Running Trains - A Process
Calisthenics
The uninitiated might assume one simply steps outside, assembles a train and, then, while sipping an ice tea, watches the trains perform. Not true!! First, there is the issue of motive power. Since these locomotives rely on batteries for power, one must remember to charge the batteries and this can take several hours. Hence, the need for advance planning.
Next, each locomotive and trailing cars has its own personality. The trucks and wheels either adjust comfortably to the track or perhaps struggle and fail. Problems must be resolved and this sometimes entails painfully slow study of both track spots which invite failure as well as examination of the cars themselves. There are occasions when adorable cars are simply taken out of service due to misbehavior. Couplers are often a problem due to loss of spring loaded fasteners. A sage friend has counseled me along the following lines. Don’t run a train for company until you have successfully completed a trial run of three laps in both directions.
A Question of Mood
There are times one wants to sit back, relax and simply watch a locomotive or short train circle the layout …no side routes or change of direction ... simply the monotonous circling of track. This could put you to sleep. It is so relaxing. No surprises or complications.
On other occasions, maybe to impress visitors who inquire ‘what are you doing with your life’, one wants more complex train time. This involves coordinated movement of larger assembled trains, perhaps ‘consists’ -- trains following in tandem. Then, there are moments when one desires a visit to the era of steam, perhaps grand steam with a giant mogul and its Vanderbilt tender puffing black smoke from its stack. Perhaps a visit to the 1960’s with an electric pulled string of passengers cars headed from Phily to New York? I like sometimes to visit Europe with a short crocodile electric pulling a short string of passenger cars through the Alps. I would pause for a coffee and apple strudel. The Emotional High. Train enthusiasts know what I am talking about.
A well-constructed train operating flawlessly is something of beauty. For a short time before your spouse beckons and asks that you take out the garbage you become captain of the universe!
Sounds are an important determinant. Today’s train decoders do a wonderful job of reproducing engine sounds, crew talk and station sounds. These can be initiated by the train operator or magnetic reed switches under the track. One can choose among steam, diesel and electric sounds during an operating session.
Some railroaders have chosen to model a particular location and era and their layouts have authentic flair. Calusa Creek is a hodgepodge or smorgasbord. Both the engine and car collection are diverse, an outgrowth of spontaneous consumption these past 20 years. However, when assembling trains for a session we do try to be thematic and consistent.
