Train ops.

 Listed from the easiest to the hardest. If you want some say in our operating sessions please reply.

WHATS YOU CHOICE?
I like train order type 1 it is self correcting, somewhat realistic and has traffic control

Pre-set trains like the log train, passenger train, and coal drag, remain for all the ops listed.

Opportunistic switching.
Make up any train you want with available cars in the yard, not longer than 6 feet. Travel around the layout, imaginering your loads and pickups as you go, switching at any or all locations you want. At the end of the run, all cars are stored in the main yard.

Pros nobody has to make up trains
           No paperwork
            No checking and correcting rolling stock
            No specific amount of rolling stock types
             No card box's needed
            No pre planning
Cons no control over trailing switching only
           No realism, unless you have a good imagination.

Train Order system type 1, with only set outs listed, where you set out specific cars, but pick up everything there.

Pros somewhat realistic
           No checking and correcting rolling stock
           Trailing switching only
           Only 1 piece of paperwork
Cons some paperwork required
           Some card box's required
           Trains need to be made up per train orders
           Need correct amount of rolling stock available
           Pre planning required

TRAIN ORDER system type 2, with Set out and pickups listed, where you set out and pick up like cars.

Pros  more realistic
          Car forwarding possible
           Trailing switching only
           Only 1 piece of paperwork
Cons some paperwork required
           Some card box's required
           Trains need to be made up per train orders
           Need correct amount of rolling stock available
           checking and correcting rolling stock
            More Pre planning required


Car cards listing all car information type 1, or car type only type 2, with either a pouch for destinations, or double sided for set outs and pickups.

Pros very realistic
Cons lots and lots of paperwork required
           lots of card box's required
           Trains need to be made up per cards
           Need correct amount of rolling stock available
           checking and correcting rolling stock to location
           No trailing switching
           Pre planning require

Funny how the simplest system has the most Pros and the least Cons.