Modeling Interest 6 - Personnel Positions

In the last blog, we discussed the Rolling Stock of interest to the modeler. In this blog we will discuss the type of railroad personnel positions the modeler wants to simulate during layout operations.

Personnel.

Prototype railroads have hundreds of operational positions required for safe and efficient operations. Those positions include crew and admmistrative positions. The WWSL has determined the following operational positions required:

Dispatcher.  The dispatcher is responsible for authorizing the occupancy of main track and sidings by issuing track bulletins and warrants and communicating such authorities to train crews, track crews and others when required by the general superintendent or superintendent of operations.

• Monitors train movements and conditions affecting movements (such as weather conditions, train crew availability, engine and equipment availability, track warrants/bulletins, general orders, timetables, and track and speed restrictions), taking indicated actions to assure safety and performance, and coordinating responses to unplanned events and emergency situations.

• Communicating via telephone or radio with train crews, yard supervisory personnel, maintenance of way personnel and others regarding train movements and instructions, train orders and authorities. 

• Plans in advance for smooth and effective movement of trains and meets/passes to avoid unnecessary delay.

Yardmaster. The yardmaster is in charge of and overseeing switching and yard operations where trains are "made up" or prepared for their next service and schedules maintenance of trains.

• Ensure the safe arrival and departure of all trains, consistent with all established schedules.

•  Classify cars in classification yard, as indicated on the train manifest. 

•  Prepare departing trains. Notify the Dispatcher that the train is ready for crew call. Provide train symbol, total train length, tonnage, and lead engine number for all departing trains. 

•  Provide the outgoing crew with departing train manifest and consist card. 

•  Switch industrial zone.

Train Crew (Conductor/Engineer/Brakeman).

• Conductor. He or she is responsible for the safety of the crew, compliance to all rules and regulations, and assurance of the railroad’s customer fulfillment. Managing manifests and applicable paperwork. Communication with the Dispatcher to obtain/release track authority, convey issues, etc.

• Engineer. He or she is responsible for the adherence to all rules and regulations defined in the Employee Timetable, including compliance with signal indications, speed requirements/limits, and any special instructions

• Brakeman. He or she is responsible for throwing switches on the ground, uncoupling cars, and other work as assigned by the Conductor. While on the ground, the Switchman must simulate the time required to walk between the switches, walk the train from car to car, setting brakes, etc.

Station Agent / Car Distributor. He or she is responsible for customer fulfillment.

• Identifies and posts car requirements with a waybill at the station / customer location. 

• Inserts waybills in car cards after arrival at customer location.
  

• Loads open cars with appropriate loads. 

• Acts as interchange station agent placing interchange cars for WWSL pickup, or removing cars delivered by WWSL to car storage area.