On May 30, 2026, the HUB and Seacoast Divisions held a joint workshop to help members get started on the paperwork for the Achievement Program (AP) Chief Dispatcher Certificate. The HUB Division’s Bruce Robinson, MMR, and I facilitated the successful two-hour session for five participants.

The workshop focused primarily on the second requirement of the certificate. As a reminder, the first requirement is to log 50 hours of operations. After discussing the overall requirements and reviewing paperwork examples, the participants began developing a schematic from the track plans they had developed for homework. While a few used track plans from their own layouts, most designed a plan for a future layout. Fortunately, these track plans do not need to be complex!

A schematic is simply a linear representation of a track plan that shows the relationships between sidings, towns, and other features. We made sure to stress the importance of noting approximate distances between these features—either in “smiles” (scale miles) or actual feet—which made the next step much easier. Ultimately, the goal of the Chief Dispatcher Certificate is to demonstrate a solid working knowledge of train operations.

Once the schematics were complete, we demonstrated how to develop an operational scheme using a string graph. Participants envisioned the types of trains that would run on their layouts. Using their schematics as a guide, they drew a graph, plotting time across the top and various track features down the side. We encouraged them to place their track schematics directly along the side since those distances were already calculated.

We used colored pencils to differentiate passenger traffic from freight traffic. Everyone quickly realized why pencils are the tool of choice for this task, as it takes time to map how trains interact, and mistakes are inevitable. To satisfy this requirement, the graph only needs to feature six trains (three in each direction) and one train meet. We highly encouraged everyone to keep it simple.

Once the string graphs were successfully completed, creating a timetable was easy. We shared a few timetable examples just as time began to run out, and concluded by explaining two common operating systems: car cards and switch lists.

By the end of the session, all five participants were well on their way toward completing their paperwork for the second requirement. Our attendees represented a wide range of experience; some had already completed their 50 operational hours, while others were just getting started with model train operations.

If you want to dive into operations, the Seacoast Division holds monthly ops sessions during the “model railroad season.” This is an excellent opportunity to start gathering your necessary hours for the certificate. Our coordinator, Matt Keiser, will share official ops announcements starting in September. Please check the website and upcoming Constant Contact emails for details.

We are already planning next year’s AP workshop—possibly focusing on electrical requirements—so stay tuned!