Operation

  Operating the layout

The unloading area is large concrete hardstanding for local delivery drivers to refuel from a tank wagon rather than having to trundle back to the depot and there is a ground level platform for the workers at the local factory. 

The rules

• Only one locomotive 
• Only four wagons
• Magnetic auto-couplings 
• DCC turnouts

Hands free (mostly - although I find the free running rolling stock has magnetic axles - which I must address) operation should mean this isn't a problem. In addition, a tiny 'off stage' area is sufficient to swap out vehicles and store two wagons 'off the track' when not in use.

 

Operationally there are just two things to do - either swap the loaded van, or swap the other wagon. The locomotive will be stabled at the entrance to ‘A’ between playing, so operation always starts here before heading off stage to collect whichever I choose from the 'hidden siding'. If it's the van it's on the left of the locomotive (viewed from the front, open side) if it's the tank, it will be on the right. Swapping the stock over takes around 5 minutes. This sounds short to many of you I'm sure – but sufficient in between chatting to the punters.

The right side of the plan will become a concrete hardstanding, ‘B’will used to fill heating oil from rail to small city-friendly road tankers and ‘C’ will be home to a ground level platform.