David Popp show’s you that it really is possible to perform prototypical operations on a layout as simple as our Olympia Logging Co. On30 display. Follow along as he first explains the scheme, makes the essential preparations, and then demonstrates how fun and easy it is to get the layout working like a real railroad would. As a bonus, MRVP subcribers can download a PDF containing the operation action cards David uses to keep the railroad moving, plus a track plan and schematic of the layout.
Olympia Logging Series: Part 40 – Layout operation
By Angela Cotey | January 20, 2015
| Last updated on January 9, 2021
New MRVP subscriber here. I’ve been fascinated with the Olympia series as it demonstrates the incredible operating values of small switching layouts. I know these layouts have been popular in Europe for a long time, but it’s nice to see the principles applied to an American prototype, even if fictional. As David states, the “play value” here is much more than one could imagine from two turnouts. Would love to see more of this layout type. How about one in HO with a modern prototype?
I still think this is a brilliant idea for operating. Merging the action or purpose with the train movement. Each time I watch this video I’m reminded of just how much I like it.
I am a new MRV subscriber and have been watching the Olympia series, as I am an On30 modeler. I noticed in Part 40 of the series that there are non-operating switch stands at each turnout but I cannot find where these are mentioned anywhere. Could you please provide me with information regarding who manufactures these switch stands. Thank you.
David, kinda think you’re “rawhiding” yourself by moving the Porter. Leave it on the spur, shove the empty pulp car into the tail track (log dump), send the Climax to it’s resting place and then use the Porter to pull the pulp wood car to spot. Reverse the process for getting the load out.
David you need to work on your whistle skills. two for forward motion, three for backing up. Also that whistle is pretty wimpy, you need a more MANLY whistle, chuckle.
Nice operating session David this is how they do things at the big log camps.
I really like the operational sequences. Sure would be nice if the entire Olympia series was put on a separate dvd for purchase, that way I wouldn’t wear out the laptop, chuckle.
Dave….
d sure like to see this series and the future part two on video any chance?
Dave, I am so ashamed of you. Model railroaders NEVER play — we operate. There is a big difference, well at least 3 letters different. Thanks for the ideas. The MRVP is worth every cent.
To David and Crew.
I am now convinced that On30 is possible in my very restricted w/Shop cum Garage.
I am going to build something that may resemble your layout, but my shortcomings may alter the appearance somewhat, but, I can only try and do my best .
Thank you for all your good work and pleasure you give, I am sure, to all who have the pleasure of reading MR in both forms.
Excellent series, I would like the ability to do more of the work from the front of the layout rather than having to walk around to the back. You could work the sector plate with a lever or pull rod. LEDs could indicate position on the sector plate and Cave Point. The action cards really add to the overall project and the expansion would take it over the top.
Love the concept, who doesnt dream of a basement size empire, but truth be told this layout is a narrow gauge empire unto itself. AND the possiblity for expansion is awesome.
Wish you guys could have shown a sequence involving the caboose or tank. Are their operations similar to that of the pulpwood car?
I enjoy all the videos on MR's websites, but this one was particularly interesting to me as it condensed so many disciplines in a small layout (i.e. many facets in quick succession). One question – How do you hold the cars at Camp 1 from rolling down the incline? I have seen folks using a solenoid (switch motor) to do this. Did you build a level place in the track or ???
This was one of the best videos yet. Really shows that you do not need a huge layout to have fun operating.
David, Thanks for the great series! I've really enjoyed following along on this. Really looking forward to the final recap video and more importantly, the published track plan and the extension. Quick question though. Are you also going to make available the benchwork drawings we saw in one of the earlier videos (Part 2)?
Thanks!
Tom
David, I have really enjoyed this series. Thank you so much for all the effort in producing it for our enjoyment.
I liked it much as I model in on30 logging and have a layout with only # 3 turn outs and a fiddle track at one side. the size is 2ft x6ft in my out side shed.I use a shay and a porter ,with 3 log cars and 1 pulpwood car .. thanks Les Murray
Recap of the project: Yes, Olympia part 41 will run during the last of January. The video is finished, but we're waiting to include a PDF of the track plan for the layout, plus the design for an extension. I hope to have the video posted by Friday.
David
Very good! I'm happy to say that this operating video really tied everything together and made the entire layout more interesting than I had initially expected. Granted, you need more space than I thought (to run around in back), but who cares, I get more exercise! Hey, this little gem will not be stuffed in the corner of the bedroom anyway. We'll put it in the living room! You and your enthusiasm have turned something small into a very interesting and enjoyable enterprise. Please give it it's own DVD! Boo rah!
The sequence cards can really spark the imagination when operating a model railroad. When I am running my trains, I get into a child-like state that provides the peak experience of model railroading. I prefer sequence operation to scale clock operation because I can let my mind roam while running trains. I can't wait to adapt the logging sequences to mining sequences on my HOn3 Denver & Rio Grande.
What a great series from the MRVP team.
It's a shame that MR didn't have a slot even for a condensed version Artical as those who don't sub to MRVP have missed out on a very creative project.
The MRVP team have showed and created a layout that proved that you don't need a basement sized layout to have operation and its O scale as well.
As someone who has modelled in On30, since the first Bachnann On30 set was released it was great to see MRVP do a project layout in this scale/gauge combo that some mainstream modellers often dismiss as whimsical it is far from this and the visual impact of Olympia Logging would get attention from any modeller.
Would be interesting to know what the response to the layout at the shows was.
I for one look forward to David expanding on this Olympia logging theme.
When you expand the layout you may want to take a look at this little loco for some variation it's a Baldwin 2-6-2 tank I have 2 and they are very nice and compliment the Bachmann stock nicely link to info page on model
http://haskellco.net/0n30puffingbillyNA.html
Happy Modelling
Thanks so much for a great video series! If you put the 40 videos together on an MR Video Plus DVD, it would be at the top of my video wish list.
I was excited to see that you can include downloads on the video page. It would be great if you would include the track plan ( including your future expansion) as a download as well. I am seriously considering building my own version of the Olympia, and it would be a great help.
Great job by everyone involved. Best series so far. Looking forward to many more!
Nice job David about operations . I operate a G scale switching railroad and your sequence is really helpfull.Inclusion of the sector plate is a clever way of connecting on layout operations with staging. Always enjoy what the MR group presents for us out in the field. Best wishes. Great job.
Hi guys,
Glad you've enjoyed the series and thank you for the kind comments. I've been picking up more rolling stock and kits to build the extension – I just need to clear a corner in the basement, and we'll be all set.
I'll try to provide some video coverage from time to time on Olympia phase II, but right now we're gearing up to move onto other projects here at MRVP in the coming months, which will keep me modeling for quite a while.
Christopher, as to your question, that article was called "Realistic Operation" on page 127 of the March 1939 issue of MR. It was written by Boomer Pete, who was really Al Kalmbach. (I'd first seen the article in my teens in Kalmbach's book, "Operating Manual for Model Railroaders," (out of print). In it, Boomer helps a friend, Ernie Devers, set up his layout, the Centralia Southern, for operation. They use a sequence operating system, but make up a series of event cards to manipulate the sequence. I took the event card idea but instead used it to establish the operating needs for the Olympia Logging Company.
As to operating the Olympia, it is a series of random events. Shuffle the 22 cards together. Draw one at a time and complete the action steps. As you guess, the "either/or" nature of some of the cards covers the bases for whatever conditions exist on the layout.
I'd developed the operating plan before the layout was finished, and I ran it in simulation on my hand-drawn track plan using small colored dice to represent the various cars and locomotives (A 1 was an empty car, a 6 showed it was loaded).
Originally, I found I did not have enough activity at the log camp to sustain things, but after adding a few cards, I then ran the system for more than 150 turns without it breaking down.
If for some reason a card comes up that is impossible to complete because of where equipment is located on the layout, simply by-pass that card and move on to the next. Big Timber can turn into a traffic jam, but part of the fun is figuring out where to squirrel a car or two to make the next move.
You can easily adapt this type of operation for small switching railroads, and its great if you want to run a few trains, but not a complete operating session. I had the layout setup in the workshop for months, and would drop in a couple times a week at the end of the day and advance the "session" by a card or two before going home. It was a great way to unwind.
And yes, my wife likes her locomotive very much.
Check out Boomer Pete's article if you get the chance – it's a fun read! And I hope you enjoy the coming HO scale Winston-Salem Southbound project just as much.
David
David, in one of the videos you mentioned that you were working on an episode showing what you would do differently in hind-sight. Is that still something we can look forward to?