Here is KCS 4365, headlight on and ready to depart.
Updated 29 September 2008
This page was originally posted describing Train Order operation on the Kansas City Subdivison. That page can still be reached at KCS Transfer (Old)
Since the introduction of full CTC (Centralized Traffic Control signal system), our operating method has changed dramatically. There is less chatter with the dispatcher and a clear indication of where to stop, and when to go.
This story features the operation of my signal system, built with Bruce Chubb's C/MRI components. (see CTC Page for more details.)
Today, we will take a ride with the KCS Transfer run. Any thumbnail image on this page can be clicked for a larger version, which will open in a new window.
The crew will board their train at Southwest Junction.
Here is KCS 4365, headlight on and ready to depart.
Dispatcher sets the route and clears the signals, with the result:-
After receipt of their clearance, the KCS transfer crew begin their trip over the Kansas City Sub.
KCS 4365 arriving at Southwest Jct.
The signal governing this junction is Number 4 Right on the panel and it is clear.
The KCS crew soon arrive at Sheffield Junction. The signal governing this junction is Number 8 Right on the panel and it is clear.
4365 arrives at Rock Creek Junction, passing by the Standard Oil refinery at Sugar Creek and the Rock crusher.
Not long after, the KCS caboose leaves Sheffield Junction
Extra KCS 4365 West arrives at Freight Line Jct.
The train is on the North Main and will crossover to the South Main here at Freight Line.
Dispatcher sets the crossover and clears the signal.
The KCS transfer gets the signal at Freight Line Jct.
4365 arrives at Sheffield on the South Main and has another stop.
Dispatcher clears the signal for 4365 at Sheffield (Number 10 Right).
Clear at Sheffield.
Dispatcher clears signal for 4365 to cut off the train and head to the other side of Freight Line Junction.
KCS 4365 notifies the Coburg Yardmaster and
cuts off their locomotive for the Yard crew to switch out the cars.
Dispatcher unlocks switch 25 for Coburg Yardmaster.
Yardmaster control panel showing switch unlocked.
Yardmaster pulls car for KCS out of Coburg.
Note the Milwaukee Road spark arrestors fitted to the engine exhaust. These were a Milwaukee design for
some of their diesel engines to help reduce fires from exhaust sparks.
Yardmaster operates switch to access main track.
Cars waiting on South Main at Freight Line for Yardmaster.
The Yardmaster picks up the lead car from the KCS in preparation for storing it in Coburg yard.
Yardmaster puts new car into Coburg yard. This car will be delivered to the local industry later by a turn crew.
Yardmaster puts car for KCS back onto the KCS train.
Here is the car card and waybill for the car Coburg is sending to the KCS.
This car will be deemed 'delivered' when the KCS train returns to staging.
Here is the car card and waybill for the car the Yardmaster picked up from the KCS.
It has a load of plywood and is to be delivered to Hillside Lumber at Independence.
A local turn crew will do this job later.
Dispatcher locks Switch 25 (this will put it in the normal position and turn off the Yardmaster control.)
Dispatcher clears signal for 4365 to move back to their train.
Signal shows 'caution' so crew knows that the track past Freight Line Junction is occupied (with the rest of their train).
Dispatcher clears signal at Freight Line Junction.
4365 has the clear signal at Freight Line to proceed.
Dispatcher sets up cross over to North Main at Sheffield Junction.
4365 gets the Red over Green at Sheffield, telling the crew it is okay to proceed through a diverging turnout.
Dispatcher clears North Main at Freight Line Junction.
4365 gets the clear at Freight Line Junction North Main.
Dispatcher puts turnout 9 back to Normal and turnout 15 to Reverse, setting up 4365 to go
into Broadway Tower staging. Then the dispatcher clears signal 8 Right.
4365 gets Diverging Clear at Sheffield Junction, this tells them it is okay to proceed
and they will move through a diverging turnout.
4365 heading to Broadway Tower passes Oil Refinery and Rock Crusher plant.
4365 passing an offline manufacturer near Broadway Tower.
KCS 4365 passing Engine facility near Broadway Tower.
KCS transfer run finished and tied up in Broadway Tower staging yard. The dispatcher controls the staging tracks via an AD4 accessory decoder.
The track power is switched so that only the selected track has power. The selected track is shown via a
Green LED.
and the train sheet
