Book

Book?, What book?   Let me get MY glasses!     I am a switching fan too, can't wait for more details about the book.

Pete (older than you! FLSTF )

How timely!

Jappe,

As one who is just about to start operating (on a very small scale) I'm looking for information that I understand on "how to".  Your post couldn't have come at a better time and I look forward to your more in depth review.  Can you advise where you purchased it and for how much?

Thanks!

Rick

Is it published by Kalmbach?

I'm trying to order a copy, but I can't find it listed anywhere, and neither can my local hobby shop.

Found it a Amazon.com

Russ,

You can order it here:

http://www.amazon.com/How-Operate-Modern-Switching-Layout/dp/1467956996/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1326747801&sr=8-1

Rick

be wainting for it to come out

Thanks jappe  I didn't know it was out yet thanks for sharing.   "Need" to get it to complete the collection.  

Steve 

Switching operations book

Thanks Jappe!!! This is exactly what I needed at exactly the right time. I am about to begin operating my 2'x8' switching layout. I have also downloaded Mike Rose's switch list generator spreadsheet to try out. https://forum.mrhmag.com/post/anyone-want-a-free-switch-list-generator-for-switching-layouts-12189351

The book is on order and I should have it Wednesday January 18!

Amazon, Caboose or ModelTrainStuff

That's what he says on his home page, anyway: http://www.lancemindheim.com/bookstore.htm

A good book

I bought this book from Amazon last week.  It covers a lot of stuff, from very basic switching moves, to things the prototype does that most modellers don't think about, to how to actually set up your own operation.  Well worth it in my opinion.

One thing I found a little surprising but interesting was the approach of using pre made switchlists, and staging the railroad to match the starting position of the switchlist.  That certainly solves the problem of how to generate switchlists based on the current status of the railroad.

One thing not mentioned in the book is other forms of operating, like other forms of switchlists, or car cards.  Car cards have been written about so much there's probably no reason to go into it again.  But in my very limited amount of prototype knowledge it seems to me that there are two different types of "switchlist" a crew might get depending on the nature of the railroad.  For an industrial branch off a larger railroad, like Lance's CSX industrial branches, the work order format he writes about is exactly right.  But for a small shortline operator, I think it's more likely that the crew just gets the PICL report.  I know from talking to railroaders involved that that's what they get on the Wellsboro & Corning, and on the Gettysburg Northern.

I've been operating my own industrial switching layout with car cards.  I tried manually filling out the PICL report a few times - it's nicer to operate from, but it's a royal pain to make up.  Lance's approach of having a set pre-made and restaging the railroad to match the start position might turn that into a non problem.

Anyway, very good book, well worth the money.

Ken.

Ordered the book last night form Amazon.

I can hardly wait for its arrival!

Got my copy...

...today. I haven't gotten very far yet but I can tell there will be a lot of info I can use. Thanks again Jappe, for bringing this goodie to the forum!

Just Bought It.

Thanks for the suggestion.  I received an Amazon Gift Card for Christmas.  Looks like a great book.

Getting My Copy...

I ordered the book this morning.  Looking forward to checking it out.

Thanks for the heads up.

How to operate...

Last night I couldn't catch my sleep and started reading.

Went through the first 2 chapters and already I am looking different at my layout...in a good way.

Now, since it is a one man operated layout I'll have to watch out not ending up with a split personality doing the engineer and conductor tasks all by myself.....specialy with the "three step" communications...lol 

Got it - read it - love it!

I received this book yesterday and read it cover to cover.  It's important to understand my experience (or lack of it) in operations so you understand my review.  I'm a newbee and have never participated in an operating session.  I bought the Operations DVDs and loved them; however, there were still many questions left unanswered.  This book is wonderful for people that have never operated or are new at operations.  Of all the material that I've reviewed explaining the process this book was by far the most helpful.  I finally get it!  More experienced operators may find this book elementary; however, that's why I bought it and I'm glad that I did!  I highly recommend this book to anyone that wants a basic "from the ground up" understanding of operations.

And a big Thank you to Jappee for starting this thread!

Rick

Got it - read it- love it...

You are very welcome my friend

I'm currently in the design

I'm currently in the design stage for my new "Mindheim-based" layout. Glad I picked this book up now instead of later. A lot of good stuff not only explaining operations, but really pertinent to the design of a switching layout. I'm going to make sure I understand the "operations concept" of my layout before I go too much farther into it. Good book!

I Knew It!

I'm in the same boat.  This was what I was hoping i would get from this book.  It sounds as though my expectations will be well met.

Can't wait to get my copy!

Yes, thank-you Jappe!

It's Here!

I just received my copy today and have already read it cover to cover.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book and I believe my understanding of switching operations has improved as a result.  I'm finally beginning to get it.  Thanks Lance!

Read it...read it again and again.

When in Rome, do as the Roman's do......

I decided to jump on this bandwagon too, so hopefully in a few days I'll be reading and re-reading with the rest of you too!

Sounds like a must have reference source for the layout book shelf...

Jas...

It will be well read...

The book will be well read here!

I agree that this book is an important addition to the modelers bookshelf.  For me, it's a must have reference!

I have operations books by Bruce Chubb, Tony Koester and Paul Mallory and while they are all excellent resources, Lance's book makes me believe that I too, can understand and implement prototypical operations for my layout.

I am more confident than ever before, that I can successfully add operational interest to the layout I am building.

Thanks again Jappe for bringing this book to our attention.

Mine Arrived today!

Very impressive book. It's going to have me combing through my trackplan again and again in the coming weeks. Thanks Lance!

Great Book to keep around for guest too!

I have this book and two of his other ones.   The books' layouts are simple; easy to read, wonderful diagrams.   This book is great for operations.   I have been looking for something to simply explain operations and this is it.   Also, if you have guest operators over, its a great primer to help them understand what they should be doing.   For example, Lance says that guest operators who are novices to model railroad operations are almost always the engineer on his layout and not the conductor.    What an obvious point that I've often overlooked - when you understand that the conductor is really in charge of all the aspects the train's switch job and the engineer "just" operates the throttle and breaks.  Of course the engineer is responsible for more, but you get the point.   Also, on switching jobs/layouts he says the object is to slow way down since safety is the primary objective.

At this point, I am going to order the 4th one in the series about construction.   I know I won't be disappointed.

Tony