Train Orders On Moonan Flats

Discussion in 'Running Your Trains' started by SMR CHRIS, Apr 3, 2018.

  1. SMR CHRIS

    SMR CHRIS Staff Member Moderator

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    For Running sessions on Moonan Flats I use A basic Time Table and Train Orders.
    Moonan Flats being a very small layout with only part of the station modelled in the Scenic section
    A time table is is used to create a simulated days running. I have two versions basic and closer to prototype with train numbers for up and down trains this type can be a little confusing as the train numbers as per prototype are odd/even and don’t always read in a chronological order as a result.

    Basic time table of train movements with just the basic info.

    3ACBE4C1-C2C9-4213-8B3B-E0E17EBE0BCD.jpeg


    Next a More advanced example, with train numbers, the Place the train arrives from and where it departs to plus the train it forms with Train Order referred at points =TO#2 etc.
    This can become confusing for some how really just want to run trains.

    002C98C7-A7B9-4EB3-93CF-0F5422AA1CD5.jpeg

    The trains are set out in “Train Orders” I use a laminated A4 sheet, in a Graphic format with pictures of the loco, rolling stock, plus the station track layout.
    These show at the top, the arriving train formation, plus the position of rolling stock in the station yard. Below this is the departing train with the locations of the rolling stock when the train is ready to leave.

    Unlabelled example of a TO sheet, the layout is A4 landscape, to make these I simply photographed all the locos and stock then drop the pictures of the loco, stock etc on the page with the track plan and once you create the first one they can then flow on with the next one having the last ones rolling stock finishing positions as the starting positions.
    80DA3F23-B6D2-459A-82C4-2C9FF948C5D0.jpeg


    An example of a Goods trains, Train Order (TO#4) the arriving train with (TO#5) the departing formation. This example of a Train Order (TO) is actually one of the most difficult Shunts in the Moonan Flats yard, due to the long Guards van (LHG) being used, the Quickest this has been completed is 26min, longest is 47min.
    The key to getting this shunt example unlocked is to first clear then use the bay to leave the Guards van, next shunt the goods siding then start forming the train, stating with the Guards van being shunted down into the end of the loco release against the van.

    42964096-8286-456B-8387-3FD7768B4EA0.jpeg

    During the shunting movements the time table can call for departure or arrival of a passenger train usually a Railmotor just to make things interesting. Occasionally a freight arrives distributes the wagons as required then forms a Passenger as the next train. This can be the first movement of the Day

    example below of the first train of the day, it arrives as a Goods and departs as the morning school train

    B0575B3C-1015-49D3-97FC-835E17890BB1.jpeg

    Now what makes some of these shunting movements on Moonan Flats quite interesting, is the use of locos that have Hook draw gear, with a lot of stock having knuckle draw gear only then the odd item of stock with hook only draw gear, then transition stock that have both link and knuckles to go between as suggested a transitional vehicle.

    So it’s a little unconventional in the format but it works for the operating sessions quite well and can fill several hours to run a sequence.
    I find the Graphic/ Visual format makes it easier for everyone to get the train order as in wagons sequence, and then get there heads around shunting the wagons to that order.
    Rather than reeding a order on paper and not being sure what wagon is what.
    Just look and match a photo of the wagon.

    Second page of a Basic Time table AE6C4438-7109-4B78-9976-06D1464A5635.jpeg
     
    Last edited: Apr 3, 2018
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  2. class48nswfan

    class48nswfan Full Member

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    I like your card system - do you mix the goods trains up for each session?
     
  3. cmcan

    cmcan Full Member

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    Hi Chris,

    I enjoyed operating moonan flats (on the few occasions I have been able to).

    You could spend a little or long time operating especially if you wanted to follow prototype procedures a la Lance Mindheim's ideas.

    Cameron
     
  4. SMR CHRIS

    SMR CHRIS Staff Member Moderator

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    Yes there is train variation for most sessions eventually it will come back to the same combination the Wheat train is possibly the one train that is basically the same 3 wagons as a set, all other trains the wagons rotate randomly in a organised way :scratchchin: sometimes Trains can be up to 6 wagons plus Guards van or as short as 2 plus a Guards van.
    With the passenger trains variety is added with the addition of a Grayhound Cariage or parcels van sometimes a milk wagon attached etc.

    Generally there are usually 12 to 15 4wheel Goods wagons on the layout so a fair bit of variety’s for such a small layout
    If a Bogie wagon is on the layout it takes the place of 2 4wheel wagons

    Next sequence to one of the above with the arrival of the Grayhound car
    C6258678-8CF5-4DC2-9682-FD66F7C0ABBA.jpeg
     
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  5. SMR CHRIS

    SMR CHRIS Staff Member Moderator

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    We will have to have another session Cameron with only a couple of people in attendance and I can add extra trains and remove completed trains on and off the sector plate as we go along so as not to repeat trains a bit hard to do with a full house as need the table to put the train box’s
     
  6. cmcan

    cmcan Full Member

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    Chris,

    That would great.

    It would be a challenge with the food on table.
    BTW - when is the next running night, get together?

    Cameron
     
  7. SMR CHRIS

    SMR CHRIS Staff Member Moderator

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    Not sure when for the operating session none planed at the moment Cameron, but I will be exhibiting at Richmond Vale Railway on 19-20th May and could alway do with a hand
    It’s a no pressure exhibition just run trains when people are about.
     

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