1. Burnt Hills and Big Flats Railroad Employee Training
Time Table and Train Order
Dispatching Lessons
Burnt Hills and Big Flats Railroad Employee Training
DISPATCHER
Steve Prevette
Burnt Hills & Big Flats RR
Photos by author

2. Introduction
This presentation is a set of lessons learned from implementing TT&TO over the past two years on my home layout
I HAVE MADE COMPROMISES!
You may or may not agree with them
Oriented to Single Track TT&TO
Example of TT&TO Dispatcher training

3. Your Host Layout
The Burnt Hills and Big Flats is a 20 x 30 ft N scale layout, 1970 NYO&W
Have always “done operations”
Dispatched with simplified track warrants
closer to “mother may I?”
Fixed location radios
5 to 7 operators
Moved from Washington state to South Carolina in 2009
See Kalmbach GMR to be published this year

4. 1982 – 1988
3 ft x 6 ft N Scale

5. 2009 – Today
20 ft x 30 ft

6. New Location, New Crew

7. New Location, New Crew New crew size usually 8 to 12
Larger crew size, need more jobs
Oral orders were getting forgotten, unfamiliarity with layout
Crew did not like using radios
One layout in the existing group was planning on going TT&TO

8. Initial Trial All trains run as Extras
Manual train order signals at 7 locations
Based upon David Barrow idea
Green/Green, Red/Green, Red/Red signals
Manually placed in brass tube by dispatcher
All trains run as Extras
Crews given Form 19’s and Clearance Forms by operators based upon orders given by Dispatcher

9. Initial Lessons Manual signals worked
Operating signals from Custom Signals installed

10. Initial Lessons All trains as Extras created a LOT of Train Orders
Created a Schedule with 12 Scheduled Trains
Went to pre-printed Form G’s (run extra) to cover the remaining extra trains
Added yard limits for two towns that had lots of interactions between local switching and through trains

11. Compromises! All model railroading is a compromise THUMBTACK ON CAR
We cut out boring, strenuous tasks
We simplify procedures and paperwork
You may or may not agree with my compromises, but here goes . . .
THUMBTACK ON CAR

12. Pre-Printed Orders
The dispatcher starts with pre-printed Form G (Run Extra from A to B) Train Orders for all trains expected to be run
Pre-printed Clearance Form A’s with some non-prototype info
DCC two digit channel
Point of Origination and Termination
Call Time

13. No Order Dictation
My operators do not find repeating back orders and writing them to be “fun”
Dispatcher hands written orders to the operators, who then post at train order signals
Gives flexibility when there are not enough crew to man all operators
Keeps communications lines open for OS reports (consider the compressed distances)

14. No Register Books I should have at least three register stations
Sidney (north end of division and adjacent to staging)
Big Flats (adjacent to southern staging)
Mayfield (division point)
At the beginning of the session any pending trains are announced, and upon completion of any scheduled train
This will probably be the next compromise to be “undone”

15. What the Train Crews Get
Small Clipboard
Schematic on back, Schedule on Front
Train Order(s)
Clearance Form A
Train Instructions

16. Crew Clipboard

17. What the Train Crews Get

18. White Flag for Extras
Small square of white paper rubber cemented to engine

19. “Employee Training”
The following is the Dispatcher Training Power Point
Also made Operator and Crew Training
Want to avoid “Death By Power Point”
You may find this example useful for your own purposes
Intent is to quickly overview this part of the presentation

20. Burnt Hills and Big Flats Railroad Employee Training
DISPATCHER

21. Topics Scranton Division Overview Scheduled and Routine Extra Trains
Limitations at Cadosia and Pleasant Mount
Dispatcher Communications
Standard Train Orders
Yard Limits and Branches
Trainsheet and Train Order Log

22. Dispatcher Duties Ensure safe movement of trains over the Main Track
Promote efficient flow of traffic to allow the railroad to make revenue

23. The Main Track Northern Division Scranton Division Sidney to Norwich
Mayfield to Sidney
Big Flats to Scranton
Capouse Jct to Big Flats

24. NOT Main Track Within Sidney Yard Limits Delhi Branch Northwest Branch
Within Mayfield Yard Limits
Within Hampden Yard Limits
Any passing siding or secondary tracks

25. Northern Division
On the prototype, Sidney NY was a division point, though the division’s primary yard was in Norwich, 25 miles to the north
On the model, Sidney yard limits butt against Norwich Staging
Scranton dispatcher (for model purposes) will authorize movements into and out of Norwich staging

26. Train Schedule The schedule authorizes movement of trains
No train orders are required to run schedule
Safe movement is handled by the train crews
Superiority is by Class and/or Direction
The dispatcher may alter the schedule by issuing train orders if needed for efficiency
Train has fallen behind schedule
Lower class train has a priority movement

27. BH&BF Passenger Trains
14, 15,
16, 17
Passenger fan trips Taylor Yard (E-L) to Burnt Hills and return
15 minute station stops at Starlight and Pleasant Mount
Note – there is no siding at Pleasant Mount, train will block main while stopped

28. BH&BF First Class Freight Trains
84 & 87 (D&H/LV run through)
Between Coxton Yard (LV) & Sidney (D&H)
Reverse direction in Sidney
Yard service in Mayfield
Provides Washington DC to Portland ME service
81 & 88 (LV run through)
Between Coxton Yard (LV) & Syracuse

29. BH&BF First Class Trains
81, 88
84, 87
14, 15, 16, 17

30. BH&BF Second Class Trains
92 & 95
Between Mayfield and Syracuse
Yard service at Norwich
93 & 94
Between Mayfield and Utica
92, 95
93, 94

31. BH&BF Train Schedule

32. Schedule Notes Left column shows car length of sidings
Covers Scranton to Sidney, and the Capouse Branch
Right (north) side read up from bottom
“A” before time is arrival, “D” is departure
Left column shows car length of sidings
Middle column left: Operator (D = day, N = night); R = Register station
Middle column right: YL = Yard Limit
Right column: P = Passenger Station, Y = wye, TF = Turning Facility

33. Extra Trains – Coal and Transfers
Coal Trains – two each direction
Norwich/Mayfield Transfers – two each direction with block setout and pickup at Sidney
D&H/Mayfield Transfers – three each direction
LV/Mayfield Transfers – four each direction
E-L/Mayfield Transfers – four each direction

34. BH&BF Coal Trains Both Coal Trains have yard service in Norwich c c
Oswego Coal
Utica Coal

35. BH&BF Transfers (Extra Trains)
Norwich Transfer
D&H Transfer LV
Transfer
E-L Transfer

36. Extra Trains - Locals
Big Flats Mine Run – shuttles between Mayfield, Scranton, and Big Flats as needed
Northwest Mine Run – two round trips Mayfield to Northwest Branch and return
Burnt Hills Local – two round trips Mayfield to Sidney and return, service to Starlight, Cadosia, Burnt Hills and S. Unadilla
Sidney Local – Norwich to Mayfield and return. Switches Sidney industries.
Delhi Branch – Norwich to Delhi and return

37. Locals Sidney Local Delhi Branch Burnt Hills Local NW Branch
Big Flats / Scranton Local

38. Dispatcher Information
Dispatcher receives a table with notes on the expected sequence of trains to be run
Call Time
Train Name
Engine North
Engine South
Origination
Destination
NOTES
3:00 PM
16/17
DH 16
EL Taylor 3
EL to Burnt Hills and return. Station stops at Pleasant Mount & Starlight. Passenger.
3:00
D&H
South
DH 2310
D&H 3
Mayfield
Changes direction in Sidney.
3:30
BF Mine Run 14 19
Works Mason / Big Flats and Scranton as needed
3:45
Sidney South 35
Norwich 4
Works Sidney Industries & Yard

39. Station Notes
Cadosia – siding only holds 9 cars. Generally not a good option for meets
Pleasant Mount has no siding, but trains 14, 15, 16, 17 do stop there, blocking the main

40. Cadosia The Cadosia siding is only 9 cars long
The Burnt Hills Local can have as many as 12 cars, clearing for a meet or pass while switching in Cadosia may pose difficulties

41. Dispatcher Communications
FORMAL – Train orders to the train crews via operators, authorizing movement of trains
INFORMAL:
Clearance Form A’s
O.S. reports from operators
Information to and from operators
Information to and from yardmasters

42. Engine 27 Run Extra Mayfield to Norwich
Form G Train Order
This train order authorizes Extra trains
Example for northward coal train follows:
Order addressed to the conductor and engineer (C&E) of the engine at Mayfield since the extra does not yet exist
The expected Form G’s have been pre-printed
Engine 27 Run Extra Mayfield to Norwich

43. Trains in Opposing Directions
The Dispatcher does not need to provide protection for scheduled trains against extras
The Dispatcher MUST provide protection for opposing extras:
Hold the Form G until opposing train terminates
A “Meet Order”
A “Right Over Order”

44. Extra 27 North Scenario 1 No!
The dispatcher is ready to give the Form G to the engine 27, but notes that No. 17 is running southward from Burnt Hills. Are any additional orders needed?
No!
Extra 27 North must study the schedule and determine their meeting location with No. 17

45. Extra 20 South take siding and meet Extra 27 North at Starlight
Extra 27 North Scenario 2
The dispatcher is ready to give the Form G to the engine 27, but notes that Extra 20 South is authorized to run southward from Sidney. Are any additional orders needed?
Yes!
Form S-A example (addressed to both trains):
Extra 20 South take siding and meet
Extra 27 North at Starlight

46. Extra 20 South has right over Extra 27 North Sidney to Mayfield
Extra 27 North Scenario 2
Modified Form G example:
After Extra 20 South has arrived at Mayfield, Eng 27 run extra Mayfield to Norwich
Form S-C example to do same thing:
Extra 20 South has right over
Extra 27 North Sidney to Mayfield

47. Meet Orders
To date, no more than two meet or right over orders have been needed per session
The locals are sequenced to stay out of each other’s way
The scheduled trains don’t need meet orders
Yard Limits at Sidney and Big Flats also reduce need for orders
Must plan ahead and provide orders at least one station prior to meeting location

48. Extras in the Same Direction
The Dispatcher has NO safety responsibilities for trains going the same direction
If a train is stopped, it sends out a flagman to protect the rear of the train
The stopped train does not have to allow a following extra train to pass it
The Dispatcher MAY order a train to allow another to pass it for efficiency purposes using a Form B

49. Extra 27 North Scenario 3
The dispatcher is ready to give the Form G to the engine 27, but notes that Extra 32 North is switching in Burnt Hills. Are any additional orders needed?
No, these two extras are running in the same direction. Extra 32 North should have a flagman at the south end of Burnt Hills

50. Extra 27 North pass Extra 32 North at Burnt Hills
Extra 27 North Scenario 3
If the dispatcher wants to ensure the coal extra is not delayed by the local switching in Burnt Hills, the Dispatcher may either:
Unofficially advise the Burnt Hills operator to tell the local to clear up
Or issue a Form B order:
Extra 27 North pass Extra 32 North at Burnt Hills

51. Yard Limits – Big Flats There are Yard Limits at Big Flats
When the Big Flats Mine Run is switching in Big Flats, then Extras and Scheduled Trains meet or pass the local under Rule 93, no train orders needed.
Trains run at Restricted Speed within yard
See

52. Yard Limits – Mayfield
The Mayfield Yards are controlled by the Yardmaster
There are call-on signals operated by the Yardmaster at yard entrances
Dispatcher does not control movements within the yards
All extra trains (northward and southward) terminate at Mayfield, there are no run through extras

53. Yard Limits – Sidney
Yard Limits at Sidney allow multiple trains to operate within the area without dispatcher attention
The Burnt Hills Local ends its run switching in Sidney. Once it arrives at Sidney, and prior to receiving the run extra order for Sidney to Mayfield, their switching does not have to be protected by the dispatcher

54. Branches
There are no train order stations at Scranton, Delhi, or on the Northwest Branch
Form G orders to Scranton must include “and return to Capouse Junction”
Form G orders to Northwest Branch must include “and return to Northwest Junction”
From G orders to Delhi should include “and return to Burnt Hills”
The pre-printed Form G’s cover these requirements

55. Extra 34 North has right over Extra 27 South Mayfield to Carbondale
Branches
Often the Northwest Mine Run will be ready to depart Mayfield, and there is a southward extra on the main north of Carbondale
If the dispatcher wants the NW Mine Run to run Mayfield to Carbondale prior to arrival of the southward extra in Mayfield, send a “right over” Form S-C order:
Extra 34 North has right over Extra 27 South Mayfield to Carbondale

56. Extra 34 North has passed Carbondale
Branches
If extra 34 North enters the Northwest Branch prior to arrival of the southward extra (the dispatcher will know this from the OS report), the southward extra should be notified using a Form V:
Extra 34 North has passed Carbondale
The same situation could arise with Scranton and Delhi, but has not happened yet

57. Changing Orders An order may be modified ONCE using a Form P order:
Extra 27 North take siding and meet Extra 7 South at Starlight instead of Burnt Hills
An order may be cancelled (annulled) using a Form L order:
Order No 2 is annulled

58. Basic Order Overview
A BH&BF operating session may be successfully completed with just these types of orders:
Eng 27 Run Extra Mayfield to Norwich
Extra 32 North take siding and meet Extra 35 South at Burnt Hills
Extra 32 North has right over Extra 35 South Mayfield to Burnt Hills
Order No 11 is Annulled

59. Basic Order Forms

60. What if a Scheduled Train is Delayed?
All scheduled trains have run on schedule to date
If the dispatcher does want to advance an opposing train over the scheduled train, the dispatcher may use a Meet or Right Over order
Also, the dispatcher may use a form S-E:
No 87 run 45 minutes late Sidney to Mayfield

61. Keeping Track of Trains and Orders
Currently, we use a spreadsheet to track train orders, versus a hard bound book
A spreadsheet map is used to track the clearances and progress of trains, based upon OS reports
Prototypical paper forms are available for those who prefer the paper forms
Purpose is to keep track of train locations, meet points, and potential conflicts

62. Train Order Log
Copy of log from six fast hours (two sessions): “Completed” is time order issued to Operator

63. Spreadsheet Map
Extra 32 North is in Burnt Hills, with authorization to run to Sidney

64. Spreadsheet Map Green arrows advance a train along the map
Red X clears the train from the track section
Advance each train from origination to the limit of its movement authorization
Clear the track sections behind the train as OS reports are received
Track sections within Yard Limits are pink

65. Train Sheet
Above is a section of the trainsheet used to record progress of trains at stations.

66. Goal
BH&BF Management hopes some employees will be interested in the Dispatcher job
This will increase flexibility and give some job rotation
Dispatching can be the most prototypically correct jobs available