Updated - 05/01/2023
GCW HO Operations Training Center
"The GCW HO RR is a Working HO Railroad Serving Working HO Communities"
GCW HO Operations Training Center
The GCW HO RR is designed to be a working railroad, with the purpose of having fun being a real railroad with a purpose. Being a Lone Wolf Empire, the GCW team has had to teach itself about real railroad dispatching and operations and the (YES, I find this part VERY enjoyable) paperwork involved in everyday train operations.
The GCW uses car cards, switch lists, and timetables to control train movement on its 2 mains and numerous sidings and spur lines. Operating both freight and passenger services offers many possibilities of train movements to keep one person busy for hours planning and operating enjoyment.
Operations Special Interest Group (OPSIG)
Forget the Fast Clock - Exploring the alternative of 1:1 time for operations - PDF Format
Railroad Signals - What they Mean (Short Explanation) - PDF
PRIMER ON AMERICAN RAILROAD SIGNALS - PDF From article in the Railfan Guide to the US by Todd Sestero
Passenger Car Type Classification Codes
Freight Car Type Classification Codes
Designing Model Railroad Operations - Richard Schumacher presented this as a clinic at the NorthStar 99 NMRA National Convention. This is the May 1999 original version
Designing Model Railroad Operations - PDF format
Yard Office Model Railroad Inventory Software
HO Operations Training Modules
GCW dispatchers and operators have found the resources of Ron's Trains N Things video tutorials about model railroading tips, tools, techniques, and more extremely helpful for GCW Operations. We have linked the great tutorials on Ron’s operating videos that we have used for training GCW personnel for the benefit of those wishing to learn the basics of Model Train Operations and Planning. Be sure to visit Ron's Trains N Things to see all his other videos about Model Railroading.
Module #1 - Modeling The Prototype Vs Freelancing
Ron discusses modeling the prototype vs freelancing. I share the pros and cons of both prototype modeling and freelancing as well as the middle ground option, protolancing.
Module #2 - Realistic Model Railroad Operations Setup
In this video, Ron shows you how to set up realistic model railroad operations setup. He will help you analyze your layout for operations and set up your car cards and waybills.
Module #3 - Model Railroad Operations--Switch Lists
In this video Ron discusses realistic model railroad operations--switch lists. He shows you how to use your way bills to create working switch lists which guide your work as you operate your layout.
Module #4 - Model Railroad Operations - Train Authority
Ron discusses model railroad operations - train authority. How do you decide which trains can move where and when? The answer is train authority, and in this video Ron will describe several systems for train authority and movement
Module #5 - Model Railroad Operations - Car Forwarding
Ron discusses model railroad operations--car forwarding. He will share several of the most popular car forwarding systems and how they contribute to fun and realistic model railroad operations.
In this video, Ron discuss model railroad yard operations--what they do and why they do it. Many people are interested in railroad yards--all of those tracks and cars--but many people don't know what they do and why they do it. Ron will show you the basics of yard operations as it fits into the total work of the railroad.
How To Read Railroad Signals
“How to Read Canadian Railroad Signals” were produced by Canadian YouTuber and Canadian railroad conductor Ian Juby. These are, by far, the most excellent basic training videos out there on how both Canadian and United States railroad signal systems work, including the specifics of their meanings and uses.
Module #1 - Railroad Signals, reading and meanings, part 1: The basic three light system
Module 1 covers the foundational 3 light system from which we will understand the rest of the signals.
Module #2 - Reading Canadian Railroad Signals part 2: Single and two headed signals
Module #2 - This is the second video in the series of reading Canadian Railroad Signals. In this video, we discuss the reasoning behind single and two-headed railroad signals and how they are read.
Module #3 - Part 3: Railroad Signals, reading and meanings. Diverging and Limited speeds, to and at signals
Module 3 - In this video, we add two new speeds to the mix and how they are displayed on the signals. We then incorporate them into the system and introduce approaching signals.
Module #4 - Part 4 Guide to reading Dwarf railroad signals:
Module 4 - Part IV of the guide to reading Canadian Railroad Signals, we take a look at the toughest part of the system: Dwarf signals or Low-mast signals. Using one or two heads, they are read in a similar fashion to the one and two headed high-mast signals. Also, Ian Juby explains the definitions of the signals and the requirements to pass certification as a conductor.
Paddle Board Signal Aspects and Indications – GSW HO RR
Even thought the GCW will have eleven functioning "Three Aspect Signals", there will be the need for other signals around the layout. Most of these will be for advanced warnings and cautions. I used a color railroad signal chart and leaving on the signals meaning, i cut out the various signals I wished to use on the layout. The chart I used is provided as a PDF. I then made out a crib chart of the signal I made for quick use on the layout (- PDF below). I drilled holes in the layout table to place the paddle handles in for the appropriate signal at the desired signal point on the layout. They can be angled so that they are observable to the operators in the direction that the signal is indicating. I also have a number of the Paper Signalmen set up with dowels so they can be used to guard sidings and spurs. This small project will save you hundreds of dollars and a lot of wiring nightmares. Think of it as playing a table top war game.
Paddle Board Signal Aspects and Indications – GSW HO RR
Railroad Signals - What they Mean (Short Explanation) - PDF
PRIMER ON AMERICAN RAILROAD SIGNALS - PDF From article in the Railfan Guide to the US by Todd Sestero
Materials
Use popsicle sticks and short dowels from from Michael's, and some good wood glue. Glue them together like a paddle and hit them with some spray paint. Cut out your desired paper signals to fir your paddles. The draw back is you may have a lot of paddles, but it gives you a wide variety of signals.
Ready to Signal!
I prefer gloss black spray paint, but silver also looks like the signal posts.. Glue on the cut out signal strips. I over sprayed mine with a gloss polyurethane spray to seal them up. I have a piece of Styrofoam scenic board that I have pushed the signal paddles into and arranged them for quick reference when placing the signal I need on the GCW. I use the dwarf signals on spur lines and sidings.
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