04-06-2015, 10:45 PM
Faraway:
It depends on what the operating method is being used in the area.
Yard or Restricted Limits: Everyone has to watch out for everyone else and communicate their moves.
Track Warrant: The train that has the warrant for the track will hold it until they are done. If they have a joint authority they will follow the Yard/Restricted Limit rules.
Block Control: Pretty much like a Track Warrant
CTC: The dispatcher would allow you 'Track and Time' essentially a Track Warrant for CTC territory. These would be time limited, but would not expire until the crew released the authority.
Train Orders: The operator would provide orders from one location to another and would be aware of what work would need to be completed in route. The crew would always have to protect against superior trains. If they had a change in plan they would have to call the operator on a phone to change up the plan.
If any of these are in signal territory there would be additional rules regarding opening mainline switches.
So to answer your question, it depends. The era, railroad, location, operating method are all going to shape what rules are needed.
In regards to what the dispatcher knows and does not know about the territory again will be completely dependent on the items stated above.
Postman:
For what it is worth I like the top drawing, it is the most prototypical. It could also be served from the other direction as a shoving movement out of a nearby yard. Could be interesting to incorporate a caboose or shoving platform.
It depends on what the operating method is being used in the area.
Yard or Restricted Limits: Everyone has to watch out for everyone else and communicate their moves.
Track Warrant: The train that has the warrant for the track will hold it until they are done. If they have a joint authority they will follow the Yard/Restricted Limit rules.
Block Control: Pretty much like a Track Warrant
CTC: The dispatcher would allow you 'Track and Time' essentially a Track Warrant for CTC territory. These would be time limited, but would not expire until the crew released the authority.
Train Orders: The operator would provide orders from one location to another and would be aware of what work would need to be completed in route. The crew would always have to protect against superior trains. If they had a change in plan they would have to call the operator on a phone to change up the plan.
If any of these are in signal territory there would be additional rules regarding opening mainline switches.
So to answer your question, it depends. The era, railroad, location, operating method are all going to shape what rules are needed.
In regards to what the dispatcher knows and does not know about the territory again will be completely dependent on the items stated above.
Postman:
For what it is worth I like the top drawing, it is the most prototypical. It could also be served from the other direction as a shoving movement out of a nearby yard. Could be interesting to incorporate a caboose or shoving platform.