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Now that you’ve toured his multiple-deck HO scale layout, the Nickel Plate Road St. Louis Division, Tony Koester welcomes you back to glimpse how it operates! In this MR Video Plus exclusive video, viewers get to walk the aisles with Tony and his crew as they engage in typical operations on this world-renowned model railroad. You can learn more about the layout in the December 2014 issue of Model Railroader magazine, or follow the running conversation in Tony’s monthly MR column, Trains of Thought.
Fantastic video…
Just wondering, Tony, did that engine stop anywhere to take on water?
At the second setout, why wasn’t the train stopped earlier and the cut made at the road crossing? Five minutes in “fast time” goes by quickly. Prototypically, the complete operation would have taken ten to fifteen minutes in “real” time.
Wow , a killer layout.
OOPS, Tony has it right for the NKP. I hate to be wrong BUT have to admit I am wrong – the NKP apparently did not follow some of the guidelines outlined in the Standard Code of Operating Rules regarding the application of Rule 206 and how extra trains would be designated in train orders; while the NKP’s 1943 Book Of Rules uses the wording “Passenger Extra West Eng 160 one six naught” every railroad I am familiar with would use the wording “Passenger Extra 160 West.” While many railroads’ version of Rule 206 reads (in part) “The letters duplicating names of stations and numerals must not be written in the order book nor upon train orders…” the NKP apparently took a completely different tack and required that numerals should be duplicated in words. I won’t speculate as to why the NKP chose to follow these variations BUT I readily acknowledge that Tony and his gang are doing it the way it was done on the NKP. During my career, at one time or another, I qualified on the rules of the NH, PC, CR, AMTK, LV, RDG, CNJ, PRR, NYC, CV, B&M, MEC, D&H, N&W, and P&LE, all of which worded train orders in the same manner which was NOT like the NKP. The lessons to be learned by all this is: A) study up on your particular protoype, B) follow the most widely utilized railroad practices, and lastly, even if you think your are an expert there is always something new you can learn.
Excellent video and great layout tour. I saw a little of everything that wets my appetite in working on my layout. I consider Tony a ‘master modeler’ and a layout should always be a ‘work in progress’. Nice attention to detail in some, but not all parts of the layout as there are always places you can come back to at a later date. I agree, the ops session should be fun and I’ve attended both that were detailed with communications and some that were less structured, but the layout should have a purpose and Tony has captured it. Hope to meet Tony in person sometime soon. Well done!
I am not sure if anyone actually reads these comments, particularly if there is anything negative to be said, well here goes, somebody at MR, PLEASE let Tony Koester know that his TT&TO operation version of the old Nickle Plate is apparently incorrectly writing the train orders that it uses to move it’s trains. The MR video clearly shows the operator INCORRECTLY duplicating numbers in the body of the order by writing out those numbers in words – Tony, Tony, Tony, please see Rule 206 of the Standard Code… you are a mentor for many model railroad fans, and this error (obvious only to those old enough to have actually issued or copied train orders) is glaring AND soon nobody will be left who knows that it is wrong BUT in 1954 a Nickle Plate conductor would probably not allow his train to move until the order was rewritten correctly. I retired with nearly 47 years of railroad service (having hired out for a 12 week summer job at 16 that led to a career that only ended at 62) I spent most of my career in management operating rules-related positions (rules examiner, supervisor of operating rules, trainmaster,) etc,, served in the system rules departments of three different railroads, and have testified in Federal Court as an expert witness, all of which explains why I feel compelled to get Tony to please get it right for all of the great many model railroaders who are depending on MR and Tony Koester to show them the way things should be done. I have seen this duplication in a great many model railroad magazine articles, many websites, and a few books. I believe the mistake can be traced all the way back to some Frank Ellison articles from the late ’50s and ’60s. Tony has made a tremendous effort to duplicate the Nickle Plate of his youth in every small detail, PLEASE have him look at Rule 206 of the Standard Code, I would guess he would appreciate knowing this (and besides the proper application of the rule makes less work for his operators.
Very good job,… the layout and the video, Thank you!
If I had to spell out all the town names and engine numbers for a train order on a model railroad, I wouldn’t come back. One can be too tedious when instead you are supposed to be having fun. I was a tower operator on The Belt and we never did that.
Beautiful layout! Hate to be a nitpicker but Nickel Plate Berk #789?… didn't they stop at 779?
I never tire of watching this video. Fantastic and inspirational layout. One question…who put the set off for Cayuga so far back in the train? I'll bet the head end brakeman was some po'd!!
Great video! How did I miss this one?
I really like the work that is being done here and Tony has become a master at this Craft. Tony this is Art at a High form. I fallowed Allen Mc through the many stages of the V&O and loved it and I think Tony is surpassing Allen's work. That is no comment upon Allen's work at all that is the progression of the Hobby
Overall very good. Tony's done a masterful job. I did find the background music distracting.
Great video! Would like to see more of this! But engine 789? A Berkshire? I thought NKP 779 was the last it, why this?
What can I say? Just an awesome video! After reading about this layout and its operation for years now, this video really gives the feeling of what it's like to be in a session there. Great camera angles, and the sound certainly does add that final touch of realism to the operation. Thanks, Tony, and everyone involved for the continued inspiration!
One of the very best MRVP operating layout videos yet! The low angle camera views make one feel that you are viewing the real thing! Keep upn the excellent work!
Ron Freeman from New York
We did not see any specific information about which cars were to be dropped off. Is this information provided? Since this seems to be a 'through' train, does a local come later to spot the cars in specific locations and move others out for pickup? Does a local train also bring its own setout cars, and pickup requests?
THIS is what we are talking about. Substance. I agree it could be longer. Heep these coming MR!
Always nice to see a well planned RR in operation! I also noted that Tony has a bit of plumbing showing in his ceiling which made me feel right at home! Thank you
Wonderful video. More please. I would suggest however, that the Frankfort yard crews bring 'snacks' for the next session, for not blocking the extra with the drop-offs at the head end of the train. I always had to do this on Mike Berry's Minnesota Southern.
Just GREAT, I grew up in Chiago next to NKP Stony Island yard. This brings back all the good memories. Thanks Tony, like to see more. Ron Nagy Arizona
I really like the street scenes beyond the tracks. Reflect small-town America. Great job.
Now, that was an excellent video. Some very good videography (through the roundhouse back wall). Thanks very much.
Nice presentation as always Tony. It is so refreshing to see a video of an operating layout rather than a video of a train running around a layout and running around
More please … this video could only be better if it was three times as long.