1. Do It Yourself Timetable
And Other Operation Paperwork
{Optional Use} -- Welcome. General discussion topics can be addressed after the presentation if there is time. Are there any questions at this time?

2. This is an EduTRAIN™
Clinic
PLEASE Set Cell Phones to Stun!

3. Contact Information
Author: Gary Evans North Central Region, Division 3
Revision: October 05, 2015
Handout: Timetable from NoWhere Line
Synopsis: This presentation summarizes the author’s steps in developing the timetable for the NW Line and leading to the Chief Dispatcher certificate.

4. Credits
Timetable and Train Order Operation, A Primer Robert Amsler, NorthStar 99 NMRA National Convention
Designing Model Railroad Operations, same author
Achievement Program, Chief Dispatcher
Many sources of information on railroad timetables. When this presentation was first prepared, St. Louis group had good collection of straightforward material. At last check, still was there. Other material incorporated into presentation since then.

5. Presentation objectives
What is a timetable?
Why is a timetable needed?
What does a timetable convey / imply?
How does a timetable fit into the NMRA Achievement Program Chief Dispatcher certificate?
Would my layout benefit from a timetable?
Five primary questions to be answered when finished.

6. Timetable – Dictionary Definition
A schedule listing the times at which certain events, such as arrivals and departures at a transportation station, are expected to take place.
A list or table of events arranged according to the time when they take place; schedule.
What is a timetable? In most basic form, a schedule of events.

7. Railroad Employee Timetables
Employee timetables are issued for the benefit of the railroad’s employees.
They detail the property and special rules of the railroad’s operating divisions.
The following list gives examples of the type of information found in them:
Railroad employee timetables build on basic definition. Include operational information that employees need to know. Differ from public or passenger timetables which only provide schedule information.

8. Contents of Employee Timetables
Stations, their numbers and equipment.
Sidings, yards, and their capacity.
Grade crossings and signals.
Spring switches and interlockings.
Radio frequencies.
Train speeds.
Doctors and surgeons.
Tonnage ratings.
Freight and passenger schedules.
Special operating rules.
Most items are what we would expect. Include information needed to keep traffic moving safely. Can only imagine a model operating session during which knowledge of a surgeon would be required.

9. Timetable and Train Order Operation (TTO)
TTO operation is a method of keeping trains from having collisions and moving them efficiently over the system.
People with different duties are involved in this type of operation.
This is paperwork driven and many forms are needed.
Everyone must know the rules.
Moving to topic of “Why is a timetable needed?” Start thinking about time aspects of timetable and separation of trains. Two trains in one place is matter of great concern to prototype railroaders. Very sophisticated systems of communications and control were developed over years as train size and speed increased. Everyone had to know and obey rules and paperwork. We modelers summarize it all with phrase “Timetable and Train Order Operation.”

10. Two Dispatching Methods
1. Separate trains by time.
2. Separate trains by distance.
TTO is within first category.
TTO can be overlaid with automatic block signaling (ABS).
Signals indicate occupation and routing.
Signals do not authorize movement beyond assigned territory.
If trains are separated by time, they cannot (well, should not) be in same place at same time. Everyone had his/her own clock and paid strict attention to it. When realism and traffic came into play, automatic block signaling was added to the mix. Key point to remember: Signals do not authorize movement beyond assigned territory. Even today, might see train waiting at green signal.

11. Initial Considerations
Look to your prototype for train dispatching method you would like to use.
TTO was used on prototypes until 1970s.
TTO was not employed on heavily used mainlines after invention of Centralized Traffic Control (CTC).
Please remember – Separation of trains is primary purpose of any dispatching method.

12. Positions Involved
Dispatcher is responsible for making sure all trains are on schedule and then sending out train orders to adjust published schedule so that trains move as efficiently as possible.
Operator is responsible for receiving orders from dispatcher, setting approach signal, and transferring orders to conductor and engineer.
Conductor and Engineer are responsible for understanding orders and operating their train accordingly.
Under TTO, Dispatcher (main control person) sends orders to Operator(s). Operator (located in station) sends orders to train crews. Conductor and Engineer (on train) are responsible for carrying out orders. In perfect scenario where everyone is exactly on time (and in right place), Dispatcher could be lonely. That rarely happens in our model world. Also, we modelers generally fill multiple roles as we operate our trains.

13. Tools of the Trade (1)
Timetable – all employees required to have timetable with them. Operating Rulebook – hardbound book of general operating rules. Train Register – book at designated stations logging what trains have passed. Clearance Card – document authorizing train to operate. Orders – instructions from the dispatcher. Form 19 – hooped up, radio, or phone; Form 31 – stop for signature.
Paperwork – some layouts love it; this is page one of two. Not going into detailed descriptions of each item; there are many variations. However, note Order sheets -- Form 19 sheets did not require the train to stop; Form 31 sheets did. Operator used station’s train order signal to tell train crew what to expect as they approached.
Ad Lib – Left up to layout owner to decide how much paperwork to incorporate. Contemporary layouts rely on radio communication instead of paperwork, even though language developed under TTO is used. Poll audience if time allows; expect much diversity.

14. Tools of the Trade (2)
Train Order Book – railroad’s journal for all orders. Train Sheet – large paper used by dispatcher to keep track of where trains are on railroad. Turnover Sheet – information provided to next dispatcher to assure continuity of orders. The Clock – standard railroad time. Worth noting: Clock applies to whole railroad and employees are responsible for their personal time devices, even in today’s prototypes.
Of these paperwork items, train sheet is probably one most used in operating sessions. We play games with our clocks, changing speed at which they run.

15. General Rules (TTO) Rules govern: Superiority of Trains
Movement of Trains
Movement by Train Order
At this point, TTO discussions can dive into excruciating detail, such as how the dispatcher should fill out which form(s) to allow the Bull Frog Turn to leave the Ajax Siding and proceed to Corinthian Stone before the Alhambra Express (which is running 22 minutes late).
Superiority and direction do not apply to CTC or track warrant operations. At this point, TTO discussions can lead down path of describing exactly every word in every train order. We are not going down that track, no pun intended. We have different destination.

16. Rules - Superiority of Trains (TTO)
Three rules govern all trains; all other rules follow from these three.
A train is superior to another by right, class, or direction.
Right conferred by Train Order; Class and Direction by Timetable.
Trains of the first class are superior to those of the second class, and so on for all classes.
Extra trains are inferior to regular trains.
There are three primary rules to determine the superiority of trains. For first rule, timetable establishes train’s class and direction; they are unchangeable. Train order, created by dispatcher, establishes train’s rights; they can be modified as necessary.

17. Prototype Timetable Basics
Railroads used Standard Code rules until mid ‘80s. They then modified the rules to fit their needs, keeping numbers and concepts.
The schedule lists information per station and tower. Modern railroading has eliminated class and schedule timings.
Regular trains are identified by number, name, or symbol.
Schedules are in table format: Eastward (left side) reads down the page; Westward (right side) reads up.
What does a timetable convey or imply? Some “standard” features still remaining in today’s timetables. Rigidness of class and schedule timings reduced or removed to reflect today’s dynamic nature of dispatching. Basic information is in computers, no need to print it.

18. Model Timetables
Prototype arrangement is difficult for model operators to quickly determine locations of meets and which trains are to be met.
Distance between stations is shorter; traffic density is much higher.
Best solution is to make single-train schedules. These list stops for the specific train and describe meets.
Simplification of prototype (within reason).
Model timetables are, by necessity, compressions and simplifications of prototype practices. We modelers generally want to get trains running and are not concerned with life-and-death decisions. Want our timetables to quickly convey geography and operations of our smaller railroad. Model timetable is compact collection of single-train schedules arranged for convenience of operators.

19. Model Speed Restrictions
For modelers, speed restrictions by train and route (i.e. track condition) are most practical.
65 MPH for passenger;
45 MPH for freight;
15 MPH on light-duty branch;
MPH within yard limits (even this may be too fast).
Movements within yard limits are made without timetable or train orders; instead, are directed by yardmaster.
First concern of compressed model world is speed restrictions. Is very subjective topic, depending on perceptions and experiences of owners and operators. Practical way to address this is to enforce rule – Do not leave a timetable location before the departure time. “Hot” train crews will be forced to wait and may learn to slow down. Of course, you need to measure your railroad to set up departure times.

20. Realistic Operation – Speed
The first step to realistic operation is to slow down. Use a yard stick and measure your speed. (Incorporate “test mile” into your layout).
Time to travel 3 feet at scale speed
Prototype Speed N HO O
5 mph
65 sec
36 sec
19 sec
15 mph
22 sec
12 sec
6.5 sec
25 mph
13 sec
7 sec
3.5 sec
60 mph
5.5 sec
3 sec
1.5 sec
90 mph
2 sec
1 sec
If you have space, build “test mile” into layout and display train speed. From table, see that 60 MPH corresponds to 1 foot per second in HO scale. Not may railroads, prototype or model, run 60 MPH on all their track. Another approach is to use DCC system to program an upper limit into each locomotive. Commercial devices can be placed over track to measure speed.

21. Motivation?
Creating a timetable is a necessary step for the NMRA Achievement Program Chief Dispatcher certificate.
The numbered slides in this presentation refer to the Section 2 requirements of this certificate.
a - Prepare schematic drawing of layout; b - Develop appropriate timetable; c - Develop train chart; d - Develop or adapt operation system.

22. Do It Yourself – Let’s Build a Timetable
Transform your model railroad into a real rail transportation system – “Linearization”.
Design concept establishes location, era, towns served, connecting lines, and traffic patterns.
Concept needs to match the model.
Example layout is the NoWhere Line.
Linearization concept = stretch out main line so it has a begin point and an end point; it goes somewhere.
Begin and end points can be same physical place, but timetable does not represent it that way.

23. BNSF Transcon or Decatur Branch?
Believable Concept
BNSF Transcon or Decatur Branch?
Inquire consensus; concept needs to match model. Layout has enough design elements and complexity to qualify as Chief Dispatcher layout. Freight trains start and stop at Arrival & Departure track. Passenger trains start and stop as they wait at Hidden. Freights and passengers can be on timetable concurrently as freights use Run Around track and Passing Siding.

24. Summary of The NoWhere Line
The NoWhere Line (working to be NearSomeplace) is an HO switching layout in a 13 x 17 basement room. The double- and single-track main line serves a generic Midwest region. It runs from Loop on the West (think Chicago loop) to Tunnel on the East (think Appalachian Mountains). The town of Branch hosts the passenger operations in the form of the Hungry Hobo museum trains.
Second paragraph is “linearized” version of railroad geography and forms basis of timetable.

25. 2.a - Prepare Schematic Drawing
Locations are named.
Track capacities are shown (50-foot units).
Direction of travel is shown.
Requirement 2A – Prepare schematic drawing of the track. Continuous-run mainline goes around the walls and passes over itself. Branch line is on second level. All locations have unique names, as will be seen in timetable. No yard details in this drawing.

26. The Track Plan Unfolded – “Linear”
It can be a continuous run for open house display.
Operationally, trains run out from and back to fiddle yard at Loop.
Unfolded track plan shows “linearized” version of railroad. All turnouts retain same geometry as in previous drawing. Loop at left contains begin and end points for freight trains, i.e. staging tracks. Tourist passenger trains run out from and back to Branch. Sequence of stations becomes more apparent.
The sequence of stations becomes more apparent.

27. Develop Sequence List
Loop
Bigburg
Midland
Track Track 2
Wye
Smallville
Interchange
Slope
Reverse
Tunnel Tunnel
Branch
List contains named locations on layout as encountered by trains.
Represent every possible route being considered for operation.
Unfolded track plan is converted into text on right of slide. Again, all major locations are listed and arrows represent every possible route being considered for operation. Can now see sequence of locations as we choose a route.

28. Develop Sequence Timetable
To the Sequence List, add columns for individual trains.
In each column, use a line to show where it originates, turns, sets out blocks of cars, switches, and terminates.
This is not concerned with time-based scheduling, only what trains are running where.
Write instruction text for each train describing its action and route (Clearance Card on previous slide).
Arrange train instructions in the order in which trains will run.
Practice with sequence timetable; add lower class trains; do not hesitate to rework sequence timetable if it does not support your concept.
First iteration of timetable is concerned with location sequences for routes. No time-based scheduling yet. Run trains individually according to their instructions and verify they actually work. Then run trains in sequence to verify all locations are served. If something does not support concept, now is the time to rework it.

29. Sample Train Instructions (NW Line Clearance Form is patterned after JMRI manifest)
Clearance Form Class 1 Time: 0:15
Train: FEW-1 (Freight East West 1)
Originates: Loop1, eastbound
Terminates: Loop1, westbound
Blocking: #1 Bigburg; #2 Smallville, #3 Loop
Routing:
Loop1: Depart at 0:15; Max Length: 400 feet [8/7]
Bigburg: Depart at 0:16; Max Length: 400 feet [8/7]
Perform work on Pickup / Setout track.
Smallville: Depart at 0:24: Max Length: 255 feet [5/5]
Loop1: Terminate at 0:30.
One form for each train on main line. Contains train class, symbol, name, origination, destination, blocking, routing, and special instructions. Times correspond to timetable. Clearance Forms carried by crews authorize them to be on railroad.
Note: Numbers [8/7] indicate how many 40- / 50- foot cars allowed in upcoming track segment.

30. Measure the layout Physical measurement is easy.
Operational measurement is in terms of time.
How long does it take train to move from Point A to Point B with no other traffic?
How long does it take to accomplish switching and station stops?
How much time should be allowed for meets and operator comfort?
Time measurement is in terms of physical wall clock time, not fast clock.
Now start time-based aspects of timetable. Distance is time. Run each train at reasonable speed and allow time for switching moves, station stops, and anticipated meets. Record time associated with each location on route. Should be different times for eastward and return westward movements at any location.

31. Selective Compression
Distances on layouts are highly compressed.
Switching moves take a certain amount of time, regardless of speed of layout clock.
Strongly suggest using normal clock speed at first until overall sequence of trains is firmly established.
Then, fast clock time can be applied to mainline movements.
Opinion: Fast clock should not be applied to switching movements.
Seems to be common understanding among modelers that fast clocks cannot be applied to switching movements. Therefore, is recommended using normal clock speed until train sequence is firmly established. Then, fast clock times can be applied to mainline movements, but adjust the times for local switching operations.

32. 2. b - Develop Operation Timetable
Sequence timetable is converted to time-based train schedule based on experience with railroad.
Manual (graphical) technique:
Time is plotted against distance.
Stations are fixed locations on the distance axis.
Trains are represented as lines.
Meets occur where lines intersect.
Line slopes correspond to speed.
Use scheduling software.
Requirement 2. B – Develop Operation Timetable. These are notes for next slide. Software is mentioned as option, but you will be required to produce a graph.

33. Graphical Train Chart (sample)
Train chart is visual display of all scheduled rail activity in the part of the railroad covered by the dispatcher. Slope represents train speed. The circle is a meet.
Here is NMRA sample chart. Train 103 holds at Loons while train 201 passes it.

34. Additional Guidelines
Times shown on timetables are usually departures, except for time at last stop.
Meets and passes are indicated by times in bold type.
Timetable is great place to list special instructions for operators, how to use control panels, and hand signals or other communications protocols.
A good timetable is a skillful balance of information and brevity.
As mentioned earlier, trains are not to leave location prior to departure times. Therefore, make sure departure times are listed in timetable. Inform your operators of planned meets and other special instructions. Of course, please realize some operators will not read your timetable, regardless of your efforts.

35. Refer to handout - the NoWhere Line timetable
Refer to handout - the NoWhere Line timetable. It tries to incorporate all topics discussed in this presentation.

36. Between freight and passenger sections is sequence of locations
Between freight and passenger sections is sequence of locations. Train columns show times when identified trains are at locations. Times match routes on the train instructions. Extra trains on railroad are not on timetable.

37. 2.C - Develop Operating Train Chart
Requirement 2. C – Develop Operating Train Chart. Chart shows all timetable trains in single graph. Operation session history has shown NoWhere Line has come close to achieving this traffic sequence on a few occasions, but it is still a goal. The fun is in trying and working through the traffic conflicts.

38. Station checklist (OS = On Sheet)
Checklist keeps track of train sequence at named station. Some times are copied from timetable; some are for reference only. This single sheet shows station operator / crew their sequence for whole session.
The Station Checklists record On Sheet status for trains at major locations on the railroad. Similar to Train Registers mentioned earlier in presentation. Help train crews keep track of which trains have passed through locations so they can place themselves in correct sequence with respect to timetable. Simple check mark is all that is required.

39. 2.D - Develop or adapt operation system
Car Forwarding System is a requirement for Chief Dispatcher certificate,
But is topic for other clinic(s) {in order of complexity}
Tab / tack on car
Wheel report
Basic switch list
Preset car card
Car card and waybill
Computer generated manifests / switch lists

40. Quick Look: NMRA Achievement Program Chief Dispatcher
Participate in operation of model railroad in three of five roles – Engineer, Yardmaster, Hostler, Towerman, Dispatcher.
a - Prepare schematic drawing of layout; b - Develop appropriate timetable; c - Develop train chart; d - Develop or adapt operation system.
Submit Statement of Qualifications.
This presentation discussed the requirements of Section 2.

41. In Review - Presentation objectives
What a timetable is.
Why a timetable exists.
What a timetable conveys / implies.
How a timetable fits into the NMRA Achievement Program Chief Dispatcher certificate.
Would my layout benefit from a timetable? -- Provide your own answer --
Presentation objectives. We discussed what a timetable is and that it exists to separate trains from one another based on time. A model railroad timetable implies the layout has been “linearized” to represent a transportation system with begin and end points. The traffic moving on the railroad is going someplace. The Chief Dispatcher certificate is evidence the holder has gone through the steps and requirements to produce the documentation supporting the timetable. Would my layout benefit from a timetable? Yes, the NoWhere Line uses its timetable on a monthly basis to route its trains. Would your layout benefit from a timetable? Hopefully this presentation will help you answer that question.

42. This presentation is available on the NMRA North Central Region (NCR) Division 3 Library web page –

43. discussion OPerations Special Interest Group
Where can I get prototype timetables?
“Ebay, of course” – “Maybe not”
Your questions / comments
A few years ago, there was discussion that timetables are railroad property for the use of railroad employees only. Anyone having such a timetable had stolen property. Timetables seem to be available today.