Which one do you like?

I generally use "op session".  Tomayto, tomahto.

This is straining at an exceptionally small set of gnats

You can call it either.  Around my neck of the woods, "ops" is used far more frequently, whether in reference to an operating session, practicing some aspect of prototypical operations, or both.  If you say it quickly enough, nobody will be able to tell if you omitted the "s" after "op" and before "session" - problem solved.
 

Janet N.

I think either is fine, but

I think either is fine, but if you wanted to get into the weeds. To me, Op refers to Operating and Ops refers to Operations. And Ops is a widely used term outside of model railroading.

I would say Operations Session is more technically correct as to what we are doing and so Ops Session is more correct. We are simulating the operations of a railroad.

Rather than Operating the railroad which could simply refer to using the model railroad in any form. 

But I'm only presenting that for the joy of delving into the meaning for it's own sake, not to imply what is right or wrong. Say whichever feels natural to you. 

Oy...

I am suddenly reminded of the argument I saw two lawyers get into over a contract where they went round and round for 20 minutes on how the word, "is" was defined. I would say they almost came to blows, but, you know... lawyers.

I've always heard and seen it as Op Session or Ops when you're only saying the single word every now and then or when it's a suffix (like in "Oly Ops," an op session event in Olympia, WA)

Op...

It's "Op Session", short for Operating Session.  

It's "Ops", short for Operations.  

Ops Sessions is right out.  

I love Ops, I can't wait for the next Op Session.  

Randy

Ops

Ops => Operations

Op session => Short for operating session

Ops session => not used that I’ve heard

Oops session => An Op session where much goes wrong.

.

Can't say I've ever actually given it much thought, but yeah, I've probably only ever said it as "Op session", but I wouldn't necessarily quibble with anyone who said "ops session", not that you'd even hear it with the double Ss.

See I don't like Op Session.

See I don't like Op Session. Because operating is a verb. Operations is the noun that describes the entirety of what we're doing. So English demands that it be Operations session. 

Okay, if we're going to be pendantic....

"Operating" in "operating session" is a _participle_, not a verb.  

Blind Dog

True, it is a participle.   I

True, it is a participle.

I have a suspicion too many forum members would not enjoy keeping this going just for the ridiculousness of the English language. So I'll follow my better judgement and NOT write a screed of half valid ideas on why it should actually be Operations session....that I only half believe. After all, even Mister Language person is now old and grumpy now. 

I am suddenly reminded of the

I do.  I have two sisters and a brother in-law who are all lawyers.  I've never heard them talk or act like that.  They don't all fit the mold.

As regarding "is", didn't ol' Bill Clinton talk about what the definition of "is" is? Ah yes:

https://slate.com/news-and-politics/1998/09/bill-clinton-and-the-meaning-of-is.html

Op session...

"Hey guys, let's have a session!" 

"What kind of session?" 

"An operating session."  

"What's that?" 

"It's when we operate the layout in a prototypical manner." 

"Oh, an operating session, that will be fun." 

"That's what I said, an operating session."  

Op Session. 

Randy    

It may be that I try to make

It may be that I try to make a distinction between Operations and Operating, because at my club, there are a fair number of folks who consider "operating" the layout to be any "scheduled" time that the layout is being used. Even if that time is just running trains in circles for an open house. Or, some would consider any informal adhoc trundling down and switching industries with no rhyme or reason to be "operating" the layout.

So, I use "Operations" to refer to actually doing the entire "roleplaying game" that is operations. 

And to be clear, I'm not poo pooing those other scenarios. I love them all, but in order to have a term that has meaning, I distinguish Operations session as a formal ops event. Not Adhoc or "running the layout" generally.

Would it be better

Would it be better to use the term "Prototypical Operating Session" or "Prototypical Operation" at your club?  It seems to me that this is a clearer distinction.  "Operating Session" is anytime something moves on the club layout but "Prototypical Operating Session" is a formal event.  I can see that the distinction between "Operations" vs. "Operation" is difficult for club members.  Adding "prototypical" to the term should clarify it for all.

Bob Bartizek

https://www.opsig.org Operations Special Interest Group

https://www.opsig.org  Operations Special Interest Group,  Why not ask the experts

The principal purpose of the Operations Special Interest Group (OPSIG) is to discuss, develop and disseminate ways of operating model railroads to realistically emulate practices of the prototype. This includes sharing information on various methods of generating, moving and controlling traffic to heighten the feeling that our models are an active and integral part of the national rail transportation network, serving shippers and consignees throughout the nation. We also discuss and communicate information about the methods and procedures used by the real railroads and ways of most practically and realistically adapting them to the model world. So if you like to operate the railroad you've created, this is a place to learn more and find others with similar interests.

We publish a quarterly magazine,  The Dispatcher's Office, which in addition to containing articles and information on railroad operations (both prototype and model), contains listings of operating layouts, sessions, and events that members are invited to attend.  Back issues are available. In addition, the OPSIG web site serves as a clearinghouse for publicizing  regional operating events and meetings, where layouts are open for guest operations. We also have a  Facebook page and send out the Second Section email newsletter on a regular basis. 

Good Point...

The organization is OPSIG, not OPSSIG.  

So, Op Session.  

Randy

Why not ask the experts

Why not ask the experts?  Excellent idea… but nowhere in that text you copied Az did they refer to a session.  So, let’s look in the FAQ/Primer section where they do in a number of places.  First section:  https://www.opsig.org/Resources/Primer_CarCards

“Q3. How do you set up the very first op session for your layout with car cards?”

”Q5. Who flips the waybills? Should waybills be turned during the operating session?”

I think that settles it.

but nowhere in that text you

I'm not the expert,  I said ask them.  I just copied the front page aka cut and paste...   What do I need to do? all the leg work for every one now?

In my case I say Operations, 

In my case I say Operations,  as in what are we doing?  Operations.  I see Operation and go we are not Doctors.

I put this under the Rule that Canadians can not say Decal or Solder correctly or people from Boston can not say Water, Drawer or Wagon correctly.

it is a non issue 

This is the most pressing

This is the most pressing thing on your minds? Seriously? 

This is the most pressing

This is the most pressing issue of our times. 

MRH and ops

This is what I love about MRH.

Actually try to discuss operations and its crickets.

However some meaningless meta argument on the word “operations” will result in a multi page thread.

Better than religious discussions

Like threads which debate how many angels can dance on the top of a battery.....

Blind Dog

...

And then there is Operations Session, or Ops Session. 

They're all equally valid.

If it was a military question, we have Ops flights.  They are referred to as Ops and always have been.  What do they do?  Operations.

There are No Gatekeepers to enforce it one way or another, and those who try to enforce it will be eternally frustrated.  The rest of us will call it Op Session or Ops Session or "Hey when are we operating?"