So you have been hearing about this thing called Model Railroad Operations, but you are not sure what it is, or if it would interest you. First let me tell you that railroad enthusiasts have been operating their model railroads for more years than many of them can remember. Operating a model railroad has many levels, but for the purposes of this article, I will discuss operating a model railroad with a group of people according to a set of rules which closely resembles the prototype practices.
Sound confusing? It can be – depending on how many different railroads you operate on. Though there are a few unwritten rules about how to operate a model railroad, each railroad owner will have his or her own set of rules that you need to learn. If you are lucky, you will be able to operate on the same railroad often enough that the rules become second nature, and you can really begin to enjoy the operating sessions. This does not mean you will not enjoy the first session on a new railroad, just that there will be more learning during those first few sessions.
Your First Session
Whether this is your first session entirely, or your first session on a new railroad, there are a couple of things you should remember. First, plan to arrive about 15 to 20 minutes before the scheduled start of the session, unless the layout owner has specified a time to arrive. Arriving early allows you a chance to view the railroad and ask questions before things get started. Many owners will have a scheduled start time for the session, and want to take care of pre-session items before that time. Arriving just as things are getting started is a hassle to both you and the owner who has already assigned jobs to those who arrived before the session started.
Second, always listen to the owner if he or she is providing pre-session instructions. You may want to just jump right in and get going, but the information the owner is sharing is important and will help you throughout the session. Even if you have been to this railroad before, listen, because things change and you want to have the latest when you get started.
Third, ask if you can ride along with an experienced operator for your first couple of trains. Most owners will be happy to pair you up with someone who has been to his or her railroad before. If you are paired up, remember that you are the junior, so listen to your partner and learn everything you can. Before long, you will feel comfortable enough to take a train on your own.
Finally, remember that model railroading is fun. It may seem at times during a session that what you are doing feels like work, and you may not be enjoying yourself. In these cases, consider that what you are doing is essential for others to have fun. You can be sure that everyone else at the session is doing their part so that you can have fun. If you find that a certain job is not enjoyable to you, simply let the owner know so that he or she can schedule you for something else next time.
Basic Etiquette
Remember that you are a guest in the layout owners home, so act accordingly. We are all adults and by now we should know how to act in the presence of other adults. Model railroad owners have a lot of time and money invested in their railroads, so treat everything you touch with kid gloves.
Most owners I know also welcome younger operators, but it is a common courtesy to check first and make sure it is OK if you are going to bring a minor with you. If you do get the OK, remember that you are responsible for the minor child and should keep a close eye on his or her activities at all times. But remember, If the child is not going to be a part of the operations crew, leave him or her at home.
Of course, accidents happen, and most owners know this. If you damage something, own up to it, let the owner know, and deal with the consequences. In my experience, those consequences are usually a hearty “Thank you” along with instructions on where to place the damaged item. Most owners I have met have a difficult time keeping up with the maintenance of their railroad, and it helps when they know what is broken so they can get it fixed.
Wrapping up the Session
The layout owner will have scheduled both when the session is to start and when it is to end. You may or may not have completed the job you are assigned at the end of the session, so you will need to ask the owner whether or not you should complete the job. Often, unfinished jobs are left to be dog-caught in the next session, and in some instances jobs that cannot be completed are planned into a session to set up for the next. This is why it is important to ask, not assume, if you should complete the job.
The end of the session is also a good time to share any problems or concerns you found while you were operating. This again falls under the rule of accidents above – if the owner does not know of an issue, he or she cannot fix it. Showing an owner where a problem is might seem like a complaint on your part, but considering that many owners never get to operate their own railroads, he or she may never know about the problem unless someone points it out. Never assume that someone else will, just remember to approach it as a concern and not a complaint.
Finally, remember to thank the owner for allowing you the opportunity to enjoy his or her railroad. You should get in the habit of doing this after every session, even if you become a regular operator. Before you leave, remember to check your pockets for any paperwork you may have stowed while operating and leave this with the train or with the owner.