2. Model Railroading Operations 101: Part 1 – Basic Switching Moves Tom Crosthwait President, Mogollon & Southwestern RR & Fred Bock, MMR, Chief Dispatcher, M&Sw

3. Trinity River Interchange Related Clinics: Lee Johnson: “Planning for Operations” planning a new layout for operations modifying an existing layout for operations Tom Browning: “CADrail Layout Design Software” Chris Atkins: “Beginning Operations with RailOp” Chris Atkins: “Advanced Operations with RailOp” How RailOp works, and the advantages of computerized car forwarding & scheduling.

4. What is “operations”? “Fun Running” (sometimes called “’round and ‘round”) is running a locomotive and cars over a layout for the fun of watching the trains go. Most model railroaders, even expert model builders, are “fun runners” (source: Kalmbach Pub. Co.). “Operations” is simulating (in miniature) the day-to-day activities of real railroads -- picking up freight, assembling trains, delivering cars to consignees, sorting arriving freight cars by their future destinations, returning empty cars.

5. Famous model railroad operators Frank Ellison – 1940’s & ’50s –Delta Lines, O-scale John Allen – 1950’s & ’60s –Gorre & Daphited, HO / HOn3 Whit Towers – 1950’s – 1980s –Alturas & Lone Pine, HO scale W. Allen McClelland – 1960’s - present –Virginia & Ohio, HO scale Bruce Chubb – 1950’s – present –Sunset Valley Lines, HO scale Gil Freitag – 1960’s – present –Stony Creek & Western, HO/HOn3 David Barrow – 1960’s – present –Cat Mountain & Santa Fe, HO

6. A typical freight train Locomotive Caboose Freight Cars Normal direction of travel (front) A “train”: –Has a locomotive at the front end. –May have 0, 1 or more cars behind. –Displays “markers” at the end of the train Historically: marker lamps were on the caboose Today: a “FRED” is mounted on the last car. Marker Lamps (“flashing rear-end-device”)

7. What is a “Spur”? A spur is a track where cars are set out and left for a while for either loading or unloading of freight.

8. REMEMBER: (The “mantra of the hour”)

9. Spurs Trailing Point Spur (the turnout points are behind the locomotive) Facing Point Spur (the turnout points are in front of the locomotive)

10. Spurs Facing Point Switchback Spur (the turnout points connected to the mainline are in front of the locomotive; a car will be dropped off from behind the locomotive) (car will be set-out here)

11. Spurs Trailing Point Switchback Spur (the turnout points connected to the mainline are in front of the locomotive; a car will be dropped off from the front of the locomotive) (car will be set-out here)

12. Spurs “Double-Ended” Spur (There is a set of turnout points behind and ahead of the locomotive.) (Normally used for setting-out cars to be unloaded or loaded) Repeat

13. REMEMBER: (The “mantra of the hour”)

14. Spurs and Sidings This is a passing siding. This is a double-ended spur. (This westbound train has taken the siding to meet an oncoming eastbound train). Note: This is a meet between two trains. (The freight car is being unloaded) [Rule S-89]

15. Spurs and Sidings This is a passing siding. This is a double-ended spur. (This slower eastbound train has taken the siding so that it may be passed by a faster train behind). Note: This is a pass between two trains. [Rule S-89]

16. Spurs and Sidings A spur is a track on which cars are left for loading, unloading, or (sometimes) storage. A siding is a track which is used by one train to meet or pass another. Normally, cars to be loaded or unloaded are NOT left on sidings... sidings are kept clear. An empty double-ended spur may be used as a temporary or emergency passing siding. Repeat

17. REMEMBER: (The “mantra of the hour”)

18. Hand Signals for Switching With modern DCC sound systems, the noise in an operating session is high. Some operators have hearing problems. Implication: it’s better to use hand signals between conductor-brakeman and engineer than to try to talk above the noise of locomotives and other operators. [Rule 7]: Hand signals must be given sufficiently in advance to permit compliance...

19. Common Hand Signals Back-up (reverse) Slowly (inching) Controlled stop Stop You are coupled up Go forward OK Highball (leave town) - beckon toward self with circular motion. - fingers come together - hands come together - hold closed hand up. - make closed fist, shake once. - move open palm, fingers closed, up and down away from you. - thumbs-up /or/ circle - pull imaginary steam whistle twice (“Toot – Toot”) [Rule 8] Model Railroading

20. Using the M&Sw’s throttles Keep the antenna vertical. Don’t touch the antenna. Hold the case in your left hand*... at least 1’ from your body. Rotate the speed control knob with your right hand. * [use two hands] Rotate GENTLY – it breaks. Don’t MASH down on the keys; be GENTLE – they break. Turn Throttle “OFF” when done.

21. USE TWO (2) HANDS! Hold the throttle case in your left hand* Rotate the speed control knob with your right hand.

22. Turnouts – Ground Throws Main route – usually straight Diverging route – usually curved HAND SIGNAL: “Throw Turnout” -- Tap top of head with hand several times; point at turnout to be thrown.

23. Turnouts – Ground Throws Main route – usually straight Diverging route – usually curved Rule 104: Train crews are responsible for the position of turnouts used by them and members of their crew, except when control is remote. Turnouts must be properly lined (to the main track) after having been used.

24. Uncoupling – HO Kadees Electro-magnetic – above or under the ties »Safest for uncoupling on mainline or passing sidings Permanent magnet – above or under the ties. »Works OK for most spurs – single or double-ended Manual using an uncoupling “pic” between knuckles. »Any place you can easily reach with one hand Manual using a “pic” to separate glad hands with slack between couplers. »Especially for passenger cars with diaphragms. Manual – grasping cars by hand. »CAUTION – can damage car details, especially steps.

25. Kadee Uncoupling Pic Kadee Product #241 – “Uncoupling tool and spring pic” Pointed end for uncoupling #118 SF “Shelf Couplers” Flat end for uncoupling standard Kadee couplers.

26. Using the “pic” To manual uncouple the #118 coupler with the pointed end of the #241 "Dual Tool“: First, push the cars together where the coupler knuckles compress against each other (put slack between the coupler knuckles); Then, insert the pointed end against the "outside" of the hooked tip of the knuckle as illustrated (the knuckle is the moving part of the coupler head). As the point slips into the coupler it will push the knuckle past the hook of the opposing knuckle. (It helps to gently twist the “pic” clockwise about 1/8 th of a turn). To assist the uncoupling you can push the knuckle tip outward with the point, when the knuckle tips are past each other you can now separate the uncoupled cars.

27. Rix Magnetic Uncoupler The Rix Uncoupling Tool is Designed to work with the Kadee® style Couplers. Place the Rix Uncoupling Tool down between the cars until the magnets rest against the rails, Push one of the cars towards the other and the two magnets will cause the couplers to release.

28. Trailing point spur – set-out (freight house)

29. Trailing point spur – set-out (freight house) Our task: Set this boxcar out... In front of the freight house.

30. Trailing point spur – set-out (freight house) #1: Uncouple boxcar from train

31. Trailing point spur – set-out (freight house) #2: Pull ahead of turnout points (clear)

32. Trailing point spur – set-out (freight house) #3: Throw turnout to spur

33. Trailing point spur – set-out (freight house) #4: Reverse; back up until boxcar is in front of freight house.

34. Trailing point spur – set-out (freight house) #5: Uncouple boxcar.

35. Trailing point spur – set-out (freight house) #6: Locomotive pulls forward past turnout

36. Trailing point spur – set-out (freight house) #7: Throw turnout back to mainline

37. Trailing point spur – set-out (freight house) #8: Locomotive backs up and couples to train.

38. Trailing point spur – set-out (freight house) #9: Train leaves town. Replay

39. Facing point spur – set-out (freight house) This is where we want the refrigerator car to be set out. This move is not possible without a run-around move first. (This requires a double-ended siding or spur nearby).

40. Facing point spur – set-out (freight house) #1: Uncouple caboose

41. Facing point spur – set-out (freight house) #2: Pull forward; uncouple reefer

42. Facing point spur – set-out (freight house) #3: pull forward; throw turnout.

43. Facing point spur – set-out (freight house) #4: Run around reefer

44. Facing point spur – set-out (freight house) #5: Push train clear of facing point run-around siding turnout.

45. Facing point spur – set-out (freight house)

46. Facing point spur – set-out (freight house) #6: Throw turnout; uncouple locomotive from rest of train.

47. Facing point spur – set-out (freight house) #7: Go forward; grab reefer.

48. Facing point spur – set-out (freight house) #8: Throw turnout; push reefer into spur.

49. Facing point spur – set-out (freight house) #9: Uncouple reefer

50. Facing point spur – set-out (freight house) #10: Back onto main.

51. Facing point spur – set-out (freight house) #11: Throw turnouts for main line.

52. Facing point spur – set-out (freight house) #12: Couple onto train.

53. Facing point spur – set-out (freight house) #13: Pull out of town Replay

54. Other run-around situations (freight house) (distant industry) (end of branch line) (branch line) (spur off siding) (nearby spur off main)

55. Some special-purpose spurs Industry spur: a “normal” spur–serves 1 or more industries Interchange track: used by two RRs to exchange cars Team track: used by off-line customers with no spur. House track: used by station agent for LCL, express, mail. RIP track: stores cars needing light repairs. Locomotive pocket: temporary storage for a locomotive. Caboose track: stores cabooses ready for service. (“repair-in-place”)

56. Happy Jack (major mining district) Mine Spur Chemical Track (spur) Freight Track (spur) Main Track #1 Siding Track #2 Drill Track #3 House Track (double -ended spur)

57. Example: typical Texas town AT&SF SP Public Team Track End Unloading Ramp Main Line Passing Siding House Track SP-AT&SF Interchange Track Main Track Texas Hwy 92 SP N Local Industry Tracks Fort Clarke, Texas El Paso San Antonio

58. Ayer’s Junction & ATSF Interchange ATSF Interchange (double-ended spur) Industry/ Team Track (spur) ATSF NW to Flagstaff M&Sw South to Globe Tk 1 Tk 2 Tk 3

59. Ayers Junction ATSF Interchange Track #3 (double-ended spur) M&Sw Main & Utility Runaround Track #2 Ayers Jct Siding Track #1 House Track (spur) CVLCo Runaround Industry/ Team Track (spur)

60. Caboose Run-Around Move If you reach the end of the line, and have to return back to the terminal the way you came, then you must do a caboose run-around. (Or, push your caboose and train backwards all the way back!! Not good!). Objective: swap the locomotive(s) and caboose to the opposite ends of the train. So that: the caboose (with its marker lamps) is at the end of the train on the return trip.

61. Caboose Run-Around (freight house) #1: Uncouple locomotives

62. Caboose Run-Around (freight house) #2: Pull forward to clear turnout points.

63. Caboose Run-Around (freight house) #3: Throw turnout points

64. Caboose Run-Around (freight house) #4: Run onto run-around track

65. Caboose Run-Around (freight house) #5: Line turnout to main track

66. Caboose Run-Around (freight house) #6: Run-around entire train

67. Caboose Run-Around (freight house) #7: Throw turnout

68. Caboose Run-Around (freight house) #8: Grab caboose.

69. Caboose Run-Around (freight house) #9: Uncouple caboose from rest of train

70. Caboose Run-Around (freight house) #10: Pull caboose clear of turnout points.

71. Caboose Run-Around (freight house) #11: Throw turnout points.

72. Caboose Run-Around (freight house) #12: Push caboose onto run-around track clear of main

73. Caboose Run-Around (freight house) #13: Uncouple caboose

74. Caboose Run-Around (freight house) #14: Pull forward to clear points

75. Caboose Run-Around (freight house) #15: Throw turnout

76. Caboose Run-Around (freight house) #16: Pick up train

77. Caboose Run-Around (freight house) #17: Pull forward past points

78. Caboose Run-Around (freight house) #18: Pull forward past points

79. Caboose Run-Around (freight house) #19: Throw points; reverse; pick up caboose

80. Caboose Run-Around (freight house) #20: Pull forward clear of points; line turnout to main track.

81. Caboose Run-Around (freight house) #21: Depart out of town back down the branch.

82. Caboose Run-Around (freight house) Replay

83. Trailing point Pick-ups Trailing Point Pickups – two versions Some cars should be entrained (positioned) at the FRONT of a train: –cars that will be set out at towns sometime later during the remainder of the trip. –heavy cars – loaded hoppers, ore cars –stock cars – far ahead of caboose – smell!! – – behind locomotive – fast set-out –chemical tank cars – far ahead of caboose –loads that can shift – not next to loco or caboose

84. Trailing point spur – pick-up (freight house) #1: Train arrives – stop behind turnout. (our task: pick-up the boxcar located at the freight house).

85. Trailing point spur – pick-up (freight house) #2: Locomotive uncouples and runs forward past points.

86. Trailing point spur – pick-up (freight house) #3: Throw turnout to spur.

87. Trailing point spur – pick-up (freight house) #4: Locomotive backs up into spur

88. Trailing point spur – pick-up (freight house) #5: Couple onto boxcar.

89. Trailing point spur – pick-up (freight house) #6: Pull forward onto main clear of turnout

90. Trailing point spur – pick-up (freight house) #7: Throw turnout to main line.

91. Trailing point spur – pick-up (freight house) #8: Back up and couple to train.

92. Trailing point spur – pick-up (freight house) #9: Train pulls out of town. Replay

93. Alternative Pick-Up Moves In some cases, the cars that are picked up should be entrained at the REAR of the train, just ahead of the caboose. Cars that should be on REAR of train: –cars returning all the way to final destination (not scheduled to be set out). –lightweight cars of all types –empty cars: flats, hoppers, ore cars –fragile cars: wooden flats, boxcars, ore cars [See “Special Instructions, M&Sw Timetable #4]

94. Trailing point spur – pick-up (freight house) #1: Train arrives – stop caboose behind turnout. (our task: pick-up the boxcar located at the freight house). ALTERNATIVE PICK-UP MOVES

95. Trailing point spur – pick-up (freight house) #2. Uncouple caboose. ALTERNATIVE PICK-UP MOVES

96. Trailing point spur – pick-up (freight house) #3. Train moves forward to clear the turnout; caboose stays behind. ALTERNATIVE PICK-UP MOVES

97. Trailing point spur – pick-up (freight house) #4: Throw turnout into spur ALTERNATIVE PICK-UP MOVES

98. Trailing point spur – pick-up (freight house) #5: Back train up into spur and couple onto boxcar. ALTERNATIVE PICK-UP MOVES

99. Trailing point spur – pick-up (freight house) #6: Pull train out of spur clear of turnout. ALTERNATIVE PICK-UP MOVES

100. Trailing point spur – pick-up (freight house) #7: Throw turnout to main line ALTERNATIVE PICK-UP MOVES

101. Trailing point spur – pick-up (freight house) #8: Back-up and couple to caboose. ALTERNATIVE PICK-UP MOVES

102. Trailing point spur – pick-up (freight house) #9: Depart out of town. ALTERNATIVE PICK-UP MOVES Replay

103. Facing point spur – pick-up (freight house) [Facing point pick-ups require a runaround track nearby]

104. Facing point spur – pick-up (freight house) #1: Uncouple locomotive

105. Facing point spur – pick-up (freight house) #2: Pull locomotive forward to spur

106. Facing point spur – pick-up (freight house) #3: Throw turnout to spur

107. Facing point spur – pick-up (freight house) #4: Pull into spur to couple onto car.

108. Facing point spur – pick-up (freight house) #4: Pull into spur to couple onto car.

109. Facing point spur – pick-up (freight house) #4: Pull into spur to couple onto car.

110. Facing point spur – pick-up (freight house) #5: Pull car back onto main.

111. Facing point spur – pick-up (freight house) #5: Pull car back onto main.

112. Facing point spur – pick-up (freight house) #6: Throw turnout to main; uncouple locomotive.

113. Facing point spur – pick-up (freight house) #7: Run around car.

114. Facing point spur – pick-up (freight house) #7: Run around car.

115. Facing point spur – pick-up (freight house) #7: Run around car.

116. Facing point spur – pick-up (freight house) #7: Run around car.

117. Facing point spur – pick-up (freight house) #7: Run around car.

118. Facing point spur – pick-up (freight house) #7: Run around car.

119. Facing point spur – pick-up (freight house) #7: Run around car.

120. Facing point spur – pick-up (freight house) #7: Run around car.

121. Facing point spur – pick-up (freight house) #7: Run around car.

122. Facing point spur – pick-up (freight house) #7: Run around car.

123. Facing point spur – pick-up (freight house) #8: Couple car to train.

124. Facing point spur – pick-up (freight house) #8: Couple car to train.

125. Facing point spur – pick-up (freight house) #9: Leave town. Replay

126. Interchange – end of branch (freight house) (end of branch) Objectives: (1) Pick up cars on interchange track (2) Drop off the cars in the train on interchange. (3) Run-around train (4) Return back to terminal.: (connecting railroad) Interchange/run-around track

127. Interchange – end of branch (freight house) (end of branch) (freight house)

128. Interchange – end of branch (freight house) (end of branch) uncouple train from locomotives

129. Interchange – end of branch (freight house) (end of branch) throw turnout

130. Interchange – end of branch (freight house) (end of branch) throw turnout uncouple caboose

131. Interchange – end of branch (freight house) (end of branch) (leave turnout clear)

132. Interchange – end of branch (freight house) Replay (leave turnout clear)

133. Ayer’s Junction & ATSF Interchange REVIEW

134. Ayer’s Junction & ATSF Interchange [2] Is this a train? Reason? [1] Is this a train? Reason?

135. Ayer’s Junction & ATSF Interchange [4] Spur or siding Reason? [3] Spur or siding? Reason? ATSF NW to Flagstaff M&Sw South to Globe

136. Ayer’s Junction & ATSF Interchange ATSF NW to Flagstaff M&Sw South to Globe Tk 1 is a... Tk 2 is a... Tk 3 is a...

137. Ayer’s Junction & ATSF Interchange [6] Facing point or trailing point move? (ATSF Interchange) Reason? [5] Facing point or trailing point move? Reason? ATSF NW to Flagstaff M&Sw South to Globe Tk 1 Tk 2 Tk 3

138. Ayers Junction [6] Facing point or trailing point? (ATSF Interchange Track #3) Track #2 Track #1 House Track (spur) Industry/ Team Track (spur)

139. Ayers Junction [6] Facing point or trailing point? Why? (ATSF Interchange Track #3) Track #2 Track #1 House Track [7] Facing or Trailing point? Why? Industry/ Team Track (spur)

140. Ayers Junction (ATSF Interchange Track #3) (double-ended spur) M&Sw Main & Utility Runaround Track #2 Ayers Jct Siding Track #1 House Track (spur) CVLCo Runaround Industry/ Team Track (spur)

141. End of Part 1 (to be continued)

142. Alternative Caboose Run-Around This is an alternative set of moves for a caboose run-around. It takes longer than the method shown earlier. It is safer to use with long trains where it is undesirable to back the train thru the points of a thrown turnout.

143. Caboose Run-Around Move If you reach the end of the line, and have to return back to the terminal the way you came, then you must do a caboose run-around. (Or, push your caboose and train backwards all the way back!! Not good!). Objective: swap the locomotive(s) and caboose to the opposite ends of the train. So that: the caboose (with its marker lamps) is at the end of the train on the return trip.

144. Caboose Run-Around (freight house) #1: Uncouple locomotives

145. Caboose Run-Around (freight house) #1: Uncouple locomotives #2: Pull forward to clear turnout points.

146. Caboose Run-Around (freight house) #3: Throw turnout points

147. Caboose Run-Around (freight house) #4: Run-around entire train

148. Caboose Run-Around (freight house) #5: Throw turnout

149. Caboose Run-Around (freight house) #6: Grab caboose.

150. Caboose Run-Around (freight house) #7: Uncouple caboose from rest of train

151. Caboose Run-Around (freight house) #8: Pull caboose clear of turnout points.

152. Caboose Run-Around (freight house) #9: Throw turnout points.

153. Caboose Run-Around (freight house) #10: Push caboose around train

154. Caboose Run-Around (freight house) #11: Push caboose past turnout points.

155. Caboose Run-Around (freight house) #12: Uncouple caboose.

156. Caboose Run-Around (freight house) #13: Pull clear; throw points.

157. Caboose Run-Around (freight house) #14: Run around rest of train until clear of points.

158. Caboose Run-Around (freight house) #15: Throw points; couple up to rest of train

159. Caboose Run-Around (freight house) #16: Back up; couple onto caboose

160. Caboose Run-Around (freight house) #17: Depart out of town back down branch Replay

161. Example: typical junction AT&SF SP Public Team Track Passing Siding House Track Main Track Texas Hwy 92 SP N Fort Clarke, Texas End Unloading Ramp SP-AT&SF Interchange Track Local Industry Tracks El Paso San Antonio

162. (End of Presentation; turn off projector}