Ops Info

SP Cascade Operations Information                                                                    May 2023 Update

Operations on the HO-Scale Cascade Line use Direct Traffic Control, DTC.  DTC was Southern Pacific’s solution to operations control—dispatching—with reliable radio communications.  DTC replaced Timetable and Train Order Operation.  The eventual plan for the model railroad is to install a functioning Centralized Traffic Control (CTC) system.  Alternatively, Timetable and Train Order operations will be developed.  In the interim, though, DTC is used.

Supporting documents for this operations control method are presented below. 

1. Timetable (an extract of a few pages from a period SP employee timetable (ETT) plus special instructions.

2. DTC Authority Sheet (lists the individuals control blocks for the mainline with blanks for authority time).

3. A Guide to Operations with DTC.
     a. Executive Summary posted July 2015
     b. Extended Tutorial posted May 2017

4. Instructions for filling out a “Soup Ticket” that represents communication between a newly assigned train crew and the Dispatcher.  We largely dispense with the soup tickets now (2023), but this material has been retained for possible future use.
5. Instructions for local freight crews.  Longer instructions are posted at Oakridge and Springfield.

TIMETABLE

Guide To Operations with DTC (Direct Traffic Control) V5.0 July 10, 2015

Executive Summary

DTC is a train dispatching system where the railroad is divided into physical blocks (sections) of track and trains are authorized by the Train Dispatcher to occupy and move within these specific blocks, which may include sidings.

Trains must not occupy DTC trackage without formal authority from the Train Dispatcher and must promptly release blocks that are vacated.

Movement/occupancy authority may be Uni-Directional, or Bi- Directional and may also contain the following endorsements:

1. Via Main Track and/or via/take Siding (if controlled siding within that block).

2. Sole or Joint Authority within that block (Joint will include information about who you’re sharing that block with, and requires you to operate at Restricted Speed within that block).

3. “Behind” a movement that is past you and that’s leaving the block in opposite direction to your travel.

To request block authority, Train or Engine Crew must contact Dispatcher, identifying their Train by engine number and stating their direction of travel (or requesting Clock Time for bi- directional authority in that block).

Dispatcher will issue authority, Crew must repeat back the specifics and cannot act on the Authority until Dispatcher states “That is Correct”.

Crew will promptly release Block Authority when their train is completely clear of block trackage (not just the head end), and

must acknowledge correct repeat by Train Dispatcher of block release name and time released.

Reverse movements within a DTC block (by rear of train) are not permitted without specific authority from Train Dispatcher unless train already has

Clock Time bi-directional authority. 

Direct Traffic Control (DTC) Overview        v1.1

by Rick Kang    May 17, 2017                                               Page 1 of 4

CONCEPTS:

DTC is a system that provides Dispatcher control of a railroad

by verbally authorizing trains to occupy specific blocks (segments) of main track.

DTC BLOCKS are pre-established (as opposed to TWC or TTTO operation where the Dispatcher specifies authority limits when the authority is issued).

A basic premise of DTC operation in non-signaled territory is

ONE TRAIN PER BLOCK (there is an exception that we’ll get to later*).   A block may be authorized for a train ONLY if NO OTHER movement  has been authorized in that block.

BLOCK BOUNDARIES are indicated by trackside SIGNS which may be at fouling points but not every fouling point is a boundary, and boundaries may also exist elsewhere like between stations.

SIDINGS are NOT controlled (trains must move at RESTRICTED SPEED (prepared to stop short of obstructions…) on sidings).

REVERSE MOVEMENTS are NOT PERMITTED without permission from Train Dispatcher (unless train has Work & Time in block). 

Normal authorization specifies DIRECTION of movement permitted, Work & Time provides Bi-Directional Authority.   *JOINT Work & Time requires ALL movements in limits to be at RESTRICTED SPEED.

A train may be authorized to occupy a DTC Block BEHIND another train (after a meet) when train met has not yet RELEASED block but has passed location where first train will enter main track.

A train may be authorized to move VIA MAIN TRACK or VIA SIDING or to TAKE SIDING at [station], if alternate route is occupied or to be occupied by another train.                          (continued)

Direct Traffic Control (DTC) Overview

by Rick Kang    May 17, 2017                                               Page 2 of 4

IMPLEMENTATION:

Communication to/from Train Dispatcher is via radio.  Crews must be alert for calls from the Train Dispatcher (know your engine number!) so that you can REPLY PROMPTLY if radio is clear of other traffic.

Like TTTO and TWC, instructions must be written down, read back, and “that is correct” received before instructions are acted upon, this also applies to block releases repeated back by the Dispatcher.

Crews need to specify time of block releases, not rely on Dispatcher to read clock.  Dispatcher and Crews will state Crewmember’s title and name who copy and release authority (“Engineer Clune”).

Please state your LOCATION (nearest station) when you call the Dispatcher, this helps the Dispatcher figure out why you’re calling:

“SP 8865 West approaching Wicopee calling SP Hill Dispatcher”.

Please IMMEDIATELY call DISPATCHER if your train is unduly delayed (break in two, derailment, power failure).  Please keep Dispatcher appraised of departure status from originating terminals.

PLEASE RELEASE BLOCKS PROMPTLY to allow other trains to proceed (but be certain that your train is completely clear of block).

Speaking of terminals, please see no failure to OS (report) your departure time from originating terminal and arrival time at terminating point to the Dispatcher to record on Trainsheet.  This includes helpers returning lite and locals.

The Dispatcher may ask you for times at other stations.

(continued next page)

Direct Traffic Control (DTC) Overview

by Rick Kang    May 17, 2017                                               Page 3 of 4

NOTES SPECIFIC TO BILL DECKER’s RAILROAD:

RAILROAD WEST is TOWARD SAN FRANCISCO, UPHILL.

(Running Eugene Yard up the hill to Crescent Lake is westward.)

The Train Dispatcher’s call is “SP HILL DISPATCHER EUGENE”.

If your identifying locomotive is an SSW unit, it is still identified as “SP”.  If you have a “foreign” unit, then add those reporting marks.

IMPORTANT:  Only THREE STATIONS on the layout have a SEPARATE BLOCK for main track between siding switches: Springfield, Oakridge, and Cascade Summit.  All other DTC BLOCKS include MAIN TRACK AT NAMED STATION  (see Bill’s diagram!).

Those DTC BLOCKS extend WESTWARD from their stations.

That means that EASTWARD trains are entitled to continue down the MAIN TRACK TO FOULING POINT when they arrive at last station of their authority.  Conversely, WESTWARD trains can take siding ON THEIR OWN as they approach NEXT block if they don’t have authority for that block (but, is always prudent to call Dispatcher before you do that, and you must move at RESTRICTED SPEED on siding, expecting to find another train there (perhaps opposing you!))

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WESTWARD TRAINS need to have helper prior to departing Oakridge (see Special Instruction for cut-in details).  Westward trains approaching Cascade Summit should call Train Dispatcher for instructions where the Dispatcher wants the helper to be cut out (east or west switch, or Beattie Spur), do not foul main track while cutting helper if can be avoided or you’re instructed to clear.

Locals working at Springfield need to check with Train Dispatcher before fouling/blocking Springfield sidings in case Dispatcher needs a siding for a meet.                    (Continued on next page)

Direct Traffic Control (DTC) Overview

by Rick Kang    May 17, 2017                                               Page 4 of 4

NOTES SPECIFIC TO BILL DECKER’s RAILROAD: (continued)

Terminals:

EUGENE terminal is under direction of a YARDMASTER and a SANTA CLARA TOWER OPERATOR.  Eastward trains should check with YARDMASTER when entering JUDKINS BLOCK to ascertain route into YARD LIMITS at end of DTC at west switch Eugene.  (Note that EUGENE is “downtown”, the west end of the yard complex, whereas EUGENE YARD is at the east end, the staging area.)

CRESCENT LAKE does NOT have a YARDMASTER, trains should check to see what other movements are going on at Crescent Lake when approaching from ODELL BLOCK, inbound crews need to select suitable arrival track and line their own turnouts.

Don’t call the Train Dispatcher about what to do at Eugene, Eugene Yard, nor Crescent Lake, but please be sure to report your departure and arrival times to the Dispatcher and release your DTC BLOCKS.

WHEN YOU GO OFF DUTY PLEASE BE SURE TO PLACE YOUR NAMETAGS ONTO THE CREW ROSTER LIST on CALLBOARD so that the CREW DISPATCHER knows that you’re available for another train.

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SOUP TICKETS:  We use the orange and the blue STICKY NOTES as CALL SLIPS and as icons to track progress on Dispatcher’s board.

Yardmasters/Yards will initiate the tickets and pass to the Assistant Chief Dispatcher/Crew Dispatcher who will add CREW NAMES and pass ticket to CREW to log info onto their DTC BLOCK SHEET.

CREWS SHOULD PROMPTLY PASS SOUP TICKETS to the TRAIN DISPATCHER so that Dispatcher can log train onto Trainsheet and issue DTC authority.  Authority won’t be issued until ticket is received by Train Dispatcher. (Aux. Sheets explain Train Symbols)

Instructions for “Soup Tickets” (train call slips):

ASAP after train is called,

Please fill out a colored* sticky tab with following FOUR pieces of critical info and deliver ASAP to the Train Dispatcher: 

*Use ORANGE color for WEST TRAINS

*Use BLUE color for EAST TRAINS

1. Train Designation:  if Manifest, the SP 9-position computer code:  Section, Origin, Destination, Type, Date:     example:  01-EURVY-11

Common codes: EU=Eugene, RV=Roseville, OG=Ogden, KF=Klamath Falls, LA=Los Angeles, WC=West Colton, HO=Houston

Y=Manifest, T= TOFC, F=Forwarder, E=Empties

(Get info from Yardmaster or Superintendent)

If Local, Local Name: ex: Oakridge Local

2. Conductor’s Name/Engineers’ Name/on duty time

3. Road Locomotive Consist/Helper Consist  ex:      R-8422-8956-9012    H-8857-9108-8974

4. Total number of Cars including Caboose, Caboose number.

Yardmaster can begin slip with ID and Total Cars and Caboose number, Train/Engine crew can fill in Names and Unit Numbers.  Please note any conditions requiring special handling or speed restrictions.

 DELIVER THIS TO DS ASAP!  TNX!

Instructions for Local Freight Crews

OAKRIDGE TURN

With Dispatcher authority move from Eugene to Oakridge.

Use Oakridge 3 and 4 to arrange train for efficient switching.

Switch Pope & Talbot

Switch in town

            House track

            Company Spurs (RR Oil and MOW)

           

<<Crew Break>>

Switch Standard Oil on the way out of Oakridge to Westfir.

Switch Westfir on the way “back” to Eugene.

Enter Eugene per Yardmaster’s instructions.

SPRINGFIELD-A

Switches industry on the DEPOT side of the main in Springfield.

May use Marcola Branch as a switch lead (RR-West).  House track, and Oil Spur should provide for RR-East switch lead.

Return to Eugene.

Enter Eugene per Yardmaster’s instructions.

SPRINGFIELD-B

Depart Eugene per Yardmaster’s instructions.

Switch aisle side of main in Springfield.

Use Siding.

Booth-Kelley (Georgia Pacific) has FOUR spurs.  Two of these are chip tracks.

Get Dispatcher mainline authority at RR-West to switch Springfield Rock.  Otherwise, no need for mainline.

Return to Eugene.

Enter Eugene per Yardmaster’s instructions.

MARCOLA TURN

Depart Eugene per Yardmaster’s instructions.

Enter Marcola Branch via Springfield Drill track. 

Weyerhaeuser tracks are two tracks closest to aisle.  Leave Weyerhaeuser inbounds on the empty interchange track.  Take the outbounds from the other interchange track.

Return to Eugene.

Enter Eugene per Yardmaster’s instructions.

EUGENE CITY

Switch industries in Eugene under general supervision of Eugene Yardmaster.

Best to make all of the pulls first.  Start making set-outs when released by the Eugene YM.

Stay clear of the mainline and be prepared to clear up as required for mainline traffic.

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