Every year, we invite attendees to the Layout Design and Operations meet to participate in an operating session at a nearby layout on Sunday. Indicate your interest in an operating session when you buy your ticket. We'll send out e-mails closer to the meet to ask about layout preferences.
Model railroad operations is, essentially, running a model railroad like the real thing. You'll join several other model railroaders running trains according to prototype rules, switch boxcars at industries, and solve all the challenges and complications you face along the way. Operations varies by model railroad - some operating sessions on layouts are informal about how trains are run; others try to strictly reproduce what would have happened on the real railroad. Operating sessions are a fun way to challenge your skills, learn about prototype operating practices, and solve problems with a group of other model railroaders.
We especially encourage model railroaders who've never done operations to participate in the Sunday operating sessions - we intend these operating sessions as a way to learn about model railroad operations, a chance to meet the local folks who are also into operation, and a chance for you to figure out how to do operations on your own layout.