Ideally trains should run on a schedule with the exceptions of extras. However, for beginner operating sessions the recommended method is sequencing. With no strict schedule or fast clock to follow, the pressure is off while operators learn the routes and industries to be worked along the way. One should also take into account the preferences of the attendees for types of trains and tasks to perform and have enough flexibility to allow for operators that arrive late to the session or who need to leave the session early. If there are more operators than are required to run each train, one or more yardmaster/engineers can be assigned to block trains for later sequenced trains. If there are not enough operators to run each train, selected trains can be left in staging.
The following is a suggested sequence order:
SEQUENCE 1
CLASS 1: Passenger train departs St Johnsbury
EXTRA: Lumber train departs St Albans (optionally switches Stratton Lumber)
CLASS 3: St Albans-Morrisville turn departs St Albans (Runs only if St Johnsbury-Morrisville turn will also be run)
SEQUENCE 2
CLASS 3: St Johnsbury-Morrisville turn departs St Johnsbury (Runs only if St Albans-Morrisville turn is running)
CLASS 2: Through freight departs St Albans
CLASS 2: Oil train departs Cambridge Jct
EXTRA: Dedicated switcher @ Stratton Lumber works from lumber yard to Fairfield interchange track
SEQUENCE 3
CLASS 2: Through freight departs St Johnsbury
CLASS 1: Passenger train departs St Albans (return trip if St J-St A has completed)
YARD WORK
Early in session
A yardmaster/engineer at St Albans can be building the through freight for Sequence 2
A yardmaster/engineer at St Johnsbury can be building the through freight for Sequence 3
Later in session
A yardmaster/engineer at St Albans can breakdown returning “turn” and blocking for next session
A yardmaster/engineer at St Johnsbury can breakdown returning “turn” and blocking for next session
Model Train Operations 
In the interest of clarifying and simplifying the west end of the layout…I have moved the time frame to 1980, which is the year in which the St J and the CV negotiated access for the St J into Italy Yard , St Albans. All traffic exited Sheldon Jct over the 3 span truss bridge on the southern portion of the Richford Branch. The St J line west to Swanton became a storage track.
Also….a very successful session was held this evening running on train orders/extra status for virtually all the trains on the layout. This required lots of communication between train crews and with the Dispatcher. Thank you Sheila for filling the role of Dispatcher.
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