Here is a sample schedule for freight trains running on the SJLV between St. Johnsbury and St. Albans. Schedules such as this would be part of the “Employee Timetable” on a prototypical railroad. 
The schedule above is a starting point for a discussion on operations. The times shown are guesstimates of the time that each train might take to traverse the layout while picking up and setting out cars. Keep in mind that Rule 82 of the Std. Oper. Code allows that a train that is no less than 12 hours behind schedule is not considered to be late. That allows a lot of leeway for our operating sessions.
Model Train Operations 