SCMRC Overall Layout Operating Procedures:
Overall Standard Gauge Layout Operations:
Mainline Operations
All Layout and Mainline operation is under the direction of the SCMRC Vice President of Operations (VP) or their designated representative. In the absence of the VP, the Yard Master or #1 Yard Crew will nominally fulfill the VP role.
Members will sign up on the Run-Time Sign-Up Sheet for designated blocks of running time, Yard Master or Yard Crew.
At the beginning of each session, the VP will designate a member to make one complete pass around the layout with a Bright Boy track cleaner on both mainlines. No fluids will be used to clean the track, either by car or by hand.
Multiple trains are permitted on the Mainlines as long as the member has signed up and observes the priority. The 1st person is designated as the “Scheduled” train and the 2nd will be considered an “Extra”. It is the responsibility of the Extra engineer (operator) to not impede the Scheduled train.
All trains on the Eastbound (Outside Main) and Westbound (Inside Main) main tracks have the Right-of-Way over any other trains unless designated differently by the VP.
All trains on the Eastbound (Outside Main) will normally run counter-clockwise and on the Westbound (Inner Main) run clockwise unless designated differently by the VP.
Any coordinated meets on either mainline must be announced on the club radio system.
Meets or Extras taking sidings to permit overtaking Scheduled trains to pass are encouraged since it adds interest to the viewing public at train shows.
Radio Procedures
All SCMRC members running trains will use the club provided radio system in order to be in constant contact with the VP, or their designated alternate, all members running trains on the Mainlines, the Yard Crews and the Yard Master.
Radio use is not needed if members are performing Industrial or Turntable/Engine Service area switching operations which do not involve the Mainlines.
Main Yard Procedures:
All Main Yard activities are under control of the Yard Master
If no member has signed up for Yard Master, the #1 Yard Crew will act as Yard Master.
If there is no designated Yard Master or Yard Crew present, any member operating in the Main Yard will be responsible for any of their own activities if it involves either mainline. Any activity which may affect the Mainlines must be announced on the radios to all other members operating on the layout.
Locomotives are to be moved to the engine service facility or removed from the layout if not scheduled to be run in the present or next hour.
Locomotives scheduled to be run in the next one hour signup period may be parked in the yard with their train. Use yard tracks with “Kill” switches, if available, and leave the power to the locomotives off until a few minutes prior to departure from the yard.
One passenger train is permitted to be parked at the Passenger Station during Train Shows. This is to enhance the overall appearance of the layout for the public. The passenger train to be left parked must receive prior permission from the VP or Yard Master.
The Yard Lead tracks are to be used only for entry or exit on the Mainlines. Obtain clearance from the Yard Master for use of the Yard Leads.
The two Yard Switcher “Run Through” tracks are only for switching operations and are not to be used to park trains or locomotives.
Yard crew switchers generally have freedom of movement with “Blanket” clearance unless otherwise instructed by the Yard Master.
Any locomotive Advanced or Basic Consist setup testing which must be conducted on the layout is to be done on the rear-most yard track with permission from the Yard Master.
The first three yard staging tracks, closest to the outside mainline track, are equipped with DCC controls. These controls are capable of switching turnouts, using the handheld throttles. The Macro number is entered, using the “MACRO” button on the throttle and the yard ladder is automatically set for these three yard sidings. The numbers are labeled at each track.
The use of Macros is explained on page 37 of the Power Pro System Reference Manual.
Industrial Switching, Turntable/Engine Service and Siding Operations
Industrial area, Turntable/Engine Service and Siding switching operations is permitted at any time, sign up on the Running schedule is not required
Extreme Care is to be taken so as not to impede the Eastbound or Westbound Mainline operations. Mainline trains have the Right-of-Way unless the VP of Operations has given specific permission to a designated train.
Operations which include entering, leaving or crossing the Mainlines, which may impede or delay other trains, must be announced on the radio system.
Yard Crews and Turntable/Engine Service area crews are permitted to locally coordinate their activities.
Turntable/Engine Service area operations are encouraged since a normal large yard would have almost continuous activity and a number of locomotives would be parked on the service tracks.
Locomotives are permitted to be parked in the Roundhouse. Operation of the turntable is usually of interest to the viewing public at train shows and is encouraged. This is to enhance the overall appearance of the layout for the public.
Overall Narrow Gauge Operations
All NG operations are under the direction of the NG DCC Committee Chairman
Members will sign up on the Train Running Schedule for designated blocks of running time in the NG columns.
At the beginning of each session, the first person scheduled to run will complete one pass around the layout with a Bright Boy track cleaner on mainline and sidings. No track cleaning fluid will be used to clean the track.
Multiple trains are permitted on the Mainline as long as the member has signed up and observes the direction of travel. Radio headsets will be used if more than one person is running.
Trains are typically run in a counter-clockwise direction and have Right-of-Way over trains running clockwise. Trains running clockwise will communicate via radio with the engineer of counter-clockwise bound trains and take appropriate sidings.
Meets or Extras taking sidings to permit overtaking Scheduled trains to pass are encouraged since it adds interest to the viewing public at train shows.
Digitrax System General Procedures
These procedures apply only to the Narrow Gauge SCMRC part of the layout and are written by the NG DCC Committee Chairman.
Club-owned Wireless Throttles use 9 volt batteries. Install the batteries at the beginning of a show and remove at teardown. Wireless throttles will be set to sleep mode and returned to the bridge area when not in use. To place in sleep mode, press and hold any function key while turning any address thumbwheel to the next digit.
To start the system, turn on the main power switch, located under the bridge next to module 20 end. Turn on appropriate power switch for track siding in yard and set the address on your throttle of choice.
To configure a wireless throttle, plug the throttle into LocoNet, dial in the address and press SEL. Unplug the throttle to use in the wireless mode.
The Zephyr can run 10 trains simultaneously. No need to use advanced consisting since consist values reside in console memory.
NCE System General Procedures
All NCE operations will reference the Power Pro System Reference Manual kept on the DCC Console
●These procedures apply only to the Standard Gauge SCMRC part of the layout and are written by the VP of Operations and the DCC Committee
●The HOn3 Narrow Gauge area, DCC system information and operating procedures will be issued by the NG DCC Committee and HOn3 User Group.
SCMRC Club-owned Wireless Throttles are programmed to automatically shut down after 10 minutes of inactivity. When you are finished running a train, simply return the throttle you were using to the DCC Console.
Operating Instructions for The ProCab throttle is in the Power Pro System Reference Manual on pages 17 thru 27.
Operating instructions for the CAB06R throttle is in the CAB06R Operations Manual, located on the DCC Console.
All Locomotive Programming and Testing will be done on the “Off-Line Console”
All Locomotive Consisting will use the Advanced Consisting method as outlined in the Power Pro System Reference Manual, pages 28 thru 31:
If you have any corrections, suggested changes or additions, please email or see one of the following:
SCMRC Vice President of Operations for General Operating Procedures
DCC Committee Chairman for DCC specific procedures
NG DCC Committee Chairman for Narrow Gauge specific procedures
11/15/2018C:\Trains\Spring Creek\SCMRC Overall Layout Operating Procedures Rev B.doc