Operations
ShipIt is not a random car movement generator.  You set up your divisions, towns, industries, cars, trains, shipper records, consignee records, and products.  This is a typical screen.

To help in balancing the traffic flow on your layout, you should also purchase an add-on developed by Dr. Jean Piquette, another ShipIt user.
In addition to Albion Software's ShipIt program, I also purchased Railbase Professional and Scheduler.  Both of these programs are tied into ShipIt.

I use Railbase Professional to keep track of my train collection.  All of my engines, cars, books, tools, and structures have been entered into this program.

I use Scheduler to visualize the traffic flow of my trains.  Scheduled meets and cab assignments, by color, are easy to see as shown in this picture.
Finally, the end product.  The switchlist.  The switchlist will show you the train, engine and caboose assignment, stops, the cars being picked up/set out, and whether the car is empty, or not.  Shown here is an example of a typical switchlist.

Using ShipIt has also given me another benefit.  It forced me to develop an operating scheme at the same time I was developing my track plan.  I have a ShipIt database all ready for use when the entire layout is built.  In the meantime, I have another database that I use for the completed portions of the layout

I also recognize that computer generated switchlists are not for everyone.  It can become a hobby within a hobby.  And, others may be content with their form of operations.  But for me, computer generated switchlists are here to stay on the Wyoming Valley.

If you are thinking about trying computerized switchlists, join the ShipIt Yahoo group!
For operating sessions, I can accomodate three operators on the Wyoming Valley.  Ultimately, one operator will work the Pittston Yard while the other two are road engineers.  The layout is currently DC

When it comes to operations, all trains will initiate or terminate in the Pittston yard.  Trains heading to/returning from staging will pass through Wilkes-Barre, but will not perform any switching duties.  Trains heading to/returning from West Coalton will perform all of the switching duties in West Coalton, South Wilkes-Barre, and Wilkes-Barre.

Pittston will be a hub of activity moving cars between the various trains.  There will be coal drags, local freights, thru freights, long distance passenger, and commuter trains that originate and terminate here.

Ever since I read Bruce Chubb's book, "How to Operate your Model Railroad", I've wanted computer generated switchlists.  I was using car cards at the time, which I found enjoyable, but using the computer was something I had to try.  I settled on Albion Software's ShipIt program.
Updated 3/5/2003