properly shown. Notice in figure 2.4 that a space headed "do not
leave before" is provided on the form. This space can serve many
purposes, but probably the most important one is the spacing of
trains. By designating the time the train should leave, the
dispatcher controls the distance and time between trains.
Figure 2.4. Clearance Form "A."
Throughout this text the dispatcher is mentioned. In fact, he
is the key to the success and efficiency of train operations on his
division. There is only one chief train dispatcher and he cannot be
on duty constantly; therefore, he is assisted by a number of train
dispatchers who report on and off duty throughout the day and have
the same authority over train movements as the chief dispatcher while
they are on duty. To insure that a clear picture of what is actually
taking place on the railroad can be given at any time, an uptothe
minute record is kept of all train movements on the main line of the
division. The following paragraph discusses this record.
2.8. DISPATCHERS' RECORD OF TRAIN MOVEMENTS
All trains move either east and west or north and south. The
Dispatchers' Record of Train Movements, also called the train sheet,
lists trains moving west or south on the left and those moving east
or north on the right. A copy of the dispatchers' record is shown as
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