When You’re Running Trains Do You Sit, Stand, or Move Around with the Train?

When I start the trains it's usually the DCS "All" @ startup.

 

that being said, it might start out in a stand position then it's a brisk pace because juggling a handful of running trains can be challenging once you start loosing sight (We have two levels of mountains), I try to run as many trains as I can (some sharing the same main line).  Our layout is an island type that can be viewed or controlled from any location.  The surface of the floor is comfortable w/bur-bur carpet so barefoot is fine.  

 

There are no longer any chairs by the layout.  However, if my dad (or somebody who doesn't really care about the motive action details) comes over I'll drag over a near bye chair or two... they can't really see above the layout but that underneath is still a cool site with lots of lights.  I think it's still fun for them, its the same guests who're kicked back on the chair that say before long "so when you gonna make it go around the room, and gesture to the rest of the basement" ...  In my mind I think Haha, and then I think ... If I did all that would the casual viewer finally be happy...  In my mind I think haha again.  I just keep running the trains.  I know that everyone has ideas so it never bothers me when people make suggestions.  Some guests even ask where did you get this?  sometimes I couldn't help but say its available in the sears catalog pgxx, are you gonna get one?

 

Not sure if any of you ever operated a family boat.  To me it's similar experience, everybody kicks back but the driver...  HES GOTTA BE ON.  The driver has his head high above the windshield looking for anything that could make a good situation (go south) in a hurry.  In the case of trains, it's mostly my other trains   allot less on the line with trains because the Estop and time out gets things moving again.  Nonetheless, STILL GOTT BE ON even with toy trains.  Moving around the layout helps me best control the engines.

 

Back to the topic, standing and never stop moving, I usually know I had enough trains or I'm too tired when I see a crash in the works!  thank goodness for the little red button.

 

When I am operating trains I am usually standing.  Much of the time though the trains are simply running around, so my layout was designed to be seen sitting down.  I never had the desire to follow the train around the layout.

I do all three.  While sitting I'm perched on a Lionel Swivel stool; while standing or walking  I'm in whatever footwear is available.  However, I must say Nicole if women do not sweat I wish someone would tell that to the young lady who rides next to me in spinning class and believe me she is no horse.    

Hang off the ceiling like Spiderman.

Are you going to change what you do based on the responses you get?

I have to be standing and ready to run to the power shut off and  DISASTER area.Nick

 

I stand on one leg, wear hip boots, and roll around the layout on a skateboard, being pulled by my SW-9 switcher.

 

Any more significant, revealing questions?

 

Bad Order

 

 

I do all three, depending on my mood, and my level of energy. My layout is in my garage, and the concrete floor gets hard real fast sometimes....

 

Jeff C

Mentally, inside of it

When I'm running trains by myself, whether standing, sitting or following the train, I do so in my Speedo.  The Train Room is always cool so I don't sweat.  If I have guests, I'll put on a hat.

 

And I follow the arrows on the floor when walking with the train.  

Always SEATED, even with TMCC, Legacy or DCS - it is more relaxing whether on my Lionel stool, teak bench, or office chair!

 

At 71, I take it as easy as I can! 

You never know....

 

Perhaps his layout will be in OGR someday, and you'll read the article and find out that those realistic scenes were developed after he started thinking about optimal viewing angles...all figured out when he decided to go with walk around control...

 

Jeff C

All three.......

 

Peter

       
       


Good One.. Hot Water,
“Drink Trains and Run Beer” I think I’d bring a starter set with me to that gig..LOL

Thanks for posting
K.C.

       
       


Dkdkrd….That’s Funny  thanks for posting!!

K.C.

       
       


LOL,,,,,,I love posts that are totally off-the-wall ….