in a clear track for the next inbound arrival. Without a clear track
ready, the yardmaster would be forced to hold a road train on the
main track and possibly delay a first-class train.
1.8.
SUMMARY
A railroad yard is a place where cars are received, classified,
and assembled for departure.
Regardless of the type of yard--
divided, progressive, or combination--or its physical layout and
characteristics, the chief objective of any railroad is to receive,
classify, and forward freight as quickly as possible.
Unless built
in the last decade or so, few yards will be encountered, either in
the continental United States or in foreign countries, that are set
up ideally.
Most have expanded with the increase of freight and
passenger traffic without regard for, or foreknowledge of, their
eventual requirements and uses.
A military railroader's job in a
theater of operations is to survey the facilities to be operated and
determine how best to realize their maximum usefulness.
The
foregoing study of yards and their characteristics and facilities
should place a military railroader in a better position to carry out
such an assignment.
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