Valley Line Operation Protocols
1) Sign the Register
2) Pickup Paperwork
a. Job Card
i. Conductor’s Notes which describe the job in detail
b. Locomotive Card
i. Provides Function Key assignments and critical operating information
ii. Locomotives have maximum momentum & require use of brakes
c. Clearance Card & Train Orders
i. The Clearance Card is your authority to be on the railroad and your Orders are your authority to operate only between certain points on the railroad, and sometimes include special operating instructions.
ii. Do not operate beyond your orders. If you need additional authority, contact the Dispatcher.
d. Conductor’s Wheel Report
i. Lists every car in your train at initial departure, including where it is consigned.
ii. Additional paperwork attached as required for any cars needing to be transferred to another train.
e. Additional Paperwork - Waybills & “Empty Car” bills
i. Required for any cars which need to be transferred to another train in order to proceed to their final destination.
ii. Leave it with car in the bill box at point of transfer.
3) PDX-1 & PDX-2 must receive permission from Dispatcher to depart yard and to occupy main track. HDX-7 and HDX-12 may depart as soon as they receive authority to do so.
4) At each town:
a. Check the bill box for anything addressed to you (by engine # and/or train #) and for paperwork for any pickups which are headed where you are going.
b. Waybills & “Empty Car” bills indicate cars to picked up & their destination.
c. Industries & track layout are located on the fascia at each town.