I mentioned last month a very large traction-themed layout design project that was just getting started. Well, a funny thing happened on the way to a track plan. As we talked more and more about elements of the design, questions came up about the operations and the impact those decisions would have on the design. As is so often the case, the two are much intertwined. So the decision has been made to work up an Operations Conceptual Design along with the track plan. I think both the layout design and the operations will be better as we develop both together.   In a similar vein, I'm roughing up some layout design suggestions for previous Operations Design clients. They have asked for some ideas for design changes to specific towns on the layout that will increase their unique personality and operating potential.   Puzzling over operations on your existing or planned layout? Check the Operations Planning page for ways that I might be able to help.

Ops Plans

Layout Design It's been very interesting working on the "consulting" design projects I mentioned last time. These analyses of existing plans or layouts have the potential to be a little traumatic for both client and consultant, but I think the clients are glad we've undertaken these projects. Just call me "Dr. Sawzall" …   I've also been fortunate enough to begin a couple of new full designs:   - A large HO Northeastern-themed proto-freelanced pre-Conrail design built around some existing benchwork and some existing track. This layout will include a number of industries typical of the area. The future operating crew is already involved in this design and it will be fun to see the result.   - A mid-sized multi-deck HO layout based on the late '70s Louisville & Nashville in Kentucky. We're packing a lot into a moderate amount of space on this one, but I think the results will be very interesting, if a little unconventional.   Please see the Layout Design pages if you are considering a new design or changes to your existing plan or layout. I'll be in the Las Vegas area in early December to work on a charity event and make a few business calls. If you're in Las Vegas or nearby and would like to meet to discuss a project, please contact me.   [And no, the charity event I'm referring to is not my contribution to the casinos' profit funds -- I'm not much of a gambler. But I think there are some things model railroaders could learn from casino designers, click here to find out more …] I had a very enjoyable visit to Southern California last month, where I presented a clinic at the NMRA Pacific Southwest Region's annual convention in Glendale. Accommodating host committee, comfortable facility, and all-around nice people.   As part of the convention's layout tours, I saw a number of interesting home and club layouts. Among these was a layout I've very much admired from magazine coverage -- Bob Smaus' 1953-era L.A.-area Southern Pacific (Model Railroader March, '99; RailModel Craftsman Dec '98, Jan '99). The modeled scenes look terrific in person and it was a very pleasant visit chatting with Bob as great-looking trains orbited the layout. Bob's series on building the compact "Port of LA" switching layout (4 parts, beginning in the December 1990 Model Railroader) was a key inspiring factor in my return to the hobby.   I also saw a variety of other layouts, each with some interesting element or opportunity to learn. A number of the layout owners told me that very few people visit layouts during PSR events and it's a shame more people don't take advantage of the opportunity. Maybe if they were drive-through!   Garden railroading seems to be growing both here in the Bay Area and increasingly in Southern California. I look forward to the chance to do an operations-oriented garden railroad design soon … there are a couple of folks who have great potential sites and interest. I visited one of those locations while in So Cal and although negotiations with she-who-must-be-obeyed are not yet concluded, there is hope ...   Whatever the state of your negotiations with the key decision-makers in your domain, I'd be very pleased to talk with you about a custom layout design or operations planning project. Please contact me today and let's get started.   Copyright © 2004 by Byron Henderson