Come join us in an operating session! Newcomers welcome.
To me, the reason for building a model railroad is to operate it. I designed the Siskyou Line after the prototype, so I want to operate it like the prototype.
The prototype in the 1980s used Direct Traffic Control blocks and Track Warrants for trains to get clearance over the line from the dispatcher. When we operate the model Siskiyou Line, we use radio headsets, simplified Track Warrants, and a dispatcher who sits outside the railroad room. For more details, see the dispatching topic.
We welcome newcomers to our operating sessions, but we do ask you to orient yourself to the layout before coming for the first time. Not only does this involve becoming familiar with the track plan, but also becoming aware of how to get clearance for your train from the dispatcher, for knowing what is in the employee timetable, and knowing basically what trains run on the Siskiyou Line. We do help newcomers by pairing you with an experienced operator.
I use the EasyDCC Wireless Command Control system to control the locomotives, so there are no block toggles or the like to bother with. You just dial up your loco number, crack the throttle, and enjoy walking with your train around the layout!
Attend an operating or work session
We host public operating sessions on the Siskiyou Line the second Saturday of each month. However, we take June, July, August, and the month of December off (no operating session on these months, although there may be an occasional work session). A public operating session is open to newcomers, but please contact me first to let me know you plan on coming.
Work sessions are less regular, although there is generally one public work session two weeks after an operating session. You can attend a work session if you like. Don't feel like you have to attend a work session if you come to an operating session or vice versa.
For both operating sessions and work sessions, it is best that you check this page before you come to see if there have been any last minute changes or cancellations. Unexpected things do come up, so check here to save yourself a trip for nothing. You can also e-mail me and ask.
Calendar
Operating sessions are shown in red, work sessions in blue, special sessions in green.
Announcement! My Siskiyou Line layout is down for maintenance until August 2006. I'm doing serious deferred maintenance work on the layout, locos, and rolling stock in preparation for the August 2006 PNR convention, and for Siskiyou Line video volume 5 on operations. If you would like to visit the layout please contact me, but be aware the layout could be in disarray while the maintenance and construction work is underway.
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January: Operating sessions resume this month after the December break.
January 14: Operating Session. Doors open at 7 pm, with the session beginning around 7:30pm. We'll be recreating April 14th, 1986 this session.
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February: Operating session this month.
February 11: Operating Session CANCELLED. The Siskiyou Line layout is down for some serious maintenance work.
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March: Operating session this month.
March 11: Operating Session CANCELLED. The Siskiyou Line layout is down for some serious maintenance work. No more op sessions planned until the PNR convention in August 2006.
