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 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.
- 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.
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.