Operations Initiative

Operations are activities where model railroaders operate model trains which can be challenging and FUN due to the camaraderie developed with fellow model railroaders. These activities may also be used by a member as part of meeting the NMRA's Achievement Program - "Chief Dispatcher" certificate requirements if a record is kept of the hours spent.

Participation in Operations Sessions can take place in two ways, first by using the contact information for the local Operating Groups, a member can seek an invitation to operate on one of the Operations Group's model railroad layout(s). Contact information for some of the Operating Groups in the Potomac Division can be found by clicking here. The second way is by signing up to run a train(s) through events such as the Operations Saturday shown below.

One item that must be kept in mind, for either way, is that of Operating Session Etiquette. A complete listing of these items can be found on the Operating Groups page by clicking here. However a summary of the Etiquette; is Operate gently, Be responsible, Check your pockets for items before you leave, Don't place items on the layout, Uncouple using an uncoupling tool, not your fingers, and be a well behaved guest.

3rd Annual Potomac Division Operations Saturday

Saturday, March 4, 2023

The Potomac Division will hold an Operations day on Saturday, March 4, 2023. You are welcome if you are a new Operator, an old Head Operator, or a never before Operator. If you are new to Operations, two things to know. First, every layout owner knows how to fit new Operators into the activity and that includes DCC instruction if you need it. Second, despite all of our railroad talk, there is actually nothing in the cars and it doesn't really matter where they end up, we are just plain playing trains. Sure, we will move some trains, but the real purpose is to share the railroading hobby with other model railroaders.

If you would like to join us, just send an e-mail to Mat Thompson at (ocrr@comcast.net) to let him know which session or sessions which you would like to operate on. Choose the morning or afternoon session(s) you would like and if you choose both we will accommodate you if space is available. If you choose both also give us your first choice.

Please sign up by February 14th (but sooner is better). Mat will pass the crew lists on to the layout hosts and confirm for you the layout or layouts you will be scheduled on. The layout hosts will then email you with their address, layout information, parking instructions, and whatever else they think will help you enjoy the session. We have five layouts, all of which are HO scale and all use Digitrax DCC. Two will run sessions from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. and three will run sessions from 1:30 P.M. to 4:30 P.M.. Here is the lineup:

MORNING ONLY 9:00 A.M. TO 12:00 P.M.

Jim Rogers - Aldie, VA - B&O Cheat River Subdivision, a proto-freelance version of the B&O Railroad from Cincinnati, OH to Baltimore, MD. At Grafton there is a branch to a major paper mill industry and a branch to Charleston, W, which is serviced by the B&O and the New York Central. (Crew size is 7-10). More info can be found in the Potomac Flyer, Dec-Jan 22-23 edition - page 10 - and can be accessed by clicking here.

Bryan Kidd - Nokesville, VA - C&O Alleghany Division - Cheaapeake & Ohio's double track Alleghany Subdivision between Clifton Forge, VA and Hinton, WV featuring the Subdivision's fluid operations with the busy A Cabin interlocking that controlled the two mainline tracks and two passing sidings at Alleghany, VA. (Crew size is 10-12). More info can be found on the Potomac Division website by clicking here.

AFTERNOON ONLY 1:30 P.M. TO 4:30 P.M..

Bob Rodriguez - Dumfries, VA - Nickel City Line - Bob's Nickel City Line is a freelanced railroad in the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania in the late 1990's. The railroad's primary purpose is hauling coal but it also jauls other goods and provides commuter passenger service. (Crew size is 5) More info can be found on Bob's website by clicking here.

Brian Sheron - Poolesville, MD - Long Island Rail Road - Big City modeling of the LIRR Port Jefferson Branch, Atlantic Branch, and the City Terminal Zone. Time period is from the mid 1940's to the 6-'s. (Crew size is 6). More info can be found on Brian's website by clicking here.

Mat Thompson - Gainesville, VA - Oregon Coast Railroad - Switching layout set in Portland, OR, in 1957. Traffic includes yard transfers, industrial switching, and local freights. (Crew size is 10-12). More info can be found on Mat's website by clicking here.

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