For some of us running trains is way down the list and actual operations is way below that. Watching a train snake its way around my layout is indeed a pleasure but not what sustains my interest in the hobby. Actually, it has been over a year since the last train ran on my layout and it may well be months or even years before one runs again. So there are people out here that love model railroading but are far removed from any kind of operating activities. As I have read from our esteemed publisher here on MRH, model railroading is indeed a big tent.

Very well stated.  There is no question that I enjoy watching trains, and since MRH came along I have developed much more of an interest in switching operations, but I have not run any trains except in XtrkCad, in years.  I am still here, not going anywhere, lol!

Regards,

Rare is the child that sees a train and thinks "I'm really interested in the fact that this boxcar has (some number) of ribs on the side." 

I was one of those kids.  That explains a lot.

I think the key is a mix of operations and simply running trains.  Every op session I host there are always one or two people who request run thru trains.  They may feel uncomfortable switching, not know the layout or simply are tried and need an assignment that won't tax their brain.  There are jobs for all and everyone can have a good time. I prefer prototypical operations but not to the point that put some people on edge.  Again, the key is provide a enjoyable time for the guests where operators have a variety of jobs to chose from.

Hank

since MRH came along I have developed much more of an interest in switching operations, but I have not run any trains except in XtrkCad, in years. 

Kevin, Come visit me, we'll run trains!!

I belong to two clubs with large layouts, and both have monthly Ops sessions. they also have open free running periods. When I am doing the Ops Sessions there are times between assignments or slack in work periods that I just love to take that step back and watch trains! On the prototype it is called "railfanning", and on a beautifully sceniced model railroad it works too! Enjoy the whole enchilada! John Colley, Sonoma, CA

From what I see, this boils down to your likes. If you like to watch them run, make sure you build in that capability.

Go for the ride to the countryside. You will feel better. Cheers!

• ufo pants

You are blowing me away at completing your railroad. It's not a competition, but you're providing inspiration. We inspire each other to do better, and so raise the bar in the hobby. Cheers!

I designed my layout primarily for railfanning with two trains in continuous running. I discovered later, however, that it is actually pretty well-suited to be operated as a single track point-to-point. So I set up a card card and waybill system, a process which I actually enjoyed immensely, and have had a few operating sessions. Some of the operating was lone wolf, some I had one of my kids alongside out of curiosity. I find that operations just doesn't hold my interest, and after a while starts feeling like work. So I keep the operations option open, but mostly I just like to let 'em run.

Jim

I for one am an operations junkie.  By the time the next few weekends have come and gone, I will have participated in 30 or so ops sessions in 2015, involving about 15 different layouts.  A few are local to me, (1 hour or less) but most I drive between 2 -4 hours to get to. The far reaching layouts are worth it as they are some of the finest layouts in the Midwest if not the country with numerous ones having been published in the hobby press. I have participated in two OpSIG "Op till you drop" weekends this past year and had a blast.  The best part is meeting and making new friends, which enables me to reach even further into this aspect of the hobby.  I honestly see 2-4 hour plane flights in my future to attend these type of weekends.  But even at these type of sessions, one can kick back and just rail fan to take a break.  It's all in how YOU want to spend your hobby time.  I choose to delve into prototypical operations.

Jeff  Plymouth, IN

EL Marion 2nd Sub 1964

Jeff 

Erie Lackawanna Marion Div.

Dayton Sub 1964