The layout is operated by Time Table running with up to 6 operators. The Dispatcher has control of all mainline points from a central dispatch panel, the point switches are arranged on a schematic diagram in front of the Dispatcher. The Dispatcher has a graph of all train movements in time order.
This graph tells the Dispatcher of the exact location of each train at a given time, the Dispatcher uses this information to control all train movements. Each Driver ( up to a maximum of 4 ) has a list of train movements that he is responsible for.
These movements correspond with those on the Dispatchers graph, and tell the Driver were he should be and what he has to do at any given time.
There is also a Yard Shunter that operates from Branxton ( the major station on the layout ). He is also given a list of duties, and times of arriving and departing trains.
Because this is a club layout all the locos and rolling stock are brought to the operation session by the members and must be set up prior to the start of operation. In order for all this to work we first have to arrange each train and misc rolling stock into the correct position on the layout. To do this a list of the requirements to run the time table has been drawn up.
The Time Table runs to a fast clock set at 9:1, this is set up on a 486 PC stored under the layout with the monitor mounted in the middle of the back wall near the ceiling so that all operators have a view of it no mater were they are.