Updated Railroad Code of Operating Rules and Operator Handbook

With the new buildout, the Code of Operating Rules and Operator's Handbook needed updating. This added the new operating areas, new trains, new track plans and so forth. My good friend and model railroader John Marlin had a gorgeous handbook for his layout in a 4.25"x11" format. His booklet inspired me to do the same for the GNW. This, by the way, is a very common format for prototype paperwork. The style allows a booklet to easily fit in a pocket while working or walking. 

Biggest challenge was to get the new booklets printed out. He put together a nice video showing how he was able to print his out using free software available:

https://youtu.be/WBREcTkKPzI 

I think it turned out pretty nice!

"The Handbook"
 

For simplicity, and for those who prefer a cook-book approach to learning, here are the steps: 


1.       Set up pages within Microsoft Word:

a.       4.25”x11”

2.       PDF Reader: Print to PDF.

a.       Recommends CutePDF

b.       Note: Microsoft Print to PDF will NOT work

c.       PDF printer does not have customizable PDF

3.       At CutePDF Print Options: Printer Properties

a.       Got Advanced Tab

b.       Paper Size

c.       Postscript Custom Paper Size

d.       Enter: 4.25” x 11”

4.       Now you should have a PDF with 4.25”x11” pages.

a.       Be sure to check!

5.       Now, go to Adobe Reader

a.       Go to print

b.       Go to booklet option

c.       Set up pages for “Left Tall” option, (double sided if you go directly to print)

d.       Print to PDF (so you have the finished PDF “Booklet Ready” format, ready for printing)

6.       Print out – Fold - and Staple Down The Middle

 

For the “flat” 2 pages per sheet:

1.           Print to PDF as 4.25x11.

2.           Use CutePDF to print to 2 pages per sheet in a 1x2 arrangement

(Note: I don’t know a way to print 2 pages per sheet directly to PDF.)

 

Check out the snazzy MAPS in the new booklet!


The Operators Section of the GNW website has been updated with the new handbook. Feel free to check it out at: https://gnwrwy.com/operators/

 

 

 

 

 


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