When running a train on the Siskiyou Line, we have some guidelines we follow.
A philosophy of prototypical operation
It helps the "enjoyment factor" of running a model train to think more "protypical thoughts". What does this mean? Consider:
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Full-sized trains are heavy and can be dangerous if not operated safely. Take your time and don't rush things. Carefully check your train before you start, and stay alert for problems as you run so you can catch things before they develop into a major mishap (which might mean costly damage or even a fatality on the prototype).
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Two person crews work best for running a train in a more prototypical manner. One person is the engineer, and operates the locomotive set moving the train. The other person is the "rear-end" crew, which includes the jobs of conductor and switchman/brakeman.
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The rear end crew cannot see the track ahead of the train, and the engineer can seldom see much of the train behind. The rear-end crew should refrain from walking out ahead of the train to check the track, but should keep their eyes on the train to make sure all is well. (Note that the rear-end position is great fun, because you can railfan the train and be doing your job at the same time!)
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Meanwhile, the engineer should stay with his engine set and watch the track just ahead. Neither should the engineer walk way out ahead of his train to track he would not be able to see from his locomotive. The engineer should not watch the train itself, but should rely on the rear end crew to find out how things are going with the train.
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When approaching a turnout that needs thrown, the engineer should stop the train, throw the turnout, pull the train through the turnout, then stop the train again to allow the rear-end crew to re-align the turnout. Things like this lengthen the run, and thus add to the enjoyment of the assignment.
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In fun, we may occassionally give out a "pink slip award" to perpetrator(s) of the worst snafu or derailment of the session! If the mishap was especially bad, we may declare that it was a fatality and they have to start out next session at the bottom by working in the yard throwing switches for the yardmaster. (First time visitors are exempt.)
Starting out with your train
Rear-end crew: walk the train both directions, in one direction checking the coupler height between cars and on the return direction, make sure all cars are on the track.
Engineer: dial up your engine number (use the last two digits on the cab of the lead unit)
Once the rear-end crew has walked the train, conduct a "brake" test. On the prototype, this involves draining and pumping the air while the rear-end crew watches that the changes registered properly on the caboose air guage. On the model, we can do an equally useful function, and call it a "brake test ".
Engineer: test the throttle by pulling the coupler slack out of the first few cars, then reverse the train and push it until the caboose just barely begins to move.
Rear-end crew: the rear end crew is to inform the engineer that the "test is good" once the caboose starts to barely move backwards. At this, the engineer stops applying power, throws the direction switch back to forward, and the train is considered checked and ready to go.
Let's run a train!
Follow me via a photo tour around the layout as we run a the Coos Bay Hauler from Coos Bay to Eugene!
An abbreviated set of SP operating rules
These rules have been abbreviated and in some cases simplified for use on the model Siskiyou Line.
As we gain more experience operating and dispatching the Siskiyou Line layout, we are finding we need a basic set of operating rules to answer questions and settle disputes over how to run trains safely according to prototype practices. With Digital Command Control, you can have head-on collisions and rear-end collisions just like the prototype!
Click on the cover page below to see the operating rules manual in Acrobat (PDF) format.
