DO IT YOURSELF

TIMETABLE

AND OTHER OPERATION

PAPERWORK

1

Author: Gary Evans

North Central Region, Division 3

garytrain47@frontier.com

Revision: May 05, 2014

Handout: Timetable from NoWhere Line

2

CREDITS

http://www.gatewaynmra.org/tto.htmTimetable and Train Order Operation, A PrimerRobert Amsler, NorthStar 99 NMRA National Convention

http://www.gatewaynmra.org/designops.htmDesigning Model Railroad Operations, same

http://www.nmra.org/education/achievement/ms-cdis1.htmlThe Masters Series, Chief Dispatcher

3

http://www.gatewaynmra.org/tto.htmhttp://www.gatewaynmra.org/designops.htmhttp://www.nmra.org/education/achievement/ms-cdis1.html

PRESENTATION OBJECTIVES

1) What is a timetable?

2) Why is a timetable?

3) What does a timetable convey / imply?

4) How does a timetable fit into the

NMRA Achievement Program

Chief Dispatcher certificate?

5) Would my layout benefit from a timetable?

4

TIMETABLE – DICTIONARY DEFINITION

A schedule listing the times at which certain

events, such as arrivals and departures at a

transportation station, are expected to take

place.

A list or table of events arranged according to

the time when they take place; schedule.

5

RAILROAD EMPLOYEE TIMETABLES

Employee timetables are issued for the

benefit of the railroad’s employees.

They detail the property and special rules of

the railroad’s operating divisions.

The following list gives examples of the type

of information found in them:

6

CONTENTS OF EMPLOYEE TIMETABLES

Stations, their numbers and equipment.

Sidings, yards, and their capacity.

Grade crossings and signals.

Spring switches and interlockings.

Radio frequencies.

Train speeds.

Doctors and surgeons.

Tonnage ratings.

Freight and passenger schedules.

Special operating rules.

7

TIMETABLE AND TRAIN ORDER OPERATION

TTO operation is a method of keeping trains

from having collisions and moving them

efficiently over the system.

People with different duties are involved in

this type of operation.

This is paperwork driven and many forms are

needed.

Everyone must know the rules.

8

TWO DISPATCHING METHODS

1. Separate trains by time.

2. Separate trains by distance.

TTO is within first category.

TTO can be overlaid with

automatic block signaling (ABS).

Signals indicate occupation and routing.

Signals do not authorize movement beyond

assigned territory.

9

INITIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Look to your prototype for train dispatching

method you would like to use.

TTO was used on prototypes until 1970s.

TTO was not employed on heavily used

mainlines after invention of

centralized traffic control (CTC).

10

POSITIONS INVOLVED

Dispatcher is responsible for making sure all trains are on schedule and then sending out train orders to adjust published schedule so that trains move as efficiently as possible.

Operator is responsible for receiving orders from dispatcher, setting approach signal, and transferring orders to conductor and engineer.

Conductor and Engineer are responsible for understanding orders and operating their train accordingly.

11

TOOLS OF THE TRADE (1)

Timetable – all employees required to have timetable with them.

Operating Rulebook – hardbound book of general operating rules.

Train Register – book at designated stations logging what trains have passed.

Clearance Card – document authorizing train to operate.

Orders – instructions from the dispatcher. Form 19 – hooped up, radio, or phone; Form 31 – stop for signature.

12

TOOLS OF THE TRADE (2)

Train Order Book – railroad’s journal for all

orders.

Train Sheet – large paper used by dispatcher

to keep track of where trains are on railroad.

The Clock – standard railroad time.

Turnover Sheet – information provided to next

dispatcher to assure continuity of orders.

13

GENERAL RULES

Rules govern:

Superiority of Trains

Movement of Trains

Movement by Train Order

At this point, TTO discussions can dive into excruciating detail, such as how the dispatcher should fill out which form(s) to allow the Bull Frog Turn to leave the Ajax Siding and proceed to Corinthian Stone before the Alhambra Express (which is running 22 minutes late).

14

RULES - SUPERIORITY OF TRAINS

Three rules govern all trains;

all other rules follow from these three.

1. A train is superior to another by right,

class, or direction.

Right conferred by Train Order;

Class and Direction by Timetable.

2. Trains of the first class are superior to those of

the second class, and so on for all classes.

3. Extra trains are inferior to regular trains.

15

PROTOTYPE TIMETABLE BASICS

All railroads used Standard Code rules until mid 1980s. They then modified the rules to fit their needs, keeping numbers and concepts.

The schedule lists information per station and tower. Modern railroading has eliminated class and schedule timings.

Regular trains are identified by number, name, or symbol.

Schedules are in table format: Eastward (left side) reads down the page; Westward (right side) reads up.

16

MODEL TIMETABLES

Prototype arrangement is difficult for model operators to quickly determine locations of meets and which trains are to be met.

Distance between stations is shorter; traffic density is much higher.

Best solution is to make single-train schedules. These list stops for the specific train and describe meets.

Simplification of prototype (within reason).

17

MODEL SPEED RESTRICTIONS

For modelers, speed restrictions by train and route are most practical.

45 MPH for freight;

65 MPH for passenger;

25 MPH within yard limits;

15 MPH on branch.

Movements within yard limits are made without timetable or train orders; instead, are directed by yardmaster.

18

REALISTIC OPERATION – SPEED

The first step to realistic operation is to slow down.

Use a yard stick and measure your speed.

(Incorporate “test mile” into your layout).

19

Time to travel 3 feet at scale speed

Prototype

Speed N HO O

5 mph 65 sec 36 sec 19 sec

15 mph 22 sec 12 sec 6.5 sec

25 mph 13 sec 7 sec 3.5 sec

60 mph 5.5 sec 3 sec 1.5 sec

90 mph 3.5 sec 2 sec 1 sec

NMRA ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM

CHIEF DISPATCHER

1. Participate in operation of model railroad in three of five roles – Engineer, Yardmaster, Hostler, Towerman, Dispatcher.

2. a - Prepare schematic drawing of layout; b - Develop appropriate timetable; c - Develop train chart; d - Develop or adapt operation system.

3. Submit Statement of Qualifications. Appropriate slides contain these numbers.

20

DO IT YOURSELF –

LET’S BUILD A TIMETABLE

Transform your model railroad into

a real rail transportation system –

“Linearization”.

Design concept establishes location,

era, towns served, connecting lines,

and traffic patterns.

Concept needs to match the model.

Example layout is the NoWhere Line.

21

BELIEVABLE CONCEPT

BNSF Transcon or Decatur Branch?

This qualifies as a Chief Dispatcher layout.

22

SUMMARY OF THE NOWHERE LINE

The NoWhere Line (working to be NearSomeplace) is an HO switching layout in a 13 x 17 basement room.

The double- and single-track main line serves a generic Midwest region. It runs from Loop on the West (think Chicago loop) to Tunnel on the East (think Appalachian Mountains).

Because of pass-through and originating / terminating traffic, the most intensive switching occurs at Bigburg.

Smallville is compact and busy.

The town of Branch hosts the passenger operations in the form of the Hungry Hobo museum trains.

23

2.A - PREPARE SCHEMATIC DRAWING

24

Locations

are

named.

Track

capacities

are shown

(50-foot

units).

Direction

of travel

is shown.

THE TRACK PLAN UNFOLDED – “LINEAR”

It can be a continuous run for open house display.

Operationally, trains

run out from and back to

fiddle yard at Loop.

25

• The sequence of stations becomes more apparent.

DEVELOP SEQUENCE LIST

List contains named

locations on layout

as encountered by

trains.

Represent every

possible route being

considered for

operation.

26

Loop

Bigburg

Midland

Track 1 Track 2

Wye

Smallville

Interchange

Slope

Reverse

Tunnel

Tunnel

Branch

DEVELOP SEQUENCE TIMETABLE

1. To the Sequence List, add columns for individual trains.

2. In each column, use a line to show where it originates, turns, sets out blocks of cars, switches, and terminates.

3. This is not concerned with time-based scheduling, only what trains are running where.

4. Write an instruction card for each train describing its action and route.

5. Arrange train instruction cards in the order in which trains will run.

Practice with sequence timetable; add lower class trains; do not hesitate to rework sequence timetable if it does not support your concept.

27

TRAIN INSTRUCTION CARDS

28

Train: Hungry Hobo

Local (HHL)

Originates: Branch

Terminates: Branch

Blocking: CB&Q Gondola

Note: Steam operation subject to

management directive.

Note: Engine pushes train out of Branch.

Routing:

Load at Hays Depot.

Check availability of track to PSC.

Leave Branch; go past PSC siding but

do NOT go down helix.

Return from PSC; arrive Branch.

Unload at Hays Depot.

Note – Clear yard lead when at Depot.

Maintain speed to clear branch track.

Store gondola at far end of Commissary

dock. Store Climax in engine pocket.

#8 of 16

Train: Upper Branch (UB)

Originates: Bigburg, eastbound

Terminates: Bigburg

Blocking: #1 – 2bFir

#2 – Ramp

#3 – ITool

#4 – ChemCo

#5 – Coop

Routing:

Leave Bigburg east; depart Midland on

Track 1; pass through Smallville; pass

through Tunnel; at Summit, take Branch

track; arrive Branch; do yard switching.

Note: Do not store cars on run-around

tracks; other trains may be operating in

the area. Return track switches to

normal positions.

Depart Branch; pass through Tunnel;

arrive Smallville and set out cars; depart

Smallville; halt at Midland; arrive

Bigburg as directed.

#12 of 16

MEASURE THE LAYOUT

Physical measurement is easy.

Operational measurement is in terms of time.

How long does it take train to move from Point A to Point B with no other traffic?

How long does it take to accomplish switching and station stops?

How much time should be allowed for meets and operator comfort?

Time measurement is in terms of physical wall clock time, not fast clock.

29

SELECTIVE COMPRESSION

Distances on layouts are highly compressed.

Switching moves take a certain amount of

time, regardless of speed of layout clock.

Strongly suggest using normal clock speed

at first until sequence is firmly established.

Then, fast clock time can be applied to

mainline movements.

30

2. B - DEVELOP OPERATION TIMETABLE

Sequence timetable is converted to time-based train schedule based on experience.

Manual (graphical) technique:

Time is plotted against distance.

Stations are fixed locations on the distance axis.

Trains are represented as lines.

Meets occur where lines intersect.

Line slopes correspond to speed.

Use scheduling software.

31

GRAPHICAL TRAIN CHART (SAMPLE)

Train chart is visual display of all scheduled rail activity in the part of the railroad covered by the dispatcher.

Slope represents train speed.

The circle is a meet.

32

ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES

Times shown on timetables are usually

departures, except for time at last stop.

Meets and passes are indicated by

times in bold type.

Timetable is great place to list special

instructions for operators, how to use

control panels, and hand signals or

other communications protocols.

33

34

Description of NoWhere Line Trains Symbol Name Summary

BB Bigburg Local Yard & local switching

CR Coal Run Mainline & branch

FE Freight East Mainline & yard

FER -Run-through Mainline (no switching)

FW Freight West Mainline & yard

FWR -Run-through Mainline (no switching)

--- Hungry Hobo Excursion service

HHB Bigburg (diesel)

HHL Local (steam)

HHS Smallville (diesel)

SV Smallville Local Yard & local switching

TS Timesaver Local Switching & staging

UB Upper Branch Branch line freight

UI Upper Industrial Yard & local switching

WW W-W Local Local turn

--- Yard Transfer Mainline transfer

YTB Bigburg & local switching

YTS Smallville

Scheduled Trains:

Trains CR, FE, FW, HHB, and HHS operate as

authorized on the timetable.

All other trains operate as extras (lower class).

Tracks must be clear of non-authorized trains and

equipment 5 minutes in advance of the time stated

in the timetable.

Eastward trains are superior to westward trains of

the same class.

The railroad clock starts at 12:00 and runs at

wall-clock rate (1:1 ratio).

Train Authorization:

Each train running on the railroad must carry a train

routing card with it. Routing cards are obtained at

the point of origin. Upon termination, return the

card to the point of origin for reuse.

Suggestion: Study the route described on the card

before operating the train.

Additional trains might be authorized verbally

during the session.

General Instructions:

Dispatching is informal (verbal).

At junctions and train meets, coordinate with other crews.

Obtain clearance from the Dispatcher to operate on the

railroad.

Obtain clearance from the appropriate yardmaster to

operate within the yard limits.

The maximum mainline train length is 5 50-foot units,

unless arrangements have been made with the Dispatcher.

Longer trains will not fit into passing areas.

East is to the right when facing the railroad.

In double track locations, track 1 is always nearer the front.

After passage, return track switches to their normal position.

All operating trackside signals indicate track position;

some indicate occupation.

Red = Stop; Green = proceed with caution.

At Branch, do not store cars on the main and run-around

tracks; other (scheduled) trains may be operating there.

At Branch, the main track handles 4 cars for run-around

moves.

The throttles are Digitrax UT1 and UT4; instructions are

on the backs of the throttles.

Traffic Generation:

Car movement is authorized by its car card.

There is a waybill for each car spotting location; it is not

possible to overload a location.

When a car is spotted, place its card facing the layout.

Waybills can be recycled to generate traffic.

All empties should make their way to Loop.

Traffic Frequency:

FE & FW – run a sweep every 45 minutes.

HHB,HHL,HHS – each runs once (or as needed).

CR – runs once.

WW – runs as needed.

YTB & YTS – run as determined by traffic.

UB – may have to run frequently depending

on the traffic for the branch line.

The NW Line

The NoWhere Line working to be

NearSomeplace

Time Table No. 12

In Effect October 7, 2009

For the government and

information of

employees only.

Railroad Standard Time

35

Scheduled Train Departure Times 0:00 0:15 0:30 0:45 1:00 1:15 1:30 1:45 2:00 2:15 2:30 2:45 3:00

Origin Loop Loop Branch Loop Staging Branch Loop

Freight FE-1 FE-2 FE-3 FE-4

Freight CR

Passenger HHS HHB

Scheduled Freight Service Passenger Service Eastward Read Down Westward Read Up Eastward Westward

FE

-1

FE

-2

FE

-3

CR

FE

-4

FW

-1

FW

-2

FW

-3

CR

FW

-4

HH

S

HH

B

HH

S

HH

B

0:15 1:00 1:45 2:30 0:30 1:15 2:00 2:45 Loop 2:20 2:19

Triple

0:16 1:01 1:46 2:00 2:31 0:28 1:13 1:58 --- 2:43 BigBurg 2:20 2:19

Crossover

East Switch

0:19 1:04 1:49 2:01 2:34 0:27 1:12 1:57 --- 2:42 Midland 2:21 2:19

West Switch

Meet East Switch

Track 1 Track 2

|| Wye || 1:19 1:19

0:24 1:09 1:54 --- 2:39 Smallville || 1:20 2:23 2:18

Meet West Switch || Meet

2:23 East Switch ||

Interchange ||

0:20 1:05 1:50 2:02 2:35 || Slope

|| West Switch

2:02 || Reverse Middle Switch 1:18

|| East Switch

|| ||

|| Summit Switch

0:21 1:06 1:51 2:03 2:36 0:23 1:08 1:53 2:22 2:38 Tunnel Tunnel 1:21 2:24 1:17 2:17

||

Summit Switch

Helix

2:10 2:20 Branch 1:23 2:26 1:15 2:15

2.C - DEVELOP OPERATING TRAIN CHART

36

Train Checklist for Smallville Switch Team, Freight, & Interchange as needed

Time Train W/E Action

--- UB-1 >> pass

0:24 FW-1 > Terminate

1:09 FW-2 pass (on local)

1:25 WW-2 > pass

1:54 FW-3 Terminate

--- CR >> pass / setout?

2:10 YTB

2.D - DEVELOP OR ADAPT OPERATION SYSTEM

Car Forwarding System is topic for another

clinic (in order of complexity)

Tab / tack on car

Wheel report

Basic switch list

Preset car card

Car card and waybill

Computer generated manifests / switch lists

38

DO YOU NEED CAR FORWARDING SYSTEM?

Depends on complexity of layout,

number of cars, number of car types,

number of industries, and your interest.

Any system provides some simulation of

load delivery and pickup.

Does following layout need a car system?

(In this case, each block of cars can carry a

different grade of product.)

39

40

Lambert’s Point,

Norfolk, VA

CREDITS

http://www.gatewaynmra.org/tto.htmTimetable and Train Order Operation, A PrimerRobert Amsler, NorthStar 99 NMRA National Convention

http://www.gatewaynmra.org/designops.htmDesigning Model Railroad Operations, same

http://www.nmra.org/education/achievement/ms-cdis1.htmlThe Masters Series, Chief Dispatcher

41

http://www.gatewaynmra.org/tto.htmhttp://www.gatewaynmra.org/designops.htmhttp://www.nmra.org/education/achievement/ms-cdis1.html

PRESENTATION OBJECTIVES

1) What a timetable is.

2) Why a timetable exists.

3) What a timetable conveys / implies.

4) How a timetable fits into the

NMRA Achievement Program

Chief Dispatcher certificate.

5) Would my layout benefit from a timetable?

-- Provide your own answer --

42

This presentation is available on the

NMRA North Central Region (NCR)

Division 3 Library web page –

http://div3.ncr-nmra.org/library

43

http://div3.ncr-nmra.org/library

DISCUSSION

OPerations Special Interest Group

Where can I get prototype timetables?

“Ebay, of course” – “Maybe not”

Your questions / comments

44