Operations on the Railroad- Explained and Demonstrated

This video has a description of the operating methodology I'm using on my Clear Lake Timber Company logging-based model railroad. It is a somewhat simplified variation of the classic "car card and waybill" system. The system and methodology are explained, and we can follow along to watch the highlights of the operations on a typical operating day. No pen or pencil need be lifted!

[larrymoehlenkamp]

I love that fact your railroad has a actual purpose for use, and not just a roundabout run in circle layout that everyone believes they need . This is perfect with fantastic buildings and modeling.

[Baumeister]

Now that's MY kind of video game!!! I'm gleaning a lot of ideas from you for my On30 RR based on logging & copper mining in 1910's SE Missouri. I have desperately bought up several engines as a shortage seems imminent. You have shown me how to distribute them. The Forney will draw from the exchange track at the lower yard level. The Porter will be the switcher at the Log camp & feed side-dumpers to & from the Mine. The 2-truck Heisler will pull log cars over switchbacks & downhill to the sawmill.

[TheGrover]

You and Laurie McLean MMR are the model railroaders that captivate me because of your craftsmanship. I'm excited to have just found TwoFootCal too.

[TheGrover]

Really like your railroad. Was made aware of your channel through Uncle Wilmer. Late 19th and early 20th century railroads, in particular narrow gauge.

[fernandocardenaspiepereit]

What a wonderful layout, Carl. I really like the scenery, it looks so realistic. Here one can see, how much talents are included in the hobby. All the best from Spain.

[davestrains]

Nice explanation of your ops session. Thanks for sharing. Dave

[peterainsworth]

This is great Carl. I just found your channel. Great layout. Cheers from Australia.

[ElectronWranglerTV]

Great scenery. Enjoyed the explanation of your card system, and really liked the Weyerhaeuser locomotive. Never saw one of those before this

[kylestevens]

Absolutely love your layout, coming from WV I love to logging railroads in action, I am course as to your locomotive collection, looked to be some brass, but could be wrong. Thanks for sharing. Look forward to more.

[theangelsmodellingandrailways]

Hey Carl, that's a superb layout you have there, the scenery and buildings are expertly done. Found your waybill system very interesting, you've kept it simple compared to some I have seen, yet effective and interesting for running ops. Got my thinking cap on now, to try implement some of those ideas into my small shunting/switching layout. Great upload, have subscribed etc, all the best. Brian @ The Angels.

[tommcinerney]

‘I, m thinking those three truck shays might be Bachman did you install stay Alive they sure run great. Nicest logging layout I, ve seen. Thanks Tom McInerney owner of my HO ELk River Logging layout. Railroad Model Craftman march 2006. Thanks tom

[thetrainboard]

we really wish you could do some youtube how to videos, especially on that grass and dirt. do you use some real dirt augmented by static gress and woodland scenics bushes and trees. do you use an airbrush to get you effects. Ive never done an airbrush but am willing to learn... about to do my first youtube videos, but am really at the beginning of my new trainboard....you do fantastic stuff, with exemplary detail. gary j

[thetrainboard]

Just beginning to decorate my new o gauge trainboard, needing hills, valleys, mountains to get away from my very flat trainboard. 18 by 27 ft, o gauge, but cant reach may of the central areas. did you use plaster on cardboard strips for your hills...did 2 mountins and a few rock molds years ago. Ive never did foam for hills and mountains, thinking I could build on my workbench on a piece of foamboard then move it when done to the main trainboard. help gary j

[billkrueger]

Carl, Looks like you are using electrofied magnets to uncouple. If I got that right, looks like they work well. Just started watching your site, will have to pass info along to the club. I know they would like the slow speeds and your scenery. Some of the members use the same type cards, while others are using switch list for beginner secessions. Thanks for the video.

[erict]

Wow, Carl... that's a pretty accurate setup, almost exactly how waybills were handled before computers. The railroads had thousands of clerks just to manage the waybill tracking!
I have to ask...Do you have cards for mechanical "Bad Orders"? I didn't notice if your layout had a RIP track, but boxcars will need a place to repaired... door rollers are notorious for breaking. Not to mention, you have a brewery, so cars will certainly need to be spotted for cleaning! (poor train handling causes broken beer bottles!)

[stephen]

Very nice. Relaxing to watch. Life was lived at a much slower pace in those times. Not a big fan of the hustle n bustle of modern society.