Operating Session Guide
Attention Operators:
If you are scheduled to participate in an Operating Session on the Willow Creek, especially if you're new to the layout, you might find the following web pages and information to be of interest.
History web page - Provides a brief historical context for operations on the Willow Creek.
Train Room web page - Describes the logistics of the Train Room.
Operations web page - Summarizes operations on the Willow Creek, including the operating plan and scenario, identification of the crew positions, and the general types of trains operated during a session.
Track Plan web page - Presents the Willow Creek track plan including location of industries, identification of key topographical locations, and display of a linear schematic.
Operations Videos: Operators may also be interested in viewing some of the Operations Videos available on YouTube. Videos are available that describe specific operations of local and through freight trains on the Willow Creek, operation of the Spokane Staging Yard, and operations associated with the Waverly Yardmaster's position and the Dispatcher's position. Additional videos provide general information about the layout.
Job Position Instructions: A current copy of instructions associated with each of the operating crew positions -- Dispatcher, Waverly Yardmaster, Bucky's Crossing Yardmaster, and Road Engineer -- is provided as a PDF file in the downloadable attachments shown at the bottom of this web page.
Sequence Schedule: A Sequence Schedule is used to facilitate operating sessions on the Willow Creek. A schedule is established for each session and is available to operators prior to the session, upon request. The Sequence Schedule and associated yardmaster documentation will also be provided to operators at the beginning of the operating session. The Sequence Schedule is described in the "Dispatchers Register of Train Movements" document, which is used by the Dispatcher to direct the operating session. The "Arrival/Departure Guides" provide the Waverly Yardmaster and the Bucky's Crossing Yardmaster with information as to how the Sequence Schedule affects their respective yards. Examples of these three operational documents are provided as PDF files in the downloadable attachments shown below. If operators desire an advanced copy of documentation for their specific operating session, please contact the layout Superintendent.
Timetable Schedule: The Sequence Schedule used to facilitate operating sessions is now being augmented with a Timetable Schedule. The Timetable Schedule specifically addresses the time-based schedule for 4 priority trains run during the session (all other trains are run per the Sequence Schedule). While the running of these priority trains generally follows the sequence of trains specified in the Sequence Schedule, their anticipated departure and arrival times are specified by the Timetable Schedule. The Dispatcher and Yardmasters are responsible for ensuring that these scheduled trains run with priority over all over trains. The Timetable Schedule is further supported by a WiFi-based fast clock system typically running at a 4:1 ratio. This "hybrid" Timetable-Sequence Schedule approach adds an additional activity to engage operators yet maintains the relaxed operating environment enjoyed on the Willow Creek.
If operators have questions about any of this information, or about the Willow Creek in general, please contact the Superintendent.