When you invite your friends to operate your layout with, what do you prepare? You look for the usual refreshments (like.... ) ? What do you do else? Wolfgang
Never had a real op session... Yet. But for one layout I have visited, the host had beverages (beer, sodas, water, etc.) & snacks (cheese, crackers, veggies, summer sausages). Most times it wasn't so elaborate, but still tasteful.
For over 20 years I served the 3 "P's" to my fellow railroaders Pop, Popcorn, Potatochips. Only complaint from the boys were that they were so busy running trains during those 4 hours, they hardly had any time to eat!
I have always had sodas and/or coffee available. I haven't had any coffee drinkers for a while so I have cut it out. I have added water for those operators that are more health conscious. Since I am now operating evenings instead of afternoons, I try to have a pack of cookies. I have cup holders mounted to the front of the layout to hold the sodas so they don't get set on the layout. Not a problem now, since I don't have any scenery, but some day. What you offer depends on what you can afford, what time of day, how long you are operating, etc. Other preparations for an ops sessions include the following: Clean up the layout Put tools away Clean up the layout room Clean/check the bathroom, resupply as necessary Prepare the layout for the session - prepare switchlists, check car locations, make notes of any unusual train movements or annulments, make notes of any items that the operators need to be aware of. Glenn Samuel
Never had one but if I did I think I would ask the ahead of time. That said if I'm on a tight budget I might tell people that I would have vegies or what ever and that they were welcome to contribute or bring their own. If this is a regular event then I'd keep it inexpensive: Coffee / Decafe / Tea / and maybe veggies.
Some of my operators contribute goodies, soda, etc. from time to time. I appreciate it, but do not expect it. Glenn
Wolfgang, for refreshments I provide water, coffe and milk (for my 11 year old nephew, who typically runs all passenger trains...) What else do I do: Clean the room Store away all building supplies that somehow accumulates on the laypout between ops sessions Store my workbench (it is on a retractable shelf that can slide under the layout to conserve space) Check basic layout functions, i.e. all switch motors, power to the hidden staging tracks. The last task is easier with DCC: If the lights are on, there is power Check if enough batteries for the throttles (Digitrax wireless) are charged Turn down the heating: With enough people the room gets quite warm without additional heating Send a prayer to the railroad and ops session gods Cheers Dirk
When I dispatch at a friend's layout, I pretty much have all the stuff "taste-tested" before anyone else gets a chance to stop and snack. I guess maybe that's why he made me a yardmaster so I can't get to the goodies near as much.
