Working pace (Editorial*)

 For thirty-odd years I worked at a job, building stuff. I worked against a clock all the time. I’m institutionalized. 

Work fast. 

So when I operate my working pace is fast. I do not “tyco”, but I have been accused of that. This comes from dealing with poor running equipment, or poor throttle response: the engine is stalled so turn UP the throttle, then boom!

Now let me make something clear. I’m not talking about running trains fast. NO, NO, NO! I’m talking about performing all the assigned tasks of the job, rapidly, efficiently, without stopping to lallygag.

My entire point is, I work fast. Faster than a lot of people. I believe I’m efficient too. Additionally I’ve been around, so I think I’m pretty good at this game we call “operations”.

So I hate being told to slow down. You slow down, damnit, I’m working at a pace that’s comfortable for me! Recently at one layout several busybodies told me I was running a M&E train too fast. Now I HAD read the train brief, and I knew the schedule of the train, so I was on time, but that won’t stop knuckleheads. Then the layout owner walked over and said “Good Job, Paul. That’s just how I want that train to run”.

I think my bristling at being told to work slower is exacerbated by my burning hatred of being “over supervised”. Usually when I’m over supervised it’s by knuckleheads. This additionally grates on me. 

Obviously I’m right and everyone else is wrong!

Well, admittedly I have a lot to learn, but I’m also 62, so I’m not going to change much. What I’d like is for the majority of the operators who “get in my way” to simply mind their own business. I do. I make it a strict policy to leave other operators alone unless the ask for help. Please try to do the same.

This is not strictly true for layout helpers. Those people who are present at ops events, that layout owners have places around the layout at key spots, to give instructions, answer questions, etc.

But ever this is a fine line with me. Tell me what to do, not how to do it. 

Well I won’t be going back to a layout I recently visited, even though it’s located relatively near to me. Too much help from “knuckleheads”. 



*Footnote to the “(Editorial)” footnote. I really should refrain from doing this. The recent op session pissed me off. It is a flaw in my character that I am unable to shake that off. It’s my fault I’m ruminating about it, not theirs. I guess this speaks volumes about me. I think when you meet someone new and they make a positive impression on you, great. That’s the type of person I wish I was, someone who leaves a positive impression or makes your life somehow better, fuller. I’m afraid I’m not doing as well as I could in that department. 

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