The WWSL
The WWSL has developed an Operators Guide to assist the first time operator.
The WWSL operator guide is formatted as a 8x11 sheet, portrait, with two columns per page. Here is the plain text information.
References
www.thevalleylocal.net/home/operations/for-first-time-operators/sample-crew-call
Sunset Valley
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Western Washington Short Line
Operators Guide
Welcome to the Western Washington Short Line.
Its September 1955 and you are in the Pacific Northwest - specifically Montesano, Washington. We're standing outside the Western Washington Short Lines headquarters on Railroad Street. The WWSL has a main yard and two operating divisions.
The electrified northern division is the serves the Olympic Peninsula Logging Company, the OK Coal Company and Northwest Sand and Gravel.
The non-electrified southern division serves the American Paper Mill and the Saginaw Timber Company.
Let’s get you started.
You have been hired as a Conductor / Engineer. That means you get to run the train, toot the whistle/horn and take the blame when you don’t get to the right place at the right time with your train. We're headed to the Dispatchers Office to sign you in for a crew assignment.
1. The Rules
The first things you need is the rulebooks. Yep the WWSL has rules. Collect your copy of the Uniform Code of Operating Rules, and the most recent Timetable and Special Instructions. If you’re assigned to the OPLC or the CLC crew you are going to need their specific Timetable and Special Instructions. Then pick up the Train Handling Manual and the Car Movement Manual. They’re pretty simple to understand but if you have any questions feel free to ask. The only dumb question is the unasked one.
2. Train Assignment
Now we check in and see what scheduled on the line up and get you an assignment. The WWSL runs its trains primarily as Extra’s. You get a crew call and you come in and get your assignment. First in, first out. The dispatcher will give you your train assignment and estimated departure time. While you’re at the dispatchers office check out the bulletin board for bulletin and circular updates for your specific division.
The Train Assignment card explains where your train is located, where it needs to go and what it needs to do. Here’s how to read the train assignment card.
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3. Find Your Train
Now lets head to the yard and get your locomotive and start your day. Locate the yardmaster and introduce yourself. He’s going to be a busy guy but he'll tell you where your locomotive and train is located. His job is a lot easier the sooner you’re out of his yard and onto the mainline.
The Locomotive Card tells you which locomotive is assigned to your train, its capabilities and a cheat sheet of the throttle function keys. Here’s how to read the Locomotive card.
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The Yardmaster will give you your train list and the waybill packet. The train list tell you what location each car assigned to you train gets dropped off. If the yard crews are on the ball those cars should be blocked together to make your job easier. No guarantees though – sometimes they like to challenge your switching skills.
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The Card Card tells you specifically where a car in your train is to be dropped off. Here’s how to read the Car card.
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The last car in the train packet is your Caboose car. Don’t lose sight of it - its got half your crew in it.
4. Start the Run
Pick up your throttle and get organized. The hostler and your fireman should have done the locomotive services checks but you’re in charge and you have to double check. Program your throttle. If you not sure you'll find them in the Train Handling Instructions. Get authorization from the Yardmaster to move your locomotive to your train and finish your train checks.
When you have completed your checks are ready to leave the yard contact the Dispatcher for your clearance to enter the main line and your train order. Have a blank clearance form and train order ready to fill out. Once the Dispatcher has confirmed the read back of your orders its time to leave the yard
5. Running Rules
The WWSL is designed for maximum railroad modeling. You may do some or all the prototype operations based on your level of experience and the pace of the operating session.
Your train crew s responsible for all switch movements Be sure to realign the switches to normal position after use. Your Timetable And Special Instructions gives you those specific positions.
All locomotives are sound-equipped, and are tuned for slower running. Everyone's invited to take advantage of the sound dimension and follow prototype warning practices too:
- · Use the bell in congested areas, past platforms, and when shoving a cut blind.
- · Blow the whistle for crossings at W posts two long, one short and one long .
- · Blow two shorts when departing or starting a cut, and three backing up.
- · Blow two shorts to acknowledge meets.
- · Blow one long when approaching platforms and tunnel portals.
- Sign the Train Register, reporting your arrival time and the number of cars in your train.
- Check the bill box for anything addressed to you (by engine # and/or train #).
- Create and follow switch lists to deliver rolling stock. List the cars at the switching location that you need to pick up and where they need to go. Record the date/time received.
- Industries/track layout is located on the fascia at each town.
Uncouple engines and rolling using the magnetic uncouplers located at each spot – look for the rusty colored dowel rod centered on the magnets. Each location also has some uncoupler tools on the fascia.
7. A Couple of quick things to remember.
Don’t forget to work the derails on the sidings – they’re painted yellow. Use the uncoupler tools to flip the derails.
Clearance points are marked with brand new ties and a spot of white paint on the aisle side of the tie.
Don’t put the car cards on the layout. Each switching location has a car card holding shelf and each industry spur has a car card box to drop or pick up cards.
If a locomotive or car becomes derailed you may re-rail it but be careful not to break off the fine detail on the car. If it happens, fill out a bad order the car and forward it to the Dispatcher.
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