Virtual Ops

I've referred to the joint operations scheme between my "Kings Port Division" and John's "The New York Central Train Layout" as "virtual ops".    The quick summary, as noted in earlier posts, is that we build trains on our layout that include cars we both have in common and photograph them in action on both layouts to create the impression the cars have moved from one location to the other.  In addition to being a lot of fun, the scheme has also motivated improvements on both layouts to enhance operations and visual interest.   

It all started when we looked at photos of each others layouts and realized we owned some of the same freight cars.    We increased the number after some car maintenance work and improvements (mostly me changing out horn hook couplers for Kaydees on some older cars that I wasn't using much), and also by sending each other duplicates of other cars we owned.    We've built up a  joint roster of over two dozen cars.

I assembled all of the cars we currently have in common at West Mill's Float Yard for a photo.

 As you can see, there is a variety of rolling stock that includes hoppers, gondolas (looking at the pic I noticed I neglected to include one additional gon), boxcars, coil cars, and covered hoppers.  This allows us several options for creating car movements between the two layouts.

Here's an example:

A new company on my layout, Woodstock Hills Natural Soda, needs labeled bottles for their product.   They aren't rail served so they use the Kings Port Team Track for shipping.  An order is made to Berk Enterprises on the N.Y.C.T.L.    An empty boxcar (in this case an EL 40 ft. boxcar) is sent to that business on John's layout via his Terminal Yard.  Here is the car card with the pertinent information.

John creates a local train at his Terminal Yard that includes the EL boxcar we have in common and sends it out to Berk Enterprises.  Below is a photo John took of the EL car after it was spotted at the industry on his layout.

After a few days, John has a local pick up the car and return it to Terminal Yard where it is then placed in a train heading for my Williams Yard.  (Seen behind the BAR car)

After a day or so I'll create a train seen heading into Williams Yard that includes a scene with the EL car and any others he has sent my way.   Then I'll photograph a local train delivering the car to the appropriate industry...in this case the Kings Port Team Track where a truck rented by Woodstock Hills Natural Soda will offload the labeled bottles.  

The EL car is shown below as part of a local coming out of Williams Yard on my layout.

Below is the car card for the car movement coming my way.

  And here is the car being set out at the team track.

We tend to send between five to ten cars most times, taking turns as the freight agent selecting the industries requiring car movements.   These scenarios take a bit of thought and planning but are an enjoyable hobby exercise!  

In addition to photographing the car movments we have also posted some videos on YouTube.  Here is my latest:

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcuk-_c_WDM

 Thanks for taking a look!