Maybe you need to read these do's and don'ts for
Enjoyable Model Railroad Operation!
Hey, we all can use a little reminder now and
again that we are guests in the layout owner's houses. During your visit,
we invite you to consider these guidelines:
|
Do |
Don't |
| Ask questions |
Assume |
| Listen to the host's orientation |
Railfan while running a train |
| Familiarize yourself with controls |
Handle controls unnecessarily |
| Have
a gentle touch on the throttle |
Drop
it |
| Listen
before talking on the radio |
Talk
loudly |
| Switch
thoroughly |
Switch
hurriedly |
| Stay
with your train |
Stand
back and look |
| Stay on time |
Speed |
| Check
your waybills |
Take
them home with you |
| Spot
cars correctly |
Stuff
the tracks |
| Pay
attention to others |
Criticize
or kibbutz |
| Watch
the signals |
Call
for every “red” |
| Enjoy
the snacks |
Litter |
| Report
problems |
Complain |
| Have
a good time |
Joke
around |
| Thank your host |
Leave early |
| |
Grouse
later on |
"Staying
in the Cab”
Staying in the cab means: Following your train along with the
head-end, so you’ll know where to stop and can verify turnout alignments.
Most
KC operating layouts have long throttle memories, so there’s no rush to
plug-in. Plan your next move. Pay attention to signal placement. If you were in
the cab, could you see that signal?
When
stopping a passenger train, think about smooth stops and starts and where the
passengers would get on and off. Never couple to “occupied” cars without
first making a safety stop, about 25 scale feet away. Use only enough force to
engage the couplers.
Be
sure to follow the instructions of the dispatcher and yardmasters. Remember,
though, the dispatcher has the final word.
Leaving Early
Does it seem like life just gets more
hectic every year? Gosh, we always seem to be running off to see the next
thing or do the next activity. Your layout host has worked hard to ensure
that you have a good time and it just seems a shame to repay his/her hard work
by leaving the operating session early. Yeah, we know that you are anxious
to get to the open house of the latest uberlayout, or to head back home, but
please have the courtesy to finish the layout session. It's the right
thing to do.
