Rick provides more information regarding Train Dispatching building on his Monday evening presentation. He will also expand on topics where there were questions in his previous (Monday) presentation.

How the real railroads use visual communications past and present. Add these to your model operations to have more fun.

Model Railroad Planning editor Tony Koester recently completed a lot of scenery, including various types of farm crops, and structures for his 1954-era HO railroad in preparation for the December 2014 MR feature on his railroad and a follow-up MR Video Plus shoot. He'll discuss recent enhancements such as automated interchanges with 'foreign' railroads, automated 'Interlocking in a Box,' more realistic but easy-to-use waybills, timetable and train-order operations, digital-photo backdrops, and weathering with PanPastels.

Train Dispatching (the issuance and modification of authority to occupy main track) is a critical piece of railroad operation. How can you apply this to your layout as a modeling element? We introduce and discuss essence of basic systems, clarify several misconceptions, and explain application to variety of layout types.

Bruce and his crew of 38 are modeling ten prototype railroads operating in the Pacific Northwest in 1955. Features include the SP from Portland to Dunsmuir using the Siskiyou line, SP's Coos Bay branch, SP&S from Portland to Eugene, independent logging and mining operations, and the NP, GN, SP&S and UP operations into Portland. The system includes 7 classification yards. Up to 120 trains operate during a 24-hour simulated day. Prototypical fidelity with the system designed for super realistic operation is achieved. This fast moving, all color presentation provides an exciting status update and operational overview of this monumental effort.