Every now and then, we add a special twist to our operating sessions. This time it was night ops, where we run part of the session with the work lights in the layout room turned off. The layout lighting is set to night mode (a dark blue light setting), and operators use flash lights and head lamps to read their paperwork and do switching chores.

Many places on the SVL layout are illuminated and they really “pop” at night. Some members commented today how the mood on the layout is much more serene and peaceful when it’s dark and lighted trains are traveling through cities or dark stretches of scenery in the middle of nowhere, but see for yourself.