One of my helpers commented to me last work session that I haven't updated my blog in a while. In my mind, the dark cloud of procrastination was over my head. My last update was at the end of 2025. While I haven't felt I had enough content, not sending out an update was gnawing at me. I have a myriad of excuses as to why I haven't posted, but I'll admit to my procrastination. So, here we go.
I've now hosted 13 sessions on the LA Division. I'm up to 6 operators per session. The goal is 8 and possibly 9 operators. I'm still evolving the jobs and that is dictating the number of operators. I'm using switch lists for the time being. I'm working on the car forwarding for trains going to and from staging which is currently a challenge. I will eventually move to car cars and waybills. That is dependent on my getting the fascia up so I can mount car card boxes. Below are a few photos from the last session.
I am currently hosting two sessions per month on the LA Division and one session on the Exeter Branch each month. The LA Division sessions are going well and I'm learning more at each session. I've revised all the jobs at least once, some more than that. This isn't a surprise as I tailor the jobs to better fit operations on the railroad. Much of that is revising switch lists. I'll dive into my switch list process later in the blog. So far I'm up to 17 different jobs with at least 4 more to be added. Taylor Yard isn't fully operational yet. This is primarily because of car routing to and from staging. I have a number of through trains set up which are run occasionally.
In my last blog update I said that I would provide an update on my switch list method. I've built my switch lists in Excel. Using Excel, I'm able to build switch lists that are similar to the prototype.
The switch list prints on a 8.5x11" sheet of paper which is folded in half lengthwise. I don't have a copy of the original file, but it has been under revision since the first session. The concept is to prefill the AAR code, origin, and destination and the I write in the reporting mark and car number as I stage the railroad..
Below is the switch list used for GEMCO. I will explain the components
In the upper right corner is the revision number. That allows me to keep track of changes. The sample is Rev 26.2. 26 is the year of the revision and the 2 is the second of the year. I opted to track this by year rather than since the beginning.
The left side of the fold is the inbound train with setouts and the right is outbound with pickups.
The Train is the job name.
The Date is optionally filled out. To date, I haven't bothered.
As the columns are defined as follows:
- Initial: the reporting mark
- Number: the car number
- CL: the AAR code
- Contents: the load in the car
- Destination: the SPINS number or the secondary destination
- Origin: the yard where the car is coming from, either a yard or SPINS number
- Station: this generally isn't used
I provide a gap in the switch list when the Zone changes. In the sample above, line 19 is blank separating Zones 62 and 63.
Note: Line 18 on the pickups will be routed to Zone 78 by the Taylor Yard switch crew by adding it to the next local servicing zone.
I've now added the basic job instructions below line 30 on the left side.
The GEMCO storage tracks are identified. Most importantly is 109 which only holds autoracks.
A list of all stations across the railroad is included in the basic form.
Taylor Yard Routing is included on the right side. This goal is that the Taylor Yard crew can be handed the completed switch list when the local arrives, and start switching and sorting the train.
As a general rule all empties are routed to Taylor Yard. They will be gathered on a designated track for future routing.
Below is a switch list used for the LA Times job during the last session. It's Rev 26.1, and the information at the bottom (below line 30) is different than the GEMCO example above. It is included in the updated LA Times Rev26.2 switch list.
My handwriting isn't stellar, but folks are able to read it. My career in the IT industry killed my penmanship.
I originally started filling the switch lists out with a No2 pencil. I was using 2 or 3 sharpened pencils to fill out switch lists prior to each session. Finally it hit me, I can use mechanical pencils and always have a sharp tip. Doh! Go figure...
At the beginning of the session, each operator is given a small clipboard, pencil, coupler pick, and small flash light. They are welcome to mark up the switch list as they deem necessary. The switch lists are single use.
Thus far, the switch lists have been a good success. I had expected that some of my operators would complain about using switch lists versus car cards. Not the case, they have provided me very positive feedback. Some have said they actually prefer the switch lists over car cards.
For now, I will continue using switch lists.
Backdrop installation has begun. I'm happy with the result. My progress has been slow as I am spraying them with a HVLP gun. It's been windy lately and that has kept me from spraying as I'm doing so outdoors. I'm opting to spray versus use a roller to apply the paint. I really like the sprayed finish much better than the finish from a roller.
In the picture below, the backdrop is installed on the main level. The joint between sheets has yet to be filled and painted for final finish. I'm using brad nails to attach them to the wall. The backdrop is subtle as I had hoped.
The backdrops will make a noticeable difference when installed on the peninsulas and lines of sight are blocked.
When I designed Taylor Yard, I knew I would need remote control of some turnouts as the reach was to far. In order for the yard to be operated, I needed a panel that would indicate turnout position. Additionally, I wanted all of the engine service and ready tracks to be controlled by an on off switch. I'm using latching push buttons to provide power to the track.
I used white acrylic for the panel. It will integrate with the backdrop. The black lines are the same 1/4" tape I used for my super-elevation. I had previously noted that I have a lifetime supply of tape, so why not use it. For turnout position red/green LEDs were used. Orange LEDs were used for track power. The orange were so bright, I ended up using 10K resistors to knock down the brightness.
I left the paper covering on the back of the panel. We created wire trunks that pull all of the wires together to connect under the main level to the push buttons.
All LEDs were tested after the resistors were added.
Here is a look at the wire trunk being added and a photo with the board in place. Yet to be mounted.
I'll be building a panel for Violet Alley using the same process
As safety is always a concern, I built and installed a swing gate to go across the stairway. This should keep anyone from taking a step too far. I will be adding signs to make it more visible.
The gate swings from under the layout onto the wall. If you walk into it, the gate will push into the wall, keeping operators out of the stairwell. A disk magnet was added and holds the gate into place as the magnet is attracted to drywall corner bead.
I was asked about the best way to attach a lanyard to a NCE Cab06R. After doing some research I identified a solution from the cell phone world. I was able to adapt a phone lanyard connector and install it inside of the cab. Thus using the cab chassis as part of the solution holding the connector in place. Below are some images.
The last thing I'll cover in this update is counting cars. Many times along the journey of building and making the railroad operational, I've had questions about how many cars I'll have on the layout. I first thought around 1200. That quickly changed to over 1500 during construction. At some point along the journey, I upped my estimate to 2000+. I have been adding cars to the railroad since July of 2025. Along the way I have thought about counting cars. I never did, only providing estimates.
I was talking to a friend about the need to count cars. He suggested using a counter similar to those used to count people. Here is what I ordered:
And the result? This was the most efficient and effective way to count cars. It worked fantastic. Great idea Jim!
As of May 3, 2026 and seen in the photos at the bottom of this update, here are the numbers:
- Main level: 977 cars
- Upper level: 341 cars
- Lower staging: 508 cars
The grand total is 1826. And, I will be adding more!
There were a couple additional topics I was going to cover, but the content is running long. A quick thanks to Chris for making buildings. He does great work. Thanks to my helpers Jason and Tim.
I hope you've enjoyed reading this update. I'm going to try to be diligent and publish updates on a quarterly basis. One ask I have is that if you comment on the blog (not email), please sign your name, so I know who made the comment and I can respond knowing who I'm responding to.
Lastly, I am sharing a walk around photobomb of the entire railroad. The pictures were taken between work sessions, so things aren't cleaned up. There are a number of pictures below.
