Introduction to Operations
- Description of the Maine Central Mountain Subdivision’s purpose (e.g., mainline vs. branchline operations, industries served).
- Overview of operational philosophy (e.g., realism, era-specific practices, focus on freight/passenger balance).
Train Types and Symbols
- Explanation of train categories (e.g., through freights, locals, passenger services).
- List of train symbols with descriptions (e.g., MCM-101: Northbound general freight).
Train symbols with odd numbers were assigned to eastbound trains (designated as “railroad east,” which didn’t always align with true east). Even numbers indicated westbound routes.
| Symbols | Description |
|---|---|
| RY-2 – Portland, ME – St. Johnsbury, VT YR-1 – St. Johnsbury, VT – Portland, ME | Rigby Yard |
| ZT-2 – Bartlett, NH – Beecher Falls, VT TZ-1 – Beecher Falls, VT – Bartlett, NH | |
| ZO-2 – Bartlett, NH – Gilman, VT OZ-1 – Gilman, VT – Bartlett, NH | |
| RZ-2 – Portland, ME – Bartlett, NH ZR-1 – Bartlett, NH – Portland, ME |
Could DI-1 / ID-2 (Dover – Intervale) be extended to Bartlett, perhaps with the loco and crew resting at Bartlett overnight instead of North Conway before returnjng to Dover the following day? Worked by and SW9?
- Scheduling details (if applicable).
Traffic Flow and Industry
- Map or description of key industries served by the railroad.
- Overview of how goods move across the subdivision.
- Specific examples of car movements, including start and destination points.
Operational Systems
- Car Card and Waybill System
- Explanation of the system and how it replicates real-world operations.
- Examples of car cards and how they’re used during sessions.
- Switch lists
- Timetable and Train Order (TT&TO)
- Explanation of timetable structure.
- Use of train orders to replicate older railroad operations.
- Track Warrant Control (TWC)
- Overview of how track warrants are issued.
- Examples of forms and how operators interact with dispatchers.
Dispatching
- Role of the dispatcher in my model operations.
- Tools used (e.g., radios, written orders, software).
- Examples of dispatching scenarios.
Crew Roles
- Overview of crew positions (e.g., engineer, conductor, dispatcher).
- Expectations and responsibilities during an operating session.
- Tips for new operators.
Documentation and Visuals
- Downloadable resources (e.g., sample car cards, timetables).
- Photos of operations in progress.
- Diagrams of track plans and staging setups.
Session Reports
Lessons learned or changes made to improve realism or playability.
Highlights from past operating sessions (with photos).
Time Tables
Maine Central Railroad Company & Portland Terminal Company
| No. | Effective At |
|---|---|
| 59 | 12.01 A. M., Sunday April 27, 1959 |
| 60 | 12.01 A.M., Sunday October 27, 1963 Eastern Standard Time |
| 1 | 12.01 A.M. Sunday April 26, 1959 |
| 2 | 12.01 A.M., Sunday October 25, 1959 |
| 3 | |
| 4 | |
| 5 | |
| 6 | 12.01 A.M., Sunday April 30, 1961 |
| 7 | 12.01 A.M., Sunday October 29, 1961 |
| 8 | 12.01 A.M., Sunday April 29, 1962 |
| 9 | |
| 10 | 12.01 A.M., Sunday April 28, 1963 Eastern Standard Time |
| 11 | 12.01 A.M., Sunday October 27, 1963 Eastern Standard Time |
| 12 | April 1964 |
| 13 | 12.01 A.M., Sunday October 25, 1964 Eastern Standard Time |
| 14 | April 1965 |
| 15 | 12.01 A.M. Sunday October 31, 1965 Eastern Standard Time |
| 16 | 12.01 A.M., Sunday April 24, 1966 Eastern Standard Time |
| 17 | |
| 18 | 2.01 A. M. Sunday April 20, 1968 Eastern Standard Time |
| 19 | |
| 20 | 2.01 A.M. Sunday October 31, 1971 Eastern Standard Time |
| 21 | 2.01 A. M. Sunday October 29, 1972 Eastern Standard Time |
Train Symbols
All trains heading toward Portland carried even numbers and trains heading away carried odd numbers. Only the Mountain Division was “normal”.