose or a FRED
Just wondering why you use a dowel to uncouple the cars instead of any kind of magnetic uncoupling? Is this for looks in that you don't have the uncoupling hooks under the coupler or just what?
Re uncoupling: (sorry didn't get it right) do you place the stick between both knucle rods and flip them sideways so they open, or, tip of the stick goes in between both knucles making them to open??? Appreciate your comments. Cheers
At about 6 minute the train arrives at a yard and has to use the main for switching due to length, you rerouted other traffic onto the other main to bypass. Imagine the same scenario on a single main layout, would you just have to stop traffic on the main while your train did its switching? Or is there some genius solution I'm missing?
Thanks Jac for commenting. There are lots of terms but I do think the shove is when the locomotive pushes some cars in the yard and there is a trainman with a radio on the lead car to ensure there is safety and eyes on decisions for stopping and speed. I think drag is when the lcomotive pulls cars. PLG I am not sure but it maybe related to dangerous goods and rules. The red zone I believe is the distance the men on the ground must clear a track when there is a moving train. I think it is 6 ft in the yard track where everything is moving at slow speed and 25 ft on the main where trains are moving at high speed. Keeps you safe from dragging equipment and strapping. If you want to clarify on my thought please do.
CNLVN Yes you are correct When I work at the railroad it depends on the eye of the move on the point! PLG POINT LINE are GOOD once you line the points the lead man or pin puller will give the PLG! Once you make a join before you go in to couple the air line You give a RED ZONE will tell the engineer not to move. Once you done and is clear you a RED ZONE CLEAR. The rule of yard speed is 5mph NO MORE than that!
when a train arrives in a yard turn the bell on and leave it on blow the crossing signal two shorts a long and a very long to announce your arrival once your parked turn the bell off and blow one blast. to make sure no one hits you set all switches in front of you and behind you to their bypass setting the train will go around you. close the switches that are behind your train to prevent derailments and place all passing trains on the siding so they go around you.
According to GCOR there are no bell or whistle requirements for entering or leaving a yard. You should use a long and a short followed by a succession of shorts when encountering men and equipment. Whistle signal 7 which is for grade crossing is 2 longs a short and a long till the crossing is fully occupied. Bells and Whistles will be used as a warning anytime necessary but you dont have to have the bell ringing during travel thru yards.
john seeger yes you do North America rules require the bell be on when moving in a yard and you should only blow shorts in an emergency I read GCOR's comment he is lying CRA Rule 10 and AAR Rule 30 explain the rules of the bell it must be on when a train is moving near a station or entering a yard Long Short and a succession of shorts is the signal for the conductor to flag the train. we don't use those rules anymore CRA Rule 10 and AAR Rule 30 are what is used now of days.
5.8.1 Ringing Engine Bell Ring the engine bell under any of the following conditions: • Before moving, except when making momentary stop and start switching movements. • As a warning signal anytime it is necessary. • When approaching men or equipment on or near the track. • Approaching public crossings at grade with the engine in front start signal at the crossing sign. If no sign, or if movement begins between sign and crossing, start signal soon enough before crossing to provide warning. Continue ringing bell until the crossing is occupied. 5.8.2 Sounding Whistle The whistle may be used at anytime as a warning regardless of any whistle prohibitions. When other employees are working in the immediate area, sound the required whistle signal before moving. Other forms of communications may be used in place of whistle signals, except signals (1), (7), and (8). See following chart. The required whistle signals are illustrated by “o” for short sounds and “-” for longer sounds: Succession of short sounds Use when persons or livestock are on the track at other than road crossings at grade. In addition, use to warn railroad employees when an emergency exists, such as a derailment. When crews on other trains hear this signal, they must stop until it is safe to proceed
Cherry Picking is a bad idea 1. it is not professional. 2. it blocks the main. 3. it is a waste of time. DON'T CHERRY PICK always go for the last car in the cut never the first or the one in the middle.
Around 7:00 you speak of re-routing trains around your train. Should that not be done by the dispatcher? On a layout I frequent if you have a main line tied up like you do, we don't re-align switches, simply put out a red flag on both ends and let the dispatcher decide what should be done. And obviously this is not a CTC railroad.......
the last rule of railroading is PUT ALL OFFSPOTS BACK! the LVN boxcar and the two hoppers are off spot they need to be put back before the train departs. NEVER COUPLE AN OFFSPOT TO THE TRAIN! taking a car that is not on your list is theft and needs to be left where you got it only pull the cars that are on your list.
You are right. The two railbox were our drops and the DW&P and B&M were the lifts. The only two that were put on our train was the B&M and DW&P. The LVN and the rest of the cars that were moved from the interchanged to get at the lifts were put back including the drops. Thanks for the comment.
Not really Lilly. Apples and Oranges. Moving cars in and out of interchange tracks are the railroads responsibility and they make sure they place them for car forwarding on trains. Putting cars on "spots" are strickly related to industrial or private sidings as car placement is specific for customer requirements. If you move them it is based on arrangements with the customers and they are always put back where you found them. In this scene there were no offspots.
CNLVN ohoh... i just realized: this comment went wrong :-) it was not for your movie, yours is in a quality which is by far good enough... i even liked it very much!
... Oh.... the production of the video is the best rail video I have ever seen...
Very smooth trackwork you have to operate on. Nice to have/see trains run without constant pesky derailments to hold movements up. Thanks for posting!
These videos are great to re-focus when your own layout seems to lack direction. I often refer to these to get me back on track and answer questions I may have.
I find looking at what others are doing is very inspiring to me and I am glad to see that it was also that way for you.
Hi Gary. It is 25ft by 27ft. I decided not to use electrical switches for a couple of reasons. I wanted to keep the layout wiring simple as I had over 50 turnouts. There is an expense associated with this as well. But most Important. I wanted the operators to physically throw the switch and the link between the eye and physical action is direct. Electric systems would be needing panels in throats and folks would have to match the panel to the trackwork then throw the right switch. .
Nice video on a beautiful layout. Some tips on the horn; two long blasts for ahead, three short for reverse, one short for stop.
Thank you, this is a very helpful video. I always put turnouts in random places just to make a layout a bit interesting. But this video completely changed that. Understanding the process of lifting and dropping cars, while keeping the train length in mind, and routing a train over a side track, is key to understanding where to put turnouts in the layout. Thank you very much!
***** Glad this was an eye opener. Nice to see that some useful info is being passed on to help modellers.
Thanks very much. There are so many great layouts to visit and interesting folks to talk to about the hobby.
first rule of railroading: "Always put off spots back in the yard" the LVN at 17:52 and the two hoppers at 18:40 are off spots. Never take an off spot out of the yard because when you have to make a drop you won't know where they came from and you could lift the wrong cars in the cut so always put off spots back where they belong and take the cars that are on your list.
Thanks for taking the time to make this video. This explains all the questions that I had. Great info!
Steve Wojcik Hi Steve. It is my pleasure. Glad they were useful videos.
i guess it helps to read further...found the track plan video. Thx again for sharing your work Chris. Signed-envious armchair modeler.
+Jeff Laderer Your very welcome Jeff
I can't tell you how many times I've re-watched this series, just an invaluable learning tool for me, and so many others, thank you so much! I was wondering if you could do something similar explaining how to make a "flow of traffic" plan or a switch list. I've seen your time table videos and they are great, but for those of us who plan on using a switch list your video would be yet another invaluable tool! Either way thank you for your contribution to the community!
Glad you are getting so much out of the videos Matt. I guess the traffic plan centres around the number of trains, where they will be on the layout at any given time and if they will cause a traffic jam. To orchestrate things you have to really look at time and distance where the meets will happen and keep it entertaining for everyone. The switch list is really a story for the train. It says where to start from, the stops along the way and the drop offs pickups and local moves that have to be made at each location. I will try and produce something that shows the different forms it can take.
Outstanding, all your hard work is TRULY appreciated!!! Thank you.
CNLVN That sounds very interesting.
That is all right. Glad you enjoyed the series.
another fun item you can add if you have certain hazmat is making sure its placed correctly :)
(UP Conductor)
Yes. I love these models. They really make the prairie town scene
Very nice layout !!! Thanks for the info.
Glad you enjoyed the show.
Yes. Love the ONR colour scheme. A buddy of mine in Ottawa models this line.
Nice video of a cool layout! Thanks for the explanation!
Glad you had a good time and enjoyed the layout
Love the layout, looks very nice. :)
Rising Reich Thanks very much
Very useful especially to me in the UK modelling US rail roads. Wish I could get over there more often to see some real switching, We call it shunting but most of our traffic now is bulk point to point which is why I model US trains.
Indeed. This is happening more and more in the US as most commodities are moved by containers. Of course other unit trains with oil, ore, grain etc are there as well. I see lots of mixed trains still and I guess they still deliver to many cities with local industries or go to truck terminals.
I really enjoy all the videos uploaded =) Great layout!
tks I learn a lot I appreciate the EXPLACTION.
Glad you got something out of this series.
Thanks Clayton. I appreciate your comment. Something I really enjoy doing.
Thanks for all the tips. Geep up the good work.
Yes we do no the whistle rules. We just had trouble walking and chewing gum. One take only. In large railroads where there is a dispatcher panel and communications, the operater would call dispatch and give clearance. He would control mainline turnouts. However in my layouts we are not always on the ground so we give control to those occupying the yard. Other engineers can request changes to status from the yard operator. Thanks for the coments guys. They are excellent.,
which class 1 railroad rules do you follow or do you mix and mash more than one together or just what you know?
Amazingly helpful! thank you!!!!!
+matt m Glad you got some good stuff from this Matt
another very helpful video. thanks guys!
Just having fun. No real rules. The ideas of the videos were to let folks know you can have fun operating the railroad. The hints are there to get folks started. Lots of our ideas come from observations in Canada and operating layouts in the Ottawa Area.
Great video, are you using code 100 track? I like the tie detail. Also, the layout height you employ is very helpful in my decision for my new layout. Thanks for the video!
Meant to ask, do you use Kadee magnetic uncouplers anywhere on industrial sidings? If so, how well do they work? Thanks!
At about 3:50 is that the CLAAS Combine Harvester next to you?
Hi Jim,My name is Gary ,and I'm just starting my layout 6x8x6-U is pretty much as yours in this video,If you don't mind I have a couple of ??'s, 1st- what is the width and lenth of this layout and 2nd- is there a reason you dont use electrical switches,as I notice you useing manuel switches,Like I said I'mjust starting and I really appreicate the video's that you guys put out as I learn alot of things I wouldn't even consider thinking about,Gary Timberlake(BBTIMS)PS waiting responce thanks again
Thanks Jim.
I found your ops videos today; great source of education for someone at design phase. Is your trackplan available anywhere? And what size is your space? Thanks Chris!
+Jeff Laderer Glad you enjoyed the ops videos Mike does a great job explaining things
If I may add one more tip before starting a train: memorize the last car of your train soyou knowyou always have the end of your train. Especially when the end of the train is not capped by something obvious like a caboose or a FRED
Glad I could help
Just wondering why you use a dowel to uncouple the cars instead of any kind of magnetic uncoupling? Is this for looks in that you don't have the uncoupling hooks under the coupler or just what?
+David Curtis The BBQ Skewer is very efficient and they are easy to get in quantity. Quicker and more reliable as well.
Shortliner68. There are no magnets as they have a tencdency to uncouple cars when you do not want them to. We use the sticks only.
Re uncoupling:
(sorry didn't get it right) do you place the stick between both knucle rods and flip them sideways so they open, or, tip of the stick goes in between both knucles making them to open???
Appreciate your comments.
Cheers
Sorry if this has been asked and answered - is there a track plan for your layout that we can see?
+Dwight Kayto Hi Dwight. That is all right. just pause and you will see
ua-cam.com/video/Mml0r8AfzHU/v-deo.html
At about 6 minute the train arrives at a yard and has to use the main for switching due to length, you rerouted other traffic onto the other main to bypass. Imagine the same scenario on a single main layout, would you just have to stop traffic on the main while your train did its switching? Or is there some genius solution I'm missing?
+The Lowmein If one train is short you can do a saw-by using a yard lead or industrial track or splitting the track in a passing siding..
Oops, meant three short blasts to back up, two to go forward..............
Please explain the shove, drag, PLG, and Red Zone when switching in a yard cause people don't know what that means!
Thanks Jac for commenting. There are lots of terms but I do think the shove is when the locomotive pushes some cars in the yard and there is a trainman with a radio on the lead car to ensure there is safety and eyes on decisions for stopping and speed. I think drag is when the lcomotive pulls cars. PLG I am not sure but it maybe related to dangerous goods and rules. The red zone I believe is the distance the men on the ground must clear a track when there is a moving train. I think it is 6 ft in the yard track where everything is moving at slow speed and 25 ft on the main where trains are moving at high speed. Keeps you safe from dragging equipment and strapping. If you want to clarify on my thought please do.
CNLVN Yes you are correct When I work at the railroad it depends on the eye of the move on the point! PLG POINT LINE are GOOD once you line the points the lead man or pin puller will give the PLG! Once you make a join before you go in to couple the air line You give a RED ZONE will tell the engineer not to move. Once you done and is clear you a RED ZONE CLEAR. The rule of yard speed is 5mph NO MORE than that!
very nice well detailed ;P
Thanks
Where do you live so I could come and see the layout I watch a lot of your videos
Hi Tyler. I live in Ottawa Ontario Canada. If you are up this way please call and come have a visit.
very interesting
It sure gives you an idea about operating possibilities.
what guage is this?
14:20 two short blasts on the horn to back up............
THANK YOU DETAIL VIDEO
Hi Robert. It has become quite the video. It surprised me how popular it has become. Glad this helped you in your hobby
when a train arrives in a yard turn the bell on and leave it on blow the crossing signal two shorts a long and a very long to announce your arrival once your parked turn the bell off and blow one blast. to make sure no one hits you set all switches in front of you and behind you to their bypass setting the train will go around you. close the switches that are behind your train to prevent derailments and place all passing trains on the siding so they go around you.
Good info. Thanks for the the comment
indeed
According to GCOR there are no bell or whistle requirements for entering or leaving a yard. You should use a long and a short followed by a succession of shorts when encountering men and equipment. Whistle signal 7 which is for grade crossing is 2 longs a short and a long till the crossing is fully occupied. Bells and Whistles will be used as a warning anytime necessary but you dont have to have the bell ringing during travel thru yards.
john seeger yes you do North America rules require the bell be on when moving in a yard and you should only blow shorts in an emergency I read GCOR's comment he is lying CRA Rule 10 and AAR Rule 30 explain the rules of the bell it must be on when a train is moving near a station or entering a yard Long Short and a succession of shorts is the signal for the conductor to flag the train. we don't use those rules anymore CRA Rule 10 and AAR Rule 30 are what is used now of days.
5.8.1 Ringing Engine Bell
Ring the engine bell under any of the following conditions:
• Before moving, except when making momentary stop and start switching movements.
• As a warning signal anytime it is necessary.
• When approaching men or equipment on or near the track.
• Approaching public crossings at grade with the engine in front start signal at the crossing sign.
If no sign, or if movement begins between sign and crossing, start signal soon enough before
crossing to provide warning. Continue ringing bell until the crossing is occupied.
5.8.2 Sounding Whistle
The whistle may be used at anytime as a warning regardless of any whistle prohibitions.
When other employees are working in the immediate area, sound the required whistle signal
before moving.
Other forms of communications may be used in place of whistle signals, except signals (1), (7),
and (8). See following chart.
The required whistle signals are illustrated by “o” for short sounds and “-” for longer sounds:
Succession
of short
sounds
Use when persons or livestock are on the track at other than road crossings
at grade. In addition, use to warn railroad employees when an emergency
exists, such as a derailment. When crews on other trains hear this signal,
they must stop until it is safe to proceed
Cherry Picking is a bad idea 1. it is not professional. 2. it blocks the main. 3. it is a waste of time. DON'T CHERRY PICK always go for the last car in the cut never the first or the one in the middle.
The code is peco 75
No. We do not find them useful as they do not provide enough flexibility. The skewers and delayed uncoupling are the best for us.
Around 7:00 you speak of re-routing trains around your train. Should that not be done by the dispatcher? On a layout I frequent if you have a main line tied up like you do, we don't re-align switches, simply put out a red flag on both ends and let the dispatcher decide what should be done. And obviously this is not a CTC railroad.......
Sorry Mike and Chris, Don't know wgere I got the name Jim from,I guess not seeing Chris;es face I named him Jim LOL GT (BBTIMS)
the last rule of railroading is PUT ALL OFFSPOTS BACK! the LVN boxcar and the two hoppers are off spot they need to be put back before the train departs. NEVER COUPLE AN OFFSPOT TO THE TRAIN! taking a car that is not on your list is theft and needs to be left where you got it only pull the cars that are on your list.
You are right. The two railbox were our drops and the DW&P and B&M were the lifts. The only two that were put on our train was the B&M and DW&P. The LVN and the rest of the cars that were moved from the interchanged to get at the lifts were put back including the drops. Thanks for the comment.
indeed it is called sorting
CNLVN I guess he told you.
indeed
Not really Lilly. Apples and Oranges. Moving cars in and out of interchange tracks are the railroads responsibility and they make sure they place them for car forwarding on trains. Putting cars on "spots" are strickly related to industrial or private sidings as car placement is specific for customer requirements. If you move them it is based on arrangements with the customers and they are always put back where you found them. In this scene there were no offspots.
CN
It's ok, but the quality of the movie is quite bad...
Hi Martin. Yes it was before I got into HD. However it is about the information. Glad you had a chance to join in with the model railroad fun.
CNLVN ohoh... i just realized: this comment went wrong :-) it was not for your movie, yours is in a quality which is by far good enough... i even liked it very much!
HO Scale