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Early Operations Model
Yard Track Assignment:
#1-2 are ARRIVAL TRACKS Empty ASAP
#3-6 are CLASSIFICATION TRACKS
#7-9 are DEPARTURE TRACKS
#10-12 are FIDDLE TRACKS for setting out and removing rolling stock from the layout
Roles in Operations:
DISPATCHER: Traffic cop who controls train movement on the main line. All train crews need to communicate with the dispatcher, who then provides clearance for mainline moves.
YARDMASTER: One in charge of the yard and sorting cars in the classification yard. Yardmaster controls movement within yard, but still needs clearance from dispatcher to enter mainlines.
FREIGHT AGENT: Traffic manager who decides which cars should go to which industries. S/he controls the amount and location of traffic.
HOSTLER: One who manages locomotive activities between turntable, maintenance facility, and yard.
ENGINEER: One who operates or controls a train, often filling the roles of entire train crew.
CONDUCTOR: Works with the Engineer as a team. Helps spot cars by doing the uncoupling and throws all switches for local freight. Must insure that switches on main are reset for next train.
Definitions of Operations Terms:
TABS: Colored markers placed on the cars by the Freight Agent that shows the Yardmaster which cars are to be classified into Local Freights, and where the Engineer and Conductor are to spot the cars or if cars are "done."
LOCAL FREIGHT: Short trains that include "tabbed" cars that leave the classification/departure tracks to spot the cars in appropriate locations. Local Freights also pick up "white tabbed" cars (signifying done) at the switching locations and return them to the Arrival Tracks.
SPOT: Set out a tabbed car into a switching location (labeled with a color).
SWITCHING LOCATION: Sidings where cars could be spotted for loading or unloading.
TEAM TRACKS: A special switching location where a road accesses a track allowing loading or unloading a car into vehicles.
ARRIVAL TRACKS: Tracks #1 and #2. Through and Local Freights return here. If heading in, use track #1, if backing in, use track #2. The locomotive will be removed to the turntable (by the hostler if present). The caboose will also be removed.
CLASSIFICATION YARD: Tracks used by the Yardmaster to sort cars
Download Entire Early Operations Procedure Document
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Outside Sources
Gateway NMRA
An extensive overview on operations
AP chief dispatcher
Link to NMRA Achievement Program for operations
Operations Special Interest Group
Even if you don't join, they have lots of info on their site
Last updated:
August 13, 2007 |
