ATSF Los Angeles Division, circa 1949

[MVW]

You could consider rummaging through ATSF pubs and find something to use as an example... the NP had a bunch of handy schematics (found here: http://research.nprha.org/NP%20Terminal%20Schematic%20Diagrams/Forms/Thumbnails.aspx) and I used them as a basis for my layout:

(Attachment Link)

I'm guessing you use InDesign to draw your schematics. 

Great example, BTW

Otto, I look forward to learning along with you as you tackle this vital part of building an operational layout. Thanks for sharing!

Jim

[samusi01]

@MVW Close: Illustrator. I've played around with InDesign but not very much and not in years.

[Cajonpassfan]

You could consider rummaging through ATSF pubs and find something to use as an example... the NP had a bunch of handy schematics (found here: http://research.nprha.org/NP%20Terminal%20Schematic%20Diagrams/Forms/Thumbnails.aspx) and I used them as a basis for my layout:

(Attachment Link)

Thanks  @samusi01 for the suggestion. I do have a sizeable collection of  prototype plans and schematics; in fact the railroad is in large part based on them. But, and this is just me, I have an aversion to posting track diagrams on the fascia relying instead on the visuals of the actual trackwork and clean "railroady" fascia signage, below. During my pre-CTC modeling era, even the Dispatcher didn't have track diagrams, just train sheets and only my "tower" locations may get smallish track diagrams, see rough mock-up of Terminal Tower graphics. A local switching an industrial area may get a small diagram to carry along, illustrating track and customer locations. It's still all in testing stages...
Thanks for your interest,
Otto

[samusi01]

@Cajonpassfan

I quite understand! The few items on my fascia are throttle connection plates and a single 8" Northern Pacific logo, given me by a friend.

To clarify - the illustration is part of a smallish booklet, for the new operator, as I make only one concession towards ease of operation: strategically placed little LED flashlights. The ideal operator would be familiar with NP Form 9276, revision of April '69, and able to read car numbers.

Sam

[Cajonpassfan]

Ha! Good luck with that, Sam😎

[Cajonpassfan]

Some of the etched screens on my Intermountain F3 units have the annoying habit of buckling up or coming loose. So I decided to try to give them some depth by painting the openings behind the screens black, using Tamyia Panel Line color. In retrospect, using plain black paint would have been just as good or better, but the end result is okay, see pics.

This is one of the ESU sound equipped B units, with a 13x18 mm speaker and a quad home made "keep-alive", by our own Rick Brodzinsky of JACALAR fame. Great sound!

Unfortunately, Rick has passed earlier this fall after a brief illness surrounded by his family. He's been a great resource to me and although I never actually met him, I miss him and our phone conversations dearly.
Otto

[MK]

Wait!  Rick passed away in the fall???  TRW member stats showed he was last on last month, November 5th.

[Cajonpassfan]

Yes, sorry to say. On or about November 17. From the little I know from our conversations and FB friendship, a truly nice, smart, family man.  Every time I fire up one of my ESU equipped engines Rick converted for me, I think of him. RIP Rick!
Otto K.

[Cajonpassfan]

Nothing to report on layout work. With another pre-ops approaching on Saturday, I've been working on getting things working properly, testing trains etc. Also getting our minimalist paperwork ready. The plastic pouch with train clearance cards I mentioned before worked out really well last time, but it became apparent that not everyone is as familiar with Cajon operations as I am. Shocker 
So the blank back side of the packet is now getting some useful information for the crews, see pics. The front lets you know who you are and where you're cleared to go. The  back will now give you info about what to do out on the road. Should be useful for visiting operators. If we like it, there will be similar instructions done for passenger trains and local freights.

I've also installed temporary train order pockets at Cajon and Summit to test out the concept. The idea is that an approaching train's crews can see whether there are any (pink) orders for them and act accordingly. This requires the DS to walk the orders to the two stations...we'll see how that works (eventually I'd like to have operating TO signals, but that's way down the road).

Looking forward to Saturday...
Otto
 

[Cajonpassfan]

A very enjoyable op session with some good friends on Saturday. We managed to run 19 trains over three and a half hours, each train running close to 250 actual feet and 3' climb or descent. Those little engines sure had to work hard!
Other than some relatively minor and predictable issues like yet to be replaced couplers and wheelsets, and yet to be wired frogs, no major meltdowns this time (other than a long freight mysteriously ending up at LA Union Station, creating all kinds of havoc)

The highlight of the day was an unplanned triple meet at Cajon Station, involving the westbound Chief overtaking a drag of mostly empty reefers returning home, while the Texas-bound CTX blasted uphill toward Sullivan's Curve in run 8 at 16 mph. Some of my engineers turned into instant foamers at that moment, trying to capture the action, see pics.
Fun stuff!
Otto

[Cajonpassfan]

More pics...
The last one take by my friend Dan who apparently likes to photograph trackside bushes while waiting for a meet...

[Cajonpassfan]

Barstow (hidden) staging, end of the day. Ready for the next ops.
Love continuous staging, with no restaging required between sessions. Another advantage of N scale, where this is possible without the sacrifice of large areas of real estate. 18" return radius on the far end.

[C855B]

You gotta stop doing that, Otto... making me homesick, that is. Your capture of Cajon is so evocative of the <1970 look and feel. Thank you so much for that.

[Bendtracker1]

Looks like a great time was had by all!
Thanks for posting and sharing Otto.

[MDW]

Good stuff there, Otto.
Love it!

Michel