Simplified Wheel Report

I have found the "Simplified Wheel Report" method of operations to be a very rewarding, and simply way to add interest and run operations on my layout as well as my groups T-TRAK layouts.

I first learned about this method from an article titled Simplified Wheel Reports for Stress-free Operation  on the Small Urban Rails blog.  

Recently, I put together an operations session for one of our shows.  This show allows layout members into  the building 3-4 hours before the doors are open to the general public, so it was a perfect time run and record.    We have run this method of operations even when the public is around (usually when things are a little slower), and have had great results.  Sometimes someone will show some additional interests since we are not just running trains in a circle.  This method is also 'stress-free' enough that we can stop what we are doing and talk to the public without it affecting anything else.

Details

If you haven't already, I greatly encourage you to read the Simplified Wheel Reports for Stress-free Operation article  on the Small Urban Rails blog.

The Overall Layout

This was our layout for the show.  The operations were limited to the right side yellow loop.   A general operating setup would work like this:

1. Choose a Wheel Report (see below) to run

2. Set up the train in the yard (yellow, inside L).   Make sure  your train has all the right cars, and add any if needed.

3. Leave the yard (going "north", and running clockwise) and serve the industries as listed in the Wheel Report.

4. Make as many loops as you like (do it just once, or do it after every industry, or only when you need a few mins to think)

5. Return with an empties to the yard, and be ready for the next Wheel Report.

Addendum

I have also presented this to my local NMRA division, so if you would like to review those slides, please see "Ready-to-Run Operations for any size layout .