Regular Operating Sessions on the TC4

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I am a member of an operating group – the Boomers – who hold regular rotating monthly operating sessions. I operate the TC4 in March, June, September and December.

Both myself and the other two layout owners pretty much follow the same basic operating conventions:

• Saturday mornings from 0900-1200 (lunch afterwards at a local eatery)

• A brief briefing just before the 0900 start

• We all field about 12-17 operators at each op session

• We all use Digitrax

 

Special Operating Sessions on the TC4

 

Finish-up op session

I will sometimes run a finish-up session to complete what was not run during the regular session. I usually invite 2-3 guys over to accomplish this. These usually run from 0930 t0 1200. Lunch follows for those interested.

 

Dixie Rails

I am among several layout owners in the Atlanta area who offer our layouts to operators from all over the United States to come operate during the Dixie Rails event. Dixie Rails is one on many regional events throughout America to do this. In 2026 the TC4 hosted 8 “foreign” operators and 4 local (regular Boomers) coaches.

 

Piedmont Pilgrimage

I open my layout to visitors during the Atlanta area Piedmont Division “Piedmont Pilgrimage." This multi-week affair offers visitors a chance to come in and see the layout in operation. This is open to everyone interested in model trains. My regular Boomers volunteer to come and run trains for the viewing pleasure of the guests.

 

On Request

I occasionally receive a request from someone to open up my layout for a group and I am happy to oblige the request.