Layoffs, changeovers, plant shutdowns and long stretches of unemployment were common experiences. Accordingly, OTAR eliminates the need for individual stations to be involved with physical key changeovers. To achieve this cost effectively the changeovers must be very quick. Rope-walking techniques are less effective in cases of awkward passageways and for changeovers at rebelays. On these changeovers, Hitchcock cuts to a new camera setup, deliberately not disguising the cut. He was well-noted for his service motion and his habit of smoking during changeovers. Changeovers of children took place almost weekly. This included the transfer of supplies, via Progress spacecraft, and crew changeovers. As part of his work, he also looked into changeovers. The changeovers are surprisingly mild in this age of great special-effects expectations.