Burnt Hills and Big Flats Railroad Employee Training
MAYFIELD YARDMASTER
Railroad Yardmaster Duties Railroad yardmasters are responsible for overseeing the operations of a rail yard and assigning duties to workers. These duties may include placing and pulling cars, switching inbound or outbound traffic, reviewing train schedules, moving cars, performing inspections and making repairs. Yardmasters make sure that all cargo and railcars safely reach their intended destinations in a timely fashion. http://education-portal.com/articles/Railroad_Yardmaster_Job_Description_Duties_and_Requirements.html
Tulsa, OK Frisco Yard Office http://www.loc.gov/pictures/resource/fsa.8d44978/
Mayfield Yardmaster Duties
• Supervise employees assigned to the yard
• Supervise engine crews and train crews within yard limits
• Coordinate with Mayfield Operators to:
– Ensure scheduled trains depart on schedule
– Request clearance & orders for outbound trains 10 minutes prior to estimated departure time
– Keep dispatcher apprised of any delays
Mayfield Yard Overview • Division Point for Scranton Division
• 15 tracks wide, 200 car capacity
• Greater than 400 cars sorted per day into 40 trains
NYOW Mayfield Yard Office
NYOW Mayfield Yard Office
NYOW Mayfield Yard
MAIN YARD
COAL YARD
ENGINE TERMINAL CAR SHOPS
Lackawanna River
BH&BF Mayfield Yard
COAL YARD MAIN YARD
ENGINE TERMINAL
Old D&H Main
Lackawanna River
CAR SHOPS
SD Tower
YARD OVERVIEW
North to Sidney
Engine Terminal
South to Scranton Car Shops
Caboose
E-L Crossing
Team and TOFC
Main Yard
Coal Yard
Main Track
SD Tower
Traffic Flow
North to Sidney
Engine Terminal
South to Scranton Car Shops
Caboose
E-L Crossing
Team and TOFC
Main Yard
Coal Yard
Main Yard Main Yard Outbound
Coal Yard Inbound
Main Yard Inbound
Coal Yard Outbound
SD Tower
Yard Limits – Rule 93 • RULE 93: Yard limits will be indicated by yard limit signs
and in the timetable or by train order. Within yard limits the main track may be used, clearing first class trains when due to leave the last station where time is shown. Protection against second and third class trains, extra trains and engines is not required. In Non-ABS territory, in case of failure to clear the time of first class trains, protection must be provided as prescribed by Rule 99. Second and third class trains, extra trains and engines must move within yard limits at restricted speed unless the main track is known to be clear.
• See http://www.pcrnmra.org/conv2012/handouts/allAboutYardLimits.pdf
Rule 93 – BH&BF Conditions
• This is “Non-ABS Territory”
• ALL arriving second class trains and extra trains terminate at Mayfield per the current operations plan
• If a train must stop with any part outside of Yard Limits, or a train cannot clear a First Class Train within Yard Limits, a flagman must be posted per Rule 99
Yard Limits
North to Sidney
Engine Terminal
South to Scranton Car Shops
Caboose
E-L Crossing
Team and TOFC
Main Yard
Coal Yard
“Main Track” – First Class trains may use Main Track as authorized by Schedule and Train Order to pass through Mayfield
Yard Limit
Yard Limit
SD Tower
North to Sidney
Engine Terminal
South to Scranton Car Shops
Caboose
E-L Crossing
Team and TOFC
Main Yard
Coal Yard
Interlocking Signals at SD Tower
SD Tower is an Interlocking with an Erie Lackawanna mine branch. The setting for the interlocking is controlled by the Tower Operator. This interlocking is within yard limits, but does not convey information beyond the crossing itself.
SD Tower
Note: There is a repeater red light on the backdrop for
the Southward (exit) signal.
Remote Control Turnouts
North to Sidney
Engine Terminal
South to Scranton Car Shops
Caboose
E-L Crossing
Team and TOFC
Main Yard
Coal Yard
Buzzers sound if the throat turnout(s) are in the wrong position,
MAYFIELD YARD EMPLOYEES
• The following employees are supervised by the Yardmaster:
– Main Yard Switcher
– Coal Yard Switcher
– Hostler
• The Yardmaster coordinates actions with the Dispatcher through the Mayfield Operators. Mayfield Operators are supervised by the Dispatcher.
Main Yard Switcher Duties
• Classify cars in the Main Yard
• Co-ordinate with Hostler (if assigned) for engine terminal movements
• Transfer cabooses and Coal Yard cars to Coal Yard via Main Track (while remaining clear of First Class Trains)
• Service the Car Shops (Silver “S” tacks)
• Transfer cars to Hostler to service the Engine Terminal (Silver “E” tacks)
Main Yard – Northbound Traffic Brown, White, Black to Coal Yard
TOFC
Team Coal Lead
Through Track
Caboose Track Inbound
Engines
Back Track
Shops Outbound Engines
North
COAL YARD
SN
OU
E
S
T
Coal Yard Switcher Duties • Classify cars in the Coal Yard
• Transfer cabooses and Main Yard cars to Main Yard via the Main Track (while remaining clear of First Class Trains)
• Service the Team Track/ TOFC (Silver “T” tacks)
• Ensure TOFC cars properly spotted for loading:
Coal Yard – Southbound Traffic
To Main Yard North
Silver, Pink, Red , Yellow, Blue, Green to Main Yard
BLACK LV to Lehigh Valley Coxton Yard
BROWN to Scranton and Central of NJ
South
WHITE to Mason and Big Flats Local
BLACK EL to EL Through
LV
EL
E, S
Hostler Duties (Union Rules)
http://www.utugca.org/CD/Hostler/MofA_Hostlers_(4-27-79B).pdf
Inside / Outside Hostling Brown, White, Black to Coal Yard
TOFC
Team Coal Lead
Through Track
Caboose Track Inbound
Engines
Back Track
Shops Outbound Engines
North
COAL YARD
SN
OU
E
S
T
INSIDE OUTSIDE
Mayfield Hostler Duties
• Make Inside Engine Movements
• Make Outside Engine Movements as directed by Yardmaster
• Pickup and deliver cars for Engine Terminal (Silver “E” tacks)
Light Engine Movements
• Generally the Hostler will perform engine movements after arrival of a train and prior to departure of a train
• If a Hostler is not assigned, the Yardmaster or Main Yard Crew will perform these moves
• If needed, the Yardmaster may direct a road crew to make movements between the train and inbound and outbound engine ready tracks
Operators • The SD interlocking
is controlled by the SD/CP/CJ Operator.
• This operator provides train orders to crews.
• Northward traffic receives train orders from the Dispatcher via the Operator in the Yard Office.
YARD OPERATIONS
• Scranton Division Overview
• The Schedule
• First and Second Class Trains
• Train Makeup and Sequence
• Big Flats Mine Run details
• Caboose Assignments
Burnt Hills and Big Flats R.R.
NORTHERN DIVISION
Norwich
GX Tow er
Sidney Yard Delaware
Sidney & Hudson
S Unadilla
Burnt Hills Delhi
Branch
Cadosia
Starlight
Pleasant Mount
Northw est Jct (NB)
Northwest Carbondale
Branch
Mayfield
Yards
SD Tow er
Mason Capouse Jct (CP)
Capouse Branch
Cayuga Jct (CJ) Scranton
Big Flats (CNJ)
Hampden Yard
Sibley Jct
Coxton Taylor Yard (E-L)
Yard (LV)
SCRANTON DIVISION
Franklin (Edison #3 Pow er)
S
Y
Y
S
S
S
S
Y
Y
N
O
R
T
H
Y
Y
Y
S
Y
Y
S
S
S
S
Y
Y
N
O
R
T
H
Y
Y
Y
Scranton Division Mayfield organizes traffic from anthracite breakers and three interchanges (LV, EL, CNJ) into traffic heading north to upstate New York (BH&BF), New England and Canada (via Delaware & Hudson)
Similarly, southbound traffic is empty coal hoppers to breakers, and deliveries to the CNJ, LV, EL.
Scranton Division
Timetable No. 13 Milepost
95 93 81 87 15 17 14 16 84 88 94 92
Cars DAILY DAILY DAILY DAILY DAILY DAILY STATIONS DAILY DAILY DAILY DAILY DAILY DAILY
15 9:30 11:00 7:05 12:01 -- -- DN -R Sidney YL 94.7 -- -- A 4:35 3:45 2:50 11:50
PM AM AM AM -- -- South Unadilla 91.7 -- -- AM PM PM PM
PM PM Franklin 83.8 PM PM
16 9:36 11:06 7:11 12:07 1:30 5:00 DN Burnt Hills 73.5 A 1:04 A 4:19 4:29 3:39 2:44 11:44 P, Y
9 9:38 11:08 7:13 12:09 1:32 5:02 DN Cadosia 54.0 1:02 4:17 4:27 3:37 2:42 11:42
16 9:40 11:10 7:15 12:11 1:49 5:19 D Starlight 48.0 1:00 4:15 4:25 3:35 2:40 11:40 P
2:06 5:36 Pleasant Mount 33.7 12:43 3:58 P
PM AM AM AM PM PM DN Northwest Jct 20.3 PM PM AM PM PM PM
16 9:43 11:13 7:18 12:14 2:07 5:37 Carbondale 16.9 12:27 3:42 4:22 3:32 2:37 11:37
16 A 9:50 A 11:20 7:45 12:41 2:14 5:44 DN-R Mayfield YL 14.5 12:20 3:35 4:15 3:25 2:30 11:30 TF
PM AM AM AM PM PM Mason 5.7 PM PM AM PM PM PM
-- -- 7:47 12:43 2:16 5:46 DN Capouse Jct 5.3 12:18 3:33 3:53 3:03 -- --
12 -- -- -- -- -- -- Scranton 0.0 -- -- -- -- -- --
Capouse Branch
Timetable No. 13 Milepost
81 87 15 17 14 16 84 88
Cars DAILY DAILY DAILY DAILY STATIONS DAILY DAILY DAILY DAILY
7:47 12:43 2:16 5:46 DN Capouse Jct 19.6 12:18 3:33 3:53 3:03
AM AM PM PM DN-R Cayuga Jct 11.3 PM PM AM PM
12 -- -- A 2:19 A 5:49 Big Flats YL 11.2 12:15 3:30 -- --
A 7:50 A 12:46 -- -- Sibley Jct 7.8 -- -- 3:50 3:00
SECOND CLASS
Burnt Hills and Big Flats
NORTHWARD
SOUTHWARD NORTHWARD
Siding
Length
SOUTHWARD
SECOND CLASSFIRST CLASSFIRST CLASSSECOND CLASS
SECOND CLASS FIRST CLASSSiding
Length
FIRST CLASS
BH&BF Train Schedule
6 TRAINS From North
6 TRAINS Northward
4 TRAINS Southward
4 TRAINS From South
BH&BF Passenger Trains
14, 15,
16, 17
• Passenger fan trips Taylor Yard (E-L) to
Burnt Hills and return
• Pass through Mayfield Yard as First Class trains with no action in the yard, two round trips per day
BH&BF First Class Freight Trains
• 84 & 87 (D&H/LV run through)
– Northbound drop in Main Yard, picks up Blue DH
– Southbound drop in Coal Yard, picks up Black LV
• 81 & 88 (LV run through)
– Northbound drop in Main Yard, picks up Green S
– Southbound drop in Coal Yard, picks up Black LV
Second Class Freights • 93 and 94 Utica – Mayfield Through Trains
• 92 and 95 Syracuse – Mayfield Through Trains
• Originate and terminate in Mayfield Yard
Train Makeup
• The Yardmaster should ensure that trains are “ready to depart” prior to their call time / schedule time unless delay is coordinated with Dispatcher
• Delays should be reported to the appropriate Operator (northward vs. southward)
• Inform appropriate operators 10 minutes prior to expected departure time
• Hazardous material cars (Tank Cars) should be placed at least two cars from engine or caboose if train 5 cars or longer
Classifying Cars • The key to timely classification
of cars is to focus on breaking down trains, not building trains.
• Classify an entire cut of cars, don’t pick out individual cars needed for the next train. – See http://www.layoutvision.com/id20.html
• Close out addition of cars to an outbound train 20 minutes prior to its call time.
Declaration of “Ready to Depart” • “Ready to Depart” implies the train has
– Locomotive(s) coupled to
– Cars coupled to
– Caboose
– Completed “Air Test” (move train to take out slack checking that all couplers are made up)
– Road Crew present and has control of Locomotive(s)
– Train may move out to the Yard Office or SD Tower if train does not have orders but not beyond
Train Makeup
• The Yardmaster has a sequence of trains expected to be run listing
• Coal Yard and Main Yard receive listings specific to their duties
6:45 AM BH Local Main X 32 N 32 32, 20 90 class Departs Northward 12
7:00 AM D&H Thru North Main X DH611 N 11DH611,22,
DH803 D&H Departs Northward DH 16
7:30 AM BF Mine Run Main X 14 N 99 Terminates
8:00 AMMU-94
(2nd Class)Main No. 94 7 7, 4 130 Departs Northward N, U 12
8:15 AM LV Transfer Main X LV292 N 28 Drop Cars in Main Yd
8:25 AM LV Transfer Coal X LV283 S 28 Departs Southward LV 12
8:25 AMSM-95
(2nd Class)Coal No. 95 17 Terminates
Call Time /
Schedule
Train
Description Yard Train No.
Loco
DCC
Outbound
Loco(s)
Outbound
Caboose Instructions
Outbd
Tacks
Max No.
of Cars
• Call Time (black) is estimated time of action. Note: Arrival times of locals may vary widely
• Schedule Time (red) is departure time from the Yard. Scheduled trains may not depart Mayfield in advance of scheduled departure
6:45 AM BH Local Main X 32 N 32 32, 20 90 class Departs Northward 12
7:00 AM D&H Thru North Main X DH611 N 11DH611,22,
DH803 D&H Departs Northward DH 16
7:30 AM BF Mine Run Main X 14 N 99 Terminates
8:00 AMMU-94
(2nd Class)Main No. 94 7 7, 4 130 Departs Northward N, U 12
8:15 AM LV Transfer Main X LV292 N 28 Drop Cars in Main Yd
8:25 AM LV Transfer Coal X LV283 S 28 Departs Southward LV 12
8:25 AMSM-95
(2nd Class)Coal No. 95 17 Terminates
Call Time /
Schedule
Train
Description Yard Train No.
Loco
DCC
Outbound
Loco(s)
Outbound
Caboose Instructions
Outbd
Tacks
Max No.
of Cars
Call Time /
Schedule
Train
Description Yard Train No.
Loco
DCC
Outbound
Loco(s)
Outbound
Caboose Instructions
Outbd
Tacks
Max No.
of Cars
6:45 AM BH Local Main X 32 N 32 32, 20 90 class Departs Northward 12
7:00 AM D&H Thru North Main X DH611 N 11DH611,22,
DH803 D&H Departs Northward DH 16
7:30 AM BF Mine Run Main X 14 N 99 Terminates
8:00 AMMU-94
(2nd Class)Main No. 94 7 7, 4 130 Departs Northward N, U 12
8:15 AM LV Transfer Main X LV292 N 28 Drop Cars in Main Yd
8:25 AM LV Transfer Coal X LV283 S 28 Departs Southward LV 12
8:25 AMSM-95
(2nd Class)Coal No. 95 17 Terminates
• The Train Description contains the operations dept name. This IS NOT the name the dispatcher will use
• The Yard column lists which yard is affected
• The Train No. is the Dispatcher’s name for the train
Call Time /
Schedule
Train
Description Yard Train No.
Loco
DCC
Outbound
Loco(s)
Outbound
Caboose Instructions
Outbd
Tacks
Max No.
of Cars
6:45 AM BH Local Main X 32 N 32 32, 20 90 class Departs Northward 12
7:00 AM D&H Thru North Main X DH611 N 11DH611,22,
DH803 D&H Departs Northward DH 16
7:30 AM BF Mine Run Main X 14 N 99 Terminates
8:00 AMMU-94
(2nd Class)Main No. 94 7 7, 4 130 Departs Northward N, U 12
8:15 AM LV Transfer Main X LV292 N 28 Drop Cars in Main Yd
8:25 AM LV Transfer Coal X LV283 S 28 Departs Southward LV 12
8:25 AMSM-95
(2nd Class)Coal No. 95 17 Terminates
• The Loco DCC column lists the DCC channel for the loco(s)
• If a fresh loco is needed, it is listed in the Outbound Loco(s) column
• If the column is blank, no locomotive is needed
Call Time /
Schedule
Train
Description Yard Train No.
Loco
DCC
Outbound
Loco(s)
Outbound
Caboose Instructions
Outbd
Tacks
Max No.
of Cars
6:45 AM BH Local Main X 32 N 32 32, 20 90 class Departs Northward 12
7:00 AM D&H Thru North Main X DH611 N 11DH611,22,
DH803 D&H Departs Northward DH 16
7:30 AM BF Mine Run Main X 14 N 99 Terminates
8:00 AMMU-94
(2nd Class)Main No. 94 7 7, 4 130 Departs Northward N, U 12
8:15 AM LV Transfer Main X LV292 N 28 Drop Cars in Main Yd
8:25 AM LV Transfer Coal X LV283 S 28 Departs Southward LV 12
8:25 AMSM-95
(2nd Class)Coal No. 95 17 Terminates
• Caboose class tells what caboose (if any) is needed from the caboose track
• 90 class = short wood caboose (90-99) • 100 class = long wood caboose (100-119) • 130 class = steel caboose (130-149)
Call Time /
Schedule
Train
Description Yard Train No.
Loco
DCC
Outbound
Loco(s)
Outbound
Caboose Instructions
Outbd
Tacks
Max No.
of Cars
6:45 AM BH Local Main X 32 N 32 32, 20 90 class Departs Northward 12
7:00 AM D&H Thru North Main X DH611 N 11DH611,22,
DH803 D&H Departs Northward DH 16
7:30 AM BF Mine Run Main X 14 N 99 Terminates
8:00 AMMU-94
(2nd Class)Main No. 94 7 7, 4 130 Departs Northward N, U 12
8:15 AM LV Transfer Main X LV292 N 28 Drop Cars in Main Yd
8:25 AM LV Transfer Coal X LV283 S 28 Departs Southward LV 12
8:25 AMSM-95
(2nd Class)Coal No. 95 17 Terminates
• Instructions tells what action the train is taking • Outbound tacks are the tacks allowed on the
train
• Max number of cars is train length limit when departing the yard
Caboose Assignments
• BH&BF trains, even if using DERECO or leased power, will use BH&BF cabooses
• LV, D&H, EL transfer runs will use non-BH&BF cabooses
• Follow the yard instruction sheet – 90 class usually are short-haul locals
– 100 class longer-haul locals
– 130 class through trains
• Cabooses do not need to be turned
BH&BF Cabooses 90 Class 100 Class 130 Class
Southern Mine Run
• The Southern Mine Run is run as needed between Mayfield, Big Flats, and Scranton
• Yard sheets do have call times of 3:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 3:30 PM, and 9:30 PM for the train
• When the train returns from each run, the Yardmaster needs to decide if there are sufficient cars in the Coal Yard for a Big Flats or Scranton run
Southern Mine Run
• The Mine Run leaves the Coal Yard with either (but not both) White Tacks or Brown Tacks
• Train length limit is always 12 cars
• Dispatcher needs to be notified when runs are needed to Big Flats or Scranton in order to get train orders
• Once the Coal Yard is sufficiently emptied of White and Brown Tacks, terminate the Mine Run in Mayfield
COMMUNICATION & CONTROL
• It is assumed there are sufficient short-range radios and “talk back speakers” to allow for verbal communications between the Yardmaster, Yard Crews, and Train Crews.
Turnout Controls
• Most turnouts are controlled manually
• Yard crews are expected to throw switches
• North approach switch is thrown by train crews
• Three turnouts on the south approach and one on the north approach are controlled remotely
South Approach Turnout Controls • South Approach switches are controlled by
pushbuttons in two locations
• Latching relays are activated by pushbuttons
• Green LED shows position of throat
• Buzzer sounds if throat not aligned to Main Yd Coal Yard Controls Main Yard Controls
North Approach Turnout Controls • Toggle switch on fascia near turnout
• Since turnout is far from yard operators, generally switch is thrown by road crews
• Normal position is “Enter Coal Yard”
• Buzzer sounds when not in Normal Position.
CONCLUSION
• This information is provided to improve realism of operations, ease of operations, and FUN!