3: This is a prototype YVRR switch list from August 13,
1945. This switch list was written up for a Merced yard
crew, since all of the cars on it are to be taken to the
SP and AT&SF interchange tracks. Note that this form
shows the name of the railroad as the Yosemite Valley
Railway. That change was part of a bond refinancing
plan which took place in 1934. I chose to retain the
original name since that was the name most commonly
associated with the railroad.
switching moves. Together, these factors allow operators more
time to run between times and complete needed switching.
In addition, all of the major
switching needed to build the
two locals prior to departure is
done long before their depar-
ture times. For example, the
operator for the Merced Local
typically needs to pull their
caboose from the caboose
track and then pull 4-5 cars
from the yard tracks to build
their train. Some of these cars
might be “buried” behind
other cars which need to be
put back where they started.
But the operator of this local
will typically “go to work”
at 5:30 a.m. for a 9:55 a.m.
departure.
The fast clock is set to 5:30
a.m. when this operator has
looked over their switch
list, figured out an efficient
approach for the work, and
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