Southern Pacific Switching Layout

[faraway]

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The amount of work required to make a runaround takes time-lots of time since you must make a three step for in between,set handbrake on at least three cars,close air valves,release the three step and uncouple,pull to the switch,stop and unlock and line the switch,pull ahead,stop,close and lock the switch,pull ahead stop short of the switch,unlock and open the switch,pull clear of the switch,close and lock the switch,reverse back to your train,stop,check coupler alignment,couple to train,apply the three step,in between,connect the air hoses,open air valves,walk to the rear of the train checking air hoses and make sure all air line valves are open and release the handbrakes,walk back to the engine and pump up the air,make a brake test..
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We model railroader have a tendency to forget what has to be done at the prototype and make our judgment based on what we do at our layout. Your list is a wonderful reminder of the real world :!: