Getting Real column - 9
8: This is a job card for Train No. 14, the Merced
Local. It gives the operator the general scope of work
for their train. The notation “Non-OS” in the bottom
right corner identifies this job card as one where there
isn’t a dispatcher on duty. A slightly different job card
includes notes on calling the dispatcher at each sta-
tion or telephone location, and giving their OS (or “on
sheet”) time when a dispatcher is available during an
operating session.
8
Once I either assign a specific train to each operator (or they
choose themselves, always an option), I give each operator
one of these forms. The form simply lists which train (by name
and timetable number) each operator will be operating, which
locomotive and
caboose is assigned
to that train, the
yard where they will
start their run, and
the on-duty time for
that operator. The
form makes it easy
for an operator to
know when they are
to “get on the clock”
and know which
locomotive and
train is theirs for the
session.
Together with
an assignment
card, and a copy
of the timetable
(and switch list if
9: There are no known photos of local freights on
the YV while they were running as extras. However,
this photo of a mixed train leaving Merced sometime
after June 1943 shows what might have been a typi-
cal consist in those days. The engine has just passed
the semaphore for the AT&SF interlocking plant (Fred
Stoes photo).
9
required), each operator is also provided a job card for their
train (Figure 8). One side provides detailed information on
what the operator needs to do throughout the session, and
the other side provides standard YV whistle signals (for those
not so stressed that they forget to whistle for grade crossings,
when approaching stations, etc.). These forms are 4¼″ x 5½″
high, are printed back-to-back, and laminated at the local copy
store for permanency.
The purpose of these cards is to provide to a visiting opera-
tor with the experience gained by a real YV engineer running
MRH-Jul 2013
