particular destination grouping, and switching them to a track
containing the particular group. When enough cars accumulate, either
of one group or a combination of groups, an outbound train is
ordered. Cars consisting of several groupings or blocks are set into
the train in the order that they will be set off along the route.
The first block to be set off is placed immediately behind the
engine, followed by the next setoff grouping, and so on.
Having the blocks placed directly behind the locomotive involves
the least expenditure of movement in setting them off. In special
cases, there are exceptions to this sequence. For example,
occasionally, a group of expedite cars may be carried next to the
enginea location where they would be out of their normal standing.
Their position would enable the yardmaster at the receiving terminal
to remove them from the train before car inspectors blueflagged the
track (discussed in chapter 4) on which they arrived. The cars might
then be placed on the heed end of a departing trainagain out of
their normal standingand handled identically at the next division
terminal. They would be kept on the head end of all trains handling
them until they arrived at their destination. This method may save
as much as 48 hours over an 800kilometer haul. It might be equally
convenient to have a setoff at either end of the train in a yard
where engine and caboose are to be changed. There might be other
exceptions, but ordinarily, the preceding sequence prevails.
2.4. TYPICAL GROUPING AREA
Look back at figure 2.1 and note that it represents a large
section of railroad resembling a Y. Conroy yard to Maxey yard, a
distance of 136 kilometers, makes up the Elwood Division. For study
purposes, this division has been enlarged to show the various
stations along its route. Note that beyond Maxey yard, only
divisions have been designated. No waystation details are shown,
since they would only repeat the general pattern given on the Elwood
Division. The south route at the upper left in the figure consists
of four divisions as does the north route.
2.5. GROUPING DESIGNATORS
Note the abbreviations given in parentheses of the various
cities, towers, and areas shown in figure 2.1 between Conroy and
Maxey. Cars in
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