12-01-2014, 09:13 PM
With traffic on the main line most locals have to work everything in order as it comes. The dispatcher may not be able to give you the track time to go back. Most times our local would outlaw at the end of their route and have to tie down the train and wait for a taxi. They would make the return move the next day and then work as much of the local traffic as they could. Our local had a dedicated crew for a long time, then they finally put the job on the extra board and would send a second crew to work it if one was available.
You can also allow for a crew having trouble working a set off such as a switch not working, Stalled power, or a derailed car. Lots of interesting scenarios, even crews that dog it. also allow time to install a FRED in the rear coupler even if it is a locomotive. They traveled with the rear most headlight on dim as a marker.
While the local is on the move the tailing unit just acts like it was a caboose, sometimes a crew member will ride in the unit too. Some times the crew would place both units together when they were ready to return to the main yard. And the rear unit would have a FRED stuck in the rear coupler too.
Adding a local adds lots of possibilities, whether it has two locomotives or just the old fashioned job with a cabin and a 5 man crew.
I hope these ramblings make some sense to you.
Charlie
You can also allow for a crew having trouble working a set off such as a switch not working, Stalled power, or a derailed car. Lots of interesting scenarios, even crews that dog it. also allow time to install a FRED in the rear coupler even if it is a locomotive. They traveled with the rear most headlight on dim as a marker.
While the local is on the move the tailing unit just acts like it was a caboose, sometimes a crew member will ride in the unit too. Some times the crew would place both units together when they were ready to return to the main yard. And the rear unit would have a FRED stuck in the rear coupler too.
Adding a local adds lots of possibilities, whether it has two locomotives or just the old fashioned job with a cabin and a 5 man crew.
I hope these ramblings make some sense to you.
Charlie