Layout Planning 8 - Control Parameters

In Layout Design Process 4 - Railroad Modeling I identified that the layout design process can be broken down into three primary functional areas: Concept, Structure and Layout Detail.

Structure. Structure identifies the parameters within which the layout must be designed. It is broken down into two main elements: 3) resources available, and 4) layout planning to build the railroad.

The eighth area of consideration in Layout Planning is Control.

Documentation.  Each employee knows their duties and responsibilities based on:

• the Uniform Code; 
• the Train Handling Instruction Manual that covers basic freight, passenger and yard operations procedures, 
• an Employee Timetable that identifies exact train schedules and rule modifications that are in effect, 
• Special Instructions related to the safe movement of trains, 
• Dispatcher train sheets and Modified train order Form 19.
  

Operators. Personnel required are:

• Dispatcher to issue Form 19's, develop special operating requirements and instructions such as  clearance cards, bulletins, train orders, loco fueling, within-train car placement and other prototypical elements as appropriate for operating engineers.
• Yardmasters
  
• Conductor/engineer who walk around following the train, controlling speed and direction with the hand-held throttle focused on realistic, slow speed movements and common kinds of delays, such as pumping up air brakes, setting retainers or cooling hot wheels after a steep descent. 
• Station agent/car distributor to use waybilling process to identify car movement requirements.
  

Train Movement. Radio controlled block system is based on the principle that the dispatcher gives a train exclusive authority to occupy a segment of main line. As the train proceeds it gives new authority to occupy additional track and returns to dispatcher the use of track already passed. The dispatcher communicates with the crew via radio. Both Dispatcher and Conductor/Engineman have identical Form 19 (modified). By radio the Dispatcher directs the Conductor/Engineer as they fill out the form.

Car Movement.  Car movement is by waybill and switch list.

Signals. The WWSL is a busy operation, but not sufficiently so to justify any investment in a signal system. It is dark territory, operation is by Train Order Form 19, prepared by the Dispatcher. Block signals are only encountered at Montesano Junction when the WWSL crosses over the NP.

Throttle Control. DCC will be used to operate the layout. I plan to use EasyDCC wireless throttles and SoundTraxx decoders. No provision for standard DC operations is planned. The handheld compact rotary throttle units are connected to the layout through radio control.

Turnout control. The turnouts are under local control by push/pull rods at each location.