Re: "Now Arriving On Track One"

Chris Walker Wrote:
=======================================================

> In D&RG(W) as there was(still is) no signalling
> system, was it general practice to run Express
> trains on the mainline at restricted speed into
> Stations or was the line expected to be clear so
> Express's could arrive in a fitting manner rather
> than wandering along looking for a place to stop?
> I'm also assuming that the first set of facing
> points were always to be set for the Main unless
> in use.

Chris, the rulebook, which was standard among the railroads with some small differences here and there, specified that inferior trains would clear the track at least 5 minutes before superior class trains were due. If they failed to be in the clear, they would have to flag against the superior train. If in yard limits, the track still had to be clear for First Class trains (most passenger trains) .... the passenger train kept going at normal speed expecting the track to be clear.

All mainline switches were to be left lined for the main track.

If you want to delve into this deeper, check out the Ry-Ops-IndustrialSIG and Dispatching groups on Yahoo Groups.

Skip Luke
Switchman (ret): Grand Canyon Railway;
Engineer (ret): Georgetown Loop RR Inc., Sumpter Valley Ry., Monticello & Sangamon Valley;
Dispatcher(ret): Illinois Central, White Pass & Yukon, Burlington Northern Ry.
Mariner, Musician, Miner