Operations

So after years of going back and forth trying to make JMRI Ops Pro work along with other programs, I have found that what works best for me is Car Cards and Waybills. I'm using a program callee Shenware developed by a Gentleman named Peter White. Mr. White has done a sensational job of developing this program as it is tailor made for Model Railroad Operations. Shenware has the Ops SIG's Ind Man, a database of over 40,000 Industries incorporated into Shenware making it very easy for you to integrate off-line Industries into your operations plan. I also use Mike Rosenberg's Switchlist Generator program to generate Customer Demand. I then convert this demand using Car Cards and Waybills. It makes for a lot of fun and enjoyment for me.

 So, to follow in the next couple weeks or so is how to use Car Cards and Waybills in relation to my layout. Stay tuned for more updates.

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Pre Ops:

There will be a briefing prior to the ops session. I will go over the Switchlist as well as the Rules of the Road and the Special Instructions. If you have questions, now's a good time to ask them.

Special Instructions:

- Spot 1 is nearest the Bumper at all spurs

- All Trains except the Arnold Yard Job must complete one (1) lap around the layout before and after completion of each segment of work. For example, you are running the Mina Turn which serves 6 Towns. You must complete one lap after completion of work in each Town. This goes for Passenger Trains as well.

-An Arrow to the right of a Town name indicates which side of the layout an Operator is on at that Town

-Red numbers incased in a Blue Box next at a turnout are input numbers used to enter into the throttle to activate a switch. If you activate a turnout please let the Dispatcher know before doing so.

-Three character letters at an Industry are "Destination Tags" or abbreviations for an Industry name and are reflected on the Switchlist as well as the Maps

-Blue Lines on the Map indicate Industry tracks served by the Railroad

-White ties at an Industry indicate "SPOTS" where a Car is to be setout

-Yellow Ties indicate how far you can go on a Siding before you Foul the Mainline

-Red Ties indicate how close you can get at Wendel Crossing before your Train fouls the crossing

Rules of the Road:

- Think Branchline Railroad where there are no Signals and Dispatching is Mother May I for now

- Please be aware of any conflicting traffic such as at a crossing or a switch

- Do not lay anything on the layout. Please use the provided shelves for this

- Do not lean on or against the layout

- Have Fun and don't be afraid to make mistakes and if you need help, flag down the Rapid Responder!