Initial Operations

Initial operations at Willow Junction,
 testing track and operations plans.

With Willow Junction trackwork functional, I am able to start some initial operations on the 4th Subdivision. One conceptual change from my original operations plan is that the interchange track connects with the Northern Pacific (N.P.), not the Puget Sound and Badger River Rail Road (PS&BR). Several factors led to this change: a dearth of rolling stock ready for PS&BR, initial research into realistic shipping possibilities, and prototype possibilities (the freelanced 4th Subdivision would have intersected with the N.P. north/south line to Sumas, WA). In possible future expansion to the east, interchange with the PS&BR will be revisited. Not so much a change, but rather some fine tuning in the original plan, is the notion that the entire original layout is within yard limits with a "local switcher" or "road switcher" stationed at Willow Junction.

As realistic operations is one of my goals, I have begun collecting operating guidelines from a PDF copy of Consolidated Code of Operating Rules and General Instructions.-Revised 1946 as well as perusing several operations guides (How to Operate Your Model Railroad and Realistic Model Railroad Operation). So, for now, what I have come up with is an initial document to guide operations :

Rules Phase One    4^th Subdivision

14.  Engine Whistle Signals
A short sound is designated by “0” and a long sound by a “- -"
0	Apply brakes -- Stop
--  --	Release brakes – Proceed Forward
0 0 0	Release Brakes – Reverse Back
--   --  0  --	Grade Crossing (last long extended)
Ring Bell when public contact possible and on bridges!

83 (B). Unless otherwise provided, a train must not leave its initial station on any subdivision, without a clearance endorsed with O.K., the time, and the superintendent's initials.

92. A train must not leave a station in advance of its scheduled leaving time.

93. Within yard limits the main track may be used, clearing first class trains when due to leave the last station where time is shown.

Within yard limits the main track may be used without protecting against second and inferior class, extra trains and engines.

Within yard limits second and inferior class, extra trains and engines must move at restricted speed.

104.  Unless otherwise provided, the normal position of a main track switch is for main track and must be lined in that position, except when changed for immediate movement through it. Switches must be properly lined after having been used.

As Willow Junction and the east staging tracks are what I have to work with, my initial operations is limited to sorting cars. I have bill boxes, a revised switch list (prototype based), and car cards and waybills set up. Essentially I started with a few cars on the layout and the N.P. interchange with the goal of sorting them into propers (rolling stock destined for Willow Springs locations) on one yard track and Westbound cars on the other. Classification fun!