07-02-2012, 04:31 PM
Stein,
Thanks for the great detailed description of our ops session, and for the cool videos!
My favorites are of the long freight in Kings Port. I laugh when I see how I missed the cue that you were filming me at the control stand..and what was I looking at after the train went by?! 
It was fun to show the control stand in operation though! It was a very enjoyable time and the first opportunity I've ever had to show the layout to a fellow hobbyist. Other visitors admire the scenes for a short time and then go on their way, but Stein and I actualy operated the layout. This is a big deal for me since I hadn't orginaly designed the trackplan for that purpose...it was more of a "watch trains go around a long run" kind of set up...but I've been working on it over the last couple of years to create some operations possibilities. It really IS fun to switch cars and set up train meets, especially with a like-minded modeler getting involved. Stein's decriptions of the action are thorough and I WAS gratified to have so few glitches. My favorite GP30 ran beautifully as did the other locos called to service. One small derailment did not mar the session (especially since we had all of that help getting the car back on the track! 
).
I'd have never guessed that someone from Norway who I exchange comments with on a model railroad forum would actually visit my basement empire and help me run trains! Turns out that he has family in Minnesota who live only a few miles from my home. Wild! And, now you've broken the ice for me when it comes to having other people get involved in running the layout. Big Blue members...if you're ever in the Twin Cities area...come on over!
Stein, thanks again for visiting and for really opening up a new dimmension of enjoyment of the hobby. It was a treat to meet you and your family!
Ralph
Thanks for the great detailed description of our ops session, and for the cool videos!
My favorites are of the long freight in Kings Port. I laugh when I see how I missed the cue that you were filming me at the control stand..and what was I looking at after the train went by?! It was fun to show the control stand in operation though! It was a very enjoyable time and the first opportunity I've ever had to show the layout to a fellow hobbyist. Other visitors admire the scenes for a short time and then go on their way, but Stein and I actualy operated the layout. This is a big deal for me since I hadn't orginaly designed the trackplan for that purpose...it was more of a "watch trains go around a long run" kind of set up...but I've been working on it over the last couple of years to create some operations possibilities. It really IS fun to switch cars and set up train meets, especially with a like-minded modeler getting involved. Stein's decriptions of the action are thorough and I WAS gratified to have so few glitches. My favorite GP30 ran beautifully as did the other locos called to service. One small derailment did not mar the session (especially since we had all of that help getting the car back on the track! ). I'd have never guessed that someone from Norway who I exchange comments with on a model railroad forum would actually visit my basement empire and help me run trains! Turns out that he has family in Minnesota who live only a few miles from my home. Wild! And, now you've broken the ice for me when it comes to having other people get involved in running the layout. Big Blue members...if you're ever in the Twin Cities area...come on over!
Stein, thanks again for visiting and for really opening up a new dimmension of enjoyment of the hobby. It was a treat to meet you and your family!
Ralph