On some railroads, a minimum car limit for trains is observed. For
example, some roads require a minimum number of cars or tons of
freight in each train. Variations depend on rules of the particular
road, the type of freight, type of motive power, and siding length.
The general policy is to run slightly over the minimum, rather than
make up trains of fewer cars or lesser tonnages. However, in a
theater of operations, much shorter trains are the rule. Minimum car
limits and tonnages are not primary interests.
f. Train 6 presents a situation quite different from that in the
other trains. The 16 head cars are destined to local stations
between RK and LY, and the remainder of the cars in the train are for
AY and beyond. Ordinarily, this type of train is uneconomical to run
because of the five local stops and the necessity of starting the
heavy freight after each stop. Also, if traffic on the division is
heavy, the frequent stopping and starting of the train might cause
delay to other trains to the rear. However, a train such as train 6
might be run if the entire load was expedite freight and there was a
severe shortage of crews. Also, during a period of depressed
business on a civilian railroad, when no other trains were behind,
such a train might be run. While train 6 is built up in proper
order, under ordinary circumstances its operation would be
impractical.
2.7. INBOUND TRAINS
Before an inbound train arrives in the yard, the yardmaster
issues instructions directing it to a particular track. A
switchtender lines the switches for the train's entry. When it comes
into the receiving yard, two things are done before any switching of
cars is undertaken. The train is inspected by car inspectors, and
the yard clerk makes his track check to determine the standing of
cars in the train. Ordinarily, these jobs are done simultaneously;
they are discussed in the following subparagraphs.
a. Inspection. After setting out their warning signal, blue
flags by day or blue lights at night, to warn all yard crews that men
are working on the cars, car inspectors start the immediate
inspection of the train. On long trains, four inspectors may be used
to good advantage. Two men, one on each side of the train, start
working from the head end and two from the rear end. On completion
of their inspections, they meet approximately at the middle of the
train. They will have made a record of all defective cars and
applied appropriate "shop" tags to all cars needing repairs.
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